SportRack 4 Bike Tilting Hanging Hitch Rack
2.9
5
9
9
OK, with caveats
I've had the non-tilting 3-bike version of this rack for ~10 years and will probably buy the tilting version next.. It is simple enough to use and has been stressed much more than it normally would, by being hung on the back of a motor home. The longer distance from the rear axle greatly increases the up/down stresses experienced with every bump in the road.
While the post and hitch mount are strong, the top clamping plate is very flimsy and I'm constantly rebending it to secure the bikes.
Girls' frames don't fit well and the large oval frame tubes are very difficult to fit. I've worked around this weakness by securing the bikes to the rack with strong bungy cords.
There are holes on top to accommodate a padlock although I preferred to run a wire cable to the chain hooks on the vehicle's hitch.
April 1, 2013
Good choice for value and quality
I bought this rack this summer. It was not difficult to install on my minivan. I noticed a small amount of movement of the rack side to side upon installation. My solution was to add a washer where the bottom bolt goes. This seemed to solve the problem. I have used the carrier several times for two adult mtn bikes and a child's 5 speed and even a trail-a-bike. Three bikes took me less than 5 min to put on and we were on our way. I am very happy with this product.
August 27, 2011
Not for modern bikes
I brought it back we have two new ATB Bikes with shaped oval frames, you can't use this bike carrier. It's also not stable on the hitch. Also a child bike doesn't fit on the carrier.
Poor quality for 175 + tax.
August 13, 2011
Works well
Just used it for a 9 hour round trip. 4 Bikes, including 2 kids bikes. Only complaint is that kids bikes do not mount properly - you need to use the bottom bar (not the crossbar) and mount them on an angle as the steel tube is too thick for kids bike frames.
BUT, that being said, they did not move a millimetre even bring mounted that way and the rack was secure. I think Kids bikes are generally a challenge for all racks. A bit of swaying, maybe 1/2 inch each way, is all I experienced. I am also a bit concerned about the plastic adapter for my 2" hitch, it seems to be compacting a bit. But, for the price, it works great and I will just buy a steel 1.25"-2" adapter for future long hauls.
August 7, 2010
works well
I'm not sure why some of the other people have given this product such a bad review. I mean I didn't have any problems putting this together, everything lined up. I don't have any issues with this, it's a good product and a great price. But it doesn't tilt down, unless I'm doing something wrong becuase I can't get it to tilt once I have it attached to my hitch.
April 8, 2009
Great rack!
The SR bike rack was a cinch to use and absolutely bulletproof. The tilt option came in handy when we needed to get into the trunk when the bikes were loaded on the back. Highly recommended.
February 23, 2009
VERY Poor Quality
Bought one of these last year and actually used it to carry 4 bikes, 2 of which are kids bikes. When we returned from our last camping trip the main support pole was starting to bend. I won't take the chance of using anymore and of course it is off warranty now. It is a cheaply priced carrier but you definitely get what you pay for.
August 14, 2008
Buyer Beware
The instructions do not match product. Took it in to Canadian Tire, and the great guys in automotive had to basically re-fabricate the rack. The bolts that come with product are the wrong size, the holes not drilled properly, and the entire thing took over two hours to correct, using parts and machinery from the automotive section.
The help at Canadian Tire is excellent - the product needs serious attention.
July 7, 2008
Works as it should
Both the 3 and 4 bike version share the same design. The welds look strong and the paint / powdecoat is durable. This is an economical alternative to the other brand specially if you have slant frame bikes. On straight-framed bikes, being supported at just one point makes it fairly easy for the bike to slide or move. I would definitely recommend additional lashing straps for the bikes when using this type of bike rack
November 10, 2007
