The Thule 970 Helium 2 bike rack is feature packed as well, offering a No-Tool installation platform and Thule's patented T3 cradles that hold your bicycle in place during transport. The Thule rack also features narrow cradle arms that will allow you to load a much wider range of bicycles than some racks on the market today. Mountain bike frames and road bike frames often have wildly different geometry and these arms will alleviate that issue. The Thule rack also features a Patented No-Sway Cage™ that will prevent bike-to-bike contact and keep your investment in tip top shape.

The 970 bike rack arms fold down when not in use and the carrier can tip away from vehicle for easy trunk, hatch or tailgate access. The 970 also features an integrated locking cable that stores conveniently in hitch rack and Snug-Tite™ Receiver Lock (#STL2) are included with this rack as well. A very nice added feature that will save you from having to buy your own locks. A hitch adapter is also included that will accommodate 1¼" or 2" receivers using the same hitch.

Models: 970 – 2 bike; fits both 1¼" or 2" receivers 971 – 3 bike; fits both 1¼" or 2" receivers

Thule 970 Helium Bike Rack Online

The Thule 964 bike rack is capable of carrying four bikes when fully loaded and the Thule T3™ Cradles hold your valuable bicycles firmly in place and provide excellent frame protection and stability. The Thule Patented No-Sway Cage™ will not allow bike to bike contact, which is a great feature if your bikes are your passion and lean to the expensive side. The Thule 964 also features an integrated locking cable that stores conveniently in hitch rack so security will not be an issue.

The Thule 964 is designed for 2" receivers only and you will be pleased to know that the arms fold down and tuck away nicely when not in use. Outside of the outstanding quality that we expect from Thule, the design of this bike allows you to swing the bikes out to the side so you can open your rear cargo hatch. This makes vacations or weekend trips much easier if you often find yourself with your bikes loaded on the back. This may not sound like a big deal, but for someone who has struggled with this, it is an excellent feature.

Superb quality and workmanship throughout, the Thule 964 Revolver is a bike rack that we would recommend to anyone with an SUV style vehicle. It functions flawlessly and the swinging mechanism is easy to operate and works nicely. Check it out below.

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The Swagman is a nice bike rack from a use ability stand point as well. It loads into your 2" or 1-1/4" receiver hitch and carries as many as two bikes. The design makes loading extremely easy without having to lift the bike up to the top of the vehicle or anything like that. The grip arms are coated to prevent any marring of your bikes paint for peace of mind and when you aren't using the rack, it folds up neatly either on or off the vehicle.

Who Should Buy the Swagman XC Bike Rack

This bike rack is a great choice for the cyclist looking for a hitch mount style bike rack that will not require the bike to hang from it's frame. It loads easily and doesn't require the bike to be lifted over your head like a roof mount bike rack requires and is a great all around choice for a bike rack.

Buy a Swagman XC Bike Rack Online

Amazon Deals

	Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) List Price: $159.99 Sale Price: $139.13 Average Rating:
	The XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack from Swagman is a versatile hitch-mount rack that can easily accommodate children's and adult bikes, downhill bikes, cruiser bikes, full-suspension bikes, BMX bikes, "Y" frame designs, and much more (and without the hassle of removing wheels)...

Ebay Bargains

Swagman XC 2 Bike Carrier Rail Rack 64650 US $130.00

SWAGMAN XC 64650 LOW MOUNT 2 BIKE RACK BRAND NEW US $159.99

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Another nice feature of the Thule 594 Sidearm bike rack is that you can literally load your bike in about 10 seconds, so once the ride is done, you can load up and be gone quickly. Simply place your bike in the rack tray, lock the support arm onto the bicycle wheel, ratchet it tight and you are ready to go. Whether you ride a road bike, mountain bike or something in between, the Thule Sidearm can accomodate it and keep your bike safe and secure. The ratcheting arm mounts directly to the rock solid Thule square load bars or it can also be used with Inno Racks crossbars or Yakima round cross bars. If your vehicle is equipped with factory roof rack crossbars then you can still utlize the Thule 594 Sidearm rack by using the Thule 532 Ride-On Adapter.

