Query recommendations for platform 2 bike carrier 2" hitch on 2005 Surburban

[AngelontheRoad]

I am evaluating several platform carriers (Yakima Holdup $449, Thule T2 Classic $339, and Kuat Sherpa2 $449 ) for a basic 2 bike carrier. I have a newer 2015 Specialized Carbon Vita Elite frame, and a vintage Raleigh Marathon that will go on summer sojourn with us to the western mtns of NC. My current hitch post carrier has worked okay in past, but loading is APITN to ensure secure and I don't like putting the weight on the crossbar of the carbon frame (although I have never had any problem with 2 12 hr RT trips to FL). I want to have it easier, but would prefer a lighter weight carrier to ease the mounting and unmounting of the carrier on the vehicle. Most look to be around 50 pounds, and I'll be the one mounting and unmounting from Surburban since hubby has bad back. Friends have both Yakima and Kuat - both like. Any opinions from the forum members and why you like/dislike? We will be hauling the bikes some 40-60 hours on interstates this summer.

[rebeccaC]

nothing specific to your questions..but because of customer service like (this). (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=55554)...i just like thule :)

[AngelontheRoad]

Thank you for sharing your early Thule feedback- we have vintage roof racks and carrier rails but I have gotten too old to climb for bike mounting! Glad to know they stand behind their products! I was strongly considering as LL Bean sells their product and I can get a discount through employee association. Will look at them a little harder with this recommendation.

[Crankin]

I am partial to Saris racks.

[AngelontheRoad]

I decided to purchase the KUAT Sherpa 2.0 2" as I prioritized weight as #1critera after sturdy/quality for easy on/off as I will be the one lifting. I looked at Thule, Yakima, & Swagman. Thule and Yakima were just too heavy for me (5'5" adequately mobile late 50's). Even LBS specialist said he had dropped carrying displays as they were too heavy and too $$$ (translate not selling). The Swagman I could not even lift the box with both arms wrapped around it! The new KUAT Sherpa 2.0 model "just in" stock looks to be a little sleeker for folded position and off hitch storage, and they have modified the tilt lever to be foot triggered optional. Time will tell on how this feature performs/gets used. I think they have modified the lock as well to integrate with the platform bar but I have yet to see reality other than promo video. I could only find one in stock in the US it is so new. By August 2016 it should be in stock everywhere- all the same pricing across many web stores - yes expensive, but I am hopeful to be completely satisfied.

[FlyingScot]

Bummer! Too late to the party. I was going to encourage you to look at the 1Up USA. I have it and I love it.

[AngelontheRoad]

It has been over a year since I began using the KUAT Sherpa 2.0 2". I consider it one of the best purchases I have made re: cycling. I can put it on and take it off easily by myself, we put over 5000 miles on it in 6 months with no problems whatsoever. Still looks like new, nothing is loose. I do which they had a reflector on the outmost point as when following my husband, he braked quickly on a "parking lot" highway situation, and the nose of the car I was driving behind him was so low, I did not stop fast enough as it did not seem so close, I smashed the grill emblem on my car. Oh well - no harm to the KUAT or bicycles, but a reflector might have been just enough to visually discern the rack from his bumper and I may have stopped a little harder/shorter.

It assembled easily as I have one of the first one released (before the bike shops) and I had to put together myself. I'm fairly mechanically inclined- so no problem, just needed a little space to spread it out for assembly.