Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Denton, TX Date Reviewed: January 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Troy Bilt, Fruita, CO
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
E-Bay
Strengths:
Versatile, easy to use, lightweight; holds many bikes, keeps bikes from touching, keeps them out of the weather. Rack can be easily removed, or moved to another vehicle without tools; holds any type of bike with standard skewers.
Weaknesses:
Can be a little pricey, but I got mine on e-bay; the 9mm skewers are plenty beefy, but the threads must be lubed every so often or they get pretty hard to turn.
Similar Products Used:
roof racks, trunk racks
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent rack. When I first got it, I used it in an Explorer, and it worked great. Then I got an F-150, and I contacted K&S; they sent me a pickup bed mounting kit FREE! And I did not even buy this rack retail. The kit comes with 4 stainless steel "D" rings that mount in the grooves of a pickup bed via stainless steel rivets, which are also supplied.
The kit also comes with nylon buckle straps, but I bought 2 heavy duty ratchet straps that attach to the "D" rings thus securing the rack to the bed of the pickup. I can carry 4 bikes without touching in the bed of my truck, and squeeze them over into one side of the bed so I can carry lots of other gear.
When I go in a buddy's truck, I release the straps and put the rack in his pickup. When bikes are attached, the rack won't slide even without the tie down straps.
This rack has taken my bikes to Moab 3 times, to California, AZ, NM, OK, LA, an all over Texas with no problems at all. If you have an SUV or a pickup, I highly recommend this rack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Susan
a Weekend Warrior
from McLean, VA USA Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Factory direct
Strengths:
Love the fact that my bike is tucked away inside the car, away from theives and without the possibility of falling off the rack on into oncoming highway traffic. Very easy to mount bikes.
Weaknesses:
None that i've found!
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Giant mountain bike
Bottom Line:
Great rack - not one problem. easy to install and use. arrived quickly from the manufacturers. worth every penny!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Hacienda Heights Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$215.00
Purchased At:
Manufacturer
Strengths:
It's versatile. To elaborate, it adjusts with ease requiring minimal exertion.
Weaknesses:
This product is too pricey.
Similar Products Used:
Rhode Gear produces a product that is parallel to this one. It's price is ~$100 less. I purchased this product through www.performancebike.com for $90 excluding S&H.
Bottom Line:
I would recommend Rhode Gear's product over the bike transporter because of its price. The Rhode Gear product does not fail in comparisson to K&S' product in anyway. It is mucher more sturdy than the Bike Transporter and worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred K
a
from Madison, WI, USA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$216.00
Purchased At:
Manufacturer
Strengths:
lightweight and small
Weaknesses:
need car large enough to accomodate bikes (e.g. - Ford Explorer)
Similar Products Used:
Yakima - rooftop rack
Bottom Line:
At first I was dubious that this small, lightweight product, held down by 4 velcro straps would actually hold our 3 bikes well for our 450 mile trip. However, there were no problems whatsoever- not even an annoying jiggle. It was nice to arrive without bugs plastered all over our bikes as occurs with a rooftop unit. The completely adjustable front fork clips are an ingenious solution to being able to make fine adjustments in bicycle position, while in the car, so as to maximize the number of bikes you can carry - clamp the forks in place, leave the fork bracket to base screws loose, adjust bikes using "give" of brackets, then tighten fork brackets into position with supplied Allen wrench - simple and fast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul McDonald
a Racer
from Doylestown, PA Date Reviewed: December 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Betzwood (Valley Forge to Manyunk)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$161.00
Purchased At:
From Manufacturer
Strengths:
Easy to install. Keeps bike stable even on uneven surfaces.
Weaknesses:
Quick release could be easier to adjust.
Similar Products Used:
None, this product had no real competition that I could find.
Bottom Line:
The only way to go if you have room inside your vehicle to stand up your bike. I just bought a second bike and am able to get both next to each other with no problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Hershey, PA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
K&S Products
Strengths:
Simple to assemble. Lightweight, but sturdy. Flexible in terms of adapting to your needs. Good product support by K&S Products.
Weaknesses:
Can not attach a front fork that has a low-rider pannier touring rack attached to it.
Similar Products Used:
Yakima roof mounted racks.
