Submitted by
Robin
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh/Durham NC USA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2005
Strengths: Relatively easy to use.
Weaknesses: Will rust significantly over a few years when permanently mounted to vehicle that doesn't live in a garage. The load arms get fussy first, eventually the entire bike mount begins to twist and buckle.
Bottom Line:
I think the concept of the Sportworks Mod is great and it worked very well for me for several years, but dang, the rust! Ultimately, various joints rusted and weakened to the point that the mounts were no longer safe to use. Given my original investment was in the $300-$400 range and I used it for ~4 years, I've had to chalk mine up as a too costly and shortlived cool bike rack. I'll be trying a 1up USA Ultra rack next. It compacts enough to be easily stored away when not in use by garageless people.
Weaknesses: with a 1 1/4" hitch it will only carry 2 bikes max.
Bottom Line:
I have just 1 bike tray because that is all I need. The sportworks mod takes up so little room, that I leave it on the car most the time. With just the one bike tray it is very easy to install on the car. Takes about 5 minutes.
Get the folding hitch, worth every penny of it. With my bike on the rack I can tilt it down and still open my hatchback.
10 seconds to load or unload the bike, awesome!
Bike is rock solid in the rack at highway speeds. I like that I can see my bike in the rearview mirror.
My car fits easy in my garage with the rack folded up.
No worries about driving in my garage with the bike on top of the car or thru fast-food drive throughs.
Similar Products Used: none, used to carry the bike inside my car
Bike Setup: Mercier Aquilla road bike with Tiagra groupset
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Larry Tesler
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2004
Strengths: - Fast and easy to load and unload bikes. - Folds up when not in use. - Folds down for hatch access. - Very modular: variable capacity: 1, 2, or 3 bikes; options for recumbents and most tire sizes. - Better than roof racks because no reaching up is required. And you won't break your bike frame, as I broke mine, by driving into a garage with a bike on the roof. - Better than hatch racks because it won't touch your paint job or weatherstripping. And there are no hooks and straps to mount and adjust. - Choice of rear wheel holders: velcro straps (standard) or lock ring. The strap takes a few seconds more to use. The lock ring can stick, especially if you try to operate it with one hand. - The rack and bikes can be locked to the hitch with an accessory.
Weaknesses: - The arm that secures the front wheel has a strong spring that can be hard to pull, making it difficult to get the arm on and off. The difficulty seems to vary with the weather. I much prefer the ratchet mechanism on the Sportworks Transport. - To fold up or down, a pin and bail must be removed and reinserted. It's easy compared to most racks, but not as easy as the pinless auto-locking mechanism on the Sportworks TranSport. - The Mod Series comes in several shipping boxes. Upon receipt, check that all bolts and other parts are in place. If a part or tool seems missing, rummage around in the boxes. If it's really not there, call Sportworks and they'll probably send you the missing part quickly. - Requires a hitch. If possible, install a 2" hitch so you can carry more bikes. - As with all rear-mount racks, you need to allow for extra length when you park the vehicle. - If you leave the rack in the hitch for months at a time, you may find some rust in the hitch. (Sportworks recommends removing the hitch between trips, but I sometimes use it every other day.) - To mount the rack on the hitch, you'll need a torque wrench, a couple of minutes, and enough strength to lift the rack and insert the tongue in the hitch.
Bottom Line:
If you have a hitch, especialy a 2" hitch, this is the 2d best rack on the market, in my opinion. The best is the Sportworks TranSport, which is even easier to install and operate, and can be expanded to hold 4 bikes with a 2" hitch. If you don't need the modularity or the Mod series, for esxample, for a recumbent, I recommend the TranSport instead.
Although Sportworks systems cost more than most, the premium pales in comparison to the cost of damage that use of a hatch rack can cause to your vehicle or that use of a roof rack can cause to your bike and rack if you drive into a garage. And if you value your time, you'll appreciate how quickly you can get your bikes on and off the rack.
