Bike Racks

pcsronbo · Nov 2, 2010

Ok, so I finally gave up my old car (98 Lexus GS400) and got a new (to me) one 2007 Lexus RX 400h
 
Problem is this is a miniSUV deal so I'm not so sure my 7yr old, rusted to the core, bike rack is going to fit on it - and even if it did, I don't think I want to keep it anymore. I'd like someone that goes into the hitch.
 
Any suggestions?

LeftRightRepeat · Nov 2, 2010

My wife drives a Mazda CX-9 (pretty much the RX400 without the Lexus upcharge). We have a Thule hitch-mount on it (I think <a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/64376?feat=41145-ppxs&dds=y" target="_blank">the previous model of this</a> without the "anti-sway cradles") that works pretty well. It definitely extends the length of the vehicle so you need to get used to that and we take it off when not in use (slides off in seconds). But it does indeed hold up to four bikes, it has nice stretchy rubber straps that make on/off easy, and it folds down out of the way to open the rear hatch.

em73 · Nov 2, 2010

I'm pretty sure we have the same rack as LRR, although depending on where we're going we often put the bikes inside (but we have an xterra). I got mine on one of those discount deal-a-day sites for half price. It's pretty easy on and off the car, and on and off with the bikes. We do tend to use an extra bungy cord to keep the rack from bouncing, though.

cak73 · Nov 2, 2010

We have the Roadway two-bike hitch carrier from Thule. No complaints. My husband hates that I've put tri-related stickers all over it, though.
 
<a href="http://www.rei.com/product/799933" target="_blank">http://www.rei.com/product/799933</a>

KitKat · Nov 2, 2010

We have a hitch mounted rack that fits our 2001 Explorer and 2010 Pilot. We had been shopping around when hubby saw a 4 bike rack at Costco for $50! No complaints so far. They rotate merchandise seasonally so it may not be there any more but it's worth checking out for that price.

MBannon · Nov 2, 2010

I have a Thule in-hitch mount that holds 2 bikes and has "quick release" folding action. It's awesome! I think they make it in a 4-bike version, too - not sure, since I bought mine on Craigslist. No complaints at all.

therambler · Nov 2, 2010

Ron, I'm in the same boat as you, new to me M.T.U. (mobile triathlon unit) and I need a rack. For your Lexus I've seen a lot of guys with THULE hitch mounted racks. Don't know if you also do any skiing or any other sports that would require car transport but you might take that into consideration too. Sounds like a lot of people on here would be able to help you out with SUV racks.
 
 
 
 
 
Any sports car owners out there?? I'm having a real difficulty finding a rack for the one I'm picking up, a Z4 coupe (and if I can't find a good rack I'll probably have to find another car...). So far all I can find is factory accessory one that's basically the starship enterprise of bike/ski racks, is almost the cost of a new bike and far more assembly is required(including cutting the bumper). <a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/61765/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="e86rack.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14767" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14767/width/991/height/423" style="; width: 991px; height: 423px"></a>
 
 
 
Any other suggestions?
 
 
 
 
Ron, I think you've got a lot of choice, a quick search came up with this one and I know there are a lot more( just be sure it's for the rx400 not the rx300 as there is some design difference that makes them incompatible. <a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/61768/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="orsracksdirect_2131_5094970" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="14769" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/14769/width/375/height/375" style="; width: 375px; height: 375px"></a>
 
Here's the site I found it on: <a href="http://www.orsracksdirect.com/lexus-rx400h-bike-rack-thule-914-roadway-hitch-bicycle-carrier.html" target="_blank">http://www.orsracksdirect.com/lexus-rx400h-bike-rack-thule-914-roadway-hitch-bicycle-carrier.html</a>
 
 
Derrick

Swimmerbee · Nov 3, 2010

somehow I scare the dealers into the truth. When I was down to lexus vs. mercury vs. subaru the lex and merc dealers told me if I wanted to put a kayak on the roof to buy the subaru. That was 5 years ago, today cars are made with very specilized panels so that they can only bear weight in certain points that may or may not match a rack or ideal rack for what you want to carry (kayak, board etc being big issues). Even "sporty" cars like the Mazada 3 can't carry a kayak properly or many bike racks... Sure you can pull the headliner and reinforce the roof and somethimes the trunk or wherever you want your rack but then sometimes new profiles caused by racks mess with aerodynamics and intakes.I've been helping or tryign to help too many new car owners lately! Also take a look at the key if there's no "valet" key option (an unchipped key that only opens the door) you will not be happy when you have to leave your key on the beach and hope or wreck a $400-$800 key with water. I guess the cars got too specialized so study carefully and go over specs in great detail before you buy a car you want to use racks on! The subaru still has a nice weight bearing roof and the hitch mount option (be aware the parts for the hitch/mount can be very expensive before you add the rack). 
<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by therambler <a href="/forum/thread/70937/bike-racks#post_1959295"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;"></a> 
 
 
Any sports car owners out there?? I'm having a real difficulty finding a rack for the one I'm picking up, a Z4 coupe (and if I can't find a good rack I'll probably have to find another car...). 
 