Bike Setup:
Mountain bikes and road bikes.
Bottom Line:
This is one of those products that make you wonder why you didn't think of it yourself. Very simple design, but very versatile. I use mine inside of a 2000 Honda Odyssey. I installed the tie-down hooks into the floor of my van.
I do not keep the rack in my van because it is so easy to install it when I need to use it. Now it is merely a matter of laying the rack in the back of my van, tightening the straps on the ends of the rack, and installing the bikes. My previous rack experience is with the roof mounted version from Yakima. While the Yakima roof mount is a great product, it takes much less time and effort to use the Biketransporter. When loading the bikes on the roof mounted rack in cold weather, my fingers would invariably become extremely cold. It would always be a race to get the bikes mounted, and the security cable locked, before my fingers would become numb.
I have used it to carry up to four bikes (two mountain bikes and two road bikes) at the same time, and I could very easily get at least five bikes inside. I use the rack to carry my road bike to work, where I can ride at lunch. I also use it for those times where my wife and I need to drive to the start of a ride. I am a clean bike freak, and it always irritated me that the bikes would get trashed if you carried them on top of the car and it began to rain. Now when I carry them inside my van, I do not have to worry about trashing the bike when it begins to rain.
An obvious advantage to using the inside rack is that you don't have to worry about vandalism. A less obvious advantage is that when you load your bikes onto your roof mounted rack, your neighbors always know when you are going away. Now, by carrying the bikes inside the van, I can load the van inside the garage out of everyone's view. Thus, when we leave for vacation, or for the day, no one has any idea that we are taking our bikes and may be gone for an extended period of time.
If you have the room inside your vehicle, and you want flexibility in positioning your bikes, this is the way to go. My rating is 4.00 Flamin' Chilis, and not 5.00, because I think the price is a bit high.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James O'Donnell
a Weekend Warrior
from Westerville, OH (Suburb of Columbus) Date Reviewed: August 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Solid. Good design. Flexible. Great instuctions that make sense and are easy to follow. Only tool required is included, a hex wrench which comes with hook and loop fastener so you will not lose it. Lightweight. Has the ability to expand the nubmer of bikes carried. Sized to fit the vehicle you specify. More than enough screws and nuts to assemble.
Weaknesses:
No real weakness noted. Instructions could include an explanation that the straps included with the transporter are merely to provide tie-down, and nothing exotic.
Similar Products Used:
Made one myself from red oak and Performance XPort fork mounts. No flexibility in homemade version.
Bike Setup:
Easy to adjust for caryying a variety of bikes. Thats why the hex wrench is fastened to the unit to you can adjust as needed.
Bottom Line:
Excellent product. may seem pricy, but you will never need to by another one; it will not wear out. This is an excellent product for those with SUV's and vans. Being able to carry your bike inside provides security and protection from inclemnent weather.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Racer
from Lancaster, PA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Installs quickly and easily. Keeps your bike safe from weather, debris and theft.
Weaknesses:
If you change vehicles, you have to reengineer
Similar Products Used:
Roof rack
Bike Setup:
Ibis Alibi
Bottom Line:
I originally bought the bike porter for my 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It worked wonderfully, I could load three bike all of the gear a case of beer and three people. Well I now have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and good old Chrysler changed the roofline. They redesigned the body and put the spare tire under the rear deck thus lowering the headroom in the cargo area. I now have to remove or lower my seat in order to place my bike on the rack. This is a minor inconvenience but K&S had nothing to do with it. My other problem was that the rack was to short because the spare tire has been removed. However, the great customer service reps had a simple work around. They sent me two posts to mount on the end of the rack so I could center the rack on the straps. Free of charge of course. If you have a jeep and you don’t feel like climbing on the roof to take your bike along, if you’re short, I’m 5’8”, or if you like the drive through window at Burger King this is the product for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, fairly easy to install or remove. Keeps bikes inside vehicle.
Weaknesses:
Marginal fit. Annoying straps.
Similar Products Used:
Saris Bones.
