bike racks

[Ashgarth]

OK--so I need a bike rack by this weekend...I am driving up to a park where a bunch of us are meeting up to go biking. So...I was looking around and of course everything is over $100 and needs to be shipped etc...

BUT, in the mean time, has anyone bought a bike rack at like Walmart or Target or anything???

I saw this online...I know it isn't the best, but for a few times use do you think it would work???

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3918


thanks (and please no ranting about walmart--I know, I know)

Megan

[Deanna]

Not familiar with that one, I'd be sure to check the strength of the straps that hold the bike to rack--if you're on bumpy roads, you're going to stress them out. Some bike shops rent car racks and will even install them on the car for you.

[mimitabby]

buy from walmart if you are only going to use it a few times. You'll end up having to buy another one soon and you might end up spending more than you would have if you bought quality gear the first time. No, I won't rant about Walmart, I've just read other people's posts on here about the luck they've had with stuff they bought there.

[Grog]

Just asking...

can't you put the bike IN the car?

I put my bike on the back seat of my parent's Topaz without a problem, only taking the front wheel off and putting something on the seat to protect it from grease stains...

[Ashgarth]

I have a subcompact sports car :(
The trunk hardly holds 2 car tires and the the back doors don't open 'all the way'. Even though it is a 'sedan with 4 doors' I couldn't even get my normal size computer box home because it wouldn't fit in the doors (front and back)....I had to have it shipped. Great car, useless for hauling ANYTHING

I mean I guess I can give it a try, but I have a feeling it won't fit.

[Grog]

I have a subcompact sports car :(
The trunk hardly holds 2 car tires and the the back doors don't open 'all the way'. Even though it is a 'sedan with 4 doors' I couldn't even get my normal size computer box home because it wouldn't fit in the doors (front and back)....I had to have it shipped. Great car, useless for hauling ANYTHING

I mean I guess I can give it a try, but I have a feeling it won't fit.

Can you fold down the seats? That's what we do in our Civic. Fits two bikes (as long as you take the tires out of the trunk!).

We also had a car once in which you could actually take the bottom part of the rear seat off. Increased space a great deal. That's a rare feature though...

[Ashgarth]

sadly the seats don't go down. Again, the most useless car in terms of functionality :) I might as well have a Miata!

[Grog]

sadly the seats don't go down. Again, the most useless car in terms of functionality :) I might as well have a Miata!

Sorry about that!!

Good luck with the rack!

[bike4ever]

What vehicle do you have - make, model & year? Yakima makes a trunk rack called the Little Joe. Price is around $59 - most lbs should stock this basic rack.

The thing with Walmart racks is you will get no assistance from the employees to guarantee the rack will fit appropriately on your vehicle. Thule, Yakima, & Saris have specific fit books to guarantee their racks will work with your car. Their directions will specify the exact length of the straps and placement on the trunk.

[Ashgarth]

oh-that is good to know.
I have a 2003 subaru impreza sedan..where do I find the yakima one? online or at a store or something??

[traveller_62]

If you have a good local bike shop or a decent sporting goods store close by you will have better luck at getting a bike rack that will last you awhile. I like the Yakima suggestion, they make good products. Allen bike racks are also good products and not so expensive. I have a Rhode Gear trunk mounted rack and like it.

If Walmart is your only option you should be able to make the rack work in the short term --- or maybe you can borrow one from a buddy? Or rent one?

Good luck!

-traveller

[bike4ever]

Based on Yakima's fit information, the Little Joe will work on your Subaru Impreza sedan. Go to their website (www.yakima.com) and search for a local dealer. Be sure to read about their "Yakima’s Love It Till You Leave it Lifetime Warranty".

[wannaduacentury]

I got a trunk mounted 2 bike rack from Target and it serves me well. Just make sure your straps are tight and secured everytime you use it and doublecheck when the bike is on it. I put stretchy velcro straps wrapped after I secure the bike on w/ the holders attached to the rack. Works great. Also bought from Nashbar one of those conversion bars. It lets you put a ladies frame bike on the rack b/c the bars slope too far down. No problems there either. There should be a list of cars etc of what the rack will fit. Good Luck

[wannaduacentury]

One more thing, My rack fit my In-laws Toyota Corolla and it has the same type trunk where the lip drops down(is not even across) My Volvo has the same drop lip on the trunk, my other does not so I only use it on my car. Next yr I want a hitch mnt as well but this will work til I get one. Hope this helps.

[CycleChic06]

I bought a trunk mounted bike rack from target too. I actually just took it on a 6 hour road trip a few weeks ago and it did great. I was really nervous at first, I mean, a $1300 bike on a $40 bike rack isn't exactly proportional. But it was fine!

[Ashgarth]

well I was thinking of asking for a nice bike rack for christmas...so I was just looking for something in the 'mean time'

There are so many places to bike around my apartment, tons of trails, lakefront etc....so really I don't need to haul my bike to too many places at the moment....

[Delta7]

I have that rack and it works fine, it seemed to get good reviews on Amazon. I carry the bike on (and sometimes in) a 1991 325i, with square trunk etc. Funny thing is, I was intending to sell the car until I started riding, now the car has a whole new purpose !