Re: [RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

oops. I think I know what I did. Momentary (I hope) lapse - hopefully I've done this OK this time.

Re: [RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

That is absolutely the longest URL I have ever seen! I can't get to the photo/s; can you repost? Thanks. Patrick Moore, who might be interested in a rack himself. On Thu, May 14, 2015 at 8:43 AM, KC wrote: > Thought I should report back on our decision in case helpful to anyone > else. After

Re: [RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

Man, I wish I'd kept that '90 Voyager -- I gave it away to a single-mother family via our church. A few $K in mechanical and paint and I'd have a wonderful bike carrier; my daughter opined (granted, age 10 -- she's now 13 1/2) that she wanted to go to the Prom in it.) FWIW, 8/10 of my driving is f

Re: [RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

Patrick, Versatility as you described will top my list of features when I am next shopping for a new-to-me vehicle. I have also given much thought to an enclosed travel trailer, that could permanently house a family of bikes and be easily towed when travel called-a bike shed on wheels. Of cour

Re: [RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

This is why I always drive vans of some sort that allow the rear seats to be removed. Currently, my '06 PT Cruiser will easily carry 2 medium bikes inside with front wheels removed, while still accommodating 2 in people in the front (57-60 c-c frame equivalents). I bet I could get 4 inside with bot

[RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

KC, I appreciate the opportunity to update my experience. I went with the Holywood platform rack: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QJC4AY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 At the time, REI was out of the one I wanted from them. The basic set-up of this rack holds two bikes, and

[RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

Great and appreciated input. I'll look at that rack. It sounds like we could start off with the capability to carry 2 and then add for 2 more in a while so the cost isn't as bad up front.. My husband says we have 2" on both - I know we put the heavy duty hitch on the Subaru. Used to tow a g

[RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

Interesting to see a resurrected thread & also to be able to update from my experience swapping hanging rack to a platform rack. The hanging rack was reasonably quick to load, but the combination of scratching the frames, and irregular top-tubes made the process a pain and the top-tube converte

Re: [RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

Be aware that the platform-type carriers made for more than 2 bikes usually require a 2" receiver hitch. 2" hitch receivers can be hard to find for cars and car-based SUVs (like the Subaru). You can add extenders/adapters to neck the 2" hitch down to a smaller 1.25" hitch, but they are much less

[RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

This info is very helpful as we will be purchasing a carrier immediately. Turns out the fork paint damage on my beautiful new bike was likely caused by the current carrier (Yakima hitch-mount swing away). Although we couldn't figure out how it could be happening, the person loading the carrie

[RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

I went for a Thule Helium (hanging rack) to fit my Outback. It's selling points were that it is light, and easy to put on and remove. It works very well for "standard" frames (i.e. regular top-tubes), but it needs an adapter bar for curved or "dropped" top-tubes, which is a pain. If I was going

[RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

I have both roof-mounted bike racks (Yakima) and a 1.25" hitch mount 'hanging' style rack (Thule). I've never tried a platform hitch rack, but I'm guessing that style would keep the bikes happier. The Thule has an anti-sway mechanism by way of a hinge-down third clamp that secures the seat tu

[RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

I've been using a Thule hanging rack out of a 2" hitch for many years now. It holds 4 road bikes with no problems - steel, carbon, titanium, no matter. To prevent swinging, tire rotation, or other instability, it has a lower swingarm with loops on it to attach straps. Just load the bike, secu

[RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

Another point to consider with a platform model is the ability to remove two platforms and use as a two bike carrier when four are not needed. Here's the one I bought: http://hollywoodracks.com/bike-racks/hitch-racks/sportrider-hitch-rack-4.htm I got it from modernbike.com for $329 with free

[RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

I've never used a platform bicycle carrier but I've been using the hanging variety for almost 20 years (out of necessity more than choice). Hanging carriers are quite unnerving at higher speeds and especially at highway speeds. If the bike is not very securely strapped down the front wheel wi

[RBW] Re: Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers

The only drawback I found with a tray-type rack was it was considerably heavier than the hanging ones I had used, and it weighed the rear of my little Honda Civic down quite a bit, a car that already sat pretty low. This should be less of an issue for your tallish Subie. It definitely separates