Bike Setup:
2000 Santa Cruz Superlight, Fisher Joshua, Trek 8500sl
Bottom Line:
The first thing I did was call K&S and ask them if their unti would fit my RX 300 Lexus. They responded, yes, we have had other customers with the same truck. Well, based on THIS web site, I pulled the trigger. First, the unit came, finally, incomplete. It was missing all the hardware and the tie-down straps. I was doing a trip that weekend, but it didn't arrive on time. No sweat, these things happen. So I get the thing together and fit it in my truck. Well it barely fits and my tie down hooks are too wide at the back! I'm not happy but it looks like it will do (barely) Then I hoist up a bike -- and it doesn't fit. I should have measured myself, but they assured me it would work fine. Not impressed. I guess I can use it with my pick-up -- its not worth it for me to send the thing back from Canada. My advice is buyer beware!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Poughkeepsie, NY Date Reviewed: September 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Bikes are inside, safe, clean and dry.
Weaknesses:
A little pricey.
Bottom Line:
I've taken two road trips with three bikes attached (750 miles so far) and everything has stayed securely in place. I'm using a Ford E350 1 ton van, which isn't a cushy ride. The van has two large, raised platform brackets for the rear seat and with the seat out, the carrier rests on these and I hold it down with C-clamps. It sure beats bungee cords and blankets for padding.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reggie Roaquin
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: July 30, 1999
Simple design but works well! Went 4-wheelin in Sedona, Arizona and the bikes were solid! I like the fact the bikes are INSIDE the cabin not outside. The adjustable fork mounts are great, I could fit three bikes folding only one of the rear seats!Great price, great customer service, great product!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Coolhand
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chicago IL Date Reviewed: July 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very clever design Very good customer service Easy Installation Quick Deliver (ordered friday recieved tuesday)
Weaknesses:
Price is a tad high, but cheaper than a roof rack. Plus supporting the little guy is cool.
Similar Products Used:
Thule Rhode Gear
Bike Setup:
1999.5 Nissan Pathfinder SE Limited 1 hardtail, 1 FS rig, 1 road bike
Bottom Line:
Built up and installed rather easily, comes with the allen wrench you need, and the velcro to attach it to the rack for easy adjustments to bike position. Replies to emails were very quick and the service was outstanding. They threw in a extra wheel strap without asking ( I bought 4 brackets and 3 straps for the rear wheel). I will review again in 6 months.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from Rutherford, NJ Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood State Park, NJ
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Product is extremely easy to install and remove from vehicle. Keeps bikes rock solid in rear of vehicle.
Weaknesses:
Product is a little overpriced for what it is. Directions are a little vague about the actual installation into vehicle.
Similar Products Used:
Saris 993 hitch mount carrier
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000, Klein Mantra Race
Bottom Line:
I was extremely skeptical about this product when I first saw it. But now, I have absolutely no problems with this rack. Even on the worst terrain, absoultely no movement from the bikes. Rack is mounted in a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I did need to call customer support to find how to install rack in the back due to the spare tire. Customer support is great, but installation instructions can use a little tweaking.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from Salem, MA Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Simplicity of design and use. Price (relative to the alternatives).
Weaknesses:
None apparent to date.
