Saris Thelma 2 Bike Universal Hitch Rack - 4202 Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the Thelma 2 bike carrier last week (but not from Amazon) and took two bikes 650 miles and back over the weekend.
Pros: Very light and easy to use. Easy to assemble. Unlike carriers that strap the top tube, the wheels will not rotate into the vehicle or each other. Loading or unloading bikes is quick and easy.
Cons: The threaded hitch pin is good for keeping the carrier tight in the receiver with no motion, but a hassle to take off/put on, and does not lock. Saris sells a locking, threaded hitch pin separately. You could probably use a standard locking hitch pin, but that would allow the carrier to move a little in the receiver. Would be nice if the carrier had a hole or loop somewhere that a cable lock could attach to in order to secure the carrier to the receiver.
Now the dealbreaker. I assume that on a taller van or SUV, the vehicle would shield the bikes from the wind. But on a car, the bikes are exposed. I was very uncomfortable with the resulting motion of the bikes at highway speeds. I checked the straps and carrier several times and everything seemed to be fine, and I kept telling myself that this is what the carrier is designed for and it's probably normal. But after we got home, took the bikes off, and folded the front wheel holders down to stow them, I noticed that they had been bent backwards some, perhaps an inch at the ends, and no longer lined up with the rear wheel holders. I am taking this back to the bike shop where I got it and upgrading to the Saris Cycle On.
This carrier is probably great for around town use, or behind a van or SUV, but I would not recommend it for long trips on a car.


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She's as simple to use as she is stylish. As easy to install as she is to load. So your only workout is the ride, not racking your bike. Her name is Thelma and she's the newest addition to the Saris family of racking systems. Weighing in at just 26 pounds, Thelma is our lightest, most easy to use hitch-mounted rack ever. Bikes can be loaded and ready to go in less than two minutes and the entire rack can be installed or removed by just one person. But odds are pretty good that once you put her on your vehicle, you won't want to take her off. Unique wheel trays accommodate road slicks right up to Down Hill knobbies. Ratchet straps secure tires. Never contacts the bike frame, just the wheels. Fits bikes with 650c, 700c, and 26" tires. Carries bikes up to 35�pounds each. Rack folds up when not in use. Weighs 26 pounds, making it easy to install or remove from hitch. Universal Hitch fits 1-1/4" and 2" hitches.

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SportRack A30902 4EZ Hitch Platform 4 Bike Rack Review

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(More customer reviews)Pros: this rack carries 4 bikes without any of them touching, and they are supported exactly the way they are designed to be supported. The carrier appears indestructible. If you have a lift back, the hatch can be opened when the carrier is mounted (but not when the bikes are on the rack). Any size or shape bike can be carried. When driving, the bikes are secure and silent.
Cons: weight -- the disadvantage to indestructibility is that a lot of steel was used to build the rack, and that makes it heavy (about 60 lbs without bikes). This weight only comes into play when putting the carrier on your car, or taking it off. loading -- If you have a lift-back, you need to get into it before the bikes are loaded. The upright bars can be tilted away from the back of the car far enough to open the back. length -- you have to remember that this carrier is sticking out a few feet behind your car. Storage -- even folded up it takes a lot of room in your garage.
We need to carry several bikes at a time: road, hybrid and "step-through" (ladies) -- and sometimes a mountain bike.
The wheels fit in lower channels, which may be adjusted for wheel length and to avoid interfering with the next bike's pedals. Then the "hold down" hook keeps the bike firmly in the channels, and the hooks are well padded. You can leave your frame pump on the bike if you want (although a rough road may vibrate it off if it's not secured). Finally, Velcro straps across the tires ... well, I'm not sure what these are for, but we use them. Once on, the bikes don't sway or bounce relative to the car, and any shocks are delivered through the tires -- where the bikes are meant to receive shocks.
A 2 inch receiver will allow for 350lbs -- or more -- of tongue weight. A 60 lb rack and 4 40 lb bikes will only be 220 lbs, well within the limits of the receiver. If you've got the hitch, you can handle the weight.
The assembly is not straightforward: it took me about an hour, and I had leftover pieces. After it was assembled I realized that I mounted the "hold-down" bars in reverse (the long one has to be in before the short one). Assembly is a one-time event, and, while difficult, should not dissuade you from getting the rack.
Tilting the upright bars, or shrinking the carrier from four to two bikes is done by moving cotter pins. The receiver has a screw-in bolt to keep it mounted to the car. Adjusting the wheel wells or hold-down hooks is done using handles that screw in or out.
Once the rack is adjusted for your bike, getting the bikes on and off is quick and simple.
For us, this is exactly the rack we need to carry 3 or four bikes at a time for any distance.

