Okay, so I wanted a Thule or Yakima carrier, but as I'm only a casual biker and a college student, I really couldn't justify the expense. After a lot of research on different carriers, I opted to get this one. I use this carrier to take 3 (and sometimes 4) bikes from Maryland up to Connecticut and back. The rack is surprisingly sturdy and doesn't budge. I also bought a 10ft cable to wrap my bikes and help prevent sway or theft.
After reading some other reviewers' comments, I fully understand what some of those cons are with this rack. I have a 2-inch receiver with 5/8" holes for my pins. This rack has 3/8" holes. If you use your own locking pins (as I do to prevent theft of the rack), you're required to use a 3/8" pin in a 5/8" hole which means that whatever's attached to that hitch is going to rock because of that gap. The pin that comes with this hitch does not have a locking mechanism. Instead it's a 3/8" screw/pin with an upper part that's 5/8". When you attach the pin and tighten it to your 2-inch receiver using a wrench, you're pressing that 5/8" segment firmly against that 3/8" hole in the rack preventing it from moving a millimeter. The downside is that as it does not have a locking mechanism, it's entirely possible that any individual with a couple wrenches can come along and steal your entire bike rack. In addition, connecting and disconnecting your rack with a couple of wrenches is inconvenient in the extreme.
So my solution was to use a 3/8" locking pin. Without any modification, the rack will shake and be completely unstable. However, I purchased a 5/8" washer (a pack of 3 cost me 68 cents at Home Depot) and inserted in the tiny gap between my receiver and the insertion rod of the carrier (not along the sides, but at the top where there was more space). I used a small hammer to gently lodge it in there, just allowing a tiny sliver of the washer hole to be visible. I immediately tested it out and the rock was minimal, and certainly dramatically less pronounced. I placed three bikes on my carrier and drove a couple hours into West Virginia at a variety of speeds and could not see a single shake or tremor. This carrier was rock solid. Then to remove the carrier and the washer, I just used a regular key or handy flat head screw driver and inserted the business end into that tiny sliver of space visible on the washer and gently tugged. It came out without any fuss. It can be the slightest bit inconvenient if I'm nitpicking, but for the price, I'm more than happy with my decision and what little effort at modification is required of me.
If you have the tools, you could drill a 5/8" hole through the 3/8" hole on the rack, and then just use a 5/8" locking pin. But if you don't know how to do that, or can't be bothered, my above suggestion is a really quick and cheap fix.
Regarding the horizontal support beams of the bike, they seem to be perfectly strong enough to handle the task. I've only carried adult hybrid bikes (17-19"), but I've had no problem doing so. I am very happy with my purchase, and even though I really love the look and functionality of a Thule, I just can't afford that right now. Thule's are much better designed with swing arms that allow you to easily shift your bikes down, or out and around to the side of the vehicle allowing you access to the rear gate of your vehicle. But if you don't want to spend that kind of money, this is a solid no frills rack that gives great performance and feels surprisingly durable, given its low price tag. I would strongly recommend this to a casual or occasional cycler. For a road warrior, or someone who needs more convenience and bells and whistles, don't be cheap. Remember that you get what you pay for! Cheers!
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Brand | Allen |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 26.38 x 12.2 x 13.98 inches |
| Mounting Type | Hitch |
| Manufacturer | Allen Sports |
| Model | 542RR-R |
| Item Weight | 12.5 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 26.38 x 12.2 x 13.98 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | 542RR-R |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 542RR |
| OEM Part Number | 542RR-R |
| Special Features | Foldable |
