I'm racking my brain deciding between two hitch mounted bike racks, one from Thule and one from Yakima, with similar features and prices. I had a Thule roof mounted rack on the WRX and was happy with it. Anyone prefer Yakima over Thule? Rack info and pics: Thule 912 Roadway (http://orsracksdirect.com/thule-912-roadway-hitch-bike-rack.html) Yakima Kingpin 2 (http://orsracksdirect.com/yakima-8002400.html)
I have the Yakima and have no problems. They're soooo similar I wouldn't sweat it. Don't forget the tube tops- they keep the straps off your bike's paint and the bike further down and out of the wind.
Hold up...I actually may be able to run the Thule T2 916 which is really what I want, but I'm getting conflicting hitch class requirement info. Grrr.
That is the one i would highly suggest. Specially if you have mt bikes or so in the future that have odd frame designs. All you need is to have it fit a 1.25in hitch.
i've got a yakima and it's roof-mount... which i would recommend. black and blue is a pretty serious MTB guy, you should talk to him about it.
whats the issue man thule site says: No wheel removal, no frame contact. 4 Bike – 2” hitch, 2 Bike – 1-1/4” hitch. Folds up for storage and down for access! Fits a wide range of bikes. Carries bikes up to 60 lbs. (160 lbs. total - 4 Bike / 100lbs. Total - 2 Bike 1-14”) Fits wheels 20”-29” and up to 3” wide tires Accommodates bike with wheel bases up to 48" Locking accessory available. Thule One-KeyTM System Compatible.
i love my yakima but i've used thule as well on friends cars and been impressed. i'd say just pick the product not the brand in this case because they're just too similar. ive never used saris so i cant compare.
Ha ha! I say Thule just because I spent two weeks actually on the hill as we call it (Yakima Washington that is) and the weather is so harsh! I loved the terrain and the view but I've never been so beat down after a field exercise. Yakima really is beautiful though. [endthreadjack]
Thule publishes that this rack requires a class II hitch, minimum tongue weight 300lbs. However, the instruction manual says that the rack on a 1 1/4" class I hitch is capable of carrying two bikes. I'm just corn-fused and I didn't want to drop 400 bills on a rack that won't work with my hitch. After being on hold with Thule for almost 30 minutes, the rep basically said as long as I don't exceed the weight requirements, all should be well. He said they publish a class II requirement because there are "too many variables to test" -- bike weight, hitch design, etc. --, which to me, means there is basically less responsibility on them. Anyways...that was long winded. :fawk: ^^ Saris is nice, but more expensive then the Thule.
Since I've already started drinking, for Keith's amusement I will elaborate. Turd. "Garage vs. Bike on roof rack vs. WRX" The bike had been on and off the rack all day...nice ride with Keith at Stone Mtn., drove home removed bike, hit the bike shop for a quick tune up - bike back on, bike off at bike shop, new saddle installed, refit on bike, bike back on...homeward bound. Pulled into garage with bike on roof...grrr. BAM. Luckily, I stopped very quickly and didn't do too much damage. The left front foot sliced the metal drip trays above the window like a can opener, dinged the roof slightly above the rear window and bent two of the load bars on the rack. Surprisingly, no other damage to car or rack. The biggest damage was to my pride - I couldn't believe it. My buddy at the bike shop told me it happens all the time, somehow that didn't ease my mood. Anyways, the bike was fine, beyond screwing up a brand new $150 Fizik saddle that I hadn't even ridden on yet. Argh. The car was fixed after I traded it in. Ok, dirty laundry aired. Keith, happy? You just wait until the next bike ride my friend. Back to beer.
lol, it was good read man... it actually does happen a lot so pride aside the saddle thing sux i haven't gone out in a while but luckily it hasn't happened to me. yet.
Yup, thanks for posting up though. I went with the Thule T2...still need to post pics. It's the bomb. Finally had a chance to carry two bikes on it and it worked out great!