 
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4boysmom · Nov 3, 2010

swimmerbee--I was able to get a "dummy key" that only unlocks the van door. I leave the key with fob locked in the van while I swim with the dummy key pinned to my shorts.
 
No idea on bike racks. For vacation this year, we opted to leave sons 2&3 at home so son1 and I could take our bikes. Worked for us!

pcsronbo · Nov 4, 2010

the Lexus 2007 400h I got had the towing capability already, so I made them put on a hitch. I get it tommorow actually. I figured with that, I can get a big rack (cuz I like big racks! <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/love7.gif" style="width:32px;height:45px;" title="">) for the entire family.
 
I am leaning towards the Yakima Swingdaddy 4 bike system. I like swinging the whole deal to get it out of the way, even with bikes on it.

therambler · Nov 4, 2010

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Swimmerbee <a href="/forum/thread/70937/bike-racks#post_1959572"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a> 
somehow I scare the dealers into the truth. When I was down to lexus vs. mercury vs. subaru the lex and merc dealers told me if I wanted to put a kayak on the roof to buy the subaru. That was 5 years ago, today cars are made with very specilized panels so that they can only bear weight in certain points that may or may not match a rack or ideal rack for what you want to carry (kayak, board etc being big issues). Even "sporty" cars like the Mazada 3 can't carry a kayak properly or many bike racks... Sure you can pull the headliner and reinforce the roof and somethimes the trunk or wherever you want your rack but then sometimes new profiles caused by racks mess with aerodynamics and intakes.I've been helping or tryign to help too many new car owners lately! Also take a look at the key if there's no "valet" key option (an unchipped key that only opens the door) you will not be happy when you have to leave your key on the beach and hope or wreck a $400-$800 key with water. I guess the cars got too specialized so study carefully and go over specs in great detail before you buy a car you want to use racks on! The subaru still has a nice weight bearing roof and the hitch mount option (be aware the parts for the hitch/mount can be very expensive before you add the rack). 
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Good point. I'm definitely not up for welding in( TIGing aluminum) supports, or for that matter re-doing a headliner( I've done enough to know stay away!). I never thought about the key thing before, I've always had to find a good hiding place for the key with all of my cars( except the model T). We'll see, since I posted that, I've found a few guys crazy enough to put hitch mounted racks on their roadsters rated at about 200lbs max, maybe I can rig something up on a coupe. Interesting that the 3 isn't rated for heavy roof loads, that was one I looked at. I don't know, its hard because I've got my heart set on the 3.0si coupe with the exception of available roof racks it checks all the right boxes for my needs/wants. We'll see if practicality wins out in the end or if I just can't resist the siren song of great handling AND great gas mileage...<img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/rolleyes.gif" title="">

neil donnelly · Nov 5, 2010

<a href="http://www.maxxraxx.co.uk" target="_blank">http://www.maxxraxx.co.uk</a>
 
I use this one - brilliant - gets 4 bikes on easily and I can store the bikes on it in the garage as well
 
Not sure if its available in the US -

pcsronbo · Nov 17, 2010

Ended up with the Swing daddy. Coolest damn rack EVER
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=kickrunners-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FYakima-SwingDaddy-4-Bike-2-Inch-Receiver%2Fdp%2FB0012SABAI" rel="norewrite" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-SwingDaddy-4-Bike-2-Inch-Receiver/dp/B0012SABAI</a>

jroden · Nov 21, 2010

i think if i had it to do over i'd have gotten one of those, i like mine fine but it sticks out and kind of gets in the way. I throw the roof rack on from time to time, but it whistles. I usually throw the bikes in the back (i have a mini van) but during this muddy time of year occasionally put them on the rack. My car is beyond filthy in the back and I don't care, i pile it full of stakes and promoter crap so i don't worry abot a clean car i guess.

Bike Racks

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