Car Bike Racks Reviews and Buying Guides » Top Rated 2009 http://www.carbikeracks.net Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:53:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Thule 594 Sidearm Bike Rack Review http://www.carbikeracks.net/thule-bike-racks/thule-594-sidearm-bike-rack-review/ http://www.carbikeracks.net/thule-bike-racks/thule-594-sidearm-bike-rack-review/#comments Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:10:33 +0000 Bill http://www.carbikeracks.net/?p=447 The Thule 594 Side Arm bike rack brings a lot to the table and it has become one of our favorite bike racks and we are seeing more and more of them on the Sunday group rides. One of the things you would expect from a high quality bike rack is that it would accommodate just about anything for a bicycle. Most avid cyclists either own a wide variety of bicycles or they ride with friends who have different styles of bicycles and need the versatility to be able to carry just about anything.

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.

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]]> http://www.carbikeracks.net/thule-bike-racks/thule-594-sidearm-bike-rack-review/feed/ 3 Thule T2 Bike Rack Review http://www.carbikeracks.net/thule-bike-racks/thule-t2-bike-rack-review/ http://www.carbikeracks.net/thule-bike-racks/thule-t2-bike-rack-review/#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:19:48 +0000 Bill http://carbikeracks.net/?p=207 Every type of gear has a top of the line product. In golf, they feature labels like Calloway or Ping. In biking it’s Trek or Fisher. When it comes to the racks that carry those bikes, Thule is at the top of the list. And the Thule T2 represents the best of the best! Independent testing groups and happy customers concur: this is one fantastic bike rack! This hitch-mounted unit offers it all, from simple installation to quick, upright loading without removing wheels. And because there is no top clamp as in most hitch-mounts, the T2 handles any bikes regardless of frame size or shape. Mix and match on the rack, and there are no problems.

The T2 starts as a 2 bike unit, with a simple adapter available to double its capacity to 4 bikes and 160 pounds! Strength and durability go hand in hand, and the innovative securing clamps keep bikes right where you want them. The beauty of this style of bike rack is that it is a hitch mount rack and it keeps the bikes on the back of the truck where they are very accessible and easy to load on and off. The design also doesn't have any clamps or straps pulling on the down tubes so no scratching or issues there.

Simple to install, simple to load, extremely high quality all make this Thule hitch mount bike rack a winner.

Who Should Use the Thule T2 Bike Rack

The T2 is made for those who use their bike rack a lot, and carry high-quality rides that must be protected in transit. The price point is significant, but you get what you pay for in a rack that delivers industry-leading stability and long-lasting durability. If you own expensive bicycles then you know that lesser quality bike racks can wreak havoc on your paint and down tubes.

The design of the Thule T2 will not allow that to happen and will keep your bikes finish looking as fresh and new as possible. This rack is easy to load on and off and is a great choice for anyone who wants the best gear money can buy. If you buy online, chances are you can save enough money to make it worth it.

T2 916 Fits 2" Receivers (Most Common SUV style hitch)
T2 917 Fits 1.75" Receivers (Not quite as common but measure your hitch)
T2 918 Fits 1.25" Receivers (Light duty hitch typically on passenger cars)

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]]> http://www.carbikeracks.net/thule-bike-racks/thule-t2-bike-rack-review/feed/ 0 Saris Bones 3 Bike Rack Review http://www.carbikeracks.net/saris-bike-racks/saris-bones-3-bike-rack-review/ http://www.carbikeracks.net/saris-bike-racks/saris-bones-3-bike-rack-review/#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:13:48 +0000 Bill http://carbikeracks.net/?p=192 Some designers are content to produce a bike rack that functions well. Others are as committed to form as they are to function. Chief designer at the Saris Cycling Group, Fabio Pedrini, believes that if it is worth making it functional, it is also worth making it a work of art. This philosophy is on display in the Saris Bones 3 rack, a beautiful unit that will also keep your bikes safe and damage free. It is artfully designed to exacting specifications, easy on the eyes and gentle on your vehicles. Padded supports insure this, while rubberized ratcheted latches protect your ride. The Bones 3 is manufactured from recycled, injection molded plastic, and is available in 7 catchy colors. These materials are weather resistant and will never rust.

Turning to function, the Bones 3 provides stable support for up to three bikes, if they are not real heavy. Trunk mounted with ease, it can be installed in just a few minutes. It will take some practice to get the straps the length you want, however. The plastic doesn’t have quite the beef that tubular steel has, so be cautious adding a third bike.

Who Should Own a Saris Bones 3 Bike Rack

Consumers who are looking for a good looking rack that will get their bikes safely around town will enjoy the Bones 3. And it is great for areas that see lots of bad weather and even road salt, because the materials are corrosion-free. The light weight is an added bonus for all.

