Can't find a bike rack to fit my bikes?

Question

I'm looking for one of those bike racks that hook onto the back of a suv with straps. The problem is I find them but the prongs on them never fit inside of my bike frames to hold them on, (they are mtbs). Any idea who would sell them that have the prongs closer together? The ones I am buying must be made for street bikes I think...

(they aren't really small bikes, they just seem to have a stockier, shorter frame than the street bikes.)

pss i don't have a hitch either :( but i'm very happy with the input that i am getting from you all, gee, i want to go riding, darnit.

Answer 1

Vixxie, you have two options. One is getting one of those standard racks and getting a top tube extender, which is a tube that attaches to the stem and seatpost. Here is one from Yakima. I have one and it's been good:

http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=40

Other option is going for Thule and get the T2 , which is pretty nice, it holds to your wheels, not the frame. I haven't used it, but on other forums I've heard great things about it.

http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/product.asp?dept_id=8&sku=916

Good luck!

Answer 2

I don't think those are recommended for a SUV. I bought a Saris several years ago for my Explorer. It had a warning that it should not be places on the glass portion in the rear and also not to attach the straps (hooks) to the glass. I returned it and got myself a Yakima hitch bike-rack. No problems with it for 13 years.

I don't know what kind of SUV you have, if it has a hitch, or a spare tire on the back. There are many different kinds out there. If you have a hitch get the kind that attaches to the wheels. If you have a spare tire on the back, there are several that mounts to the lug-nut or the tire itself. If you have a full suspension frame or "girls" frame, you can buy a bar that attaches between the headset and seat post. That should make it easier to brace the bike. I really don't recommend the roof rack for you, unless you have a "low" car. I drive an Expedition and I still have carry a step stool to load/unload by kayak.

Try websites/catalogs from www.nashbar.com, www.performancebike.com, and even JC Whitney auto supply carries some, www.jcwhitney.com.

good luck

Answer 3

If your bikes are full suspension, even the Saris Bones could be a problem, though it is a very nice trunk rack and I have put two Specialized Epics on one without too much trouble. My boyfriends Tracer won't fit on it, though, and it is a size medium.

Another rack you might look for is the Yakima King Joe racks (2 or 3 bike versions). They are supposed to have narrower arms, but I have never tried one out.

One thing you might consider is a frame adaptor that is made to create a "top tube" for the rack to attach to. The adaptor connects between the seat post and just under the handle bars, and then the adaptor goes over the bars of the bike rack. It makes the bike hang a little low, and you will want to bungee it down so it is not loose, but it will at least fit on your rack. For an example, see the XPORT Frame Adaptor at Performance. If you use one of these, make sure your seat post is very firmly in place!!

Another option, though pricier, is to get a hitch mount rack or roof rack. The roof rack on an SUV might be a bit hard to reach, but a hitch mount with trays makes putting bikes on the car SO easy. And many SUVs come with the hitch already in place, so you just have to buy a rack. An example is the Saris Cycle-On rack. Other companies, including Thule and Yakima make similar ones. My boyfriend has a Cycle-On, so I can vouch that it is well made and very easy to use. I have a roof rack on my car with various Thule and Yakima trays to hold up to 4 bikes. Tray racks, whether roof or hitch mount, will hold any bike not matter what the frame style or wheel size (with the exception of tandems and recumbents, and maybe really small kids bikes)

Answer 4

A Trek 520 is a great touring bike for the money. They aren't particularly popular but among the touring crowd they are. Steel frame seems to be the key with touring bikes. Very strong and you really can't beat the ride of a steel frame (plus a longer wheelbase). Check one out. You'll probably buy one. There are others out there that are just as good (some better) but the Trek 520 is the most popular from what people have told me and they get the job done.

Answer 5

Wow. That's a tough one.
Are they really small bikes?
There is a company here in Colorado called Rack Attack. I think they exist elsewhere too, but they have everything and techs to figure out what you need.
Have you thought about a roof rack? I have a Jeep Cherokee with a roof rack and love it. It can be more expensive, but I just bought new ones from a company called Rocky Mounts that attach directly to the factory rack and were only about $70.
Good luck and I hope this was helpful.

Answer 6

You can find exactly what you need at www.Saris.com. They sell the Bones bike rack which allows the arms to be adjusted not only for the angles on the back of the vehicle but also the distance between the securing arms. Chech their website to see if your vehicle has a BONES rack to fit. Get out and ride!

Answer 7

I think the Saris Bones bike rack are the best. It is pretty versatile with how you can use it. It is adjustable and the same unit can be used either for a car and an SUV as well.

Check it out at www.saris.com

Answer 8

They make a special bar that fits between your stem and seat tube that allows you to fit smaller frames onto rear racks. I have to use one for my Gary Fisher because of its design. You can get them at rack shops, or probably even a good bike shop.

Answer 9

Have you tried going to a bike shop to look for a rack or have you just tried sports stores? If the latter, go to a decent bike shop and they should be able to help you, if not order you what you need.

Answer 10

There are a lot of good parts on Ebay if you know where to look. I have had to find Bike parts or accessories too but Bike shops cost an arm and a leg. I'd say to look around there and see how it goes.