You are hereForums / By Discipline / Mountain (off road) / MTB Gear / Bike Carrier
Bike Carrier
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hi guys,
I want your inputs and thoughts about this particular bike carrier, the pro's and con's, if it's really worth buying etc. Haven't seen a feedback online regarding on this carrier, so, i might try it here.
TIA.
- Login to post comments
- Bookmark & share
Tags
I have this rack and have been using it for the past year. They are definitely a well made rack and has been very durable. Make sure you always remember to strap the wheels down!. If you don't, the bike will be rubbing along the freeway as you drive. Nearly gave me a heart attack.
There are three clamps and two of these have locks on them so that you can lock the clamps to the bikes (once locked, the turn knob turns freely and wont loosen). The knobs with keys on them will eventually fail (bad design), resulting in the thing not screwing in or out any more. The other knob (the one without the lock) will continue to work fine. Ive had to take it back to rhino rack twice and on teh second time, I told the to replace the keyed knobs with keyless ones and its been fine ever since.
With two bikes on the rack (one on the inside, on the outside), its very easy and quick to load and unload bikes. Having three bikes on there means you have to be a bit more careful with fork rub and cables etc touching. Maybe carry some velcro and rags to tie onto the forks during transport. With some bikes you dont have this problem, with some you do
.
Other than that, I would highly reccommend the rack and for that price, go for it!
If you have any other questions, let me know
One of my mates has one of those, and I'd echo the comments above. Seems to work well for two bikes, three is more of a hassle for all of the reasons mentioned. A lot of the time we end up taking seatposts out and turning handlebars 90 degrees on steerers to get everything to fit without rubbing. A lot of the tine we still need to resort to rags and gaffer tape to stop rubbing.
Roof racks are so much easier except on SUVs and People Movers, if you're prepared to cop the extra drag and fuel consumption.
Don't forget to pony up for the bike rack plate and light bar - big fines if your number plate is obscured or unlit at night, and bigger fines if you try to do the "right thing" and make your own bike rack plate.
The others. A mate of mine has one and swears by it.
Depending on number of bikes you need to carry and budget, check out www.gripsport.com.au, they are Australian made and very robust. I like the way they hold the bikes, especially if trying to not damage surfaces with mud and grime after a ride, the only touch points are the tyres and the top tube.
The good thing is that theres a space to attach your existing number plate onto it (or just shell out 38 bucks for a bike rack plate from the RMS/RTA). It also has lights, brake lights and indicators built in
Thank you guys for the info.
@comm - that's a relief knowing somebody had an experience dealing this rack.
@hawkeye - any idea on where to get a plate or is it alright to DIY?
@browndog - thanks for suggestion and that rack looks stunning.
Call up RTA (RMS) and order a NSW bicycle number plate. They are $30.
DIY number plates are illegal and attract about $375 fine.
There have been occasions where the boys in blue have had a blitz on around organised events.
Have a look at the Thule 917 rack. I've got one of them and the individual bike racks are adjustable to get the bikes sitting together without touching. You can also get an extension to convert from two bike rack to four. Plus, the rack locks the front wheel into a brace with an arm at over the top of the wheel, then the rear wheel is locked in with a strap. Best and easiest system I've come across.
I bought it before Xmas & very happy with it even tho it takes longer to put on I find it holds the bikes secure , if you have a few extra hundred dollars get the Thule brand ....
Plus one for the Gripsport, unbeatable. Nothing better than having $15,000 worth of bikes on a $120 bike rack bouncing down the motorway.