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Submitted by
Minister
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Weaknesses: | Weak parts. BVG XE-2 has a locking mechanism that plain sucks and is NOT SAFE. Whoever allowed the use of the hat cap as a locking mechanism for the "Saftey Pin" should've been fired.
The hat cap can easily pop off with very little jolting. I lost the hat cap during a recent bike trip over minimal rough terrain and although I was lucky enough to get home safely, it could have been a bad situation for others on the road if the safety pin had been lost. After checking out the bike rack further, the same hat cap is used to secure a second bolt. If both are lost, you can kiss your rack and bikes good-bye since that second bolt connects the main rack to the hitch connector...
I hope BVG is no longer using this stupid hat cap for any of their other products. Go with a bolt and nut instead.
| | Bottom Line: |
BVG XE-2 is not safe! replace the bolt and hat cap with a screw bolt and nut if you already own one. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a
from pinole
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | the pedaler el sobrante | | Strengths: | NOT A SINGLE ONE o wait IT'S GOOOOONNNN YAHOOOO! | | Weaknesses: | PIECE OF CRAP, SWINGS ALL OVER THE PLACE SHAKES THE BIKE EVERYWHERE, EASY TO STEAL A BIKE OFF, ROCKS AROUND, CANT FIT 4 BIKES WITH THE 4 BIKE ADDAPTOR, BARELY FITS 2 STANDARD, 45 MINUTES TO LOAD BIKES, WONT FIT BIKES WITH TOP TUBE SHOCK ORE STEEP ANGLES WITHOUT SKIMPY ADDAPTOR CRAP. | | Similar Products Used: | GMC Safari van, awsome vehicle for transport.
| | Bike Setup: | XC, DH, FR, BMX
| | Bottom Line: | Ordered the new 2005 Sportworks FR rack. Saw it at Interbike, very nice. Stock carries 2 bikes can add a 3rd & 4th carrier for more fun. BVG thinks customers are to make money off & thats the bottom line in their eyes. The rack has not improved because that would take time & money that they dont want to loose. The same complaints come up over & over & nothing gets better, once again time & money. Buy a real carrier not a piece of CRAPP. My value rating is -10 flamin chillis & overall rating -10 flamin chillis if their was a rating for customer support it would be -1000000000000000 flamin chilis, thats the help i recived from them, -Zerro from a Zerro.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sung C
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern CA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | St. Joseph | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Craiglist | | Strengths: | Easy fold down feature. Solid build. Good options: hitch lock, rattle free locking system, trigger switch system to lower the rack. | | Weaknesses: | None that I have found yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Softride Access, Rhode Gear Spare Tire shuttle | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the BVG XE2 Evolution model. The Evolution model has a fold down feature instead of Revolution's swing out feature. That being said, I have talked with many and read mtbr reviews very closely before deciding on this rack.
The design of the rack is very compact vs. others that offers same capabilities. The fold down feature is one of the nicest feature that this rack offers versus others (i.e. Yakima, Thule, Softride). The trigger switch is easy to use. The BVG also comes with various options which complement the rack nicely. Hitch lock with rattle free locking system works great. I did not hear any rattles from the hitch as I drove on the freeway with 2 bikes.
As far as pricing, even as new it seemed to be reasonable compared to others. Fortunately for me, I found someone selling his for $100 locally. At that price, I couldn't pass it up.
The biggest complain that I see on the reviews for this rack has to do with security. Coming from not so friendly part of LA, I have learned to not trust any single locking mechanism. Someone mentioned a security cable. A cable cutter will cut that through in seconds. Matter of fact, the best security is to keep the bikes in view. Any rack can be easily compromised if someone has just a wrench and time. That being said, why would this rack be any different. Security flaws exist on every single rack.
