I ordered a 2+2 Yakima last May, it showed up in November.
The rack itself I like the looks of. It’s a platform style, but you can remove 2 of the mounts to have a more compact 2 bike rack, or add the extra piece for a massive 4 biker. But we haven’t really used it at all yet.
I will add, that while there may be some issue relating to carbon bikes in hanging racks (I actually hadn’t heard that), the other big issue is just fitting different styles of bikes in there, in particular mountain bikes and some kids bikes, depending on the frame geometry. The platform style is more flexible for different frame styles, and for getting multiple bikes mounted without interfering with each other.
To be honest I was told that carbon thing once at a rack shop when I was looking last year and never really gave it another thought, so I could definitely be wrong.
The different style of top tubes is definitely what steered us away from the hanging rack. Although there are adapters out there that clamp to the head tube and seat post if you decide to go that route: https://www.amazon.ca/Swagman-Bicycl.../dp/B000YZG8JS
I have the Thule hitch rack plus the 2-bike extension. Holy F*@@#$C is that thing every heavy. Hopefully your Yakima isn't 60+ lbs?
Previously I had the hanging style and never had an issue with my carbon road bikes. Key is not to overclamp the top tube.
The rack style though makes it so easy for getting all bikes on without interference or rubbing, whereas hanging style was a massive PIA to load.
I have the Thule T2 Pro XT (which I really like) but I need to upgrade it this year by buying the add-on so it fits 4 bikes.
I'm worried about the weight, as you say. Even the 2-bike is pretty heavy. I dont keep the rack on all year and take it on/off everytime I use it, so moving it around when its that heavy is kind of annoying. Plus my wife cannot do it herself if I'm not home. Too heavy.
How easy is it to convert back to the original 2-bike? The online video makes it look easy, but many online reviews says it is really really difficult.
Might look at other options this year and will check out that 2+2 Yakima suggested here.
I have the Thule T2 Pro XT (which I really like) but I need to upgrade it this year by buying the add-on so it fits 4 bikes.
I'm worried about the weight, as you say. Even the 2-bike is pretty heavy. I dont keep the rack on all year and take it on/off everytime I use it, so moving it around when its that heavy is kind of annoying. Plus my wife cannot do it herself if I'm not home. Too heavy.
How easy is it to convert back to the original 2-bike? The online video makes it look easy, but many online reviews says it is really really difficult.
Might look at other options this year and will check out that 2+2 Yakima suggested here.
I had the T2 Pro XT with the add on. It's a tank, and it sticks out really far. I also had the 1up at the same time. I ended up selling the Thule, only because of the size. The 1up sticks out quite a bit less and it's lighter. The thule comes straight out, so they need to make the spacing larger. The 1up is angled, so the same spacing isn't required, and you can also stagger your bikes more easily because you adjust on both ends.
The 1up can easily be modified. In the winter I use only the double, that I modified for fatbikes with their fatbike kit. In the summer I add one or two trays depending on what's needed. It takes a minute. You do have to have plastic road bike adapters for road bikes.
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I bought a Peloton Bike+ not quite 2 months ago and it was delivered last Saturday.
I have never been a cycler or had any real enjoyment with it to be honest. However since it's been delivered I've rode everyday (sore a** and all) and the part about Peloton I have really enjoyed in my first weeks is how easy it is to just try another type of class.
I also have heard you folks talk about Strava so I did download that and am using the free trial right now but I am liking the stats. I also joined the CP group.
I am waking up excited to go for a ride in the mornings. It's been awesome so far.
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I had the T2 Pro XT with the add on. It's a tank, and it sticks out really far. I also had the 1up at the same time. I ended up selling the Thule, only because of the size. The 1up sticks out quite a bit less and it's lighter. The thule comes straight out, so they need to make the spacing larger. The 1up is angled, so the same spacing isn't required, and you can also stagger your bikes more easily because you adjust on both ends.
The 1up can easily be modified. In the winter I use only the double, that I modified for fatbikes with their fatbike kit. In the summer I add one or two trays depending on what's needed. It takes a minute. You do have to have plastic road bike adapters for road bikes.