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Saris Bones 801 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack (Gray) Saris Bones 801 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack (Gray)
List Price: $159.99
Sale Price: $143.00
 Average Rating:

4-1/2 stars (out of 5), Bicycling Magazine. A Saris Bones rear rack is one of the few things in life that's both hard working and drop-dead gorgeous. Created by renowned italian designer Fabio Pedrini...
Saris Bones 805 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack Saris Bones 805 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
List Price: $129.99
Sale Price: $106.99
 Average Rating:

4-1/2 stars (out of 5), Bicycling Magazine. A Saris Bones rear rack is one of the few things in life that's both hard working and drop-dead gorgeous. Created by renowned italian designer Fabio Pedrini...
Saris Bones RS 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack Saris Bones RS 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
List Price: $279.99
Sale Price: $229.99
 Average Rating:

One of the annoyances with trunk-mounted racks has always been the straps. With the Saris Bones RS 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, the straps have been eliminated. In their place is a ratcheting system with rubber-coated clips and steel-belted bands for a quick, secure fit on a wide variety of vehicles, including sedans and minivans...

]]> http://www.carbikeracks.net/saris-bike-racks/saris-bones-3-bike-rack-review/feed/ 0 Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack Review http://www.carbikeracks.net/saris-bike-racks/saris-bones-2-bike-rack-review/ http://www.carbikeracks.net/saris-bike-racks/saris-bones-2-bike-rack-review/#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:12:15 +0000 Bill http://carbikeracks.net/?p=188 The Saris Bones-2 will carry up to two bikes with sporty style and impressive strength. The good looks come courtesy of Fabio Pedrini, head designer at Saris. He brings an art-lover’s perspective to the task of creating highly functional racks. The catchy arc design gives enough clearance to fit over any spoiler or bumper, or on sedans or mini-vans, making it a versatile rack. And it holds the bikes at slightly different levels, and in different directions, to prevent them from rubbing together. The good bone structure is due to its injection-molded genetics, which make it one of the toughest and most durable in the industry. Boosting that boast is the fact that it is manufactured completely from non-rusting parts, completely recycled, and this sets it apart from many competitors. With its 100 percent money-back lifetime warranty, the Bones-2 promises to perform, or a new one is on them!

The soft but durable ratcheting straps will hold your bikes in place for the long or short haul, and will not damage paint or equipment.

Who Should Use a Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack

The Saris Bones-2 is a top choice of environmentally conscious riders who like the recycled materials, but who also want a tough, high-quality rack, that is easy to install and load. And riders love it who live in climates where cars rust easily, because this rack won’t rust at all!

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Saris Bones 805 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack Saris Bones 805 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
List Price: $129.99
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 Average Rating:

4-1/2 stars (out of 5), Bicycling Magazine. A Saris Bones rear rack is one of the few things in life that's both hard working and drop-dead gorgeous. Created by renowned italian designer Fabio Pedrini...
Saris T-bones 2 Bike Universal Hitch Saris T-bones 2 Bike Universal Hitch
List Price: $349.99
Sale Price: $314.99
 Average Rating:

The T-Bones is the first and only bike carrier versatile enough to work beyond the car. T-Bones makes it easy to convert your rack into a bike storage system for your home or office. And when it's on the car, the integrated lock system and adjustmable set-back keep your car, rack and bikes all safe and secure...
Saris Bones 801L 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack (Purple) Saris Bones 801L 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack (Purple)
List Price: $159.99
Sale Price: $143.99
 Average Rating:

Awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars from Bicycling Magazine, Bones has proven that it's more than just another rear mounted rack. It's a tested statement of style, design, convenience and durability.

]]> http://www.carbikeracks.net/saris-bike-racks/saris-bones-2-bike-rack-review/feed/ 1 Hollywood F4 Bike Rack Review http://www.carbikeracks.net/hollywood/hollywood-f4-bike-rack-review/ http://www.carbikeracks.net/hollywood/hollywood-f4-bike-rack-review/#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:49:16 +0000 Bill http://carbikeracks.net/?p=169 Some bike owners know that their bike rack is going to receive more punishment than others. Going off-road, carrying a heavy load of bikes, and frequent use create wear and tear. The Hollywood F4 bike rack was made for you, if this is how you plan to use it.

Their heaviest-duty rack, it features thick steel tubing and reinforced hardware. The positioning system is fully adjustable, and will allow the rack to fit snugly on all makes and models, from sedans to SUV’s. Quality padding protects vehicle and bike alike. Extra side straps provide additional security for hauling on rough roads or up a mountain. The motorcycle tie-downs and quality buckles will mean your bikes will arrive safe and sound. When not in use, it folds up for easy storage.

Who Should Buy the Hollywood F4 Bike Rack

This will be the chosen rack of those who want to get their bikes to out-of-the-way places. Mountain-bike riders are among its most enthusiastic owners. It easily handles four bikes, and has a 150 pound load capacity. And the fact that it does not use a hitch-based system, which some deem unsteady, is a major plus for some. If you need a rugged and dependable rack, the F4 will make you happy.

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