Security is not an issue as you can lock your bicycle to the carrier and the carrier to the base rack using an add-on Thule lock but this is NOT included with the rack. This would be a nice touch for Thule to include with these roof racks but unfortunately they do not. Our experience with the Thule 594 Sidearm is that the bikes are mounted quite solidly and exhibit very little swaying at all. Loading is super simple and the rack will easily accommodate wheels up to 29" tall and 2.6 inches wide, which covers just about anything on the trail today.

Who Should Buy a Thule 594 Sidearm Bike Rack

This rack is a great choice for someone wanting the quality that Thule brings to the table combined with the simplicity of this particular rack design. Some riders have some concern with having a roof mounted rack but they have their pros and cons. The concern typically centers around driving into your garage with the bike mounted on the rack or possibly through a drive through of some kind etc. Valid concern maybe but the pros are also many. Roof mount racks keep the bike up and out of harms way, it makes accessing your vehicle compartment much easier than a hitch mounted rack so it's basically a trade-off. We've come to grow quite fond of roof mounted racks but it's a decision that only you can make. If you are looking for a high quality roof mounted rack, then we'd definitely endorse the Thule 594 bike rack as one you should take a look at.

Buy Thule 594 Sidearm Bike Racks Online

Ebay Bargains

Thule 594 Side Arm Roof Mounted Bike Carrier Rack NIB US $110.00

Thule 594 bike Side Arm makes contact with wheel only US $159.00

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Know What Type of Biker you are and Love the Rack you Choose!

In this bike rack buyer’s guide we offer four considerations to ponder that will help you determine which rack is right for you. From your budget, to the number of bikes, ease of loading and unloading, and finally, looking at the types of trips you are most likely to take with your bike rack, we cover the most important aspects of buying a bike rack!

Are You Shopping Based on Budget?

First of all, what is your budget? If it’s tight, then a good quality trunk mounted bike rack would be your best choice. These are the most affordable racks, and are fine for carrying 1 to 3 bikes on long trips, and up to 4 on around-town trips. If your vehicle is older, and you don’t mind a rub spot or paint nick from a bump, then this is your style.

We recommend, however, that you never buy the low-end model, because you’ll spend more in the end, when you have to replace it. If you need a rack for only one bike, then single roof mounted trays will cost less than a 3-4 bike trunk unit. As your budget increases, your options increase, and other factors are more determinative.

How Many Bikes Will your Rack Need to Carry?

As you begin shopping today, one of the most common errors bike riders make, is buying a rack to suit only themselves. In most cases, when you load your bike into the rack, you are going to have a friend who is riding with you, possibly more than one!

We recommend at minimum, to make sure your bike rack can carry at least 2 bikes! Fortunately, most racks are flexible enough to expand and carry more than one very easily. For a family, you may want to get a 4-bike or 5-bike rack that installs into the hitch mount. These are the strongest bike racks you can get, and ultimately allow the most flexibility to carry extra bikes for longer excursions with friends or family.

How Hard is The Bike Rack to Load a Bike Into?

The second important consideration involves the loading and unloading factor. Trunk mounted and hitch mounted racks are much easier to install and load than roof mounted racks. If you would find it inconvenient or impossible to load a roof rack, then your options are narrowed.

The simplest racks to load are hitch-mounted styles that feature a platform rather than an arm. Minimum lifting is required, and the bikes are easily secured. These racks provide the added benefit of very good stability, and are good at preventing your cycles from damaging one another or the vehicle. However, adding some padding between bikes on any type of racks is always a good idea.

How Will You Most Commonly Use Your Bike Rack?

The final consideration centers around how you use your bike rack. If you use it frequently, but take it off after each use for security, a hitch-mounted unit is the choice. No rack is easier on installation/removal. Newer hitch-mounted models also allow the unloaded rack to fold tight against the vehicle, or fold down to allow access to the cargo space.

If you want a rack for long trips on the highway, a roof-mounted rack is perfect, provided you are able to load them. The cycles are secured once, and do not get in the way of cargo access or sight lines. Trunk-mounted racks are good for long trips, too, as long as you do not need to open the trunk or hatch.

