Spare Tire Mounted Bike Rack Recommendation for 2002 Subaru Grand Vitara  

Question:

Expert Reply:

According to my Hollywood Racks representative, their # HRSR1 is a confirmed fit, but you'd want to remove the spare tire cover first. Their # HRSR2 Spare Tire mounted bike rack isn't a confirmed fit for your Grand Vitara. The # HRSR1 is the lowest cost alternative, but I personally don't care for the fact that the rack attaches to the spare tire using straps.

Thule has confirmed that their Spare Time, part # TH963PRO is a fit. Yakima also confirms that their SpareTime, part # Y02599 is also a fit. I prefer these racks because they attach to a plate that's sandwiched between the spare tire and the vehicle for a more secure attachment.

Both racks allow you to offset the head of the bike rack so the bikes are centered on the rear of the vehicle, and both lock to the vehicle and provide cable locks to lock the bikes to the rack. The Yakima rack is a bit less expensive, and I prefer the way it looks.

If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance. I'll link you to a video showing how the adapter bar works.

I've linked you to product demonstration videos for all three racks.

expert reply by: Mike L

0