Bike Rack Recommendation for Carrying 4 Adult Bikes

Question:

hi Jon, Thanx for the detailed response! Perhaps another option is to keep my existing rack and another roof rack for 1 bike? I have factory installed crossbars, so any recommendations as to which roof rack to get? I am ok with other brands but seems thule has a few options though I like to keep tires on the bike. Thanx,

asked by: Tom K

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have the older Thule Vertex or Apex swing bike rack that had the cradles spaced closer together. The Thule Apex Swing XT # TH9027XT is an upgraded version that has an increased spacing of 7" for the cradles. While this does help to make loading bikes easier, if you're trying to load up 4 adult bikes you will still have a bit of a time loading them up.

I recommend using a platform bike rack like the Hollywood Racks Destination # HR4000 which can hold 35 lb bikes and then the Yakima BackSwing # Y02483 which then allows you to swing the bike rack away from the without removing the bikes or bike rack so that you have unrestricted access to your rear hatch area. These will stick out further than a hanging rack but it will be easier to load your bikes.

Please note that the BackSwing will reduce the weight capacity of your trailer hitch by 50% so you want to make sure that you won't be overloading anything.

expert reply by: Jon G

Tom K.

1/11/2022

Jon G.

1/11/2022

That is definitely another option to go with and it helps that you already have the factory bars on your vehicle. For your application I recommend going with the Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack # TH599000 for a few reasons; you get to keep your front wheel on (like you mentioned) and it is one of the easiest roof bike racks to use. I actually had the opportunity to install this bike rack a few times for our videos so I'm linking my video of this on a 2020 Audi Q7 so you can see it in action and get my thoughts on it.