Similar Products Used:
Thule roof rack, Trunk mounted racks.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Joshua F2
Bottom Line:
It has been some time since I have encountered such outstanding customer service. I learned of this product on this site on a Thursday morning. I e-mailed and called K&S before lunch. In the afternoon I had received a detailed e-mail and phone call back from Shannon regarding the price and suitability for my two SUV's. I mentioned to Shannon that I would be interested in using the rack for a trip to Maine over the weekend. She not only arranged to have the rack delivered to me, but also took the time to call around for a location that would accept an Airborne Express shipment billed to my account number to save me money on the cross country shipment. This location happened to be an hour drive away. I did receive the rack on Friday morning and had it for my trip. The rack is extremely well designed and conceived. It is reasuring to know that my bikes are protected from the elements and safely locked inside the vehicle. At the same time, it protects the interior by keeping the bikes from shifting around and leaves room for luggage, passengers and dog. Great product, great service.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darrell Holck
a Weekend Warrior
from Aberdeen, MD Date Reviewed: June 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stable
Weaknesses:
Back tire may move
Bottom Line:
I told the dealer I would write a review afetr I tested the Bike TransPorter- well after several uses - IT IS GREAT! I bought the Bike TransPorter to haul 5 or 6 mountain bikes around on a 4'X 8' trailer. The only problem I had is the load of bikes was too light which caused excessive trailer bouncing. Inspite of the rock and roll environment, the transporter (and my bikes) held up fine. I will take the family cross-country next summer - stopping along the way to see America from the seat of our bikes. I may even stop by K&S as we are driving through their home town. GREAT PRODUCT!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HUGH SINNOTT
a Weekend Warrior
from SANTA CLARA,CA Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
fits in my cherokee, clever design
Weaknesses:
flimsy look/feel, expensive and seems a little unstable when you have to angle the front fork mounts to fit your bit in at an angle.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that the product works but... it's not as sturdy as claimed- and....it's kinda' expensive for what you get. I mean, and I was then charged an extra $6.99 for some velcro to tie down spare wheels!!Overall, though, it's a cool product but I'm interested too see how long it lasts...the price is a bit high. Great customer service- no pressure at all and very friendly.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne Baxter
a Weekend Warrior
from Naperville, Illinois Date Reviewed: April 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bottom Line:
Recently Ken sent me several small bolts which helped me adapt a bike-trans-porter I purchased for a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee for use in a new 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not only was I very satisfied with the product as used in my earlier vehicle. I am even more satisfied with it in my new vehicle. Along the way I gained a great deal of appreciation and respect for a company that is bonefidely customer responsive. He didn't try to sell me a new rack, instead helped me modify my current one. I tell everyone I can about this great product and my satisfaction with it. Kudos for a great product and excellent service.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
ease of use
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
various hitch racks and Yakima roof rack
Bike Setup:
two mountainbikes
Bottom Line:
Over the years I have tried a variety of trailer hitch racks and a Yakima roof rack. The trailer hitch variety didn't protect the bikes, got the car damaged, made it difficult to use the trunk, etc.It was a pain to get the bikes up and down on the roof rack, lost a couple of miles per gallon due to wind resistance. With both of those solutions the bikes get dirtier and dirtier.I love this rack. Putting it in and out is a snap, in most cased I leave it in because it doesn't interfere. Holds the bikes great they don't bang into each other and since I have privacy tint on the windows they are safer. Couldn't recommend this more highly.I have a 96 Mercury Villager. The only problem we ran into was the velcro on the bottom of the rack which helps keep it from sliding didn't hold with my carpet. Picked up a couple of extra straps and it works like a dream.The only drawback would be if you need to carry more than two people you can't as the rear seat is moved all the way forward with the seat bottom up.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a weekend warrior
from Tokyo, Japan Date Reviewed: November 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
