Hitch Bike Rack Recommendation For Downhill Bikes w/ 2.7 and 3 Inch Wide Tires

Question:

I have a downhill bike with 2.7inch wide tires, and my friend has a 3inch wide tire. I am looking at the Sportrack EZ, or the Swagman XC4 and would like to know if they could fit my bike. Thank you!

asked by: Patrick R

Expert Reply:

I contacted our representative at Swagman about the XTC4 Hitch Bike Rack, part # S64665. This bike rack will work for your downhill bikes with 2.7 and 3 inch wide tires.

The XTC4 would work great for carrying the downhill bikes. It includes a cable lock and hitch pin lock. One advantage I think the XTC4 has is the wheel hoops do not have a tray which may be nice if you will be tracking mud on your bike tires.

The XTC4 has a distance of 12-3/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin to the nearest wheel hoop.

The other thing you will want to check for before choosing a rack is clearance on your vehicle. You will need to measure from the center of the hitch pin hole out to the farthest edge of your bumper. This will be the amount of clearance needed to the nearest edge of the bike rack from the hitch pin hole.

If your downhill bike has a non-traditional frame, I would recommend using the Swagman Frame Adapter Bar, part # 64005. This will give the bike a horizontal bar to contact the bike rack hook.

I have linked instructions and a video review for the Swagman XTC4 Hitch Bike Rack # S64665.