Cautionary Tale

[Catrin]

I'm glad that it's a cheap and easy fix, and that it didn't fail while you were riding

Yep Did I mention that I LOVE my bike rack?

[Desert Tortoise]

I know what you mean about the rack being heavy to put onto the hitch, mine is like that. My bike is small (49cm) and the cargo area is plenty big and clear.

I'm not terribly clumsy but no matter how careful I am about putting the bike in the back, I always manage to do something to the bike. Once the rear brakes moved and ended up rubbing, another time the bike got a little stuck and another time I broke off the computer part on the fork. After that I haven't tried again.

Bummer too because I like the security of it locked up and can make other stops to make use of my drive.

[Catrin]

Thankfully I am able to lock my bike(s) to the rack, so that isn't a problem for me. Have been considering a secondary locking system, but since my rack uses a non-cable locking system what is there is more difficult for someone to tamper with than cutting a cable or two. I got the hitch rack so I wouldn't HAVE to beat my bikes and car up getting it in and out...

[jlnc]

Glad it is not an expensive repair. When I first got my bike, I tried to find a rack for my car, but had trouble. I considered putting a hitch on, but it was going to be costly, so I just kept putting the bike in the back of the car. I am always very carelful, and don't lay it on the drivetrain. I'm sure I look pretty funny loading it, because I try to make sure nothing on the bike gets caught (pedals, shifters, etc). It's a delicate process! But your story is a reminder for me to be extra careful!

[jessmarimba]

Yep, my bike always goes in the trunk/folded down back seat. I don't like how the trunk racks scratch the car (and with my heavier bikes, I can feel them in how the car handles) and I never bought a roof rack because I couldn't commit that much money. Bike goes in drivetrain up, rear wheel toward the front, front wheel off. Never had a problem. Though the bar end shifters on the Fargo always get shifted and smushed, they're pretty much indestructible anyway.

[Catrin]

Yep, my bike always goes in the trunk/folded down back seat. I don't like how the trunk racks scratch the car (and with my heavier bikes, I can feel them in how the car handles)...

Yep, that is why I went for the more expensive hitch rack for my Kia Soul, well worth the investment. Next time my Jamis will just need to get wet and I will deal with it, she DOES need a bath from time to time anyway