Customer Reviews

SportRack - A30604 - Hitch'n'Drive 4 Bike Rack - (For 1.25"/2" Receiver)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The rack is OK, but I have two problems with it:

1. The design of the hitch mount that lets you use 2" or 1.25" receivers makes the rack cumbersome to install.
2. The rack uses a threaded bolt, instead of a hitch pin, to attach to the receive. The bolt is an odd size, so it is impossible to lock the rack to the receiver.

This is my first bike rack. Immediately, I noticed that it wiggles a little in its harness, but I found out they all most likely wiggle a bit. It holds four bikes which is great and it stores really well as it is a single arm typr, rather than the double arm ones that are so popular. It comes with the handy 1 1/4" to 2" conversion thingy, which is great for sure. I've hauled 4, 3, 2, and 1 bike with it, and they all rode well on the back. It swivels down for easy access to the rear of the vehicle. The only hassle is that the bikes are secured by screwing down two bolts, which takes a bit of time. Some quick release mechanism would be far better and handy. Over all, though, for the money this was a good purchase.

I bought this rack 1 1/2 years ago. It was cheap, and it was supposed to fit a 2" receiver. Those are the good points.

After 1 1/2 years of use, and probably about 2,000 miles of mostly highway driving carrying 1 or 2 adult bikes plus 2 kids bikes, I can say that it is NOT a good rack.

- Anything other than a standard mens bike requires some creative mounting which seems precarious at the best of times
- No matter how tight you install it in the receiver, it sways at speed, and is distracting in the rear view mirror.
- the bikes move in the cradle unless they are at a precisely 90 degree angle to the road, requiring you to purchase cross bars for kids, ladies, or suspension bikes
- the 2" adapter is plastic and compresses over time, causing the rack to sag in the hitch
- the screw down plates are not strong and have bent over time - this I think was caused by carrying an uneven number of bikes at times, which led to uneven tightening on of the plates (see pic and you will know what I mean)
- the rack itself is now starting to bend - why I have no idea as I NEVER exceeded the weight limit - and I will have to replace it.

Sportrack is made by thule and typically make good products. I have a roof box from them that had 5000 miles on it carrying skiis etc and is like new. But this rack is garbage, and it almost seems engineered to fail right after the 1 year warranty is up.

Don't cheap out and get yourself a good rack unless this is just for short trips. Next one will be Yakima, Swagman or high end Thule...and one designed specifically for 2" receivers.

I have only used this carrier a few times, but it seems to really secure the bikes well. I have used the Saris Bare bones 3 (Strap on carrier) up until now. Everyone raves about it, but I have had nothing but trouble with the strap on type carrier. I would not have used the strap on carrier to travel too far. I would travel anywhere with this carrier.
Pros:
-Works with 1.25 inch or 2 inch hitch
-Secures the bike very well
-You can purchase a locking knob for security!!!! You do not have to worry as much about your bikes if you make a stop while traveling. SportRack Locking Knob for Hitch and Drive

Cons:
-Some simple assembly required
-Directions for assembly not great but can figure them out.
-Must unscrew the mount that holds the bikes, not as easy as most carriers, but I think it is a very minor inconveinence, because you can add the locking knob for security.

Overall I am happy with this purchase and I am looking forward to stopping on the road when I want and not having to worry about someone walking off with my bicycles.