Comparing Platform-Style 2-Bike Racks For 2016 Subaru Forester
Question:
I drive a 2016 Subaru Forrester with a 2 in hitch which I added to the car for the purpose of transporting two bikes. This is my first bike rack purchase and I am narrowing down my options. I bike with my daughter and we have two basic road bikes. I am looking for a rack that is easy to use and that I dont have to wrestle with the rack or the bikes when we want to go for an afternoon ride.
asked by: Marina D
Helpful Expert Reply:
When choosing a bike carrier for your Forester you want to make sure you have enough clearance at the back of your vehicle. You can take a quick measurement before selecting a rack by using a ruler and a straight edge like a yardstick or a dowel. Hold the straight edge against the back of the rear bumper letting it hang down past the trailer hitch receiver. Then measure the distance form the center of the hitch pin hole to the straight edge. That is the distance you need for clearance when choosing any accessory for your trailer hitch.
The Kuat Transfer, part # KU74FR is a very nice bike rack that uses hooks for the wheels and not the frames of the bike like many other carriers. The capacity is 40-lbs per bike and the carrier will handle bikes with a maximum of 3-inches for wheel width. The carrier weighs 47-lbs and the distance form the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier when folded up is 6 inches. This rack also tilts down with the bikes loaded to give you access to the rear cargo area.
The other bike rack you listed is the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider, part # HR200Z. This is a platform-style bike rack and will also work with your trailer hitch. The center hooks on this carrier attach to the frame of the bike to hold it in place. This is a fixed bike rack so it does not fold or tilt but the arms do fold up for a more compact storage. This bike rack has a capacity of 45 lbs per bike and it has a distance of 12-1/8 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the wheel hoop.
If you have alternative frames like kids or womens bikes you may need an adapter bar like part # 64005. This attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem and provides a secure mounting point for the hook of the bike rack I have attached a product review video for this adapter bar.
In my opinion I would go for the Kuat Transfer # TS02G. You do not have to worry about the bike frame and it tilts for cargo access. You do want to make sure you have the clearance needed for the bike rack if you plan on folding it up.
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 >
Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 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
- Hollywood Racks
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
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