Just I have a few moments to let you know we are very pleased with the BIKEtransPORTER. The size fits perfectly into the back of our 4WD Mitsubishi Space Gear (I don't think you have them over there in the USA but its a sort of cross between a Star Trek Shuttle and a fairground dodgem car).Last weekend we loaded our hybrid bikes (The excellent Marin Point Reyes) into the 'car' and running on impulse shot up the express way to a log house in the Japanese alps. We have used the place many times as a base for some challenging rides. On this trip though even getting there was a challenge, since we found that the track up the mountain had been largely washed away by recent heavy rain. I have no off-road driving ambitions but it was a situation I couldn't resist. So I gave it some 'welly' as we say in England and sniggered quietly to myself as we bumped and lurched up the mountain.It was a 10 minute white knuckle ride to the log house. My Japanese wife was not amused and gave me one of those looks that only wives can. I suspect, either she wanted to drive that bit, or she did not believe my explanation of the need to maintain traction with speed.Anyway we arrived at the cabin intact. Then, I remebered, oh no the bikes... I could hardly turn to look, I was expecting to see a pile of twisted metal and damage to the car interior. To my amazement though the BIKEtransPORTER had held the bikes exactly as I had 'parked' them. It is a great device.Now we have 4 wheels we are getting out to the mountains at least once a month despite heavy work schedules. It is very convenient to just drop out the front wheel and load the bikes. Once there, the Japanese alps offer excellent cycling. Plus many villages have geothermal hot springs. There is nothing better I think than to relax in a large open spa and stare up at the stars after a hard day skiing or cycling. Some of these places even allow mixed 'bathing.' Its very civilised. I'm ordering another bracket for an additional bike. I have 3 but to my surprise the design allows me to carry even more bikes. One more clamp means we can take a couple of friends plus their bikes with us on trips.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a weekend warrior
from Grand Junction, Colorado Date Reviewed: November 3, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've had my rack for a while and I love it. It is easy to assemble and place in/out of vehicle. It is priced fair and well manufactured. The ability to have my bikes enclosed in my vehicle is certainly a plus.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Rogers
a weekend warrior
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: September 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
I gotta add my two cents here. I studied all the alternatives before buying the TransPORTER-and this is a GREAT rack. It assembles quickly (even for a wrench-challenged person like me), fits into my 97 4-Runner like a glove, and securely holds 3 bikes in less space than you imagine (leaving room for luggage and buddies). Bikes go in and out of the truck in seconds and hardly shake over the roughest roads--no vibration noise--and the rack stays securely in place. And I really like being able to leave the bikes in the car without worry when stopping to eat or even overnight at a hotel. (With tinted rear windows, the bikes are hardly visible.) Plus, Ken was a real pleasure to talk to on the phone when I ordered. A great product with great people behind it--business at its best. If you've got an SUV or a pickup, give Ken a call! Thumbs up all the way!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: July 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have been using my Bike Transporter for about 2 months now. I discovered it on this site and I wanted to give it a thorough beating before reviewing it. Since the day I got it, this rack has been in my Explorer with 2 bikes on it. I fold down the single seat in the back behind the driver and have a XC and DH bike within that small space. They never touch, don't make any noise, and they stay in place even over doubletrack and fireroads. On a daily basis I hammer over speedbumps and potholes now without ever worrying about my bikes. I have had 4 bikes in on the passenger side with the single seat up so I can still seat 3 comfortably. I love the fact that I can drive through and park in South Central for work without the worry of my bikes being disturbed or even noticed for that matter. The tinted windows make it very difficult to tell that you have anything inside. I e-mailed K&S to get more info and Ken e-mailed and snail mailed info to me the same day. When I ordered he even threw in a freebie strap since I have 4 bikes. Cool guy, great company, awesome product.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barbara Geater
a cross-country rider
from Memphis, Tn Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998
Bottom Line:
I purchased my BIKEtransPORTER in the summer of 1995. The main reason I chose it was to be able to keep the bikes INSIDE my GMC Jimmy. Where I work and live, theft is a real problem if you use a roof or trunk rack, even with great locks. Keeping the bikes inside also protects them from the weather. I can get 6-7 bikes in the back of my S-10 Jimmy with both rear seats down and 3-4 bikes with one portion of the split rear seat still up for a rear passenger. No other rack system allows you to pack the bikes this closely. And it is so secure you do not have to wrry about scratching a frame. Your friends will ask where you got it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barbara Geater
a cross-country rider
from Memphis, Tn Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998
Bottom Line:
I purchased my BIKEtransPORTER in the summer of 1995. The main reason I chose it was to be able to keep the bikes INSIDE my GMC Jimmy. Where I work and live, theft is a real problem if you use a roof or trunk rack, even with great locks. Keeping the bikes inside also protects them from the weather. I can get 6-7 bikes in the back of my S-10 Jimmy with both rear seats down and 3-4 bikes with one portion of the split rear seat still up for a rear passenger. No other rack system allows you to pack the bikes this closely. And it is so secure you do not have to wrry about scratching a frame. Your friends will ask where you got it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Dignam
a cross-country rider
from Berthoud, CO Date Reviewed: February 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