For the price of the rack, overall design, and features, I feel that this is one of the best rack out there in the marketplace. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Pilchuck | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$289.00 | | Purchased At: | The Sports Rack | | Strengths: | Swing away feature, solid build. | | Weaknesses: | THIS THING DOES NOT ACTUALLY LOCK YOUR BIKE TO THE RACK!! You can simply slide a bike right out of the thing by pulling on it at an angle. BE CAREFUL AND DOUBLE LOCK IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE OF THESE!! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Motobecane Fantom Elite DS | | Bottom Line: | I like the swing-out feature, it's nice to be able to get into the back of my truck easliy. I also use it as a workstand since it grabs the bike by the frame. I wish that I had not bought it though as a friend's K2 got ripped off from my driveway because I thought the thing locked bike frames to the rack as advertised. They don't even provide a U-bolt on the rack to attach a cable lock to. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
badattitude
a Cross Country Rider
from seattle
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | devils gulch & ranger creek | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | good for our old 97 expidition. somthing, some how, some way is diffrent on our 2004 expi. for some reason i cant quite figure out. it will not sway and lock in the fully open possition. the inside most bike hits the passenger side quarter pannel. | | Weaknesses: | Securty!! i highly recomend using plenty of locks and chains and attatch them to the class 3 trailer hitch safty loops.... Scratching. i highly recomend using the 'things' they sorta grab the stem and the seat post creating another toptube that you wont care about. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | trek fuel, specialized enduro pro, kona stinkie D and a BMX ohh and my HT | | Bottom Line: | bottem line is, it's pretty avrage. it works great for me but its a hassle to get 2 bikes off and on and getting them tied on without scratching the he|| out of them. i'm glad i saw the securty issue. i put my bike on there and locked it and saw that i could get my bike off without the kee. i see one guy had problims with suport. i'll never buy anything from them again. btw. what LBS did he get the thing from? i'll never buy anything from them either. companys like this need to know that the most importent part is NOT getting the check. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lucy Goodwin
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | hall ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | USAracks | | Strengths: | Nice looking, locking spare tire rack (this is Bauer's BVG Spare tire rack, not the revolution, but I think it is important that anyone considering this rack to benefit from my unfortunate experience) | | Weaknesses: | Relatively expensive considering that it is easily broken and may result in theft or loss of your bikes unless they are under constant immediate supervision. The precise weakness is the locking bolt that attaches the rack to the mounting plate on the spare tire. | | Similar Products Used: | some cheaper model with no locking device-different brand that I can't remember...but was equally effective in thwarting bike theives! | | Bike Setup: | well, they were nice hardtail mountain bikes with decent componentry but they're gone now! One of them was a (scuffed up) silver Ibex Alpine 550 frame with Rock Shock Pilot C forks, silver Easton Monkey Bars, XT front and rear derailleurs and disk brakes on the very off chance anyone has seen it! The other was a new stock Specialized HardRock Pro (black with grey flames). So if someone tries to sell them to you, they were stolen... (yeah, right!) | | Bottom Line: | Both bikes were locked to the rack, which was locked to my car which was parked in front of a busy restaurant in a busy parking lot for about 45 minutes. When we came back outside, both bikes and most of the rack were gone without a trace (excluding the mount-plate and the distal end of the locking bolt, which was sheared off). Why pay good money for a bike rack that locks but is easy to steal anyways? The bottom line is that this rack, although it locks and is relatively expensive, is not secure and won't prevent theft in a well lit (this occurred at 3 in the afternoon on a sunny day), busy parking lot. I don't know about the warranty; it doesn't seem that they are likely to cover this sort of thing based on the fine print, and the warranty folks at Bauer have been conveniently out of the office every time I call.
DON'T BUY THIS MODEL IF YOU WANT A SECURE RACK!
IF YOU ALREADY OWN ONE, CONSIDER ADDITIONAL LOCKING DEVICES TO SECURE YOUR BIKES TO THE FRAME OF YOUR VEHICLE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$245.00 | | Purchased At: | Hitchsource.com | | Strengths: | The swing away mechanism on this rack is better than any others I've tried. I've got the two bike add-on and routinely carry 4 bikes on the rack. The rack swings easily and is solid as a rock. I have a Ford Econoline van and was skeptical whether it would swing wide enough, but it clears the back doors easily.
It comes with a locking hitch pin as well as the lock for the bikes. There is no easy way to steal a bike from this rack.
