Date: Wed, 23 Aug 1995 11:10:47 -0400 From: rvirzi@gte.com (Robert A. Virzi) Subject: Bike racksChris writes:
I am interested in a rack for the back of the vehicle, but I seem to have 2 choices:
o a very expensive Range Rover type, with which bicycles don't scratch
the body, or
o Canadian Tire's $100 model, which mounts on a ball hitch (which I
would also have to buy), and scratches the RR body
Does anyone have a better solution?
I'm looking myself right now, as are at least a few others on this list I've corresponded with. So far the options I've found are:
Dealer Rack $255 (with club discount, $300 regular)
Modern Pioneering $239 + sh 800.955.5337 ModPioneer@aol.com
Hike a Bike (Nimco?) $ 617.641.2043
I don't know much about any of these. They are all reciever-hitch mounted
and at least the first two claim some sort of swinging action so that the
tailgate will operate without removing all the bikes. I haven't been able
to reach the Nimco guy (seems like a real small operation) to get prices
and features. It is listed in the BSROA newsletter so perhaps someone who
has seen or purchased the rack can comment? If anyone has an opinion on
the quality of, or experience with, any of these products, I for one would
like to hear it. I am interested in whether or not access to the rear door
is *reasonable* (I know it is *possible*) when four bikes are attached.
Also, is there any security? I imagine a thief pulling a pin out and
walking off with all four bikes and the rack in about 2 seconds.
-Bob
Date: Wed, 23 Aug 1995 12:47:59 -0400 From: rvirzi@gte.com (Robert A. Virzi) Subject: Update on Bike carriersThis just in on Bike carriers. Ken from Nimco called just called me. Their rack is $175 + 17 sh. It does NOT pivot away for tailgate operation. It has a ski holder option, but I didn't price it. The updated table is shown below:
Dealer Rack $255 (with club discount, $300 regular)
Modern Pioneering $239 + sh 800.955.5337 ModPioneer@aol.com
Hike a Bike (Nimco?) $175 + sh Ken at 617.641.2043
Bob
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 95 09:07:42 PDT From: Kirk Kenyon (kpk@imatron.com) Subject: Bike racksI have a Performance Bicycle Shop catalog here, and it lists several possible racks:
1: Performance Hitch Mount Bicycle Racks
All hold 3 bikes:
1a: XPORT-Standard
Mounts to the hitch ball via a bolt, so rear door
access is obstructed.
US$99.99 part. 39-4202A
1b: XPORT-Extra
Above, but with a quick release mechanism, to allow
rear door access by removing the rack from the mounting
plate.
US$139.99 part. 39-4201A
1c: XPORT-Extra Receiver Hitch Carrier
Same as the Extra, (has a quick release), but mounts to
a 2" receiver hitch.
US$139.99 part. 00-6618A
US$29.99 part. 00-7190A Hitch Extension for use w/spare tires
2: Rhode Gear Spare Tire Shuttle
Holds 2 bikes, mounting on the spare tire. This would
avoid the problem of rear door access, perhaps. The centering
support arms lit you center your bike behind the Rover, if the
spare tire is mounted off-center.
US$89.99 part. 00-6449A
The racks are available through:
Performance Bicycle Shop One Performance Way P.O. Box 2741 Chapel Hill, NJ 27514-2741 1-800-727-2453Though they also have about 30 local shops located throughout the States (mostly CA, IL, PA, MD, VA, CO, NC, WA & OR). The shipping charges seem quite modest at US$6.50 for regular and US$10.90 for Canadian addresses. (US Mail or UPS.) They also accept international orders: 1-919-933-9113 or fax 1-919-967-3979.
I have never bought anything from them myself, but they seem to be a reputable outfit.
-Kirk