Spare Tire Mount?

[WombatCA]

Hi Everyone,
This is my first time posting to these forums. I am just beginning my search for a road bike (can't afford new so looking for used) and am hoping to get started with cycling.

In looking for the bike I've been watching Craig's List a lot and I came across a bike rack that looked like it might be a good deal. It's a Thule Spare Me bike rack. I drive a Honda CRV and like the idea of a rack that can fold down rather than having to be taken off and on every time I want to use it (some might call me lazy, but I prefer "efficient") :)

Has anyone used this or other bike racks and can you give me a review? I don't know if it's crazy to buy a rack before I buy a bike, but this one is cheap enough I'm considering it... I'd appreciate some advice before I make my first (of probably many) bike related purchase!

ETA: Oh! FWIW, I think I need about a 52 cm bike, in case that makes a difference :)

[radacrider]

My friend recently got a Yakima for her CRV and loves it. Just be careful of the bike position so the tire is not lined up with the exhaust. They are very adjustable for a variety of bikes.

[WindingRoad]

The spare me is a really good rack as long as it fits snug on your CRV spare tire. I know some of the newer CRVs had some issues fitting properly with that rack. I think that rack sells for about $120 new so keep that in mind when deciding how much to pay. Makes sense to me to buy a rack first, gotta move the bike somehow. Best of luck to you in your bike search.;)

[WombatCA]

Thanks for the info! This one is being offered for $50, which is more in my price range than $120 (I think I saw $170 online) so it seems like a good deal to me... assuming it works.

It's good to know that a few people have tried them. I will give the guy a call later today and see if it's still available!

Anyone have any ideas other than Craig's List and used bike shops for places to look for a used road bike? I'm in Southern California, if that helps, and my price range is around $300.

[featuretile]

This is just a question. I have a Subaru Outback and with the back seats down, I can slide my bike right into the back easily. (Hint - it's easier to slide it in back wheel first.) Then the bike is locked in the car and safer (from weather and thieves). Since I rarely have passengers in the back seat, I just leave them down all the time and put them up when necessary. I think the CRV is a similar size. Perhaps you could try and see if a bike would fit in the back and then you might not even need a rack.

[WombatCA]

Well, sadly, I waited too long and the rack was sold. So, for now, the bike will get to ride in the car.

On a happier note, I got an AWESOME bike today!!! :D

I'm super excited! It's a Giant OCR2 and I took my cousin who's a serious road biker with me and got the nod of approval. It was just outside of my budget, but I stretched and made it work cause it was so much nicer than anything else that I'd seen for the price.

I'm thinking I'd like the bike rack because it will be a bit quicker and easier to stick the bike on that than to put it in the back. I also work out of my car, so it's often full of other stuff. Although you make a good point about it being more secure inside the car, featuretile.

Anyway, for the moment I'm just basking in new bike joy. LOL

[radacrider]

Nice, congratulations on your new bike, WombatCA!

You could do a search for used racks in your area. In Portland, we have a local business whose specialty is used racks, especially Yakima. They have very good prices and great customer service (they make sure all hardware is in good working order and help with installation). Maybe there is a similar business in your area.

Enjoy that new bike, what a great way to start the new year.

[marni]

I'm thinking I'd like the bike rack because it will be a bit quicker and easier to stick the bike on that than to put it in the back. I also work out of my car, so it's often full of other stuff. Although you make a good point about it being more secure inside the car.

whereas I am yearning for a car that I can put my bike in instead of having it on a rack. I would be able to take my bike with me on longer trips and feel comfortable with stopping during the drive from A to B. Plus it would eliminated carrying it in the rain, foul weather and the exhaust and danger of being rear ended. Different strokes for different folks.

Good luck with your search.

[WindingRoad]

Congrats on the new bike! Pics please, we love to look at bikes here!