It has a tripple system for securing the rack during transit that ensures that it doesn't rattle and that there is no way it will come unlatched during transit.
I shopped around for a quite a while before purchasing it. I couldn't find another rack in this price range that came anywhere close to the quality.
| | Weaknesses: | It is pretty heavy compared to other racks I've used. It looks like it's possible to damage your bike frame if you crank down too hard on the rack. I've been careful not to do that and haven't had any problems, yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Thule Trailblazer
Yakima Roc'n Gate | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Jekyl 1000
Cannondale R2000 | | Bottom Line: | If you're looking for a swing-away rack, I think this is the best rack for the money. After seeing the wide range of prices on some of the other reviews when buying mine, I realized that many are talking about the Bauer Evolution, not the Revolution. The Evolution looks like a good rack, too, but it folds instead of swinging away. It's definitely worth the extra dinero if you ask me. The lowest price I could find on the Revolution is $249. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Adkins
a Downhiller
from Dallas, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Keystone | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$264.00 | | Purchased At: | http://www.bike-racks.biz | | Strengths: | Excellent quality rack. Love the swing away feature...helps me to get into my SUV with ease. Strong and lockable as well. Hitch receiver mounts fast. | | Weaknesses: | None that I have found. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned a Yakima hitch before. Good rack, but almost twice the price and less quality. | | Bottom Line: | I highly recommend this rack. And the Bike Racks USA guys http://www.bike-racks.biz, offered free shipping and my product got to me the next day!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Forrest Carmichael
a
from Atherton,CA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Old La Honda | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Sports Rack | | Strengths: | Sturdy and solid. I like that it holds the bikes firmly. I also use and like the ski rack attachment. The swing away feature is great with our mini-van. | | Weaknesses: | The bolt holding the top tube clamp is too short. Many bikes now have different size and shape top tubes and my kids' Treks do not fit. I have tried the alternative bike adapter but it is too wobbly. How hard could it be for Bauer to make the bolt 1/2 or 3/4 inch longer or, better yet, to offer a longer bolt as an accessory/option? | | Bottom Line: | I would like Bauer to offer a longer bolt as an option. I would then call it a great rack. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a Downhiller
from pinole, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | the peddaler, el sobrante | | Strengths: | swings around alot | | Weaknesses: | swings around alot, had to install washer to stabilize. when washer wears out i have to replace it again. when the rack wears out the bikes will fall down. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | santa cruz supa8, yeti 8in, haro xc, marin xc | | Bottom Line: | rack was sloppy om the fit for the upright that holds the bikes, lbs didnt seem to feel this to be a problem. was missing a hat cap nut for a swing pin, installed a bolt & nut. lbs called bauer, said they would send cap nut out. this went on for one year. called bauer direct they said they would send it to lbs, once again another year went by still no nut & too many calls. year #3 e-mailed bauer, e-mailed back & forth, talked with a tamara (cust rep) she asked for a drawing of how it is wearing out, sahe called back said this might take awhile to resolve. didnt hear back for about four months, e-mailed backe to say hello, she said the cap nut is at the local dealer waiting for me. gee what about the 3/4 inch sway may rack does without the washer & slowly wearing its self out? they dont care about their product & think customers are only for their proffit. DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR HARD EARNED MONEY get a real rack ^ make sure your lbs will warranty or guarantee the product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eltoro
a Cross Country Rider
from sacramento
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | hole in the ground | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$289.00 | | Purchased At: | sportsrack, mail order | | Strengths: | The rack swings out of the away from the vehicle allowing access to my SUV. The rack is lockable out of the box and can carry up to four bikes with add on extention (sold separately). | | Weaknesses: | No weakness, it is the only rack I would own. | | Similar Products Used: | Previously owned the Bauer Evolution rack, its fold down feature was not as convenient as is the Revolution swing away. | | Bottom Line: | The rack is a great product to own and the service I recieved at Sportsrack (www.sportsrack.com) was equally as great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from bailey, co
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | lost creek area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | sports rack online | | Strengths: | This rack feels lighter, feels better built, and has a bike fastening system that is easier to use.
I preferred the size (holds 2 - expandable to 4).
