2-Bike Platform Style Rack for Use in 2-Inch and 1-1/4-Inch Hitches

Question:

I sent this message to Adam and got a wonderful reply: We have a 2007 GMC Canyon and want to purchase a platform bike rack for it that might also fit our 2001Subaru Forester for $200-400. What about Kuat, Hollywood, or Swagman? However, I failed to mention that we wish to purchase a 2-bike rack, not a 4-bike rack. His reply was specifically for 4 bikes. One question I now have is if there is a difference we should consider between 2 and 4 bike racks. In other words, will one companys 2-bike rack work better than another for our Canyon or Subaru? Thank you again!

asked by: Beth

Expert Reply:

Sometimes using a bike rack with more bike capacity than you actually need can be helpful. Some mountain and beach cruiser-type bikes can have very wide handlebars and in such instances the extra room provided by a 4-bike rack may actually be quite helpful even when you're transporting only 2 or 3 bikes. The 4-bike Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR would give you extra bike capacity if you ever needed it, but even if you never load more than 2 bikes the extra space means a more comfortable fit between bikes with less chance of bike-to-bike contact.

But if you prefer a 2-bikes-only rack that will fit both the 2-inch Class III hitch on your Canyon and the 1-1/4-inch Class II hitch on your Forester then you DO have the option of using a platform style rack on which many riders find it easier to load their bikes since less lifting is required. But as noted already, platform type racks typically weigh more than hanging racks; just something to keep in mind.

A platform rack that is hard to beat for value is Swagman's XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack # S64670 which support the two bikes at their wheels and with frame hooks for a stable secure ride. You can add their anti-rattle hitch and cable lock set # S64031 which locks both the rack and the bikes. The linked video shows this rack in use on a Forester.

expert reply by: Adam R