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4ez HITCH PLATFORM SYSTEM

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Softride 25863 Access Dura 2" Bike Rack Review

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(More customer reviews)I did lots of research on what stand to buy. I was looking for a 4 bike rack that would allow me to have access to the back of our SUV. Then my neighbor bought the Thule Revolver. That was my other choice if I wasn't going to get this rack. So I was able to actually lift and use the Revolver. I bought this rack (the Softride). And both my neighbor and I agreed that the softride is better. He actually wished that he had NOT bought the Revolver. This rack is way less expensive and works more easily than the revolver. The Revolver is great, but it's really heavy to put on the car and requires 3 steps to swing the bikes away. The SoftRide moves down out of the way with just one pin pull. And it's the only rack that folds down (rather than swings away) that allows you to move it down WITH THE BIKES ON THE RACK. The Thule racks (like the Ridgeline) are not intended for you to swing the rack down while the bikes are mounted. Also, when you are not using the rack, you can remove the arms very easily. This is preferable to just folding them down (like most other racks do) because then the mounting accessories are not hanging on the back of your car where they could be stolen off the rack. So ... I highly recommend this rack. It's a sleek and functional design that does not put un-needed bulk on the back of your vehicle. Go ahead and buy it. You'll be happy.

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Softride Access Dura 2" Bike Rack is designed with anti-sway technology to ensure good bike security while driving. It features a parallelogram design which offers brilliant compatibility and allows for easy access to the rear of the vehicle. This bike rack is equipped with an anti-rattle hitch bolt as well as locks and ensures easy installation.

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Inno Stream Cargo Box Review

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(More customer reviews)We bought this carrier for an Audi A4. The other sleek looking carriers were way too long. We used this on a road trip up and down the east coast. It held up very well and came home in perfect condition. Don't plan to pack large suitcases in it as the depth is shallow. It was perfect for smaller bags, duffles, boots, etc.

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The Inno Stream cargo box offers you a sleek design that allows cargo boxes to sit next to other rack systems on the same roof. The aerodynamic shape provides a quieter ride and offers a good fit for wagons and SUVs due to no interruption of the rear hatch opening. The rugged ABS construction offers a 9 cu-ft capacity and a key lock.

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Yakima Skybox Lopro 16 Roof Top Box Review

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(More customer reviews)I just purchased one of these over the weekend and completely fell in love with it on the first trip to Lake Tahoe. I originally wanted to go with the Skybox 16. My friend had one installed on his Audi A3. When I purchased my BMWX3 I knew I would have garage clearance issues if I went with a cargo box. I was tired of putting wet and dirty snowboard equipment in my trunk space and knew I had to get a cargo box to enjoy my weekends away. Low and behold, Yakima releases this extra low wonder. I snagged the last one at my local rack store. I did hesitate with the price at first. However, being able to park in your garage with the roof car box is priceless. This box is the widest box Yakima offers, so don't expect to install anything else on top unless you have some really long cross bars. Also this box is really quiet on the wind noise. I have experienced many different setups for roof top cargos, and by far this is one of the quietest without the need of any modifications (fairings/strings/bungie/etc).

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Yakima Skybox Lopro 16 Roof Top Box - The Yakima Rooftop Skybox Lopro 16 is a sleek but roomy overhead storage device. The lip is easy to grab onto in for quick retrieval of items. The super latch ensures a secure closure even when the roads get bumpy and rough. Installation fits square on most overhead bears. The Skybox Lopro is also lightweight for better convince and allows locking keeping unwanted people out of your possessions. This Yakima roof top box is created with a low-profile aerodynamic shape that allows for the reduction of wind and drag noise while driving. For a little help seeing your belongings better, there is a solar-powered skylight LED that lights up as soon as you open the box. Best of all, this light will never need batteries! Features: Includes integrated track system for accessories, Solar LED light with an automatic tilt on/off switch, Includes a cargo mat and cargo net, SKS Locks Included, History: Changed the lid supports in February 2010., Weight: 52 lbs., Dimensions: 92inchx36inchx11.5inch, Capacity: 16 cu feet. Varies by application. Fits crossbar spreads of 24inch - 42inch. See Fit List for specific vehicle information. Product ID: 188159, Roof Top BoxesShipping Note 1: Commercial Addresses = $99. Residential Addresses = $149., Roof Top BoxesShipping Note 3: Roof Top Boxes are only available for shipment by freight to the lower 48 United States. We can not ship Roof Top Boxes to APO, FPO, PO BOX, Hawaii, and Alaska., Product Note: Coupons or other discounts cannot be applied to this item. This item may not qualify for Price Matching.

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Thule 884 Roll Model Kayak Roof Rack Mount Carrier Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently got a pair of the Thule 884 Roll Model Kayak Carriers. These things make loading and unloading our two 19-foort tandem kayaks much easier. It use to be a struggle for 2-3 people to load/unload our boats. now i can do it single-handedly if needed. I did have an issue with some missing parts on one of the units but acouple of email with Thule got that resolved and I quickly got replacement parts. these raks are a bit expensive but overall they may taking the boats much easier.

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All the benefits of our proven Glide andSet\' saddles, plus the easy-loadingroller from Roller Coaster\'. Twogreat things that go great together!

