Spare Tire Mount Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2005 Jeep Wrangler

Question:

Hello, Im looking for a bike rack to fit my 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with I believe 31inch tires. The two primary bikes Ill be hauling are a Mens Felt Road Bike and a Womens Trek Hybrid Bike. I was looking at the Thule Spare Me 2-Bike Carrier and the Yakima SpareRide 2 Bike Carrier. Do you have any recommendations between the two or even another? Or do you know if there are any pros and cons between the two in comparison, in particular to the two bikes Ill be hauling? Thanks

asked by: Dustin K

Expert Reply:

The Thule Spare Me Bike Rack, # TH963PRO, and the Yakima SpareTime Bike Rack, # Y02599, are two of the best spare tire mount bike racks on the market. You cannot go wrong with either rack. When comparing the two, I would give the slight edge to the Yakima SpareTime due to its narrow arms.

The arms of the SpareTime are only 11-3/4 inches apart and that makes a big difference when loading bikes. It is much easier to load bikes on a bike rack with narrow arms. It includes many of the same features as the Thule Spare Me including anti-sway cages, cable lock and bike rack lock. Both bike racks include extensions for mounting on wide tires.

Your Felt bike should have no problem mounting on the bike rack, but if the womens Trek bike that you will be carrying has a step-through style frame, I recommend picking up an adapter bar, like the Yakima Tube Top Adapter, # Y02531. Bikes with angled frames may not sit level to the ground and can cause ground clearance issues. This adapter will allow you to mount the bike easily and safely.

expert reply by: John H