As with any rear-mount rack, you have to be careful when backing up the vehicle. But it's harder to forget the bikes are back there when you can't help but see them in the rear-view mirror.
Accessories: - Buy wheel spacers at the same time you buy the rack. - If you buy the locking anti-wobble bolt, consider substituting an (uncoiled) Kryptonite Hitch Pin Cable for the coiled cable that Sportworks offers.
Similar Products Used: Sportworks TranSport Series, Yakima LowRider (roof rack model), and several other roof rack and hatchback racks over the years.
Bike Setup: Various mountain, touring, and hybrid bikes.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
IB Irie
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, CA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2004
Strengths: Easy load/unload. Install time from out of the box to rear hitch = 10 min. Anti wobble bolt works. No more circus balancing acts trying to raise the bike and juggling with roof racks.
Weaknesses: Unfortunately, I installed this nice rack on the back of a Toyota Rav 4 and now I can only open the rear door part way even with the hitch extender in place. I placed a call to Sportworks (mfr)about this issue and they were very fast in responding to me. Told me they would pose the problem with their engineers.
Bottom Line:
Industrial strength. Just like the ones found on buses. I especially like the "modular" design. Only take the racks I need and leave the rest in the garage. I will be installing this also on a Screaming Yellow Hummer H2 using the same racks but with a 2" hitch assembly instead. Love to see the price come down a bit more but like the posters below mentioned... after 1 or 2 uses, the costs is thrown out along with the mud, debris, etc.
Similar Products Used: Yakima roof racks. Thule Hitch Trailer
Bike Setup: 2004 Intense 5.5. FSA Carbon Pro ATB Cranks. Swinger 4 way. 2004 Fox Talas RLC. Hayes Disc Mag Plus.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Aurora, CO
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004
Strengths: Sturdy design Ease of use
Weaknesses: Heavy
Bottom Line:
I use the rack to carry three bikes with no problem (I did have to purchase an optional adapter for the third bike--an additional adapter is available for a fourth bike). Loading and unloading is a breeze and best of all the bikes don't rub together while in transit. This rack is a must-have for irregular frames or kids bikes that don't fit on a normal rack. Worth every dollar!!!
Strengths: Heavy Duty, Very Strong. Bike Loads in less than 15 seconds! Looks pretty cool.
Weaknesses: Somewhat of a challenge to get entire rack secured into receiver. At least it is a challenge to the the holes lined up to insert the antiwobble bolt.
Locking is somewhat of an issue. There is no internal locking mechanism. I purchased the locking anti wobble bolt but haven't tried it yet.
Bottom Line:
Well based on the reviews I read here I bought this rack! I am soooooooooo glad that I did. It is so smartly designed that is is amazing. I couldn't be happier with it up to this point.
There are a couple of somewhat negative reviews about this rack. There gripes seemed to be legitimate until i got the rack. ONe guy complained that you have to use a bolt to secure the rack to the hitch. Hello, what else would you secure it with, Velcro? It is a 3/4" head bolt and very it takes about 20 seconds to tighten the bolt once it is installed. THat is not a reason to leave the rack on the vehicle at all times as he stated.
I have little practice but can install the rack in under 5 minutes easily. The only issue is that this baby is pretty heavy. It has to be. So that makes it a bit awkward to get the hole lined up in the receiver when installing the bolt. It took me a couple minutes to get in just right.
I think it might be easier to install the tray after installing the hitch insert. That would make it less cumbersome and would only require one extra bolt to be removed/installed.
Another reviewer complained that the rack is too low. He must drive a sled because this thing is way off the ground and i drive a car. I would almost say that it is too far off the ground.
As mentioned before the greatest thing about this thing is putting the bike on. There is absolutely nothing to it. Just put the spring loaded arm over the front tire (5 seconds)and put a simple velcro strap around the rear and drive on.
The bike is VERY solid in the rack. THe only movement is the whole rike and back moves a little back and forth but they move as one. Also I should say that this movement is natural and if it didn't move the rack would probably snap in half.
