Recommended Bike Rack That Allows For Easy Loading For Heavy Bikes

Question:

I nEed a bike rack that sits low to the ground. My bike is very heavy and it is very hard for me to lift high enough to get it on my bike rack. I have a Hollywood hitch bike rack on the back of my ford edge. While the bike rack does swing forward it is still really hard and heavy for me, as a senior, to get it lifted back up into place. Any recommendations for a bike rack that would be much easier for me to get my bike off and on? Thank you for your help!

asked by: Carla P

Expert Reply:

The Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # TH903202 includes a ramp to allow for easy loading or unloading. This is the easiest it will get since you won't have to do any bike lifting. The carrier itself weighs 45lbs.

A much more affordable option is the Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Item # S64670 which does not come with a ramp. While this is not as easy to load bikes onto it as the Thule EasyFold, the Swagman XTC2 only weighs 29.7lbs and has a small shank rise of only 3" meaning it does not sit high up from the hitch receiver.

I recommend going with the Thule EasyFold XT as this is the easiest way to load or unload bikes. I attached a couple demonstration videos for you.

expert reply by: Andrew N