The new trend is vertical racks. The Ascent isn’t special it just has a good load rating allowing for more weight ie bikes etc.

Vertical does a few things. Keeps the load closer to the back of the car, also allows for longer frames and not having tires sticking out width wise past the sides of the car. If I were hitch racking more than two bikes I would seriously look into the vertical rack systems.

4+ bikes hung off the back running side to side stick out nearly 4 ft off the back of the car. Its a massive pain to maneuver in tight parking lots and a big levered load off the back.

 

North Shore Bike Racks

 

I like the idea of a vertical rack, but they don’t seem to work that well with road bikes (or small kids bikes). For reference, I have two road bikes, three 26” wheel hardtails, one 29” wheel full suspension, one 16” wheel kids bike, and I have ambitions to get a very long wheelbase long travel 29er (Pole Machine).

Although rarely will I ever have more than three bikes on the rack; usually only one or two.

I also worry about vertical clearance with a vertical rack.

 

Hey man, I'm going to try holding out for the quik-rack mach 2.

If you have a carbon bike or wheels, you may want to read this: https://enve.app.box.com/s/h0d1na9e3rgep5c5wjny2ugq666xlahx I'm concerned because the exhausts point back. Looking at the hitch rack Subaru has as an add on - the wheels sit in front of the exhausts. So I'm looking towards a platform rack.

Mach 2 is my first choice, but I'm far back in the line so it might not be available until Fall or Winter...ugh I don't want to support 1upusa especially if the guy screwed over the inventor/engineer, but also I've read too many stories of it loosening up over road trips.

Thule T2 Pro XT looks good, but pricey.

INNO INH305 - There's a rumor there is a newer model coming this summer

Considering Swagman Sitkka 2 Bike Rack + Hollywood Racks Sportrider Se Hitch Rack, Black

 

I run a Swagman bought it after my mom had one for a few yrs. very simple rack no complaints great two bike option. I paid $130 Amazon for mine.

 

Also considering the quik-rack (either 1up USA or Mach 2, if they ever start production), Kuat, etc.

I'm prolly going with one of these options although they are EXPENSIVE! the price may be worth piece of mind however. I've never used the THULE version of the hitch mount that subaru offers directly but that is also an option I may go with.

 

Note that the hitch on the Ascent sits up mid bumper. Any tray style rack will have the bike tires sitting level with the bottom of the rear hatch probably about as far from any hot exhaust fumes as you’ll ever get with a hitch rack. I can promise thats not an issue. The other bonus being that added height gets the tray /bike up out of hood range of the typical car hood reducing the chances of a bike sandwich in a rearender.

 

I've been running the Thule T2 Pro XT for about a year. I chose this specifically over several others for several reasons: 1) Tray style to accommodate a wide range of frame sizes and styles, 2) Wheel trays to accommodate road - fat tires, 3) single-handed lever for raising and lowering.

I love the rack - however - I bought the 2-bike rack and added the 2-bike extension, thinking it would be easy to swap the extension on/off depending on my capacity needs. It is not easy at all. It is meant to stay 2 or 4-up, but not really to be changed back and forth.

I would choose this rack again.

 

Regarding kids bikes the really little kids bikes didn’t fit the swagman tray style rack. But my kids larger 20 and 24 inchers fit snug under the bar that holds the bike down.

 

This is the bike rack I currently use with my Xterra. https://www.performancebike.com/sho...sport/bike-transport/hitch-mount/transit-flatbed-4dlx-4-bike-hitch-rack-40-0176


I wanted something that was inexpensive as my boys are just getting into riding but have found it to work great for a variety of sizes including bikes with 16" to 29" wheels. It takes a bit to get everything right but well worth it for the low cost especially if you buy it on sale I think it was below $200 for a bit. If we ride more often I'll probably get the Saris Freedom Superclamp bike rack.


Downsides of the rack I have is that you cannot access the hatch with bikes on it on as it doesn't fold down. If you take the bikes off you can move the center bar to get into the hatch.

 

I'm using the Yakima FullSwing on my Outback currently. I needed something that swung completely out of the way because my dog rides in the back.

