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Performance
XPORT™ Passage 4-Bike Hitch Rack
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Submitted by
Itascaman
a Weekend Warrior
from San Bernardino, CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | from a friend - used | | Strengths: | In my opinion, none. Some people will like it because it's easy to load. | | Weaknesses: | The main vertical main tube. I put my aluminum frame Trek ZX-6000 and my wife & son's old cro-moly Trek 820s on it, as well as a "trail-a-bike" attachment for our youngest. The rack was mounted in the 2" receiver hitch on our motorhome. Off we went, heading north to Yosemite.
Apparently, the somewhat bouncy ride up Highway 99 didn't agree with the rack. Two-thirds of the way to our destination, our son noticed that the rack looked "closer to the ground." A quick inspection revealed that the vertical main tube had partly collapsed at the bottom, just above where it mounted to the tube that fits in the receiver hitch. Thank goodness we pulled over to eat, or we would probably have lost the bikes in another 25-50 miles. The rack was leaning away from the RV at about a 35 degree angle! | | Similar Products Used: | Hollywood Racks 3-bike 2" receiver hitch rack; Bell 4-bike 2" receiver hitch rack | | Bike Setup: | RV receiver hitch mount | | Bottom Line: | Wish I'd kept the Hollywood Racks unit -- it was rock solid even though it only held 3 bikes. Gave it away because I thought the XPORT would stand up to the challenge.
Did I overload the rack? I don't think so. What does "4 bike rack" mean, if you can't put four bikes on it? Highway 99 is an old concrete slab road, but I still can't understand why freeway bumping would make the post collapse.
My bottom line: I wouldn't trust this rack with more than one or two bikes, and I CERTAINLY wouldn't mount it anywhere that I couldn't keep a constant eye on it [i.e., the back of a motorhome.] If you are looking for a heavy-duty 4-bike hitch-mounted rack, DON'T BUY THIS RACK!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
smack
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Velcro bike wraps | | Weaknesses: | plastic stabilizers are useless | | Bottom Line: | This was one of the best purchases I've made so far. The way the hitch was installed on my car (Chevy Cavalier), I had to buy a hitch extension to make it possible to attach the rack to the hitch. This worked out better in the long run, as I now am able to quickly disconnect the entire rack/extension tube from the hitch via a hitch locking pin. I had the hitch shop spot weld all the bolts on the hitch as well as the bolt that attached the hitch to the extension. Thus securing the entire contraption from an eager thief who might happen along with the correct tools for dismantling.
The nicest feature of the bike rack has got to be the velcro frame wraps. It takes about 5 seconds to secure a bike to this rack. I've seen similar styled racks that require screwing something down over the top frame tube. Like I said, the velcro is quick and easy.
For long drives, I do recommend securing the bike with a second line of defense (bungie or strap), if only to keep the bike from pitching when you brake or accelerate.
The plastic stabilizers -- I haven't figured out what purpose those serve yet. All they do, in my estimation, is get in the way when trying to load a bike (I'm going to remove them)
My only real complaint is that I've permanently dinged up the finish on my frame from not being very careful when loading the bike. I have a small size Mongoose Newman frame which has a rather small triangular opening that I always seem to ding when loading the bike (unless I'm really careful). I take full responsibility for this as my eagerness to ride overcomes me and I tend to rush into things anyway. ;-) This problem does not occur with more traditional shaped frames. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from syracuse, ny usa
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Jamesville quary fun park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | I like this rack for many reasons but maily because it is one unit that seems to be very strong. It doesnt shake around when Im driving at highway speeds, and I dont worry about 4500 dollars worh of bikes ( and sometimes more) falling off. The straps that secure the bikes and the cradles are well made and strong, and the velcro straps are double stitched. | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness I would say this rack has, is the way it attaches in the hitch. there is a large bolt that screws in to a hole on the side of the reciever which prevents it from shaking while driving and secures it in the hitch. This bolt is large but you cant tighten it with your fingers so you need to cary some vice grips all the time. I recomend drilling the screwe hole out and useing a standard hitch pin to secure it, like youwould any other hitch application. | | Similar Products Used: | none, first and the best. compared to the rohde gear which was more flimsy and 2x as expencive | | Bike Setup: | 97 landrover discovery | | Bottom Line: | this rack serves the purpose of being able to cary 1-4 bikes and all its owners in one car. the rack is durable and well made and I look forward to years of use. You can buy this rack refurbished from performance for under 120 bucks as well! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CRMatt
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
St. Joseph's | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Being able to throw 4 bikes on the back is fantastic. For places to ride where parking is at a premium, you can't beat being able to take 4 bike and people in one vehicle. | | Weaknesses: |
The stabilizer arms get in the way a lot, and the elastic straps broke off within a couple of months. | | Similar Products Used: |
None. | | Bike Setup: |
Throw it on the back of the 4-Runner, baby! | | Bottom Line: | I can't compare it to other racks, but this one will be carrying bikes for us for years to come. | | Overall Rating: |
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