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Hollywood Racks HR400 Road Runner 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this rack at least 10 years ago, possibly 11 or 12. It has actually lasted longer than the Explorer I bought it for. I have it on a new Silverado now and it works like a champ. The release was originally appealing because the Explorer had the hatch style door and it allowed me to get into the cargo area without taking the bikes off. Now with the truck, I can still let down the bed gate and not have to take the bikes off the rack.
I have carried everything from mountain bikes to kids bikes to my big fat beach cruiser and it has had no problems with bowing or swaying. It's made out of some type of heavy duty iron with very solid welding. It's not lightweight, but it's not a workout either.
Now the best part: I recently realized that I stripped one of the turn knobs that allows the bars to go up and down. I called customer service and they allowed me to drive over to their facility and pick up a replacement. How cool was that? A lot of these manufacturers will not sell directly to the public, and they did with no problem. What's even better is; as I was standing out front putting on the part, the owner happened to come out to see if I needed help. He even gave me my money back stating stating that since I drove all the way over there and it was a little part, he wouldn't charge. I couldn't believe it! I tried to refuse, but he kept giving me back the payment! I was shocked!

The replacement part works great and I am a loyal customer for life. That type of service is unheard of these days. I was happy enough to just be able to get the part immediately. I know this rack will last another ten years, and hopefully I will be able to get other items from this company.

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Comes with rubber cradles and tie-downs, plus wheel attachment bar. "No wobble" wedge eliminates slack. Includes 9' locking cable. Tilts for easy cargo access.

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Yakima SkyBox 16s Rooftop Cargo Box Review

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(More customer reviews)Big, strong, easy to install. I have the Skybox 16 on a Subaru Outback and it takes up 3/4 of the width of the factory racks but it doesn`t look or feel too big. If you need space for bikes or kayaks get the narrow Rocketbox. Buying note: REI has it for the same price plus you get 20% off if you buy before April 30th using their 20%off One Item Dividend coupon which all members get. Shipping is free to your local REI store if it is not in stock. Plus Yakima has a $40 rebate going right now so bottom line price is around $300!

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Family camping trips can be a little cramped, as even the smallest tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks take up a ton of space in the car--and that doesn't account for the coolers, camping chairs, canopies, and family dog. Enter the Yakima SkyBox 16 rooftop cargo box, which stores a bunch of your gear in a single, out-of-the-way location. Designed to fit crossbar spreads as short as 24 inches, the SkyBox 16 includes quick-installation mounting hardware that accommodates round, square, and most factory crossbars. More importantly, the SkyBox 16 offers 16 cubic feet of storage space despite its short profile, so you don't have to cram everything in the trunk or back seat.Thanks to the drag-minimizing aerodynamic shape, the cargo box won't dramatically boost your gas consumption on long road trips. Other details include an extra-stiff lid that vibrates less than other cargo boxes and is easier to open and shut with one hand; an integrated track system for such accessories as a cargo net or base pad; a new lid shape that's easier to grip; an improved security latch that keeps your stuff safe; and a matte anti-scratch finish. Also equipped with SKS locks, the SkyBox 16 measures 81 by 36 by 15 inches (L x W x H).

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Thule 897XT Hullavator Kayak Roof Rack Mount Carrier Review

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(More customer reviews)I've seen many video clips on the net introducing this product (search youTube) so I will skip the functions of it. Lifting my 17' kayak onto my CR-V roof is not something enjoyable, so I bite the bullet. I had to abandoned my factory cross bar and installed the Thule Aero Rapid bars (Thule square and Yakima round will also work but the Aero bar looks much nicer) to accommodate that. This is needed for the load bar to extend 4 to 8 inch beyond the foot, my factory bar will not do that. So after sinking in about $700 I got this going. The installation was not difficult; they even included a DVD with installation instructions. It seems the Hullavator is designed with the square bar in mind. The adaptation to the Aero bars looks like an afterthought. They gave you 4 thin plastic clear films per arm to protect the contact points. A square bar would fit nicely under the mounting bar. But for the Aero bar there were just 4 contact points; I don't even want to tighten the screws too much because of that.
I know before hands that the added height to my CR-V will not clear my garage door; so keep that in mind. The shorter cradle can barely makes it; the bottom taller cradle just simply won't. Now Thule has the Hull-a-port PRO which has a cradle/carrier that will fold, you would think they could have that feature on this $440 product, right? That will sure let me drive my CR-V into my garage without taking it off. The DVD suggest that you take the whole arm assembly off when entering a low clearance garage and states that it is easy.. Ah, it was not that easy, the arms are heavy and putting and removing the pivot pins through the holes can be tricky. I think I will just take the cradles off for now.
Another thing is the Aero bars are nice looking but this Hullavator is not; two big gray boxes without much aero dynamics are sitting on my car roof.. They did pack a lot of mechanisms in there so I guess there is not much room for improvements in that regard. Oh, also be careful not to hit your head, it sticks out just enough to get you. on the other hand it was a good thing that it leave more space on the rack for other things. I moved the front cross bar to in between the front and back doors to avoid it. I can see some other car may not have that choice.
Enough whining I guess the benefits are exceeding the shortcommings so it is a keeper for now.


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Kayak Carrier Accessory with lift assist - reduces lift height by up to 40" for carrying kayaks on roofracks

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