Easy to Use Hitch Mount Platform Bike Carrier

Question:

We have two Trek FX bikes and want to have a lightweight option to carry them cross country on road trips on the back of our 2014 Subaru Outback. I really want to find something that doesnt require super hand strength for me to attach or clasp. We have a swagman that tires sit down into and it is next to impossible for me to move the arms up and down to clamp bike in so I have to have my husband do it. I have limited dexterity and want something much easier! I was looking at Yakima Lightrider, Saris Glide, Kuat Beta, and Thule Camber. My concerns from reading reviews different places makes we wonder if all of these have issues really holding two bikes without them rubbing together, and if the geometry of my Trek FX isn't really correct for hanging the bike from this style of rack. Thanks so much for your advice.

asked by: Shelley R

Expert Reply:

The frame geometry of the Trek FX hybrid bikes will allow use of a hanging style bike carrier like the Thule Camber # TH9058 since the top frame tube is reasonably level and the tires will have enough ground clearance on most vehicles. But platform racks like your Swagman do offer certain advantages, such as not requiring you to lift the bike's entire weight to load it as you do with a hanging rack and the ability to avoid the bikes banging into each other. For some the rubber cradle straps on hanging racks which secure the bikes can be even tougher to use than the sliding frame clamps found on platform racks like the Swagman Chinook # S64683.

I do have a bike carrier recommendation for you that will provide some of the advantages of both hanging and platform style hitch bike racks. The carrier I recommend for your Treks and Subaru is the Thule EasyFold platform carrier # TH903202.

The EasyFold is a premium carrier based on Thule's decades of global experience designing bike carriers and it also packs features that make it ideal for those who want a rack with excellent flexibility and especially ease of use. For many it will be the last rack they ever need to buy.

Features include:
-Frame clamps that can grip different parts of the bike (frame tube or seat post)
-Compatibility with both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch hitches
-Built-in loading ramp so you never have to lift the bikes
-High bike weight capacity of 65-lbs per bike (important if you consider ever getting a heavy e-bike)
-Tilting and folding mechanisms for easy vehicle access and simple storage
-Built-in locks for the rack and for your bikes
-Wheels to make it easy to move the folded rack around the garage

Please have a look at the linked video for the EasyFold and you'll see these features and why this rack may be the best option for you.