Subaru Outback: the rack will work, but with bar ends I had to install the fork mount upside-down on the rack, and the rack upside down in the car for the bar ends to clear the window. I also use my own tie down straps in an x-pattern to secure the rack to the tie-downs. It's a tight fit, but it does work and nothing else does.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terry
a weekend warrior
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: February 1, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought this rack in June, '97 and had it in and out of the back of my 4Runner at least a dozen times over the course of the summer. It goes in and comes out very quickly and easily. Even when the rack is in, it is unobtrusive. It holds the bikes rock solid through all kinds of terrain. The rack stores easily (I hang it on a couple of nails on the wall of the garage). It assembles easily, is made of top quality materials, and should last longer than the truck (or me for that matter). The people at K&S were great to talk to on the phone and took a personal interest in my concerns about installing the rack. They even took the time to draw some personalized installation instructions on the invoice. No modifications to the vehicle were needed. I am very pleased with the company and the rack!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent
a cross-country rider
from Tucson Date Reviewed: January 21, 1998
Bottom Line:
This thing is just about too cool for words. Strapping the Bike TransPorter into the back of my Pathfinder was a piece of cake, and loading a couple of bikes into it takes all of 2 minutes. The most impressive features of this system are its stability -- the bikes are held in SOLID, even on long, neck-snapping 4-wheel-drive roads -- and the security of carrying your bikes inside the vehicle, out of harm's way. No more worrying about carrying bikes on top of my vehicle and awaiting the inevitable crunch under some unnoticed overhang (not that I've done something that stupid -- nosirree, I haven't driven into an old gas station late at night and ignored the 8-foot clearance, only to pick up the pieces of bike and rack afterwards). Ken, the co-owner of K&S, was very helpful and informative when I called about this product, and installation was pretty much a no-brainer. This product definitely deserves first place in the Now, why didn't I think of that? division.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lisa Woll
a racer
from San Diego Date Reviewed: January 7, 1998
Bottom Line:
The BikeTransPorter is the easiest and best rack I've found! It adjusts in seconds for all bikes. I can put 1-4 bikes in my Expedition in a matter of minutes, and still have room for riding gear, wheels and my dog! I really like how easy the rack can be removed when the car is washed, yet it won't move unless I move it. I love not having to climb up on the roof to load bikes anymore. The people at K&S are fabulous and friendly. I ride for Team 101 and am incredible proud to be sponsored by them. They Rock!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a weekend warrior
from Oakland, CA Date Reviewed: November 18, 1997
Bottom Line:
An excellently designed bike rack! I've had one installed in my '97 4Runner since April '97, and I have no complaints yet!Advantages: 1) Easy set-up. It took me 15 minutes in a poorly lit garage. 2) Security. Your bike isn't hanging out there for the whole world to see, and you can hit a restaurant after your ride without worrying about theft. A good car alarm wouldn't hurt, though. 3) Capacity. I can fit 3 bikes, 3 people, and gear in my truck. No problem. 4) You don't have to worry about scraping your roof-mounted bikes off on low overhangs, garages, trees, etc. A major plus for us city-dwellers! Plus, your bike isn't collecting all those bugsplats from driving through the Central Valley during the summer. 5) Easy to order! Just call K&S and tell them what kind of car you have, and it's on it's way! Quick delivery, too.Disadvantages: 1) Only a minor one. K&S included 2 weird screws that looked like normal screws, except for a long cylindrical piece of plastic sticking up from the head. They were called risers, and I could never figure out what they were for. I never used 'em, and the bike rack works fine without 'em!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jennifer Giordano
a weekend warrior
from Middletown, NJ Date Reviewed: September 3, 1997
Bottom Line:
The BikeTransPorter is by far the greatest product in its class. It fits 3 bikes easily into the back of my Jeep Cherokee and still has room for all kinds of gear. It sets up in seconds flat and eliminates all the hassles of a roof rack. The best thing about it is the people behind the scenes - Shannon and Ken - who are the coolest to deal with. They know how to run a great company and have fun at the same time! Five flaming chiles for the best rack ever!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Nawrocki
a weekend warrior
from Macedon, New York Date Reviewed: August 20, 1997
Bottom Line:
This product is exceptionally simple in design, yet very well engineered for flexibility to accomodate a very wide range of positions for multiple bikes. I ordered it a few days before a trip to Maine, and it arrived, AS PROMISED, right on time. Even my 10 yr old son recognized the stability of this rack, the bikes simply don't move! I've used it every time out, and love this rack. NO MORE BUNGEE CORDS in the back of my pickup.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOHN DETWILER
a weekend warrior
from INVERNESS, FL Date Reviewed: July 1, 1997
Bottom Line:
HAVE USED A BIKE PORTER IN OUR '96 DODGE CARAVAN FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. IT IS GREAT. WIFE GOES RIDING 3 TIMES A WEEK (AT LEAST) AND SAYS IT IS THE BEST THING GOING. MUCH BETTER THAN HER FORMER RACK ON THE TRUNK OF HER (FORMER) CAR. ALSO, BIKE PORTER PUTS OUT A SIMPLE LITTLE STRAP WITH VELCRO CLOSURE THAT IS HANDY FOR ALL SORTS OF STUFF. GREAT PRODUCTS FROM AN EASY TO DEAL WITH COMPANY.
