Align the square post at the bottom of the rack with the square hole in the receiver. Slide the hitch forward, inserting the square post far enough into the receiver so that two holes in the sides of the receiver align with a hole on the post of the hitch. Place a lock washer on the large bolt provided in the hitch kit, followed by a flat washer, also provided in the kit. Thread the bolt and washers through the hole with your fingers, to secure the hitch to the receiver.
Tighten the bolt securely with the wrench provided in the kit. Insert the cotter pin, provided in the kit, through a hole in the exposed end of the bolt to finish the installation. Specializing in hardwood furniture, trim carpentry, cabinets, home improvement and architectural millwork, Wade Shaddy has worked in homebuilding since Shaddy has also worked as a newspaper reporter and writer, and as a contributing writer for Bicycling Magazine.
Related Schwinn Hitch Rack Instructions. Items you will need Strap rack kit Hitch rack kit. Strap Mount Racks Step 1 Remove the rack from the packaging. Hitch Mount Racks Step 1 Examine the receiver on the vehicle to determine it's size -- the most common is 2-inch. This is ideal for people transporting heavier bikes like cruisers or e-bikes.
Platform racks also win out if you transport bikes with unique frames like a step-through bike or full-suspension mountain bikes. That said, platform racks as a whole come with bigger price tags than hanging racks. However, a crack is more likely to come from crashing into a tree or accidentally stepping on the chainstay.
Because of this, hanging racks tend to feature padded cradles to minimize frame damage, but the best way to guarantee your frame is safe is to eliminate frame contact. If the price is no object and keeping your bike looking new is your priority, choose a platform rack. One of the first things to consider after choosing a bike rack type is how many bikes you typically take with you.
Racks generally carry anywhere from two to six bikes, so you have some options. Note: Some platform racks have optional add-ons that will add more bike capacity to the rack. Tilting angles the rack to allow you to open a hatchback or drop down a tailgate. This makes it possible to lean in and grab a backpack or let your dog hop out.
One thing to consider is whether you can tilt the rack with the bikes still on it. It can be a pain to take the bikes off when you need to get into your car. Also, consider how far it tilts away.
Generally a feature of hanging racks, swing-away operation tends to move the rack farther away from your ride. This allows more access to the rear of the vehicle. It also moves the rack out of the way, so you can pull out heavy and unwieldy items more easily. Our favorite swing-away rack is the BackStage 2 from RockyMounts. Mounting systems tend to feature two different ways to lock your bike to the rack. The first and most common is the strap system.
These lock it down to the platform. Because of this, many strap systems secure the bike with two straps at each attachment point as a contingency. Hanging racks win this category. Because bikes are secured by the frame, tire width, wheel size, and wheelbase are not an issue. The bigger concern with hanging racks is unique frame types like BMX bikes, step-through frames, and full-suspension mountain bikes. These can prove a pain or impossible to hang on a hanging rack.
Fortunately, several of the racks we mention will work with fat tires and wide wheelbases. Most traditional road bikes and hardtail mountain bikes fit this bill. Hitches generally come in 1. The larger, 2-inch hitch can carry heavier loads, which is great if you plan to carry several heavy e-bikes. Bike racks have two main points of vulnerability when it comes to theft: the bikes can be stolen off the rack, and the rack itself can be removed.
Fortunately, many racks come with a locking hitch mount, which makes it impossible to unscrew when engaged. There are also plenty of aftermarket hitch locks available for purchase. As for your bikes, a standard cable lock can secure them to the rack itself. Make sure that your rack has some predrilled holes for you to thread the cable lock through.
But a much more convenient option is an integrated lock. This is a feature found on higher-end racks. Companies like Thule and Yakima usually offer this. The lock is integrated into the rack itself, retracting into the rack when not in use.
When you need it, simply pull it out and thread it through the bikes. It then locks to another part of the rack, so you can lock and unlock your bikes in seconds. For a diamond-frame bike the most common bike , hanging racks provide a simple option.
Plus, it gives you a chance to get some bicep curls in before your ride. Hanging racks can take a bit of fiddling to get the bike into the cradle. But the easiest option and often the most expensive is the ramp. This feature, found on some platform rack models, allows you to simply roll your bike onto the rack. This is a great option for cyclists with heavier bikes like e-bikes or cruisers. Durability is a huge consideration when it comes to hitch racks.
The single attachment point puts a lot of pressure on racks as they carry loads over rough roads. Fortunately, the most common failure is the least disastrous and easiest to fix: the straps. Elastic straps tend to dry out, especially if exposed to the sun, which leads to cracking and eventually snapping. However, most hanging racks where you most often find elastic straps have two straps at each attachment point.
This not only acts as an anti-sway measure but also functions as a backup when a strap breaks. And they tend to be inexpensive and easy to replace. The same goes for the hard plastic straps on ratcheting systems. Though they tend to be more sun-resistant than elastic ones, hard plastic straps can also dry out and crack. When shopping for a bike rack, do your research.
Check out the user reviews or talk to your local shop pro to see what experiences others have had. Pricier racks also tend to offer features that make them easier to use. Generally, hanging racks are less expensive than platform racks. Lower-end racks often offer minimal protection and features.
Higher-end racks usually offer more padding and protection. They also offer more features that make your bikes secure and easy to access. How much you spend depends on your needs as well as your bank account. For that money, you can find a rack that is easy to use and will keep your bike safe.
The best car bike rack varies from person to person. The best option is to decide what your needs are and pick a rack that works best for you. If keeping your bike safe and scratch-free is your main concern, a platform rack is a good choice. The higher you go on price range, the more features you get. High-end racks add security features, levers, and buttons that make them easier to use. They usually also offer ways to let you access your trunk without removing the bikes.
Most racks have safety straps to use as support, so attach these to your SUV to prevent bouncing and scraping. Once your rack is installed, review your specific rack to see how you need to install your bike. Most racks have rubber bike arm straps to secure across the cross and seat posts.
Roof mount racks require crossbars. Set the rack on your crossbars. Open the clamps and turn the knobs on your rack to allow it to slide over the crossbars.
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