[thenew3]

Looks like my X7 will be built next week.

I've never had a vehicle with a hitch, so looking for some recommendations on a hitch mount bike rack (for 3 bikes) that works well with the X7.

Please share any photos or experiences you have. Thanks!

[JFU]

What kind of bikes? My favorite is Kuat with the 2 bike add on. It should work with almost all bikes, and is super sturdy. https://www.kuatracks.com/product/nv-addon/

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by JFU

What kind of bikes? My favorite is Kuat with the 2 bike add on. It should work with almost all bikes, and is super sturdy. https://www.kuatracks.com/product/nv-addon/

Regular mountain bikes. Nothing fancy. Just need a way to haul the bikes to/from the trails.

[JFU]

Originally Posted by thenew3

Regular mountain bikes. Nothing fancy. Just need a way to haul the bikes to/from the trails.

Kuat NV2 will be rock solid if you don't mind the price

[kj71109]

Thule T2 Pro XT 2 gets my vote. Carries all my families bikes. From comfort cruisers with the whole fam, to our mountain bikes with my oldest. I can carry 4 on the hitch. With the 20% off deals throughout the year, it would set you back $850. I have a photo in the random picture thread of it, if you want to see it on the X7. It is a very similar rack to the Kuat listed.

[Redrex]

My $0.02. Most of the racks in the same price point will have similar designs and functionality so you can't go wrong with either Thule or Kuat. After shopping around I did become partial to Kuat racks as I found them more aesthetically pleasing. I have the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 which is a 2 bike rack without add-on options. I chose that rack because it's lighter for mounting/dismounting and my kids are older and can drive their own car if the whole family is biking. If I needed a rack for more than 2 bikes, I would go with JFU's Kuat NV2. Definitely take kj71109's advice and buy the rack at 20% off, which REI and other stores offer throughout the year.

[thenew3]

Thanks for the input guys. My kids are still young (5 and 12) so they can't quite drive themselves yet.

I didn't realize that hitch mount racks are so much more expensive than the trunk mount types I'm used to (which typically run $200 to $300 for a 4 bike rack).

Will have to look into those recommendations and definitely look for the 20% sale.

[Redrex]

Originally Posted by thenew3

Thanks for the input guys. My kids are still young (5 and 12) so they can't quite drive themselves yet.

I remember when my kids were that age, then all of a sudden they're asking for car keys.

Originally Posted by thenew3

I didn't realize that hitch mount racks are so much more expensive than the trunk mount types I'm used to (which typically run $200 to $300 for a 4 bike rack).

It's not so much a hitch mount versus trunk mount issue. Rather it's a hitch-mount platform rack which the bikes sit on, versus a hitch mount hanging rack which has 2 prongs that your bikes' top-tube hangs on. Full suspension mountain bikes do not have the space under the top tube for the rack's prongs to go through so we're limited to more expensive platform racks. For regular mountain bikes you can find a hitch-mount hanging rack that can carry 4 bikes and costs around $200-300.

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by Redrex

I remember when my kids were that age, then all of a sudden they're asking for car keys.

Ahh yeah, my oldest is less than 3 years away from getting his license. He is already looking at getting an X2 (been looking at reviews and the online configurator). His grandparents says if he maintains a straight A in school, then they will get him an X2.

Originally Posted by Redrex

It's not so much a hitch mount versus trunk mount issue. Rather it's a hitch-mount platform rack which the bikes sit on, versus a hitch mount hanging rack which has 2 prongs that your bikes' top-tube hangs on. Full suspension mountain bikes do not have the space under the top tube for the rack's prongs to go through so we're limited to more expensive platform racks. For regular mountain bikes you can find a hitch-mount hanging rack that can carry 4 bikes and costs around $200-300.

Ok that makes sense. We don't have fancy bikes with fancy suspensions, so the hanging rack should work fine.

[Tex_X7]

This one can be had from Amazon for pretty cheap and works really well. I'll find a link.

[Tex_X7]

Trimax Road-MAX Hitch Mount Tray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010SX2UNI..._PmxWEbWX25Z0B

Or this company has a clone


BUZZ RACK Express 2-Bike Platform Hitch Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U8CJJW0..._5pxWEbS1HM4ZS

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by Tex_X7

Trimax Road-MAX Hitch Mount Tray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010SX2UNI..._PmxWEbWX25Z0B

Or this company has a clone


BUZZ RACK Express 2-Bike Platform Hitch Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U8CJJW0..._5pxWEbS1HM4ZS

Thanks, that looks perfect for my needs.

[Bogey4me]

Kuat. They look good when there is no bike and they don't flex or bend.

[MMM5]

If you’re looking for a quality setup google 1up. Best out there.

[Maxmir]

It is light (32lb), well built, looks great, and while folded, does not interfere with the top boot gate when opening or closing it - Almost a perfect 2-bike rack. If you need to transport more than 2 bikes, I also would recommend to check out 1UP.

[stockguru]

Any feedback on visibility and rear camera use when the bike rack is folded up and not in use. Also parking assist issues?