Another Bike Rack Thread

[Kamuelaflyer]

Good bike racks are in that range (better ones are actually more). Not sure why that’s a surprise to you given how popular cycling is (and the fact that you spent upwards of $50K for a car). And if you are happy with a $200 bike that’s great but many enthusiasts spend thousands on bikes. But of course like with so many things you can spend very little if it’s not your thing to a lot if you are an enthusiast.

Indeed. My triathlon bike was over $3000 — 11 years ago. My road bike nearly as much. They’re not going on $50 racks. And when I do haul them somewhere, they’re usually on a rail rack in the Tacoma with the front wheels off. The op might want to stick to his current rack and his bmw especially since he’s keep the MME but briefly.

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[boozin]

Indeed. My triathlon bike was over $3000 — 11 years ago. My road bike nearly as much. They’re not going on $50 racks. And when I do haul them somewhere, they’re usually on a rail rack in the Tacoma with the front wheels off. The op might want to stick to his current rack and his bmw especially since he’s keep the MME but briefly.

awesome. If I spent 3k on a bike, I absolutely would invest on a quality that. Thats just not for me at this time.

 

[AKgrampy]

R

I don't own a decent suit. In the last 8 years, I've only needed to wear a suit on 2 occasions. Why would I spend money on a quality suit then? Same situation applies here.
Im sure good bike racks are worth their money in gold. But considering Im going to use it 2-3 times over next 6 months, is spending that kinda capital worth it

Rope and blankets should work for you then.

 

[RMoore]

You need a saris bones 3 or bones 3 ex. Not sure which one would work but they are quality racks and are at $200 or less.
https://saris.com/collections/trunk-racks#

I’ve used similar racks back in the 80s when I went on bike trips with friends while in grad school. They worked fine though I didn’t have a particularly fancy bike then. They were a bit more of a hassle to load bikes but for what you need they may be fine. They may have evolved but one word of caution is that the part of the rack that anchors to the car’s trunk left 2 dents in my car. I didn’t really car since like my bike, I had an older not so great car. But I wouldn’t want that to happen on my Mach e.

 

[dtbaker61]

I'm wondering if there's a good way to transport some 70lb e-bikes without getting a hitch.

e-bikes are so heavy that the non-hitch alternatives like 'strap-ons' are ill-advised. roof racks are unlikely to work unless you are strong and tall enough to lift the bikes overhead. Hitch rack really is the way to go, AND you get effective rear 'tow hooks' for extraction by two trucks from snowbanks or ditches.

 

[dtbaker61]

Hi
I am looking for a cheap 3-bike rack for my Mach-E. Previously I just bought a cheap Allen rack for $50 from Walmart. It seems that won't fit. (like WTH). Anyways, all the threads show weird solutions (I don't know what a hitch is, I'm sorry, but it looks like it needs professional installation). Any recommendations for bike rack under $100? I don't need it that often, maybe a couple of times a year.

I have an old 4-bike strap-on that is designed to fit just about anything with a hatch.... I'll check to make sure it is mountable on my MME, and sell it to you for $50, plus shipping (which may be up to another $30-$50)

I've been meaning to sell it, but never quite get to it.....

I used it for a while on my first eSwift DIY conversion

 

[Logal727]

e-bikes are so heavy that the non-hitch alternatives like 'strap-ons' are ill-advised. roof racks are unlikely to work unless you are strong and tall enough to lift the bikes overhead. Hitch rack really is the way to go, AND you get effective rear 'tow hooks' for extraction by two trucks from snowbanks or ditches.

That’s what I figured, I’ll probably make someone else haul them then lol

 

[boozin]

I'll check to make sure it is mountable on my MME,

try it. The top snaps don't fit in the roof section with the glass roof

 

[BalsaDust]

Honestly, I was looking for a solution under $100. My current solution is <$50, worked fine on my BMW. I don't understand why Ford had to go out of their way to create a problem that didn't need to exist.
I have 3 bikes that I paid <$500. Not planning to keep the car longer than 6 months, so I don't see the value of spending money on a hitch, esp when I only plan to take the bikes out 3-4 times a year.

Can anyone recommend roof racks that go with the glass roof?

Interesting how you turn your problem into Fords fault, did you not check the car out before purchasing?

Tony

 

[connoisseurr]

I think OP wanted a cheap, portable & "universal" trunk/hatch mount that fits *most* cars (but not all).

Yes, that's correct. OP stated "Do people seriously spend $500 on a bike rack? To me, thats insane, esp since I don't even bother $200-300 for a bike itself", and I wanted to inform them that, yes, bike racks do cost that much, if not more.

 

[Motomax]

Technically, one could come up with a million solutions. Im just baffled why a simple $50 rack doesn't fit on the mach-e (i've tried). Renting a larger vehicle is fine, but when you factor in: 20 mins drive to pick up a car, someone drives my car back, I drive the rental car, costs $50-100 every time and then same routine. I mean, thats again creating more headache. I'd rather not bike at all honestly.

You may have answered a couple of your own questions. Why do people spend more than $50 on a bike rack? Maybe because they are better designed to fit a greater variety of vehicles (and bikes) ?.
While I love my 1up bike rack and it was only a fraction of the value of my bikes, I understand where you’re coming from. Personally, I think $5 for a t-shirt is too much ?

 

[dtbaker61]

try it. The top snaps don't fit in the roof section with the glass roof

I will make a test fit.... and fabricate clips if needed. stay tuned

 

[iam-s-Hon]

R

Rope and blankets should work for you then.

Don't forget the burlap. For the suit, I mean.

 

[dtbaker61]

try it. The top snaps don't fit in the roof section with the glass roof

It does fit, but I'd suggest removing the top edge weatherstripping first.....

I don't need this rack since I have a hitch-mount; so I could box this up and ship to whoever wants it.... Lets say $50 plus actual shipping cost, which might be another $50. The rack does 'fold up' pretty well, but re-configuration is like wrestling an alligator the first time.... not bad once you figure out the order to adjust.

 

[kodathedog]

It looks good standing still, hit a couple speed bumps or a quick swerve to see where that rack ends up with three 35lbs bikes ($200) hanging off the back.
I have seen those straps stretch and fray if they have been exposed to UV over a period of time. There is no way that lower contact point is not going to get damaged either by dimpling the sheet metal or trapping dirt under the foam pads and scratching the paint.
The reason the racks are expensive is to 1) Protect the finish on your car 2) Prevent bikes flying off and killing someone behind you 3) Protect your bike.

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