THe only movement i have noted is on bumps and when turning corners. I have no concerns about the security of the bike/rack. It ain't going anywhere!
With the raise/lower ability you can tilt the rack up and leave it on the car. It sticks out very little with one tray. I don't need the lowering capability as i can still access my trunk with the bike on the rack.
If you are looking for a rack and have the very least mechainical ability and common sense, this rack is for you. This rack should still have a perfect score and I will help it out with 5 Flamers. THe reasons it has been downgraded so far in other reviews are invalid. Get this rack!
Submitted by
Geoff
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004
Strengths: Really easy to load and unload. Easy to get to bikes. Well made (for the most part, see below). Quiet (out of wind). Great for bike with non-standard geometry.
Weaknesses: First version sagged badly and took 2 months to get a warranty replacement (so I guess it is not quite so well made). Seats on all bikes interfere with bars and thus needed to install QR seat bolts or grips/saddles would be damaged from rubbing. Third bike mount wobbles and thus bike must be secured with bungie. No built in method of locking bikes (must use you own cables and locks). Needs to be unbolted to be removed (so like other have been leaving it on the car).... Lastly, since it is on car and it has lots of bars covering the back of the car when folded up the local law enforcement does not like it, we have been pulled over for not have a visible license plate (which is the middle of the back of the SUV the rack is attached to). So my big issue is that we can't leave the rack on (illegal), it takes time and hassle to put it on thus is less than useful. SO... Be very careful that you can see your plate with the rack folded or you risk being cited.
Bottom Line:
This rack came highly recommended and I want to love this product but two months without a rack waiting on a warranty replacement, the issue that it is illegal to have the rack folded where it blocks your license plate (which is hard not to do with all the tubes that make up the rack), the saddle/bar interference and inconvenience of bolting and unbolting the rack ever time I need to use it result in a less than stellar opinion. The cost is another issue, I would not expect all these issues for a rack that cost half a G. I will be look elsewhere for rack solutions in the future.
Similar Products Used: No other hitch racks, but lots of Yakima roof racks and truck bed racks.
Bike Setup: NA
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Joseph Kozachek
a Cross Country Rider
from Storrs, CT
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2004
Strengths: Lift for the bikes is only about 14 inches which is much lower than standard racks. The bikes (I've set the rack up to carry anywhere from 2 to 4 bikes with ease) don't hit each other with zero frame /finish damage. Easily modular as above. Stable on the road behind an SUV or minivan. Bikes are somewhat sheltered from road debris/dirt. Safelty handles road or MTB without adaption. Handles dualies great Handles kids bikes which are a pain in a standard rack. Loads and unloads quickly (20-30 seconds per bike max. generally better visibilty out the back than with a standard rack.
Weaknesses: price. need to check hitch bolt as it can loosen anything over a 2.5 wheel is tight unless you spring for the Downhill adapter slightly inconvenient getting to the rear hatch but generally better than a standard rack when loaded and slightly worse when empty.
Bottom Line:
I bought this rack about 3years ago. Mostly cause I was tired of trying to fit my kids 20" wheels, then 24", now 26" bikes onto a standard rack without killing myself, dinging the bikes up, or trying to fit a multibike jigsaw together. Only having to lift the innermost bike up about a foot rather than shoulder height makes the job so much easier. Highly recommended to people with : multiple size wheels (ie people with kids); if you aren't burley enough to hold up your 25-30 lb MTB while trying to work it onto the innermost rack space on a standard rack; or you would rather be riding than putting your bike on a rack.
Just had the first damage... a lockring broke, but as the rack is modular its replaceable without trashing the rack.
When I bought this product had a rating of 5.0 on this site - no longer! Once I went through the process of fixing the problems with the rack, it works fine and doesn't wobble and is quite easy to use.
...but I didn't plan on spending 3 hours setting it up right, or fixing parts that broke or weren't designed to my (admittedly high) standards.