Assembly out of the box was exceptionally easy. The rack feels rock-solid.
I especially like the trigger release mechanism.
| | Weaknesses: | The locking mechanisms (both hitch and bike) can be compromised easily (would stop a casual bike thief - but not a pro).
I suggest a cable lock if you use the 2-bike extension (easily removed) | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima roc n gate 4. (Could not stand the strap system). | | Bottom Line: | Cheaper than the "leader" - but better at first glance.
My first impression is generally positive. Address the security issues - and I'll be a long-time fan. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a
from La.
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$210.00 | | Purchased At: | SportsRack | | Strengths: | Well built, option of 2or4 bikes. | | Weaknesses: | When you add the 3/4 bike tube it wobbles at that point. But when i bungie cord the bikes to the anti wobble stick its rock solid as any other. It would be nice if there was a loop weled to the post so that a bike cable can be run thru it, to be able to lock the wheels. | | Similar Products Used: | Performance (non tilt) | | Bike Setup: | Rock hopper FSR | | Bottom Line: | I got the tilt down because it's much lighter and easy to store in the garage specially without the extra bike (3&4th) bike extender tube on. BTW if you get the extra bike tube, get them to match both lock sets. Great product from a reliable dealer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
VM
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern California
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | SportsRack | | Strengths: | Simple design. I got the Evolution that tilts instead of swings because it's lighter for my Class II hitch. Nice that the rack locks to the car and the bikes lock to the rack. Snow board/ski accessory for 4 season functionality. Reflector on back. | | Weaknesses: | Even with anti-wobble stick and anti-sway hitch pin system, rack still bounces slightly on all three of the cars I use this rack on. The clamp mechanism allows from back sway of the bikes even when tightened down pretty hard and with the ant-wobble stick. Takes several minutes longer to get the bike on/off if you're using the wobble stick as you have to thread the straps through the stick and onto the bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | RoadGear | | Bottom Line: | Nice rack for the money. I didn't want a heavy Sport Works transit style rack weighing down my cars, so I got the BVG. It works, and works fairly well. I wanted something that was easy to store, which this BVG is (not bulky and doesn't take up a lot of closet/garage space). Nice in that you can get a ski/snowboard adapter, however the adapter is pricey.
I can live with the extra 3-5 minutes it takes to thread the straps to the anti-wobble stick and some slight bounce and rock to the bikes. The thing that I don't like is the fact that your top tube gets scratched and marked up quite easly, even when using the anti-wobble stick. However, I believe this will happen with any carrier that clamps to the top tube.
The quality of the unit is quite high, and you can tell quite a bit of thought was put into it's design. Feels heavy duty. However, the finish is flaking off at some of the points where things screw in or pivot, and where it flakes off, there is some slight corrosion/rust at some parts.
If I had to do it again for myself, and I had better hitches on my vehicles and more money, I would probably get the Sport Works system as you simply drop the wheels into the tray and hoop and put the stick over it. However, for my current situation and the value behind it, I've actually recommended and purchased one for my parents vehicle as well (for 2" receiver hitches vs my 1 1/4" receiver).
Over all, comparing apples to apples, like to a Rhode Gear Hitchhiker, this is definitely one of the better single post hitch mount racks out there. It's slightly higher in price, but also better designed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Windsor, CO
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Zoom and Slickrock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | Sportsrack in Golden, CO | | Strengths: | Beefy, Durable. Complete access to the rear of my pickup without unloading bikes. Bikes stay secure. Rack comes with locks. Very smart design. Did I say this thing is BEEFY! | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | yakima roof rack | | Bike Setup: | '01 Specialized Stump Jumper Comp | | Bottom Line: | THe guy before gave it a weak value rating b/c it bikes hot stolen? Come on man, these things aren't sold as bike vaults. This rack is the shiznit! I bought the extension that will carry 4 bikes. I just took a 2000 mile trip with 3 bikes on the back and it performed admirably. We had 3 dogs in the back so the flexibility of being able to swing out the rack and open the tailgate was awesome. Even with 3 bikes and the rack fully swung out the bikes didn't hit my truck. All you need are a couple extra bungees to keep the wheels from spinning and you are set. GREAT RACK. I researched the THULE and the BAUER is a much better value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Newark, CA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Totem | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Strengths: | Swing away design is great allows trunk access
| | Weaknesses: | Security!
