Recommended Platform Bike Rack for 2000 Subaru Forester

Question:

Can you make a recommendation please? Platform model... Have a womans comfort bike no cross bar and foldup Dahon also no cross bar Looking at trailer 1-1/4 hitch desired qualities: bike and hitch locks are there locks available for swagman? and foldup for when not in use and access through back hatch big thanks!

asked by: Selene

Expert Reply:

Actually, the SportRack Super EZ you mentioned, part # SR2901LR would be a pretty good choice for you.

You will want to make sure the weight of your bikes plus the weight of the rack you choose does not exceed the tongue weight capacity of the hitch installed on your vehicle. Your hitch should have a sticker on it that will state the maximum tongue weight capacity, which is the maximum amount of weight that can be suspended from the hitch.

If you do not already have a hitch installed on your 2000 Subaru Forester, I would recommend the Curt Class II, part # 12038.

The SuperEZ includes an anti-rattle hitch pin and locking hooks to secure the bike to the rack and the rack to the vehicle. The wheel trays fold up for storage, and the center mast that holds the hooks can be folded rearward to allow easier access to the rear of the vehicle once the bikes are removed from the rack.

Because your bikes do not have crossbars, you might need a frame adapter bar for each bike like part # 64005 to allow an attachment point for the frame hooks. This will depend on how steep the angle of your frame tubing is.

The Yakima HoldUp, part # Y02445 would eliminate the need for frame adapters because the bikes are held by the front wheel, not the bike frame. The rack can also be tilted away from the rear of the vehicle while the bikes are in place. This provides cargo area access for most vehicles. The rack will also fold flat up against the rear of the vehicle for storage. The rack includes an integrated cable lock, but the hitch lock, part # Y07235 is sold separately.