Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful.
By John Buccola
This is my first hitch mounted rack but my fourth bike rack purchase. I researched many of the racks before purchasing this one but ultimately, as an occasional rider, price was the deciding factor. If you are looking for a convenient, easy-on, easy-off rack, this isn't the one for you.
PROS:
- Solid construction
- Relatively lighter weight than other 4 bike hitch racks
- Tilts 45 degrees at the base to allow for hatch access
- Easy rubber strap mechanism allows for simple and secure bike placement/removal
- Allows for both 2" and 1.25" hitch configurations with included adapter
- "Anti-wobble device" is a wingnut-type screw that works well; stable at speed
CONS:
- Lacks "quick release." Excessive use of locking pins to secure all bolts for all moving parts. The pins add time to the process, can sometimes pinch your fingers, yet they are essential to hold the bolts in place. There is no obvious place to put these pins when you are working the rack.
- Threaded bolt requires basic tools for hitch install (but it is quite secure)
- Tilting the rack 45 degrees is a four step process: 1) remove the pin, 2) pull the retaining bolt, 3) lift another locking bolt, 4) pull the rack while lifting the locking bolt.
- When tilting the rack it is clear one portion of the rack is slightly oversized and causes quite a bit of friction between pieces. This makes the tilting action graceful, but there is definite metal-on-metal scraping when the rack is tilted or placed back in position.
- No ability to add an integrated bike lock to the rack
SUMMARY:
The Advantage SportsRack TiltAWAY Bike Rack is an average 4 bike, hitch-mounted rack. Out of the box, the assembly process took about 15 minutes. Installed, the rack is stable at freeway speeds and inspires confidence in the security of your bikes. As noted above, the biggest disappointment is the use of locking pins throughout the rack. They require a good deal of force for insertion and removal. These could have been avoided with more expensive self-locking bolts (with thumb-press unlock), but that would have raised the price of the rack to the level of costlier rivals. My wife and I agree it is easier to install and remove than trunk-style racks, and the distance between the car and rack eases any vehicle damage concerns. The SportsRack TiltAWAY is a fine rack for occasional use but the lack of a quick release for tilting precludes it from staying on the car when not in use.
NOTE: 200 lb max for 1.25" hitches, including the rack - means you will probably not be able to carry 4 full size bikes on any Class I/II 1.25" hitch, no matter the rack
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful.
By Pilot
Pros:
Amazon's prices are incredible!!! I couldn't find a 4 bike, bike rack, like this one, cheaper any place else.
I looked at the Allen 4 bike rack compatible to this one in a sporting goods store, although I did consider buying the Allen one b/c it was about $20.00 cheaper, but, this one is constructed and designed much better, and it is by far worth the extra $20.00.
The bike frame rubber brackets/holders and the thick rubber bands are both adjustable. The holders are adjustable left & right and forward & backwards, all you have to do is losen the allen screw on each brackets.
The brackets also comes w/groves so that the brake and other cables will sit properly so as not to scratch the bike frame. This design is usually used on the more expensive brand of bike racks.
The arms folds down when not in use and the frame tilts away from the rear hatch door for easy access to the cargo area of my SUV. These two features were the most important factors for my decision to purchase this bike rack.
The metal frame and the brackets appears to be of sturdy design and quality. It also comes w/two red reflectors at the end of the carry arms.
On the bottom of the rack between the frame and the hitch mount there is a metal bar that is welded diagnally as a support bar. You can use the gab/space as a loop for a cable lock to go through it to lock your bikes. You can also use that loop to lock the bike rack to the loops on the hitch with a cable lock.
Amazon was amazing from the order process to delivery. I ordered mine on Monday and rec'd it on Thursday. It was shiped from their PA warehouse and it was delivered to my NY residence w/in 3 days. Rec'd it just in time for the wkend. I placed 4 bikes on it and it carried all the bikes quite easily.
Cons:
The "T" pin used to lock and unlock the tiltaway feature is kind of hard to pull. First you have to turn the adjustable thumb screw and pull out the side safety metal pin. Once the safety metal pin is pulled then you adjust the thumb screw again in order to pull the "T" pin.
The adjustable thumb screw is located under the "T" pin and it is somewhat difficult to adjust.
The side safety pin comes w/a carter pin clip to prevent it from accidentally sliping out, so why did they designed the extra thumb screw???? I guess the thumb screw is a third safety feature. Not quite sure.
I have a 2" hitch. (also bought from Amazon, Curt 13328, awesome price, very happy w/the purchase and it fits my 2005 Pilot perfectly) The hitch mount on this bike rack is for a 1 1/4" hitch mount but it comes w/the adapter so that it can be mounted on a 2" hitch. There seems to be a little bit of space between the adapter and the hitch mount b/c when I loaded 4 bikes on the bike rack it appears to be a bit woobly. I wished that the hitch mount was made specifically for a 2" hitch and not have to use an adapter. The 1 1/4" part of the bike rack appears to be pretty flimsy. I hope that it won't crack off w/the weight of 4 bikes.
Other thoughts:
The 2 metal pins that are on the top and bottom of the bike rack comes w/carter pins clips and these carter pins clips comes w/round key rings, you can loop these round key rings through the thin cables that are attached to the metal pin so that you won't loose them.
Over all, I think this is a very good bike rack compared to the other big brand name ones that cost twice as much. I highly recomend it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
By T.F.
My husband put this bike rack on without any problems at all. Works great with our 2" hitch. We've put three bikes on it and it works like champ. We haven't tried four bikes yet, but I know with three it is completely solid, no wobble, excellent construction. The price is right, it's easy to use and we know our bikes are on there safely and securely when we are transporting them.
The tiltAWAY is a good feature but it is a step by step process. While another reviewer notes that more convenient hardware could have been used in place of locking pins, we would see an increase in cost. Overall, the rack has excellent quality and you're getting an amazing value.
Highly Recommend for anyone looking for a very durable, high quality bike rack.