Yep thats what I have too. You really need to be aware of how far back it reaches when driving around, parking, accessibility, and even ramps. It is *NOT* easy to separate the +2 section. First off I found it a PIA to install and it was super tight... which also makes it a tank. I can load 4 big bikes no problem and they don't wobble or move at all. Although the rack comes with built-in lock and cable these are, at best, a minor deterence. A Bow Cycle employee told me the lock system is easy snipped and not intended to be fixed/replaced. I suggest always having an extra couple of heavy duty locks visible anyways. I had honestly expected a much lighter rack so this is my only beef. It is *not* possible for most people to move this 4-bike rack around easily and yes it does take some room in the garage.
If I was to do this again I would be looking MUCH closer at the 1-Up rack, assuming it was possible to get one. They're smaller, lighter, don't stick out as much, angle upwards, easy to expand/reduce, and come in funky colors.
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I was fortunate enough to buy a used Thule “non pro” platform rack a few years ago, before they changed the design to the Pro with the integrated release handle. The two bike extension section bolts into the main spine with two bolts easily enough when I need to expand my setup from two bikes to three or four, so I will run two or four platforms as I need it. It is a bit of a pain to hit the release lever and push up the four platform up at the same time, but when I run four I always have an extra set of hands available anyhow.
Dammit... started riding again 2-3x weekly after a few months off. Other than dealing with a couple health issues over the years (incl. a broken leg bone) I've not taken this much time off the bike in over 10 years. Last fall my seat was super comfy... but now it's not. After riding 2x/wkly for the last month my one side sit bone almost feel bone-bruised. Ouch. So I've now changed my saddle that doesn't look quite as good on the bike but hopefully won't aggravate until my poor bones and butski gets used to riding again.
Here's a good article on the subject:
it would be neat to drop that bike into some program and tinker around with the color scheme a bit as I'd like to see it in all black.
today, i (not overly surprising) caved, and bought a set of carbon bars for my gravel grinder. Got the bars for 25% off retail, so from that perspective I did alright, and because i returned something, got the bars and a digital pressure gauge for less than $300.
Will be interesting to see i i can do a decent job wrapping them, or if i have to cave and take it in to get done.
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Yeah, it's not going to be for everyone. Sometimes these recreations don't translate well to modern bikes/components.
I still think it's cool. Not as nice as the original but still unique.
In hindsight I just think black wheels would make it look way better, can live with the bar tape if it and the saddle match.
I've always liked the euro white bar tape and saddle so what do I know.
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They're announcing that Bow Valley Parkway will be closed to cars again this summer. We kind of assumed it was going to happen but good to hear it's official.
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my first attmept at wrapping road boars went alright, i think. The left side was easy, when i was wrapping the right side, i ripped the tape almost right at the hood. I "fixed" it with a bit of electrical tape. The ultimate test will be how it feels when i ride the bike.
I will ride the bike for a while and see how it feels; however, I'd imagine i will replace the tape again within the next month or so.
Tomorrow, i can start tweaking the mtn bike, as i bought some volume spacers for the suspension, and some nice oil slick bolts for various components. I am going to swap out my stem from my fat bike to my mtn bike as i think the color will fit nicely on my summer bike.
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Last edited by Northendzone; 03-12-2021 at 08:19 AM.
I got my bike assembled last week and finally yesterday I got a chance to take it out for rip.
I was having troubles as I couldn’t bring the kids with me as the rear bar assembly from the manufacture still isn’t back in stock. I told my dad and he went to work for an afternoon and whipped one up for me based on my measurements. It fit like a dream!
With that on, I loaded up the boys and hit the neighborhood to try it out. It’s awesome! Nary an issue with hills and my older boy loved it. My younger boy is still pretty nervous on the back. He will get used to it because we are gonna log some kms on this bike this summer!
The bike baskets were back in stock as of yesterday so I ordered one, should be a few weeks of using this hang on basket until it arrives. My dad is currently rigging up some brackets that I’ll put some wood on so my kids have a place to rest their feet while we cruise to different parks. When the manufacturers running boards are back in stock I’ll get those and swap out the home made ones.
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Last edited by surferguy; 03-12-2021 at 01:04 PM.
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They're announcing that Bow Valley Parkway will be closed to cars again this summer. We kind of assumed it was going to happen but good to hear it's official.
Im on the last day of a 1 month+ quarantine, so this news makes me wanna cry.
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They're announcing that Bow Valley Parkway will be closed to cars again this summer. We kind of assumed it was going to happen but good to hear it's official.
Hold on - does this mean all of hwy 1A up to lake louise?