1. Worst problem: even with all the special bolts keeping the rack from wobbling in the trailer hitch, the arm that clamps around the tire wobbles front to back about 1". That's a lot for the bike to be flopping around. I fixed this problem by removing the pin that holds the arm in place and substituting with two tightened bolts. Problem solved, but I shouldn't have had to fix their design problem.
2. The plastic clip holding the tether for the raise/lower pin broke the first time I tried to raise/lower the hitch. Another good example of a $0.05 part which again I had to replace with a $0.20 bolt. If I was able to break the part during install, it needs to be made better...
3. The instructions mention a hex wrench and a plastic cap to put in the end of the tray. Not included.
4. The retractable arm hangs a bit low for my driveway. It sticks down 4-5" lower than the rest of the rack. I'm not able to put a second tray on my rack without some clearance issues. My car is lower than most, and my driveway is steeper than most.
5. The hitch piece ships with an anti-wobble bolt. Don't plan on attaching or removing from your car without a wrench. Maybe this was obvious to most, but I'm not sure what the point of a 30-second bike install is, if it takes 5 minutes to put the rack on...
So I'm pretty much going to leave it on the car at all times, which is actually a good thing and should motivate me to bring my bike with me more and ride more!
6. Since I didn't know it came with an anti-wobble bolt, I bought the expensive ($50) locking bolt kit. When tightened properly, the rack still wobbled. When I tightened it more, I snapped the bolt. Consider buying just a plan lock cable and running it through the trailer hitch, the locking bolt seems to add no advantage over the standard bolt in that you can lock the hitch to the car.
I'm seriously considering having a new tray receiver welded up that sits 6" closer to the car and higher off the ground, and fits the standard trays.
Hope that helps prospective buyers. I like the rack, but I don't love the problems I've had.
Submitted by
Allen
a Weekend Warrior
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003
Strengths: Design and ease of use. Modular - only needed rack to carry one bike at this time - I can always buy another tray when if I ever need it.
Weaknesses: Rear tire strap
Bottom Line:
Greatt rack! I needed a rack that would go between two very different vehicles and the only way to do that was a 1 1/4" receiver hitch rack. I bought the Sportworks Mod series based on the previous reviews, which are right on track. The ease of loading and unloading the bike is worth the extra price. I did buy the hitch pin lock and cable which adds a little time in loading and unloading, but this would be the same for any cable style lock.
I also purchased the optional rear wheel locking ring which works fine - better than the cheesy velcro strap that comes with the rack.
I have traveled approximately 200 miles on Interstates with the rack and have only noted a slight wobble which appears to be flex of the rack itself and not wobbling at the hitch. This wobble is not excessive and is completely within reason.
Strengths: Very solid construction. EASY EASY EASY to load. 10 seconds! Did I mention EASY?? No-wobble bolt works GREAT. Folds up when not in use. No need to remove front tire!! Good ground clearance compared to my top-tube holding rack (front tires won't drag on the ground)
Weaknesses: Front tire "hook" holds bike just fine but has just a hint of play in it. Will fix that this weekend. Not a big deal at all. The rear tire strap is a little cheezy but it works. I bought the rear tire "ring" for both trays as an upgrade. 30 seconds each to install them. No integral locking system, but I have plenty of cable locks.
Bottom Line:
I have two vehicles. One with a 1 1/4" hitch, the other with a 2" hitch. Bought two trays and a separate reciever section for each size hitch. I use one tray if it's just me going riding or use them both if my wife goes along. Great rack. Will drill another hole through the reciever so I can use a locking bolt to lock the rack to the cars AND use the no-wobble bolt as well. Should take about 5 minutes. This is a great rack that works beautifully. Period. I don't consider this rack expensive when I think of the $$ worth of bicycles I haul around on it.
Similar Products Used: Every rack known to mankind.
Bike Setup: Too many to list here ;)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Smalley
a Cross Country Rider
from Coral Gables, Fl
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
Strengths: This is my one year follow up review. This rack is incredable!!! Well designed, solid construction, easy to use. No nasty front tire in your nice clean car.
