Hitch Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2015 Subaru Forester
Question:
Need advice on which bicycle trailer hitch rack to buy. Want to spend about $200 or less. I have a 2015 Subaru Forester with factory hitch. Am interested in Thule American made #934 and also like locking features of Rolo 59403. Which do you recommend as best buy? Does the Rolo vibrate much when driving along? I do prefer having a rack which carries fewer than four bikes.
asked by: Philip T
Expert Reply:
Between the two bike racks you referenced the Thule Hitching Post part # TH934XTR would be the better rack as long as you have a 2 inch hitch. If you check out the test course video I attached you will see that it handles bumps quite well without much movement at all. Since you don't plan on carrying 4 bikes with this rack I would recommend you pull off a set of the frame cradles. This will give the bikes extra space to prevent bumping together, and you'll have a spare set of cradles and straps.
To upgrade the rack so that it is fully lockable you would want the # THSTL2 to lock the rack to the hitch and part # TH538XT to lock the bikes to the rack.
I also attached a review video for this rack that shows it being demoed on a 2015 Subaru Forester just like yours.
If you have a 1-1/4 inch hitch you will need to use a Yakima bike rack as they are the only ones designed to fit the factory hitches of your vehicle. For that you would want the Ridgeback 4 # Y02458.
If you plan on carrying any womens or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Swagman Easy-Out Women's and Alternative Frame Bike Adapter # 64005 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Thule Cable Lock w/ One Key System Lock - 6' Long
- Bike Locks
- Cable Locks
- Keyed Unique
- Steel
- 6 Feet Long
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Rack Specific Locks
- Keyed Alike
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Threaded Pin
- For Thule Racks
- Thule
more information >
Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
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