it has been so hot here in dallas that I haven't tried to load my bike in. But i am thinking in terms of going to a rally with a friend or two and a rack would be nice in the long run. Also, my bike has a rather large basket on the front (commuter) not easily removed. And I am not, alas, handy or mechanically minded so taking the back wheel off is not something I want to do.

So, I thought --the car is new (to me, anyways) i'll get a hitch and make life easier.

Lifting is an issue for me, too...not so strong. . . thus i didn't want a roof rack. keep the ideas coming in! thanks. k