The Truck Guy: Packing Up The Bikes With Ease
By Ian Harwood
You enjoy bike riding with your family, or maybe the thrill of racing down a mountain on some bike trail. This type of activity takes away the daily stress everybody seems to encounter in tough economic times, but what about the stress of getting the bikes to where you want to ride without any damage?
Swagman Industries has a complete line of bike racks with hitch, trunk, towing, tire or roof rack mounting options. The hitch mount option gives you a variety of choices. Each rack mounts onto the trailer hitch via the trailer ball or the receiver hole. Some models fold down with the release of a pin so you can access the cargo area of the vehicle, which is especially important if you drive a SUV. The prices on these types of racks run from $80 to $350. The trunk model carries up to three bikes. Six tie-down straps provide maximum stability and safety and the unit folds for easy storage and comes assembled. Heavy foam-padded cradles provide maximum support and protection for bikes. A trunk mount rack should cost about $80.
The towing option is the perfect solution to carrying up to four bikes while towing your boat or trailer. Assembly is minimal but is available in a two-inch-receiver model only. Cost $245. The two-bike, tire-mount rack incorporates individual rotating cradles. The big advantage of this rack is that the backing plates are available in different widths to accommodate standard and off-road tires. It is also available in a model designed for vehicles with offset-mounted tires to better position the bikes to the centre of the rear of the vehicle. This rack is $200. The roof-rack version is available in different styles including the universal mount that attaches to the front fork of the bicycle once the front wheel is removed. Quick release and a tie-down strap for the rear wheel are included.
The upright roof-rack tray has a universal mount that fits original manufacturer’s roof racks, as well as Yakima and Thule roof systems, and is completely lockable. The Barracuda bike rack has a unique design that makes bicycle transport very easy. The bike wheels locate firmly into a specially moulded profile that holds the bike steady in an upright position. This great new feature allows you to use both hands when securing the wheels and frame. The bicycle holder comes completely assembled with locks included. It is secured to the roof rack when the frame holder is positioned to the bicycle frame.
The holder costs $186. For all campers or motor homes out there, consider the pop-up rack. This rack provides the solution to the problem of how to bring your bikes with you on your camping excursions. The frame is constructed of lightweight aluminum and the legs have foam bumpers to help protect the camper top. This rack carries up to four bikes out of the way until you need them.
Ian Harwood is the manager of Custom Truck Parts in Surrey, BC and has over 20 years experience in the truck accessory business. You can contact him at ian@rpmcanada.ca
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