CYCLISTS: LC/LX Bike transport

[docbluedevil]

So, all of you cyclists (MTB and Roadies) , how are you transporting you bikes on your LX/LC?

I'm an experienced biker and already know about the various methods of bike transport for a vehicle with a roof rack/receiver hitch, SO my specific question is directed to those of you have an expedition rack AND/OR rear bumper with spare tire carrier.

EXPEDITION RACK ISSUES/SOLUTIONS:

1) Any expedition racks compatible with Yakima/Thule bike trays? Lifting to the height may be more difficult.

REAR SPARE TIRE CARRIER ISSUES/SOLUTIONS:

1) Hitch mount rack (Fold down vs. swing away). I prefer the swing-away but they all swing to the right, which appears to be the standard direction of swing-away tire carriers. Looks like the Hannah tire carries can go either way. What about Slee? These racks can also hold skis with an adaptor, which is a plus.

2) Hitch-mount tray carriers. These are an option but couldn't use the closest trays due to the tire. Can't hold skis.

http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=103

3) Tire-mount carrier: Not my preference; usually can only hold 2 bikes; tend to rotate during travel. May not be compatible with all tire sizes. But can also hold skis with adaptor.

4) Receiver hitch extensions: This may be the solution. I need to still think about it some more. Probable problems with rattling though, unless signif weight the hitch.

http://www.prolineracks.com/hitch-extenders.html

Vehicles with a UTILITY TRAILER:

1) This is an option (with a range of choices), albeit, more expensive and more bulky. But more versatile; I also have touring kayaks (16 ft) that need to be transported at times. A rooftop tent could also be mounted on it.


WELL, curious what you guys are doing. Thoughts, your solutions/pics would be appreciated.

 

[clownmidget]

Without a doubt the best solution in my opinion is the Yakima Full Swing 4 or the Thule Trailblazer 4.

Even stock it is a pain in the butt to access roof mounts and they make your already crappy mpg even worse.

I've got the Yakima and it does what it is supposed to do really well and folds up and out of the way sitting in the garage when I don't need it. Takes about 2-3 mins to put it in the hitch receiver and start loading bikes. Keeps bikes in place while swinging out to allow tailgate down access. Keeps bikes out of the wind, etc.

 

[docbluedevil]

Without a doubt the best solution in my opinion is the Yakima Full Swing 4 or the Thule Trailblazer 4.

That's what I'm looking at, but my question is whether it clears a spare tire rack.

 

[Doc]

I have the Yakima Ultimate Getaway rack. It pulls out and away from the vehicle, this is the best option for swing outs.

PS, the 4x4labs bumper can carry the tire on either side, and usually carries it on the left, swinging left. This is the bumper I chose, but not because of that particular feature.

 

[CanadianRig]

I have a hitch mount 'Softride' HD. http://www.softride.com/category.asp?cid=2

The bikes remain upright when swinging down, allows access to the rear of the vehicle with several feet of space to move around, makes loading/unloading bikes extremely easy as there is virtually no lifting...an added bonus I have discovered is the rack makes a convenient 'table' for drinks, lunch etc. while sitting on the tailgate.

I also have the wall mount storage option for storing my bike when not in use.

I don't know how it would work with a rear tire mount tho...

Check out the link to the site...I can take a few pics if you want...let me know.

 

[Rookie2]

I've used one of those simple but affect Yakima Roc series hitch mount, swing down jobbers for a while now. Like anything, this is one of those items that you could analyze the piss out of about the little things that aren't "ideal" for each of the options you've listed. But after hauling bikes around on a 84 model RX7 for a few years using one of those strap-on carriers..., lets just say life is much better now .


Rookie2

 

[clownmidget]

That's what I'm looking at, but my question is whether it clears a spare tire rack.

yes it clears if your spare is mounted on a swingout like on a Kaymar or Slee or Hanna or 4x4Labs

 

[sc40]

i use mine on top of my roof. i had the parts lying around. i used the mounts like for the back of a pickup. its a 2 bolt to the rack, then a fork mount. i just tie the rear tire in place.

this it what i use http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=110

yah it is a pain in the ass to put it up there, but i'm young, and dont mind it too much

 

[docbluedevil]

yes it clears if your spare is mounted on a swingout like on a Kaymar or Slee or Hanna or 4x4Labs

Excellent!