The bike is pinched between two but facing vertical.
My bike had oblong U shaped tubing. With the bike attached hand tight (I'm 6 1 215lbs - read very tight) someone was able to rotate the bike (grabbed the wheels and pulled toward them and up) Now the thin part of the U was between the and they were able to slide it out.
The bottom rubber grommet was ripped off in the process.
This is a great rack and I will still use it.
Make sure you use a cable lock with the rack or place bikes with oblong tubing to the innermost location to prevent this from happening.
Luckily my home owners policy covers this because my car policy did not.
| | Bike Setup: | K2 4000 SE - Spox wheelset, magura HS-133 brakes, replace from smart shock with Risse air. | | Bottom Line: | Great well thought out rack. Crooks will figure out anything given enough time.
I'm giving this a low value rating since it cost me a bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Englewood, CO
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$289.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Rack (Englewood) | | Strengths: | rear of vehicle access, security, strenth of rack, ski adapter. | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima, hollywood | | Bike Setup: | Giant warp DS2 FS | | Bottom Line: | The best hitch rack that I have ever owned. I have used this model for about 4 years! I have also tried quite a few other brands over the years. I wont use any other bike rack but the Bauer Revolution. I also use the ski\snowboard adapter during the winter. It is a great product. I highly recomend this bike rack to any rider, regardless of level. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Quasi Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from PG
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Galbraith | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Good locking mechanism for non-FS bikes. Easily upgraded to 4 bike capability. | | Weaknesses: | Horrible rack for interupted seat tube bikes. Heavy. Better designs available. | | Similar Products Used: | Sportworks | | Bike Setup: | Titus Quasi Moto, Z1, Hayes | | Bottom Line: | Two years ago I loved this rack. But since then I have gotten an a FS rig and the rack worked poorly. A top tube adaptor was needed for both me and my wifes bikes--which allowed the bikes to sway---alot. The top tube adaptor also made the great locks on this rack useless. My bike hung low with the top tube adaptor, low enough that my bike's rear tire hit the pavement as I pulled out of a gas station once-Ouch.
After two years of use, the rack really began to show some wear. Down by the pivots the paint had cracked away and was rusty. The additional security pin was kind of a pain, but that is only a minor complaint.
I had since sold the rack and bought a sportworks rack. Very nice and am much happier.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Apex, Golden, CO | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Purchased At: | Gear on the Go, Golden, CO | | Strengths: | Good weight distribution, made heavy product easy to carry
Easy trigger mechanism for swing away
Multi-sport adaptable
Holds ANY bike (with adapter)
Very Sturdy | | Weaknesses: | Pretty heavy (45lbs) and big. | | Similar Products Used: | Rhode Gear (trunk mount, old car), Thule 993 (Expressway Hitch Carrier) | | Bike Setup: | 1 Fixed gear Splz'd Allez, 1 Cannondale Scalpel, 1 Splz'd Fat Boy | | Bottom Line: | This rack was incredible! Enough said, but I'll expound. I recently purchased the Revolution, by BVG, from a local Gear on the Go, awesome customer service and nice website. Anyway, I love the product and the help I got during my purchase. Not only can I use this rack for EVERY bike in my quiver, but I can use it for my snowboard and my girlfriend's skis, as well. While the rack is a bit heavy, the design makes it easy to handle. I LOVE the locking system, completely tamper proof. The bikes/gear swing away from my Jeep with ease through the use of a brilliant trigger system (much easier than pins, and integrated with the locking system). I can also use the arm as a step in lieu of having an adequate rear bumper. I am a big fan of the clamp style holder, rather than straps. If you are a multi-sport enthusiast, this product is a must. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Dreyfus
a Cross Country Rider
from Arvada
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sycamore Gap, Pisgah Nat'l Forest, NC | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | Gear on the Go, Golden | | Strengths: | Swing away access,
Beefiness (it's an ox),
Tamper-proof locks,
Cross activity compatibility,
No fussy linchpins | | Weaknesses: | Heavy (yet, not hard to carry),
