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SportRack Hitch N Drive Bike Rack Review

Bill — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:16:15 +0000

Bike riders demonstrate as much diversity in taste regarding their bike racks as they do in the rides those racks hold. Enthusiasts of hitch-mounted units are looking for ease of installation and loading. And that is what SportRack delivers in the Hitch’n’Drive 4 bike capacity unit. To maintain stability with a hitch-mounted rack, and the strength to handle 4 bikes, the unit had better be manufactured from some robust materials. Check that criterion on your list, because the Hitch’n’Drive is made from high-grade metal that passes the test.

Another “must” is padded cradles with enough grip to keep cycles from bouncing together or colliding with the vehicle. Check again! Finally, a tilting center post which allows easy access to vehicle storage is an added bonus, and one that this unit is pleased to deliver. Your checklist is complete if you also had affordability in mind. The Hitch’n’Drive is one of the least costly racks in its class.

Who Needs the SportRack Hitch-n-Drive Bike Rack?

The SportRack Hitch’n’Drive is a great unit for bikers looking for a hitch-mounted rack that packs a lot of guts, even if there’s not a lot of glory. Not as sexy as hitch’ers with platform tire cradles, this unit still gets the job done. It is especially effective for long trips on decent roads. Off-roaders might want to step up to the SportRack 4EZ. Simple to install, with adapter for 1.25 or 2-inch receivers. And easy to load and secure, which keeps you fresh for your ride.

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Sportrack Bike Rider 3 Bike Rack Review

Bill — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:15:25 +0000

Trunk-mounted bike racks feature the simplest designs in most lines. That makes them the most affordable units from most manufacturers, especially in multi-bike units. This holds true with the BR3 from SportRack. Nothing particularly fancy here, just a top quality unit that fits snugly to any vehicle’s trunk or back hatch, using tough, adjustable straps that only need to be pulled to be tightened. The tubular steel of the frame has the beef to meet the needs of its 3-bike capacity.

The contact areas are generously padded to protect your vehicle’s finish. The cradle mounts are rubberized and will leave nary a scratch on your rides, while securing them in its firm grip. Installs, loads, and locks in under 5 minutes. Quality paint and rust-resistant hardware will extend the life of this unit, as will a little TLC from its owner.

Who Should Use the SportRack Bike Rider 3 Bike Rack

The Bike Rider 3 is the choice of riding enthusiasts who are looking for an affordable, multi-bike rack of better than average quality. Keep in mind you won’t be able to easily access the trunk or back hatch when this unit is on. But if that is not a concern, you like the stability of a trunk-mounted unit, and don’t need something that looks like you stole it from the museum of modern art, you’ll be happy with the Bike Rider 3.

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SportRack 4 EZ Bike Rack Review

Bill — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:14:36 +0000

SportRack knows its customer base as well as any manufacturer, and they create a line of racks to fit every need. The 4EZ is their 4 bike, hitch-mounted unit that offers the greatest convenience and versatility. Their designers pulled out all the stops to create a rack that just about installs and loads itself! You’ll have to do some of the work, but setting it in the hitch receiver is a snap, and loading bikes could not be easier.

The cradle platforms adjust to fit any wheel dimension and accept all widths. The rubberized top clamps do the same for any bike height, and lock securely in place without risk of damage from rubbing. Keeping this unit on your vehicle will pose little hassle. The center post pivots down to allow easy access to storage. And when off the vehicle the 4EZ folds up into a compact bundle.

Who Needs the SportRack 4 EZ Bike Rack

The Nomad 4EZ was made for families, or for the rider who likes to gather a few buddies together for a weekend excursion. Families will appreciate the ease of installation – kids can load their own bikes with no problem. The excursionist will like the 4-bike capacity, but better not mind getting stuck doing the hauling. Of course, they'll never have to pay for the post-ride beverage that way!

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SportRack Nomad Bike Rack Review

Bill — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:11:13 +0000

Roof mounted racks are not for everyone. It takes a bit of energy to hoist your cycle up there and get it secured. But for those with the muscle to do that, a roof unit provides other benefits that make them a great choice for many bike riders. The Nomad showcases those benefits in a quality rack that does exactly what it is supposed to do. First, this rack is easy to install. The skewer locks tighten nicely on any OEM or aftermarket crossbars, and no tools are required. Secondly, any bike will fit onto its tray, regardless of wheel base length or tire dimension. Adult bikes to kiddie rides, road slick to knobbies, the Nomad means it when it brags “universal!”

Thirdly, on the roof means out of the way. Lots of riders haul their bikes through town, to city parks or to ride the street scene. And they don’t want a bike in the rearview mirror obscuring their view while attempting to change lanes in traffic. The Nomad delivers on all these fronts with a rack that is made with high-quality materials, and will hold your ride secure in its nicely padded, lockable grip.

Who Should Use the Sportrack Nomad Universal Bike Rack

The Nomad will be most appreciated by urban riders who want the benefits of a roof mounted rack. And the design means you don’t have to remove the front wheel to lock the forks. That’s a hassle you can live without, and this unit will still keep your bike secure. Fit up to 4 on most vehicles.