Is this a setup that you personally have or just have heard? Got a pic that you can post?

 

[informationjunky]

Let me check my garage...pretty sure I have a Yakima supreme getaway I'll sell ya if your interested

 

[docbluedevil]

i use mine on top of my roof. i had the parts lying around. i used the mounts like for the back of a pickup. its a 2 bolt to the rack, then a fork mount. i just tie the rear tire in place.

this it what i use http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=110

Are you saying that you use the fork mounts on an expedition rack. If so, which expedition rack then and how?

 

[docbluedevil]

...this is one of those items that you could analyze the piss out of about the little things...

Isn't that what we all do here on this form?

 

[Rookie2]

Isn't that what we all do here on this form?

Yes... so you have used the search feature .

 

[clownmidget]

Yakima

not perfect but hopefully you can see there is more than enough space for even my 37" tire to fit in between. I've put it up there just to make sure for the time I finally get a rear bumper...

the other nice feature is that on that rack in the pic is (1) Adam's folding trail-a-bike (2) GF Sugar (3) Specialized SJer & (4) Trek Mystic? - small frame child's bike. Pretty versatile!

 

[CanadianRig]

I did some checking...I actually bought the 'DX', not 'HD' model of Soft Rack . After getting to the store and seeing the pedal release feature, I went with that rack. I have found a pic of the rack mounted on my truck, and it appears there is enough room to clear a rear mount tire. Lemme know if you are interested in the measurements between the back of the truck and the rack and I can go down and get them. Maybe the pic will help you determine if this is a contender....

 

[PHAEDRUS]

Ijust use a yakima over the tire mount I have a home brew rear bumper with the tire swing out on the right side of the vehicle. It is not perfect but it is nice to be able to swingthe tire with the bikes out of the way while loading the truck. I used a spinle from slee to moun the tire and it holds the weight of my rock hopper and my sons hot rock just fine.

I like the trailer idea and am in planning stages to build one next spring with space for a ktm 450exc both mountain bikes and my gear. I like this idea the best and seems to be the best overall solution.
Dave

 

[Nay]

If money is an issue, the Yakima Kingpin 4 is a hitch mount that allows you to fold it down away from the vehicle. Plenty of room for the spare with it up, and I'd think folded down you could swing out the tire. Saves you $150 clams or so if it works and you care.

What a PITA either way if you need to get to the cargo area moving both a tire carrier and bike rack. Put your tire on the roof and bike carrier alone out back.

Nay

 

[Photo_Cruiser]

I just bought the Thule 4, swingout whatever.

I absolutley needed a 1 foot hitch extension, for this to work in the 4x4 labs bumper. This is due to the way tucked in bumper and hitch location. However, it works sweet, swing out the bike, swing open the tire and ladder and access your crap.

Yes it is a load of jive to unscrew unclamp etc to get in there, BUT...if you have spent a lot of time getting 40 lbs downhill rigs on the roof of a lifted 80....that's no easty task either....

Swingout rules.....

Jeff

 

[GeoRoss]

If money is an issue, the Yakima Kingpin 4 is a hitch mount that allows you to fold it down away from the vehicle. Plenty of room for the spare with it up, and I'd think folded down you could swing out the tire. Saves you $150 clams or so if it works and you care.

What a PITA either way if you need to get to the cargo area moving both a tire carrier and bike rack. Put your tire on the roof and bike carrier alone out back.

Nay

X2

an excellent option for the budget minded. Since it only takes about 30 seconds to install (w/o bikes) I rarely need to let it rotate it down. I have yet to to get a rear bumper w/ tire carrier (hurry Luke, hurry!), but if I have clearance issues I'll add an extender.

Ross

 

[John E Davies]

If I need to carry one bike, it goes in the back. If I need to carry two, they go on my Yakima rooftop bars. If more than that.... this works phenominally well:

Here's my main LX450 page with more pics.

http://home.comcast.net/~johnedavies/

John Davies
Spokane WA