A little bit of forethought will help you avoid buyer’s regret, and will lead you to a unit that will provide outstanding

Trunk Mounted Bike Racks

Trunk-mounted racks use adjustable straps to hold the frame to the vehicle’s trunk, hatchback or rear bumper. Padding along the contact points of the frame prevents damage from rubbing. The arms of the frame feature straps or cradles that hold the bike(s) in place. Up to four bikes fit on larger racks.

The advantages of trunk-mounted units begin with the relatively low price. They are the most affordable of the styles. Secondly, they are easy to install once the straps are adjusted to the specific vehicle. Thirdly, they are flexible, and will attach to most vehicles. Finally, they are easy to load and the bike(s) can be quickly secured.

The biggest disadvantage to a trunk-mounted rack is the potential for damage to the vehicle. The combined weight of the bikes rests on panels, which may cause denting or scraping. Next, the rack must be unloaded and removed to access the vehicle’s cargo area. Finally, bikes on the rack may block the rear view of the driver.

Hitch Mounted Bike Racks

Hitch-mounted units fit into the receiver on the vehicle’s hitch. Some feature an upright support and horizontal arm on which the bikes are secured. Other hitch-mounted units use a platform or tray system that bikes rest on.

The advantages include easy installation of the hitch, and quick loading of bikes with very little lifting. And since the weight of the bikes is on the hitch, there is less likelihood of vehicle panels being damaged. Most do not require removing the front wheel of the bike, as with some roof-mounts.

The disadvantages start with the added expense of the hitch, if your vehicle does not already have one. Secondly, with a single securing point, poorer quality racks suffer from instability on rough roads. Damage to bikes or the vehicle may result. Finally, some models need to be removed before the vehicle hatch or trunk can be opened.

Roof Mounted Bike Racks

Roof-mounted racks consist of a tray that is usually affixed to the vehicle’s OEM crossbars. The bike is then secured to the rack with straps around the tires, or by the front fork.

Advantages begin with the versatility of these racks. They can be used in combination with roof mounted cargo carriers, for example. In addition, most vehicles will have enough room for 3 to 7 units and bikes. Finally, many drivers like having the bike(s) out of sight lines.

The most common complaint about roof racks is that they are the hardest to load, since the bike must be hoisted all the way to the roof, and held stable while it is secured. Secondly, bikes on the roof will create a clearance problem for parking in garages or accessing some drive-throughs.

Once your bike is secured in the 39.5 inch tray, you can forget about it till you are ready to ride. The Viper will bite nicely on any factory-mounted crossbar, whether round or square, and will allow room for 4 bikes on most vehicles. The system secures the front fork of your bike, providing superior security for trips to the park across town, or the National Park across the country.

Who Should Buy a Yakima Viper Bike Rack?

The Yakima Viper will appeal to cyclists who prefer a roof rack system that doesn’t get in the way of vehicle storage compartments. And the fork-secured design offers a greater degree of safety for your bike. Families with a wide variety of bikes, from roadsters to mountain bikes, will appreciate the full range of tire widths the Viper bike tray can accommodate. This rack delivers affordable quality and reliability in every mount!

Yakima Viper Bike Racks Online

The tray on the Raptor is a generous 52 inches, suitable for just about every cycle on the market. The tray secures nicely to any round or square roof crossbar, and will keep your bike up and off the roof, protecting the vehicle’s paint job. The ratchet straps are firm and durable, and snug front and back wheels easily. The Raptor grabs your bike upright with an armature that can get a good grip on down tubes up to three inches in diameter, including non-round versions. Keep the hardware, nuts and bolts clean and greased, and rust should not be an issue.

Who Should Buy a Yakima Raptor Bike Rack?

This may be the right rack for you if you are price conscious, need a good quality, basic unit, and prefer to mount on the roof. If you like your rack to be out of the way while loading your vehicle’s storage compartments, this is an extra bonus.

One note of caution: Yakima specifies that this unit is not to be used with bikes sporting a composite down tube. It that applies you, try the Boa or Cobra from Yakima.

