I have a 5th gen and I want to use it to transport 2 bicycles. I purchased a thule bike rack that sits on the trunk/rear bumper. It is too frustrating to set up and it scratched my car.


I am interested in using a bike rack that plugs into a tow hitch. They just seem to work the best.
here is an example: http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/me...gory_Code=BRFF


Does anyone have a tow hitch installed on their car? Recommendations?

 

how about a roof rack? I believe that my dad bought one when he had the car and I hope to throw it on when I'm out in Montana mountain biking. I believe it is a Thule as well.

 

I got this rack.

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/me...ory_Code=BR114

With this hitch.

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/me...ategory_Code=H

I remember finding the same rack cheaper later though. Lemme see if I can dig up which store it was.

 

Found it...

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4411

Right now they have a 20% off coupon for orders over $75. See http://www.bikewebsite.com/Otherbikesources.htm#Coupons Beware of the expensive shipping though. It might not be much cheaper after shipping than etrailer.

 

How difficult was that hitch to mount on the car? I want something I can mount up in the summer to haul our bikes around, but pull off when I don't need it. Did you install it yourself? Thanks.

 

It wasn't too hard. I did install it myself. Didn't have to drill any hole or anything. Just take a few bolts off under the car and the rear tow hook.

I'm not sure why you'd want to take it off when you don't need it. You basically can't see it under there.

 

GREAT find. I just purchased a bike for my fiance and I am tired of taking the wheels/seats off and putting the seats down everytime I want to take the bikes out. How heavy is the tow hitch that is installed under the car? I see the shipping weight is 30lbs, but I doubt the product weighs that much? If I buy it and leave it on permanent, I really don't want un-needed weight when running at the track.

 

It probably is about 30lbs. It's not light. It's sprung weight, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. Think of it as 4 gallons of gas.

 

Anyone had any experience with the over-the-trunk style bike racks? I don't really feel like putting a tow hitch on my max

 

You want to scratch up your paint and mess up your trunk?

 

roof racks are where it's at
plus, they're handy for hauling skis, snowboards, surfboards, kayaks, and 2x4's from home depot I've never had them leave marks on the roof, and mine takes about 2 minutes to remove from the car for autocross....

 

Irish,
You park your car like I do
Which brand rack are you using and how much did you pay for it?

 

i hate roof racks.. if not careful you can dent your roof by over tighting it..

i'de opt for the hitch.. you can always use it for other things too.

 

lol i work at Performance Bikes. dont buy the roof racks there... the trailer hitch racks are good tho.

if youre opting for a roof rack, go with Thule or Yakima system. they tend to be the more expensive ($300-$400), but are the better built ones. they also have locks which you can lock the rack to the car and bike to the rack so nothing gets stolen. trailer hitch racks also have the option to lock the rack to car which you can find at a UHAUL location.