Mountain Bike racks/mounts???

[NorCalDiscoII]

Any suggestions about mountain bike racks for the DII? I'm particularly interested in those that can go inside, in the back, like the kind that Nissan Xterra has? I can't use hitch-mounted ones because those clamp on the frame and mine's aluminum and "irregularly" shaped (it's a DH/Freeride bike). The front wheel can come off, but the fork also takes 20mm axle dropout. Top-mounted ones are an option, but the truck is so darn tall it would be a pain fiddle with it! Oh yeah, pics of any installs would be great, thanks!!!

 

[Trailpimp]

Bike Racks

I searched high and low for 2 months to find the best rack to carry a DH bike. The best rack out there to carry a DH bike hooks to the trailer hitch.

Try Badger Racks. The rack holds the bike by the BB. They will also custom make the holder to fit the width of larger BB. The rack is simple and the most sturdy construction I am yet to see when carrying 100+ pounds on it.

Feel free to email me if you want a couple of pictures.

 

[Tom in MD]

Graber ?

My bike is also unusually shaped. I use a rear hitch rack with a Graber. It's a short section of pipe that gets clamped into the rack as a normal bike would, but then has U-shaped hangers that support your bike under the stem and wherever else you can at the rear. I use it on the top tube just in front of the seat tube and behind the head tube. I checked out their website and don't see it listed but I still see it in bike stores.

 

[redrover47]

I use the thule big mouth roof mounted rack for my y-frame type bike. The only problem I have is getting the bike up and down without something to stand on. If you try to do it without that you can really hurt your shoulders. Not ideal but I trailer alot while I have the bikes so I can't use a hitch mount.

 

[stecz]

I use a Yakima hitch-mounted rack (the one that swings over to the side). I have an irregularly shaped frame, also, but Yakima makes a bar that attaches to the seat post and stem so the bike can be used on a frame mounted rack.

It works well.

 

[rover4x4]

Which bike do you have? I have the swingaway yakima it works well for me.

 

[fergy]

Bike Nashbar has a "Traps Triple Track Rail" rack ($75) thats designed to fit into a truck bed or SUV. Might work for your application, adjustable too.
I use a rear bike mount that holds 3 bikes. My bike preference is a hardtail (non full suspension), even with the oversize top tube (Bontranger Ti) it works great. No more scuffing up the interior.

Fergy

 

[NorCalDiscoII]

Rover4x4 - I've got Giant AC1 but I might replace it with a DH Comp - either weigh at 35+ lbs - that's why I'm thinking against the top-mounted racks. I also have Giant XTC1 and my wife's Trek 8500 - these have very thin tubing, which is why I don't want to clamp them with the hitch-mounted racks. Also, don't the bikes dangle back and forth on those anyway, especially if you go off-road to get to the trail?

 

[gahill2]

Whatever you do I would not suggest getting racks on top!

I have a Yakima set-up and had bike trays on my roof. I took them off due to the fact that I almost killed myself everytime I loaded and unloaded my bike. I am going to buy a hitch mounted system as soon as I get the time to ride again.

Just my experience...

 

[rover4x4]

i think f those bikes can handle being thrashed offroad they can handle a bike rack. i have the yakima swing away it is extremly stable i have offroaded with my bikes on it, mind you it was nothing serious. i have an s-works and a klein attitude. i have had those ans a kona stinky deelux on it all at once with no problems. i think a swing away rack is crucial due to the lr rear door