| | Similar Products Used: | Hidden Hitch (3 bike), Yakima (RimRoc) | | Bike Setup: | 2 Hardtails and one Full Suspension Y Frame | | Bottom Line: | I rented this rack for a recent Moab trip, from Gear on the Go (their sign says something about SportsRack also). I loved the product and was thinking about a purchase. Then checked the MTB site to see what other users were saying about this rack. I was moved to write in order to clarify two negative reviews that I saw. This is one of the best racks I have ever used, ever! I have an Isuzu Rodeo with a swing gate. The BVG design worked perfectly, was totally stable (comes with padded anti-wobble device), and allowed us to access our gear easily (the trigger mechanism is ingenious). The unit is beefy enough to use as a step for rooftop access. And, you can use the XR2 Revolution for skiing/snowboarding, with attachments that we used for a trip to the East Portal after the Moab trip. The functionality is unparalleled; the Revolution is perfect of the biker/boarder/skier. There's nothing "chincy" about this product. I will most likely buy this product (still testing). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from Mpls, MN
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Mailorder | | Strengths: | Wing away access to rear of SUV | | Weaknesses: | DOES NOT HOLD BIKES SECURELY! At 60mph, you bike is shaking like crazy - yes I have the anti-wobble stick, etc. This rack WILL cause problems long term - it will shake your bikes headset loose and may cause frame damage - see other review.
Heavy - my wife has a very hard time moving this beast around. | | Similar Products Used: | Hollywood. Much better. | | Bottom Line: | I would discourage the use of this rack as your bike is simply not stable. THe stress of shaking around at highway speeds is steadily tearing your bike apart. the swing away feature is great. Somehow, Bauer needs to incorporate fork mount stability with their swing-away feature - then they would have a great product.
I had to buy another rack - the Hollywood I now own is a much better product in every way. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jen
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt lake City
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Rack | | Strengths: | Fold down hitch, locks | | Weaknesses: | screw tends to vibrate loose every 50 miles or so | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8000 WSD | | Bottom Line: | I bought the rack in 1999, it worked great for the first year, but on the last trip I was on the screw on the top clamp vibrated loose, even in the locked position. We had to stop every 50 miles are so to retighten it until, opps we forget about it, and lost one of the bikes on the freeway. I took it back to Sports Rack and called the BVG cutomer service line, both told me that they had made improvements to the washer last year, and both said they would replace it. Only time will tell, but from now on I will be tying the bikes to the rack. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelsey Shuler
a Downhiller
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Rack | | Strengths: | Ease of use. It swings away from teh vehicle so easily and not only that, it locks open so it won't fall back and hit me, or my children. I have had it for two years and I have never had a problem with the bikes falling off or with any rust problems, I wish I could say the same for the last rack I had who's name I won't mention. | | Weaknesses: | The weight | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima Swing away | | Bottom Line: | This is just the greatest thing ever to happen to people with a tall SUV and bikes and Skis to carry. I have told everyone I know to buy one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Downhiller
from Boulder, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Monarch Crest Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | SportsRack olden Colorado | | Strengths: | Swings away with ease, well built, doesn't rock in the hitch. | | Weaknesses: | Rubber grommet in 'V' channel is too weak. I took a 700 mile trip to Heber, Arizona over Thanksgiving and when I got there, the top tube of my Trek 8900 had cut through the rubber and the sharp edge of the underlying steel 'V' channel had worn a hole in the top and bottom of the top tube of my new Trek 8900 mountain bike. My LBS said the bike was destroyed and was very dangerous to ride. I'm gonna try to get a refund and task the manufacturer to replace my frame and change the design. We'll see what happens. I'm very upset. The bike in this rack still moves even when you use the anti wobble stick that comes with the rack. | | Similar Products Used: | Road Gear | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8900 with Hayes Disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | There's a design flaw with this rack and it can destroy your bike. The rubber used in the 'V' channel is weak and will not protect your bike on long trips. The wind catches the wheel and causes the bike to twist in the 'V' channel. This twisting causes the top tube to cut through the rubber the top tuve then begins to be cut by the sharp edges of the 'V' channel - top and bottom. I think the single 'V' channel in the middle is too short and not properly designed (this is an engineer talking).