 

SOA wrote me back- they’re working on accessories for the Ascent; check back in the summer for updated accessories. My dealer is selling options and accessories at invoice with the purchase of the vehicle, so if I go with the Thule, and if the Thule is available from Subaru, it should be a pretty good deal.

 

hmm, what additional accessories?

 

Most often its yakima. But generally speaking better deals can be had via Amazon and craigs list. Buy cars from dealers buy tablets from computer sources, buy bike racks from bike gear sellers.

 

99.9% of the time, this advice is spot-on. I was very surprised to find that Subaru isn’t putting large markups on Thule equipment they’re selling. A Thule Helium Aero 2 bike carrier MSRP is $379; Subaru lists what appears to be an identical rack for $369. Since my dealer has offered to sell me accessories at invoice, I would assume that would be a better discount than typical street price for the rack.

Of course, this only matters if I decide to go with the Thule rack, and if Subaru decides to offer the Thule rack I want.

 

Has anyone found the install instructions for this Thule 4-bike hitch mount bike rack offered through subaru (part #SOA567B050)?

 

I have the two bike version of this, it appears to be an apex model

https://www.carid.com/images/thule/hitch-mount-bike-racks/pdf/9025-installation-instructions.pdf

 

There's a Yakima fulltilt 4 bike rack on sale for $230 on Amazon. This is a lot cheaper than getting the Thule through Subaru. I'd use this for a couple of carbon bikes (my Trek Madone 4.5 and my buddy's Trek Domane 4.5), but want to make sure it's easy to use and it'll protect both carbon bikes.

I've never used hitch bike racks before, so any experts here want to share their guidance and experience? Has anyone used this specific Yakima fulltilt rack before? Thanks!

https://smile.amazon.com/Yakima-Ful...llTilt-4-Bike-Premium-Locking/dp/B009P3MJPM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

I'd really suggest checking out the 1UP racks unless you really need the 4 bike version. I'm waiting for the quikrack 2 myself

I am looking for some guidance before I order my Ascent regarding bicycle racks. We own a 2018 Outback with an OEM 1.25 hitch, which the salesman thought was 2”. My bike shop was okay swapping out the 2” Thule T2 bike hitch that I bought with a 1.25 Thule but that won’t work either due to the short distance from the hitch receiver to the pin hole (1/2 inch instead of 1.5). Our solution to that is to be an extender 1.25 to 1.25 just adding a few inches. That same bicycle rack can have a sleeve added so that it can go into the Ascent 2” hitch (tongue weight going up from 1.25 to 2” is not an issue). Does anyone know if the Ascent hitch has the same receiver to pin problem as the Outback, and if the Subaru hitch will work with the Thule bike rack? Thank you.

Which pin problem? Got a link?

 

We’re getting a Yakima Ridgeback 5. It’s $260 in our local bike shop.

 

What’s your reason for the ridgeback 5? Is it steel or aluminum?

 

please help with hitches

I am looking for some guidance before I order my Ascent regarding bicycle racks. We own a 2018 Outback with an OEM 1.25 hitch, which the salesman thought was 2”. My bike shop was okay swapping out the 2” Thule T2 bike hitch that I bought with a 1.25 Thule but that won’t work either due to the short distance from the hitch receiver to the pin hole (1/2 inch instead of 1.5). Our solution to that is to be an extender 1.25 to 1.25 just adding a few inches. That same bicycle rack can have a sleeve added so that it can go into the Ascent 2” hitch (tongue weight going up from 1.25 to 2” is not an issue). Does anyone know if the Ascent hitch has the same receiver to pin problem as the Outback, and if the Subaru hitch will work with the Thule bike rack? Thank you.

 

This thread has a pic of an old Yakima holdup with 4 bikes mounted on the Ascent. You can judge how much of a cantilevered load is too much for you.

 

Also considering the quik-rack (either 1up USA or Mach 2, if they ever start production), Kuat, etc.

I will be using my KUAT rack which I love. I have tried other racks and have not been too impressed with the way they are not tight in the hitch and just don't feel solid. I started with just a 2 rack and then when my daughter could ride i opted for the add 2 accessory so i can support 4 now. I will say, with the hitch location, the bikes sit much higher on the back of the SUV which is great for clearance but might obstruct the drivers view out the back a little more. I also took some shots of the bike load in the dow position to access the tailgate. I will say with this option, I have the inner most rich set up for my daughters bike so it has an adapter on it that prevents a large tire from being racked there unless I remove it... Which I didn't really feel like doing. But this should give you an idea of how a KUAT would look out back.

