hubert

3 to 4 MTB bikes, anyone heard and can recommend one that fits our GL.
Thank You.

xxGenericSNxx

Thule 916XTR T2 bike rack with 918 extension. You can read my post about it here: https://mbworld.org/forums/new-m-cla...e-carrier.html

aggst1

After researching bike racks extensively I bought an Allen rack and I am very happy.
It holds up to four bikes and is very sturdy. Best part was the cost at about $120 if I remember correctly. I just couldn't justify a $400 purchase for carrying bikes a few times a year. Expensive bike racks from Thule and Yakima are not any better.

aeggroup

I bought Allen also. Here is the link:

http://www.bikepartsmart.com/car-rac...288r4kvggjp9h1

No complains.

rickgi

I purchased a Hitch Rider bike rack 10 years ago, it still performs excellent., they have a few models and options from which to choose.
www.hitchrider.com

EWT

A friend just got a Kuat. It is the nicest hitch mounted bike rack I've seen. Bikes go on and off in 15 seconds, built like a tank, and it tightens into the receiver to keep the rack from rattling and swaying. If I had gone the hitch rack route (no room to keep it when it is off the vehicle) I would have gotten one over a Thule or Yakima.

cmarshack

+1 on the Thule T2! (It's carrying the bike in my sig below)

I have this rack and it's is one of the best out there. But it really depends on what type of bikes and where you will be driving. I am an avid mountain biker and just last weekend went camping/riding in Big Bear CA. I had two bike on the back that are worth well over 12k for the pair. You do not want to compromise on racks when you that type of cargo. In addition, we were capming about 4 miles into the wilderness, so off road driving was involved. I previously had a similar type rack from Perfomance Bikes and it was too flimsy. I could see the bike pitching side to side while the rack was twisting in the reciever...not good. The Thule is solid, does not touch the bike's frame and can easily add an additional two bikes with the adaptor mentioned above.

It fits te GL like it was designed to be on there. It fold almost flat to the bumber when stowed (My Rover needed a hitch extender). It tilts away for hatch access even with bikes on.

Downside to the Thule-It's pretty heavy.

If you are toting some beach cruisers and/kids bikes for a weekend trip, then the Allen rack or somthing similar will suffice.

The Kuat looks like a very nice rack with similiar advantages to the Thule, I just have no experiance with it.

MRAMG1

Just bought an Thule Apex swing for my 09.

Even comes with a lock for the hitch and the bikes.

Couldn't be happier.

The swing allows the bikes to stay on, so they move out of the way and you still get to use your hatch.

Wife approved, LOL

Fourdiesel

No 'LOL' about it ... that's the most important feature!

atwal

+2 on Thule T2 + attachment.

Fourdiesel

Looks really good! Ever get any flack from the state patrol for license plates being (partly) obscured?

xxGenericSNxx

Never had an issue with the partially blocked license plate when using the Thule rack and an Allen on a long roadtrip a few years back.

hubert

Thank You all!! I think I will go with Thule T2 or the Thule Apex swing. To people that have the T2, if I want to open the hatch do I need to remove the bikes or it tilts or folds in someway???
Cmarshack: i got 2 MTB Trek bikes that are worth 6 grand for two(but will be upgrading to carbon frames soon so they will cost much more) so need something with the near future in mind
More options are still welcome

xxGenericSNxx

Unfortunately you have to take the bikes off the T2 in order to open the trunk. If you have the +2 bike extension, you probably just have to take off the inner two bikes. The rack does fold up when no bikes are on it so your car isn't so long, if it's any consolation. But with the track folded up, you'll still have to fold it down in order to open the trunk.

For your pricey bikes and carbon frame, I wouldn't recommend a frame mount bike rack. It's too easy to scratch up the bikes when they sway around and using a bungee method to tie them down isn't really a good long term solution. Just my two cents (again).

cmarshack

NO, you do not have to take any bikes off the rack with the T2!

You pull the silver pin, pull the handle and the rack tilts backward for access to the trunk. It's one of the best features!

xxGenericSNxx

I stand corrected. I guess I learn something every day!

kingcity

Any concern with opening the trunk accidentally with the bikes mounted? Is there a way to turn off the mean to remote opening of the trunk when the bikes are mounted?

hubert

Ordered the Thule T2 today. Thank you all for the responses. Now I hope the dealer will fix the tranny issues I'm having with the car so I can use the bike carrier soon ...

xxGenericSNxx

Congrats! Do let us know how it works for you.

I don't think you can disable the trunk opening on the keyfob.