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If you own one or more bikes and are constantly going on cycling adventures that require you to drive some distance first, the likelihood is that you will find yourself in need of a bike rack.
Those that aren’t lucky enough to have adequate space to house one or more bikes in the back of their car can use a bike rack to be able to transport their bikes with them wherever they go.
The Swagman XTC2 bike rack comes in the form of a mount for the back of your vehicle that can be used to save you some time, energy, and effort during those times that you need to transport your bikes.
Whether you are heading off for a mountain bike adventure or feel like cycling through trails in the woods, a bike rack can be a much more convenient way of being able to get your bikes from point A to point B.
Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
The product that we are going to be reviewing today is the Swagman XTC2 bike rack. This product is a great choice due to the fact that it is easy to assemble and will be ready to use within just a few minutes if you follow the instructions provided.
As soon as you have finished the installation process, you can place your bikes on the rack and head off to your chosen destination with ease. It is great for saving your space in terms of storage because the rack folds away easily, so you can put it away when you aren’t going to be using it for a while.
It is also super easy to put back up, so you won’t be wasting any time at all.
You also won’t have to worry about running into any potential security risks because your bikes will be protected with the locking ratchet hooks and locking hitch pin. You can be assured that your bikes will be safe wherever you are, so you can turn your back without them disappearing.
You can easily transport a maximum of two bikes using this reliable bike rack, and it is also compatible with a class 2 or higher 1¼-inch and 2-inch hitch receiver. The rack can fit most bike frame sizes, shapes, and styles, and there is a maximum weight capacity of 35 pounds per bike.
It can fit bikes with tire sizes that are anywhere between 12 and 29 inches.
It is designed entirely to make it easier for you to carry two bikes without any hassle, and they will be secured onto your car’s hitch without any risk of damaging either the bikes or the car. Due to the built-in anti-wobble device, the rack will secure solidly without any give.
To load your bikes onto the rack, all you have to do is lift them into the wheel platforms, secure the wheels with the straps provided, and then secure the grip arms over the frames for extra security and stability.
The rack uses push-button ratcheting arms and wheel platforms that have the ability to slide, which provides a custom fit that is easily adaptable for lots of different bike types and sizes.
It can also hold a variety of frame sizes, and there is a soft frame-friendly coating on the grip arms that will make sure that the bikes don’t get scratched or damaged.
It is a much better alternative to some roof-mounted bike racks, as there is less hassle involved. You won’t need to remove any parts of the bike to make them fit, and you won’t need to worry about the bikes coming loose and posing a hazard risk.
You will still be able to access the trunk of your car no differently than you normally would, regardless of whether the rack is loaded or not. You can access the trunk of your car without having to remove the rack or the bikes that it may be holding.
Finally, this bike rack even comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, which is very helpful if anything were to go wrong. This shows that the product is built to last a long time and is made to be durable.
- Easy to assemble and folds away to save space
- You can still have full access to your trunk when the rack is in use
- Has a built-in anti-wobble device that keeps them secure
- You can be assured that your bikes are safe with the locking system in place
- Made to last a long time
- Easy to load your bikes on to the rack
- Come with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
- It can be difficult to release the upper arm once it is secured in place
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Bike Rack
One of the first things that you will need to consider when you decide to buy a bike rack is how many bikes you intend to store on it. Some people will only need it to transport one bike, but families or couples may need to transport more.
When it comes to buying a mount, you will need to make sure that it has enough space to store all of your bikes. If you only need to transport one or two, then the Swagman XTC2 is a great option to think about.
However, if you need more than this, then you might need to consider another product.
You will also need to think about the durability of the product that you are buying as many bike racks are designed using different materials, and some may be of higher quality than others.
It will need to have a strong structure that can last for a long time, though this might lead to higher costs. The Swagman XTC2 is an affordable option when you consider the high-quality materials that it is made with.
The bike rack is strong enough to hold two of your bikes with ease, as long as you stick to the recommended 35-pound weight limit for each bike. Exceeding this limit can cause your bike rack to warp or break, which you don’t want to happen.
Bike racks that aren’t made with high-quality materials are more likely to cause damage to either your bike or your car, or maybe even both, which would be very unfortunate.
It is often better to spend more on a high-quality and durable bike rack that isn’t going to cause damage. Swagman is highly confident in its product, which is why it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. If you want a bike rack that is going to last for years to come, then this product is a great option for you.
The only downside that there is with this product in terms of quality is that some customers have noted that it is prone to rust over time. This might not be the case for everyone, but there are some precautionary measures that you can take to stop your bike rack from getting rusty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Different Types of Bike Racks?
There are quite a few different bike racks that you can choose from, depending on which option is the most convenient one for you.
Each has its own set of pros and cons, but you should have a look at the different types of bike racks available to see which option would be better suited to your circumstances.
Factors like the type of car that you own, how many bikes you want to load, and your own personal preferences will have an influence over which type is the most practical for you. Here are the different types of bike racks:
- Hitch-Mount – A hitch mount is a great way to store your bikes away from your car to prevent accidental damage to your car or the bikes. They are one of the easiest options to use, but you will require a hitch in order to install one, and they may be more limited as to how many bikes you can store at once.
- Trunk-Mount – These mounts are great in terms of affordability and efficiency, and they can be super easy to use. They are straightforward to attach to your car, but they have been known to scratch the car if the installation isn’t 100% accurate.
- Roof-Mount – A roof mount is typically the most popular choice when it comes to finding the best way to transport your bikes, and this is because it is the most unlikely to cause damage. However, they can be more difficult to install, and they do add extra height to your car, making it less reliable, and it can be hazardous when driving under low bridges.
Are Hitch Bike Racks Safe?
Yes, hitch bike racks are completely safe to use as long as you follow the user guide and instructions carefully.
You need to make sure that you don’t overload the bike rack as this can cause a hazard, and you should also double-check that it has been properly attached to your vehicle before you set off on your journey.
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