Open Roadscapes

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Follow-up on transporting bicycles

In a previous blog post, I wrote about the problems of using a standard bike rack on this van, and now I've had a chance to test the hitch-mount double bike carrier by 1UpUSA.  This is a sturdy platform rack that secures each bike by the tires rather than the frame, and bikes can be loaded or unloaded very quickly.  When this rack is folded out horizontally, the right rear door of the van will clear the rack and open completely.  And when the bikes are mounted with the rack in this position, they clear the spare tire carrier.  If the rack is tilted down with the bikes still attached, the right rear door can be partially opened for (limited) access to the rear storage compartment.  Addition of a hitch extender will allow that door to open completely with the bikes mounted and rack tilted down.  Overall, I like the stability and compact design of this rack, and I've noticed no interference with the blind spot assist system, which is currently my favorite driving feature.  

This shot angle is deceptive -- the bikes do not actually extend beyond the width of the van.

Bikes clear the spare tire carrier on the Free Spirit. Without the bikes mounted, you can fold up the rack only if you add a hitch extender.

Access to rear storage compartment with bikes mounted and rack tilted down. The right door will open completely only if you add a hitch extender.