Recommended Bike Carrier For Carbon Frame Bikes On 2003 Subaru Outback Wagon

Question:

Has there been complaints / issues by individuals that have carbon bikes concerning the TT being damaged / cracked with the top down bar to secure the bike? Thank you in advance.

asked by: Gary Q

Expert Reply:

Many customers have concerns about their carbon bike frames so we recommend finding a bike carrier that holds the bikes by the wheel and not the frames.

If you do not have a trailer hitch on your Outback I recommend the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver, part # 36284. This is a Class ll trailer hitch and it has a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. When installed this hitch has a distance of 6-inches form the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the rear bumper. This measurement is important because it will determine how much clearance you need for any accessory you carry in the hitch.

You can take a quick measurement to see what the clearance is on your Outback is you already have a hitch installed. Just hold a straight edge like a yardstick or dowel against the back of the bumper and let it extend below the hitch. Then just measure the distance from the hitch pin hole to the straight edge.

One of the bike carriers I recommend we offer is the Saris SuperClamp EX, part # SA4025F. This bike carrier can hold two adult bikes with wheels up to 4-1/2 inches wide. This carrier has a 60 lb per bike weight capacity. This carrier measures 12 inches form the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L