If you want to destroy your bike, especially if it's an aluminum bike - this is the rack for you!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Loi
a Cross Country Rider
from West Covina, CA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Carparts.com | | Strengths: | The swing away mechanism is the easiest to use of all the products I've tried. I owned a yakima swing away rack as well. And this is by far more superior than the Yakima. I had the yakima for a month and returned it. Then I bought this one. My girlfriend had so much trouble swinging away the Yakima, with this she has no problem. The price is so much better than Yakima. It includes all the necessary locks. I also bought the snowboard attachment for it as well ($95.00 carparts.com). I also have the two bike add-on. With the add-on and the snowboard attachment I can carry 4 snowboards and 2 bikes all at once.
The Yakima wobbles and did not fit in to the hitch tightly. The BVG is snug perfect fit. | | Weaknesses: | They could've made the bike clamp spaced a little wider. I tried to squeeze two bikes on the rack and had so much trou ble with it. I think partially because I was trying to mount a girls bike on (w/o the girl bike adapter) plus it had a basket on it which made it weight a ton. Need to try it with two normal bikes and see what happens... | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima Supreme getaway | | Bottom Line: | Buy it well worth the price. If you're like who goes on camping trips and stuff. This one will come in so handy. I saw this couple taking all the bikes off their rack before they got into the back of their SUV. With the swing away two knobs and trigger to pull. And I get the whole back of the truck cleared... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$245.00 | | Purchased At: | Sportsrack | | Strengths: | Strong, well designed, attention to detail, swings away easily, does not flex or wobble, easy to use | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy (when mounting onto hitch). | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Diamond Back Apex | | Bottom Line: | Get the swing away version of the Bauer rack. You will be glad you did. It requires no strength to open up . . . so your kids or your wife will have no problem with it. The product mounts quickly -- 1 or 2 minutes to get onto your hitch after you get the hang of it. It is a little heavy to lift onto the hitch, but not really a problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mtbr42
a Cross Country Rider
from Pacific Grove
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Galbraith | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Smooth operation, stable, doesn't scratch bikes up, easily adaptable to 4 bikes | | Weaknesses: | need adapter for many fs bikes, big (heavy) | | Similar Products Used: | Clamp types for the bed of a truck | | Bottom Line: | Don't even think about buying another rack. This one is by far the best of the lot. Period. I got mine at (of all places) www.bassproshops.com--easily beat everyone elses price (and free shipping at that time to boot!). Yes they are a bit more expensive than some others--but you get what you pay for.
The rack is very solidly built. It does not wobble or flex at all. The clamp is very good and does not scratch you bike up at all. It also does away with that cra**y strap design that some other bike carriers use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Pleasanton
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Swing-away design. Overall quality. Ability to carry up to 4 bikes with add-on. Simple to use. Easy to install. | | Weaknesses: | It's expensive but you get what you pay for.
One more big "thing" to store someplace. | | Similar Products Used: | Pickup truck bed. | | Bike Setup: | 18-year old Diamond Back Ridgerunner (from the age of mountain bike dinosaurs). Maybe it's time to upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | Glad I bought this rack. Didn't want to tilt 100+ pounds of bike every time I wanted to get in the back of the truck. I think the inferior swing-away Yakima rack is priced about the same. I paid about $290 for rack, 2-bike add-on, anti-wobble stick, and hitch lock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jen Shoemaker
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Solid construction, easy set up, lockable, you can get into the rear of car without taking off the bikes
| | Weaknesses: | Need an adapter for Y-frames
| | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bottom Line: | Much better product than Yakima's "strap design". I have had it over a year, and it hasn't given me any problems. Very stable even without the anti-wobble bar. I agree with the other guy about Sportsrack USA--customer service is lacking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a
from Bay Area
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
|
$ 275.00