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Submitted by
Gibson Anderson
a cross-country rider
from Saratoga, California Date Reviewed: April 9, 1997
Bottom Line:
My favorite bike rack by far and I own and use several (Bike TransPorter, Graber, Rhodegear and Yakima). I use a Graber Mountaineer and Rhodegear Euroshuttle on my sedan but no longer use my Yakima top rack on my wife's Ford Explorer. And I only use the Graber or Rhodegear when I can't talk my wife out of her Explorer. It takes all of 30 seconds to mount or take out of the Explorer. I routinely carry 3 people and 3 bikes and gear in comfort. I can lock the door and not worry about someone making off with my beloved AMP B-4! It's well designed and well made and the people at K & S Products are great folks to deal with. If my wife ever gets rid of her Explorer, I'll have to trade my sedan for an Explorer or 4Runner so I can still use my Bike TransPorter!
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Submitted by
Melissa Miller
a racer
from Leucadia, CA 92024 Date Reviewed: April 7, 1997
Bottom Line:
The Bike transPorter is the best--it's so easy to use and extremely versatile. My teammate even put it on her new Mazda Miata--right onto the stabilizer bar in the back. This combined with the luggage rack on the trunk allows her to carry two bikes in her Miata! Now that's ingenuity and versatility!I'm a proud member of TEAM 101, Southern California's first all-women bicycle racing team and we're proud to be sponsored by K&S Products--not only is the Bike transPorter the best, but so are the people at K&S!Happy trails...:)
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Submitted by
Peggy Lawing
a cross-country rider
from Kings Moutain, NC Date Reviewed: March 30, 1997
Bottom Line:
I've tryed all sorts of devices to haul our road bikes without harming the bike or the vehicle. The bike porter is absolutely the best transporter I've ever used. I ordered one for a new Tahoe that hadn't come yet and used in the back of a pickup on a MS ride to the beach. We hauled 6 bikes without a hitch!!. Our new Tahoe came and we were going to Charleston for some biking and the straps weren't long enough. I called K&S products and the corrects straps were in my mail box in two days from California-- ready for our trip!! GREAT SERVICE!! Try it you'll like it - if not they will refund your money!
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Submitted by
John Coyle
a weekend warrior
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: March 30, 1997
Bottom Line:
The BIKEtransPORTER is one of the most useful tools of the biker I've seen to date. With my sport utility vehicle, about the only way I could haul my bike around was on the roof, or throw it in the back - literally. The BIKEtransPORTER is extremely light and easy to handle. Strapping it to the floor of my S.U.V. is a breeze - even with one strap (Chevrolet had the brilliant idea of putting only ONE latching hook in the middle of the floor on a few years of their Blazers!). The only other labor is sticking the bike forks in the fork mount. All this can be done in about 2 minutes - a lot less time than hefting the bike onto the roof of the vehicle! You don't need an S.U.V. either. It fits fine in the bed of a pickup. This is a brilliantly designed device.
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Submitted by
Bill Sylvester
a weekend warrior
from San Jose Date Reviewed: March 30, 1997
Bottom Line:
The beauty of this bike rack is it's simplicity. It straps into the bed of your pick-up or in the rear of your S.U.V. in about 30 seconds. Set your forks in the fork mount, strap your front wheel to the side of your bike, (nifty velcro strap available) and you're ready to go. But my favorite thing about this rack is; I don't have to do a military press with my bike over my head to put it on the rack because it doesn't go on the roof. Oh yea... and no worries going into the parking garage and knocking your bike off your roof rack...uh... not that I've ever done that. So if you don't have a pick-up truck or sport utility then my advice is... GO GET ONE! Then you can use this cool rack.
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