Yakima Raptor Bike Racks for Sale Online

Ebay Deals

Yakima Raptor Single Bike Roof Rack US $.99

Yakima Raptor bike tray roof rack mount lockjaw US $64.99

YAKIMA Raptor Bike MTB Bicycle Rack Mount USED 02085 US $2.73

1 Yakima Raptor Roof Bike Rack Carrier US $111.07

Amazon Deals

	Yakima Raptor Aero Rooftop Upright Bike Rack List Price: $127.00 Sale Price: $107.10 Average Rating:
	Looking to buy a bike rack but wary of spending a mint? Turn to the Yakima Raptor Aero upright bike mount, an easy-to-load, reasonably priced rack that fits on the roof of your car. Compatible with any vehicle with round or square crossbars, the Raptor Aero is a breeze to use...

	Yakima Raptor Upright Mount Rooftop Bicycle Carrier List Price: $119.00 Sale Price: $107.09 Average Rating:
	Need a sweet upright bike mount that doesn't deplete your budget? Turn to the Yakima Raptor bicycle carrier, which holds a single bike on the roof of your car. Designed to hold bikes with 1- to 3-inch diameter downtubes, the Raptor fits both round and square crossbars, including factory crossbars when paired with Yakima Mighty Mounts or Universal Mighty Mounts (sold separately)...

	Yakima Raptor Bike Mount One Color, 9x3x9 List Price: $119.00 Sale Price: $117.91
	The Yakima Raptor bike rack holds a bike firmly with adjustable locking jaws and a triangulated arm, just like its primitive namesake. The Raptor applies upright convenience to a wide variety of tube shapes and sizes (up to 3in) at a reasonable price...

The King Cobra shares the family genes, producing a tough and durable rack, with automotive paint that wears as well as it looks. The rack fits all factory-mounted crossbars, making it universally versatile. And it holds your bike up and away from the vehicle, eliminating the danger of scratched or rubbed paint. The durable wheel tracks fit big slicks, little wide tracks, and everything in between, with a range from 20 to 29 inches. Add up to 4 Universal Mighty Mounts, load them up, and go!

Who Should Buy a Yakima King Cobra Rack?

The King Cobra will appeal to roof rack fans that are looking for a top quality unit in the toughest design on the market. They know that once their ride is loaded and locked, they can forget about it. Perfect for long trips, or if you have the muscle to load a roof rack without problems. And the price won't take too big a bite out of your wallet!

Yakima King Cobra Bike Racks Online

Ebay Deals

2 Yakima King Cobra Bike Trays Used Very Nice Condition US $150.00

Yakima King Cobra Bike Mount Never Been Used 800284 US $75.00

NEW Yakima King Cobra Roof Top Bike Rack 02084 US $135.00

YAKIMA KING COBRA BIKE RACK US $20.00

Amazon Deals

	Yakima King Cobra Bike Mount One Color, 8x9.25x49 List Price: $149.00 Sale Price: $149.00
	The Yakima King Cobra Bike Mount is the ultimate authority on simple, upright mounts, regardless of frame design or wheel size. The King Cobra firmly grips any size wheel from 20" to 29", and easily holds any bike with front suspension or disc brakes...

Roof racks may be a bit tougher to load than hitch or trunk mounted racks, but once the bikes are up there, they don’t have to be moved or adjusted to allow for trunk or hatch access. For longer trips, and roof rack system is indispensable. The High Roller brings high quality construction to the mix, made from high grade tubular steel, coated with automotive paint to keep it looking crisp, rust-resistant hardware, and tough wheel trays. The rack fits snuggly to most factory-mounted crossbars, whether round or square. The sliding wheel tray is adjustable, to fit any wheel base, and it provides a perfect fit for road slicks and off-road knobbies. Up to four racks fit comfortable on most vehicles.

Who Should Buy a High Roller Bike Rack?

The High Roller is designed for the high-end user who wants a premium rack to hold a premium bike. It is best suited to longer trips, since the roof mount requires a bit more effort. Also appeals to users who want to install the rack and forget about it. Just don’t forget to remove the bike before you pull into the garage!

Yakima High Roller Bike Racks Online

Ebay Deals

NEW Yakima High Roller Roof Top Bike Rack 02091 US $145.00

Amazon Bargains

	Yakima HighRoller Rooftop Upright Bike Rack List Price: $179.00 Sale Price: $161.09 Average Rating:
	Yakima HighRollerKeeps your paint job looking pretty because it grabs onto your wheel and doesn't touch the painted surfaces of your bike. Fits most tire sizes, from super-skinny road tires to big bad 3 inchers...