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Bike rack for PIP?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by longterm, Apr 3, 2012.

  1. longterm

    longterm Member

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    Can anyone recommend a good bike rack for the Prius Plugin? I have one on my Gen II Prius; it goes into a hitch that I bought for the Prius, but I doubt it'll fit on the new Prius.

    If anyone has any info about bike racks, please let me know; thanks,

    Bob
     
  2. SKrueger

    SKrueger New Member

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  3. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    Saris Bones (3-bike) worked well for both my 2004 and 2010. Soon I'll be using in on my PHV too.

    [​IMG]
    .
     
  4. ryogajyc

    ryogajyc Active Member

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    I'm curious as to why the rear hitch bike rack that worked on the Gen II won't work on the Gen III/Plug-in? Also, are you looking specifically for a rear hitch bike rack?

    Fixed link: Toyota Prius Bike Rack, Honda Insight Rack Bike, Trunk Mount Bike Rack, Trunk Bike Rack, Thule Bike
     
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  5. longterm

    longterm Member

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    The hitch is a bar that bolts to the Gen II Prius frame, and I don't know if it'll fit the PIP...

    I think I'll go with a non-hitch type this time...
     
  6. longterm

    longterm Member

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    Looks great, just ordered one!

    Thanks,

    Bob
     
  7. ryogajyc

    ryogajyc Active Member

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    Well, the hitch for Gen II and Gen III is different, so I assumed you meant the bike rack itself would not fit a Gen III w/ a hitch.

    I was considering getting a hitch and rear bike rack. I'm curious, why you decided to switch from rear hitch to strap-on? The strap-on bike racks seem like they require more work to mount/unmount and might scratch the paint.
     
  8. ElPresidente

    ElPresidente New Member

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    Not the original question, but....

    I saw a couple out travelling with Brompton folding bikes, and fell in lust with it. They rode the train and just carried them on and stuffed it into the luggage rack. Would also obviously easily store in the cargo area on cars and not clutter up the areodynamics.
     
  9. longterm

    longterm Member

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    No, I meant that I don't know if my hitch bar, which mounts to the Gen II frame, would fit on my PIP. The rack fits in any hitch of the right size; I have an adapter to mate the rack with my hitch.

    The main reason is that I don't need a hitch for anything else, and don't think my existing hitch bar will fit the PIP.

    Also, the bike rack I have now is really heavy; the Saris Bones I ordered looks a LOT lighter and easier to use. At most we'll haul 2 bikes too.

    Bob
     
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  10. longterm

    longterm Member

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    I have a really wonderful Trek road bike and a Trek hybrid too, and I can't imagine riding a folding bike... There's nothing like a good light road bike.
     
  11. 9G-man

    9G-man Senior Member

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    Cute, but ever ridden one? I would highly suggest a thorough test ride.
    Those little wheels give a rough ride and don't handle potholes, cracks, expansion joints or any surface imperfections very well. Imagine a child's training bike with adult seat and handlebars.



    I prefer the Saris Thelma. Doesn't impede hatchback opening/use nor cause wear and tear on the finish. One pin install in seconds. Does require receiver hitch.
    See my thread from 2008.
    Gotta love Thelma | PriusChat
     
    #11 9G-man, Apr 4, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 3, 2014
  12. longterm

    longterm Member

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    Looks like it requires a hitch; I'm going to go with a hitchless rack this time. Several reasons:

    1. The hitch on my Gen II Prius scrapes on the steep slope of my driveway;
    2. The rack I have now is a lot heavier than the Saris Bones I just ordered;
    3. I only haul 2 bikes at most, don't need a rack as hefty as the one I have now.
    http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B000BT30RK?tag=priuschatcom-20
     
  13. LurkAzusa

    LurkAzusa Member

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    I have a full cargo mat in the back with the seats down and roll my road bike in there. I don't have to worry about it being stolen. I do understand the problem if you need to haul more than one bike, though.
     
  14. ryogajyc

    ryogajyc Active Member

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    I'm also putting my bike in the back w/ the seats down, but it's a bit of a hassle taking off the front wheel and reattaching it each time and then lifting it up awkwardly into the hatch. I've fit two bikes (one mountain, one hybrid) so you can actually carry more than one bike. A tarp between the two prevented them from getting tangled.
     
  15. LurkAzusa

    LurkAzusa Member

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    I don't need to take the front wheel off. It fits fine.