3-Bike Platform Style Bike Rack for a 2016 Subaru Outback
Question:
Hey! I am int he process of having a dealer installed hitch to my Outback. I am looking for a hitch and leaning towards a platform hitch: 1. Is a platform hitch superior to a hanging hitch to avoid bike contact? 2. have two mountain bikes, one with 29inch wheels the other with 27.5inch wheels 3. I will carry 2 bikes 80 of the time. My daughter comes riding with me occasionally and then would need another slot. 4. I definitely prefer a net an tidy look and want a no fuss hitch hanging or platform 5. If possible, would prefer to support manufactured in USA 6. a low profile would be best. Although the car is garaged, I am thinking a low profile would be easier when parking What would you recommend?
asked by: Chris R
Expert Reply:
Yes, a platform style bike rack is better in terms of keeping the bikes from making contact with each other compared to hanging style racks. On a platform rack the bikes basically cannot move.
More and more bike racks are being made to accommodate the 29ers and the 27-1/2 inch wheels won't be a problem either.
There are some 3 bike platform racks but more options in the 4-bike category. It also depends on the size of your daughter's bike but I can cover that.
For a nice and tidy look a platform rack is going to be the better way to go. So at this point I think we should look exclusively at platform style racks. Several of the manufacturers we carry make bike racks right here in the USA.
Now it depends on the hitch you are having installed on your 2016 Subaru Outback. If it is the standard Subaru Class I 1-1/4 inch trailer hitch then that will be a problem. That hitch has the pin hole very close to the end of the receiver so most bike racks will not fit and you can only carry 2 bikes at most.
If that is the hitch you are getting then I recommend the Swagman XC, # S64650 as the best option for the OEM 1-1/4 inch Subaru hitch and the wheel hoops are able to fit your bike wheel size. This is a great economical option.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
more information >
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