What Bike Rack do You Recommend to Use My Hemiway Step-Thru E-Bikes on My Subaru Outback?
Question:
I have a Subaru Outback with a two inch trailer hitch. I am looking for a hitch rack that could accomodate two Himiway step thru e-bikes. Im a senior citizen so lifting the bike up could be a challenge. What might you have that could work. And with the step thru feature will I need something for the rack to hold onto?
asked by: Charles P
Helpful Expert Reply:
From my research, it sounds like you have the Hemiway Cruiser Step-Thru e-bike model. If you have this model, the weight of the bikes with the battery is 72 pounds. It also has fat tires that measure 26" x 4" fat tires with fenders.
If this is the case, the absolute best option is the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202. Since the EasyFold XT has a per-bike weight capacity of 65 pounds, you must remove the batteries of your bikes in order to transport them. This is recommended anyways since leaving the batteries attached causes unnecessary risk of damage to the batteries from bumps or jarring. The great thing about the EasyFold XT is that it comes with the widest integrated ramp available out of all frame-mount racks we carry. With the ramp, you will be able to simply roll the bikes onto the platform without lifting them off the ground. To make the loading process easier, we do carry a longer ramp that has a decreased incline. That is the Extra Long Loading Ramp # TH933402. I went ahead and attached a video that compares the regular ramp with the extended one. Since you have fat bike tires, you need the Fat Bike Straps # TH985101 for each of your bikes.
As far as a bike frame adapter you had a question about, the great thing about the EasyFold XT is that it comes with independently-adjusting cradles that fit virtually any style of bike frame without an adapter bar for the frame. I went ahead and attached a photo of a neighbor that uses the EasyFold XT with a frame similar to the Himiway without an adapter bar.
In order to make sure that you have enough bumper clearance length on the shank to clear your rear bumper, I recommend measuring from the center of your hitch's pinhole to the face of your rear bumper. If that length is less than 8 inches long, you are good to go!
It is also important to note that some factory hitches from Subaru have pinholes that are much closer to the face of the receiver than other hitch models. I recommend measuring the pinhole from the face (opening) of the hitch. That distance needs to be at least 1.5" long to use the EasyFold XT. I went ahead and attached a diagram that shows you this measurement.
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Products Referenced in This Question
Extra-Long Loading Ramp for Thule EasyFold XT or Epos Bike Racks- Folding - Aluminum - 53" Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Ramps
- EasyFold
- Thule
more information >
Fat Bike Straps for Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack - Qty 2
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Straps
- EasyFold
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
more information >
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