Weaknesses: Seems pricey at first - but WELL WORTH THE PRICE. I said I was not impressed with the rear tiedown a year ago. I must have gotten over it, I haven't replaced it.
Bottom Line:
I can now spen my spare time riding. Not strapping a rack on, strapping a bike on, unstrapping a bike, and taking a rack off. If you haul your bike regularly, get one!
Submitted by
Keith Sinram
a Weekend Warrior
from Toledo, OH
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002
Strengths: Ease of Use
Weaknesses: Cost
Bottom Line:
After one nice long vacation with this new bike rack, I stopped complaining about its high price! I, as well as my wife who was not very happy with me spending the money, are very happy with this four-bike setup and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for ease of use, rigidity, and no headaches...... Buy it and get over the price!
Bike Setup: Trek 7300 (2) and a couple of Mountain Bikes for the kids
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
BurkeTravelinman
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Junction,Colo.
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2002
Weaknesses: SportWorks dealer network is LAME and it (network) SUCKS... This is SportWorks' ONLY shortcoming--however,, it is a MAJOR one....
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my initial June 2001 review.. After 6 months of use, I have to say that this system is so much nicer than I could have ever imagined.. I have had 3 inquiries as to the effectiveness of the "anti-rattle" device mentioned in my previous posting..YES it was $$$ well spent.. Even though it isn't needed IF you use the Sportworks-supplied hitch connector bolt.. That bolt screws on very securely and has a hole in the end to install a regular lock to for security..You will NOT have any wobbling if you use it.. However, I prefer to use a regular hitch lock.. It looks like a teenie weinie dumbbell.. By using that type of lock,, an "anti-rattle" device IS neccessary.. By the way,, This device will stop the shaking of ANY hitch-mounted bike rack.. In addition to the location mentioned in my previous posting,, if you go to "www.cabellas.com",, then go to "automotive/ATV",, then go to "hitches" you will find a very nice device for $9.99 that appears to be a better unit than the one I bought for $14.99.. One word of warning: check your hitches' above-the-ground clearance, especially if you plan on using 3 or 4 bike set-up.. On my Astro van,, the height is 10.5 inches to the inside-bottom lip of the hitch.. With 3 bikes carried,, coming out of driveways,etc,, causes the 3rd bike front wheel mount ( the arm extends down about 4" below the level of the rack) to scrape the ground.. If you want to hear a noise that will send a shiver down your spine,,make the hair on the back of your neck to stand on end,,and cause an involuntary scream all at the SAME time--- then this sound will do it.. And remember,, the front wheel mount is basically the ONLY thing securing your bike TO the rack.. I have NOT had this problem when using only the 2-bike setup.. But then again,, YOUR hitch may set quite a bit lower to the ground.. It would be wise to invest in the Sportworks 5 14" riser/ 6" extender hitch connector if you have any doubts about clearance problems.. For ANY and ALL SportWorks items go to: www.bestwebbuys.com/bikes/search/q/sportworks This web site lists 49 items for the Transport/ MOD series racks... Also ,, be advised that NOT all Transport/MOD connectors are interchangeable.. I found this out the hard way.. This will be the last bike rack you ever buy.. it really is THAT DAMN GOOD....
Submitted by
bodi
a Cross Country Rider
from greenville
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
Strengths: This product is very solid. A little heavy but on the back of my 4runner I need it. Ease of use (note*** my wifes beach cruiser and my full suspension rig go on in less than 2 minutes) No lifting a dirty bike over your head or dirty wheels in the back of your car.
Weaknesses: Can be pricy if you do not find a great deal. cheesy toe straps for tie downs ( iwill be replacing them soon.)
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing product. I have only had it for a few weeks but it will be the last rack i buy. It is so easy to use. I saw where people were upset that you cannot lock it but my pin that holds it in the hitch has the cotter hole that is large enough that i was able to put a padlock in it.My wife loves it because she doesn't have to lift the bike so far. I have also used a trunk rack on the back of my 4runner but then i could not access the back of the car. with this rack you can still get in the back with no problem. find one and buy it!!!!
