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Bike rack: swagman vs xport/sportrack

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by notyou, Feb 28, 2008.

  1. notyou

    notyou New Member

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    I know this has been discussed to death in previous threads, but after reading every single one I could find, I'm down to debating between two hitch-mounted bike racks. The first is the Swagman XC 2, available in multiple places including:The second goes by at least two names, the XPORT Flatbed 2 and the SportRack 2EZ:Can anyone comment on whether it's possible to open the hatch while (mountain) bikes are on the Swagman?

    Can anyone comment on whether the sportrack/xport extends too far out? It looks like it may have an awfully long lever arm that would put a strain on the hitch. I'm also worried that the Curtis is a class I receiver and the only indication I can find is that this may require a class II.

    Any other comments/comparisons from people who own either bike rack?

    (note: I have the Curtis 1.25" hitch receiver installed on a 2007 Prius via U-Haul)

    Thanks!
     
    #1 notyou, Feb 28, 2008
  2. jammin012

    jammin012 The man behind The Man

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    This is the bike rack I had on my Jaguar X-Type, traded the car for the Prius and kept the rack, what does that tell you.... Now I'm waiting for the right time to buy the roof bars for the Prius and I'm in.

    I had to order it through the dealership and I haven't seen one in the states yet. I'm sure they can be had through.


    Atera Tandem Lift
     
    #2 jammin012, Feb 28, 2008
  3. notyou

    notyou New Member

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    That's a pretty cool roof rack, but I'm 100% sold on the idea of a hitch-mounted one for myself.

    I'm specifically debating between the two models I named... I was hoping someone would chime in with some experience with either model!
     
    #3 notyou, Feb 28, 2008
  4. jammin012

    jammin012 The man behind The Man

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    #4 jammin012, Feb 29, 2008
  5. pet-dr-1

    pet-dr-1 New Member

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    Location:
    Illinois USA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    I bought one made by Thule. I got it at Performance bike shop, many stores and also on line. Don't recall what I paid but it would have cost several hundred bucks for the hitch if put on by Toyota. Local Toyota shop said if I got an 'after market' hitch it would void my 100 K mile warranty. Then I got to thinking about what the rack would do to mileage and scrapped the idea. I just lay down the back seats, remove the front wheel from my road bike and slip it into the car. Slick as can be and doesn't compromise MPG. Only problem would be if you need to take more than one bike.

    Fred
     
    #5 pet-dr-1, Mar 1, 2008
  6. subarutoo

    subarutoo New Member

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    Location:
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    These are probably overkill, but the Prius team cars use Yakima, not sure what model number. I'd rather put mine inside. My road bike fits fine inside, wheels on, and I still have room for other stuff. I've never had two at a time, but with front wheels off, and a pad between it shouldn't be too hard. I also have a Rhodes Gear trunk rack for my Subaru, which I've tried on the Prius for fit, but never actually used it. Its too easy to stow it in the rear hatch area, more "aero", and safer for the bike, too.
     

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    #6 subarutoo, Mar 1, 2008
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