Why a Wheel Mounted Platform Bike Rack is Preferred to a Frame Mount

Question:

First off, great site guys. If only there was something similar for every product I look at, it would be a dream. Anyhow, I have been on your website daily for about two weeks now and it seems every other day I change my mind as to which platform hitch rack to get for my 95 accord wagon. I thought I had nailed it down to the XTC from # of reviews, looks to be your bestseller, then decided to go with the G10 which has hardly any reviews, but I called up and spoke to Swagman who said between the two, the G10 is a better buy, then most recently decided to go with the Doubletrack. But before deciding to pull the trigger on the Doubletrack, I started looking at your higher priced racks, such as the Kuat racks, which all seem to be wheel mount only. So it got me thinking, are wheel mount only racks better than wheel and frame mounts? From a stability in transit standpoint, I would think the latter is preferred. This also holds true from a security standpoint as well since the frame is latched down and locked on the Doubletrack. A pro for wheel mounts only, is that it is only held down at the wheels and potential frame damage is unlikely. Am I missing anything else that's a pro/con in favor of wheel and frame mount or wheel only mount?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

Generally speaking wheel mount only bike racks are preferred. Especially for people with carbon fiber bike frames since frame mounts aren't recommended at all with them otherwise damage could occur. For other frame designs people still prefer them because there is no frame contact. People with suspension also prefer wheel mount as well. Loading is also easier because when the wheel mount is lowered you just set the bike in the tray, raise the wheel mount and then secure it to the wheel. Frame mounts can be a bit more involved having to work around the upright mast that has the hooks that secure to the frame.

I think you hit on the only solid advantage a frame mount could potentially have over a wheel mount, there is a bit more security when the bike is attached by the frame since wheels can easily be removed and someone could make off with the bike. HOWEVER, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 part # SH22G comes with a locking cable that allows you to secure the bike frames to the rack as well, so in the end the wheel mount comes out on top in all ways honestly.

I attached a couple review videos for the # SH22G for you to check out also.

expert reply by: Jameson C