Budget-Priced Platform Style 2-Bike Rack for Transporting Diamondback Edgewood On Long Trip
Question:
I have questions about the Swagman XC 2-Bike Rack Platform Style for 1-1/4 and 2 Trailer Hitches. Heres my situation: I need to transport my daughters bike just over 500 miles mostly on a freeway next month to college. The bike is a Diamondback Edgewood, and it normally weighs around 39 lbs. My car is a Hyundai Ioniq with a Class I hitch recently installed. This will be the only time I expect to transport this bike. In the future, I intend to use the rack for a road bike in the 22-25 lb range. I only expect to transport a single bike at a time. I have 2 primary concerns: Removing certain things, I think I can get the bike down under 35 lbs, but I am concerned about the wheel hoops on such a long trip. They seem pretty thin, and Ive seen pictures of them bent in some Amazon reviews. The other concern is with the ratchet hooks to hold the bike in place. I am considering removing the seat and seat post to cut down on weight. I worry that without the seat post, the hook wont be able to hold onto the bike. Especially if the wheel hoops give a little under the weight of a long trip. Can this rack work for me? I am prepared to put forth extra effort to secure the bike on this long trip. My ideas include using straps to hold the bike to the center post and keep the ratchet hooks down and in place. I am also considering strapping the wheels to the main cross-bar to take some of the strain off of the hoops. Will this work? I am very budget conscious, and this rack seems like it will be the best for me in the long run. If it can do the job on this one trip, I will be happy. If not, I need to look elsewhere.
asked by: Steve R
Helpful Expert Reply:
If you're able to remove enough weight from the bike to get it below 35 lbs, I think the # S64650 Swagman XC you referred to would work capably for you. The extra precautions and straps you mention would be an excellent idea.
However, looking at things from a long-run perspective, this rack might not be the best choice for you, even though it's at an attractive price point. The XC isn't the first rack I'd recommend for long trips or frequent moderate trips. It's best use is for occasional short distance bike transport. We do indeed hear about the issue with the hoops occasionally, but those problems that occur are typically caused by hitting potholes or by overloading the rack.
If you have a certain price point in your head, and by-golly-I-ain't-goin'-over-it...the XC will live up to, but not exceed your expectations.
The rack I WOULD recommend for you is the Hollywood Racks # HR200Z, and here's why. If you could see this rack side by side with the Swagman XC, you'd immediately see how much beefier and capable it is. There will be no nagging worries about wheel hoops coming loose or bikes being dragged behind you. No need to spend extra time and expense on bungees or straps. No removing components from the bike and then having to reinstall them once you reach your Daughter's school, due to the 45 lb per bike capacity. Due to its more robust construction, you will get many years of service out of this rack.
If you plan to bike fairly frequently in the future, and wish to transport bikes much further than your local area, you would really be more well served by going with the Hollywood Racks model. If the future plans include biking close to home occasionally, then the XC would do the trick for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
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
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
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