Bike rack suggestions requested..

[willald]

We've always carried our bikes inside a vehicle. When we had a truck and TT, bikes all fit in back of our tow vehicle (Ford Excursion). Now, with the MH, bikes fit in the back of our towed vehicle (minivan).

However, things are changing, and our 'towed' vehicle will now be a sedan most of the time (Ford Fusion), not the minivan. Bikes won't fit inside the Fusion like they did in the van, so looking at options for a bike rack of some kind.

Was going to use dual receiver and bike rack on back of MH. That is, until I realized that would mean we couldn't take the bikes with us in/on the 'toad'. Really want to be able to do that, so now looking at installing a hitch receiver on the back of Ford Fusion, and using a bike rack on it. Already located a Class II 1.25" hitch receiver for the Fusion, going to order that soon and install it.

Any suggestions, recommendations, hints, etc. on what bike rack I should buy for this? It needs to fit in a 1.25" hitch receiver, and carry 4 bikes of various sizes - Two adult (mountain) bikes, and 2 smaller children's bikes (that will eventually 'grow' into adult bikes as kids get bigger).

Any and all suggestions welcome, but would prefer something I can purchase in a store (not online), as want to be able to take it home and test it out briefly, and be able to return it easily if it doesn't fit or doesn't work for whatever reason.

[RinconVTR]

Thule, Yakima, and especially Swagman are my favs. And platform versions because they seem more stable and accommodate more bike frame styles.

But 4 bike in 1-1/4 hitch is not an option. Far too much load, and using an adapter (which extends the length) will only multiply the weight and make matters worse!

[Playtime_II]

Reese's Sportwing 4 Bike Rack. Hold the bikes by the wheel rim. No adapter needed for the girls bikes (if applicable). Wheel "hooks" slide up/down "V" bar to accomodate multiple size bikes at the same time.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Reese-Carry-Power-SportWing-Hitch-Mount-Bike-Carrier-4-Bikes/17043484


Sold at Walmart, Sears, Home Depot and others. Reasonable price $150.

However the 4-bike requires 2". Their 2-bike is 1 1/4 (with adapter to 2").

[goducks10]

I'd stick them on top of the Fusion. Lots of car top racks out there. Thule, Yakima area couple.

[Tystevens]

I'm not aware of any 1.25 receiver bike racks that will hold 4 bikes (although that doesn't mean they exist).

I would recommend the tray type bike racks if you can find one that fits. More secure, works with various types of frames and wheel sized -- mine fits my downhill bike with a crazy frame to my road bike to my kids' 20" wheel bikes.

There is always the trunk-mounted racks if you cannot find a receiver that will work. Or a roof rack - you should be able to fit 4 bikes on top of the car if you get the right setup.

As a mountain biker and road cyclist, I know it can be tough to find a solution. Good luck!

[MX-RV]

Search online for your local bike shop and pay them a visit. Alternatively look up yakama and Thule bike racks and they will have a link to local stores carrying their products. There's usually 1.25-2" adapters that would allow you to buy a rack to fit both hitches. They aren't cheep but are a quality product that will keep those who are close to honest out of your bikes. As ofcourse locks and such only serve to deter and slow theives.