Recommended Hitch Bike Rack To Carry 2 E-bikes On A Class I Trailer Hitch

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Question:

What hitch bike rack do you recommend if my Trek Domane + has a carbon frame?

asked by: Pat

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I did some research on Uhaul's website and your Class I trailer hitch has a maximum tongue weight of 200lbs, so you will not have a problem carrying your two e-bikes. The Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount, part # TH903202, is an excellent choice. It comes with a ramp to help you load and unload your bikes. This hitch bike rack will clamp your frame, making it easier for you to carry your bike with fenders. Your Trek Domane + is an aluminum frame bike, so you will not have to worry about compromising the integrity of your frame when carrying this bike. The last part you will need is a frame adapter, part # HRBA-PRO, for your Gazelle Elite C8 step-through bike. It will attach between your seat and your handlebar stem. When you carry this bike on your hitch bike rack, you will clamp this tube to secure the bike.

I have included a product description link and video review links below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

1

Pat M.

3/10/2022

What hitch bike rack do you recommend if my Trek Domane + has a carbon frame?

Reply

Mark S.

3/10/2022

You do have another option, provided you remove your e-bikes batteries during transport. If you do, the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4"/2" Hitches - Frame Mount, part # HR1000Z will use a ratcheting arm instead of a clamp to secure your bikes. You will still need the frame adapter for your step-through frame and this rack has a 50 lbs weight limit per bike. The battery of your Gazelle e-bike will have to be removed for this bike to meet the weight requirement of this hitch bike rack. Removing your battery is also the recommended way to carry an e-bike. A better option, if your Gazelle Elite C8 can get down to 45 lbs when the battery is removed, is the Thule Helium Platform XT Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount, part # TH53GC. This hitch bike rack is our best option because it will not damage the fenders on your Gazelle Elite C8. The real limiting factor in your options is not your hitch bike rack. It is your Class I trailer hitch. You would have slightly better options if you had a Class III trailer hitch. The bike weight limits would be higher on Class III hitch bike rack options. I have included a product description link and a video review link below.

Reply

Answer 1

There is one cable lock included with the Thule Helium 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting - Wheel Mount #TH44VR. I went ahead and attached a video to this answer that shows the bike cable at time stamp 2:44.

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Answer 2

At the end of the day, it truly depends on the overall weight of your electric bikes. However, it is important to note that the Thule Helium Bike Rack #TH44VR only has a per-bike weight capacity of 37.5 pounds. If one of your e-bikes weighs more than…

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Answer 3

I verified with Thule that the Helium Platform XT rack will indeed fit and work in a Class I hitch with a 1-1/4" receiver, and also work on a vehicle with a 2" hitch. It comes with a 2" sleeve that you'd leave on when using it in…

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Answer 4

The Hollywood Racks SE2 Bike Rack #HR1450Z, and the Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Rack #S64683 are very similar racks. Both racks can fold up toward the vehicle when you are not carrying any bikes so you do not have the entire extension of a bike rack…

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Answer 5

The Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting #C18085 would be a great option for your 42 lb e-bike and your 2013 Toyota Prius as it's Class I hitch compatible like the hitch you have and also has enough…

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Answer 6

The ratcheting hooks on the Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Bike Platform Rack #TH83JV can likely be adjusted enough forward of the fender to clamp onto the front tire of your Biktrix Stunner LT since the fender doesn't look to extend too far. With that being…

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Answer 7

The EcoHitch part #306-X7178 that you referenced is a confirmed fit for your 2012 Toyota Prius and would work well to carry your two 65 lb e-bikes with an e-bike rack like the Thule EasyFold XT part #TH903202 which is the best choice for an e-bike…

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Answer 8

The Yakima HoldUp 2 Bike Rack for 2" Hitches - Platform Style - Tilting #Y02443 is different from the Yakima HoldUp EVO 2 Bike #Y02479 in a couple ways. The original could hold bikes up to 60 lbs each versus the EVO holding up to 50 lbs per…

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Answer 9

The Thule DoubleTrack Pro XT Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount #TH92BJ has a weight capacity of 35lbs per bike and you do not want to exceed that 'per bike' limit. Unfortunately you cannot add both 35lb…

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Answer 10

The Yakima HoldUp EVO 2 Bike Platform Rack part #Y02479 has a built-in shank rise as well as a slight tilt which are both features desinged to improve ground clearance on vehicle's with low hitch heights such as your 2018 Volvo XC90. Therefore,…

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Answer 11

There are bike racks that will be able to carry the weight of your two 66-1/2 lb RadRover Electric Bikes with fat tires, although as you mentioned the only way to use the Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Bike Platform Rack #TH83JV with bikes that heavy would be to…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Recommended Hitch Bike Rack To Carry 2 E-bikes On A Class I Trailer Hitch

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