bike rack

[jefferios]

If you are going to spend $400 why not buy the OEM rack? I got mine a week ago and after 600+ miles it is the best, strongest, and nicest rack out there.

[ronr9286t]

It seems that the determining factor is whether you already have a bike rack. I looked at the Smart rack, and I liked it better than anything else out there (I discounted roof racks, as every time I've tried to use one I've scratched the car's roof, and I have a cabriolet, so I had visions of puncturing the canvas top).

I like the idea of a rail that the bike's wheels sit in (on the Smart OEM rack). I wasn't thrilled with the upright that blocked the hatch, or the price.

Since I already had a rack that goes in a standard hitch receiver, and that rack is hinged and can be lowered to open the rear hatch, I decided to go with a hitch that was installed at my local Rack N' Road for about $300 ($175 for the parts, the rest for install).

I've been using the rack for about a week, and it works well.


Ron

[Vickiemw]

I'm surprised at your comment about the bike rack from Smart Madness. I bought one, too. I installed it the way it described in the instructions. After 10 days' use, upon removing the rack from the car, I discovered that at the points where the rack was attached to the car (the posts that screw in), the paint was totally gone around the holes. I contacted Smart Madness but they said the instructions warned of this - I didn't see it which is too bad because now they won't repair my car nor will they take the unit back.

[Vickiemw]

I beg to differ. The strap and buckle doesn't protect the car's paint from wearing off at the points where the posts screw in. My paint job was ruined the first time I used the bike rack from Smart Madness. I then went to see the one offered by Smart USA. While it is more expensive, it is supported by the frame of the car and it doesn't rub with the bikes' movement. I wish I had paid up for that one.

[ciscocali]

The bike support did not ruin the bumper, it was merely a slight discoloration. There was a small scuff mark made by the black coating of the bike support. This was because the coating of the bike support was black oxide. Our new bike rack supports are now Zinc plated which is more durable for rust and won't rub off like black oxide. We still suggest for those who are concerned, to use a layer of felt or foam at the contact points to make sure there will be no scuff marks.


Cisco
SmartCar Performance