I have used this on my Forester and Prius on trips and I forget its there. By that I mean, I am not constantly worried that bikes will fall off or the hitch won't manage. This is a 2 inch setup and is extremely solid once installed and the hitch mount is tightened up eliminating the slack in the hitch receiver. Also, the integrated locks are great and the receiver lock is the same as the integrated locks you don't need a bunch of keys.

 

So I have the Kuat right now, just 2 bikes, but will get the extension at some point for 4. Don't have my Ascent yet, but curious if a full size bike mounted closest to the vehicle will prevent the liftgate from going up/down... Would I need to leave this blank so I have quick access to the rear of the vehicle? Your video had that slot empty...
Glad to see someone mentioning Kuat, I love the rack on our Landcruiser.
Thanks

 

quick video of the KUAT rack.

 

quick video of the KUAT rack.

Looks rock solid! Thanks!

My bike is an XXL so I'm still waiting for the Quik Rack Mach 2 for the wide wheelbase support...but I'm also still waiting for my Ascent. :grin:

 

I love the dedicated bike racks, and I have a decently reviewed, not as fancy as a Thule/Yakima, dedicated hitch mount bike rack...

But I just saw this. I need an external hitch carrier for a big cargo crate I use from time to time... this doubles as a bike rack as well. Probably not many of you who need something dual purpose, but for those who do...

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RFKBEO/

 

pretty awesome option

 

New guy here. Just had to throw this in. Got a 1up rack when we got my wife’s new 2016 Outback. What a fantastic product. Easy in and off. Rock solid. And touched nothing on the bike except tires. Get the 1up. You will be glad you did.

 

Picked up a hitch-mount 4-up rack about a year ago - decision came down to Kuat and Thule XT Pro.

I ultimately chose the Thule due to ability to hold fat bikes without an adapter and lower cost (20% off). I've been really happy with it, but it is monstrous in physical dimensions and weight. I have been using it as a 2-up configuration and it is a pain to add the additional section to get to 4 bikes (I thought it would just slide in like another hitch-mount, but it's a full assembly project). So, not ideal if you plan to A) go back and forth between 2 and 4, or B) frequently remove it from your vehicle. That said, super solid and easy to use.

 

I run the Thule T2 Pro Bike Rack, the older version of the Thule T2 Pro XT. 2 inch receiver, no frame contact. It grips on the front tire and ratchets down the rear. The wheel cups are big enough for a fat tire bike. I've put my Carbon road bike 60cm frame and my Farley XL fat bike on it. We did a century ride 2 years ago up in Michigan. Two carbon bikes on the back of it at 80mph without issue. It also comes with a front tire cable lock. Works great for a short dinner stop. I wouldn't trust the lock for overnight storage. The rack also tilts down so you can open up the back hatch.

 

Anyone used something like this: https://blog.letsgoaero.com/enclosed-bicycle-hitch-carrier-holds-an-easy-three-bikes

 

I have an older version of this, the Yakima swingdaddy (https://www.yakima.com/swingdaddy). Holds 4 bikes and I can still open the hatch with the bikes on. I plan to use it on my ascent (when I get it...).

 

Welp couldn't wait any longer for the Subaru Thule hitch mount rack to come out - was told late August was the earliest ETA and that was cutting it too close for our bike trip planned for labor day weekend.

I ordered the 1UP rack with add-on for 2 bikes. It's expandable to 3 so my daughter will be SOL haha. by the time she learns to ride a bike though who knows what will be on the market for bike racks.

These racks are EXPENSIVE but i hear nothing but positive reviews so might as well go with something that lasts and is worth the money instead of buying multiple cheaper racks.

 

Very nice racks. Not saying $$$ equals quality but with my Kuat I forget its there. My prior rack is sweat driving around with it hoping it held. It’s nice having a rack you can count on and sometimes a little more $$$ gives you more peace of mind.