Anyone have experience with Saris T-Rax?

[luvstoride]

I just bought a Honda Civic only to find out that it is not rated for my Thule strap on rack - something about the trunk not being able to sustain the weight. I am looking at the Saris T-Rax 200 hitch mount and wonder if anyone has experience with putting full-suspension mountain bikes on it? The rep at Saris told me that this was their best model for mountain bike configurations, but I'd like to get some opinions from people who have actually used it. Also, if you have any racks to recommend please feel free. I was not happy with the way my bike sat on the Thule trunk mount anyway. Thanks.

[bikerdom]

If you're going with a hitch mount I would stay away from models that the frame hangs from the arms. If you can, get the style that has trays for the bike to sit on and clamps around the wheels. http://www.1upusa.com/1upusarackhome.htm
The T Rax is fine for a traditional diamond frame but full suspension frames are are tricky. Also by hanging the bike by the frame it causes wear on the frame. Hang two bikes and they hit each other.

[woodsguy]

I have a hanging style rack on the spare tire on my Honda CRV and the tray style on the roof. I really like the tire rack because I can open the rear door with two bikes on but if I were getting a hitch rack I would definitely go with a tray style rack. It can be tricky getting bikes on the hanging style sometimes. I've had pretty good luck but it requires a clip on bar for some bikes and sometimes they stick out to the side.

EMS has 20% off Thule. REI has Yakima on sale and 20% off any one non sale item.

[luvstoride]

Thanks for the advice, I have been looking at tray styles as well and have been on the fence about them - live in the city and the thought of attaching it, taking it off every time I need to, plus storage in between has made them less attractive. But, I need to revisit this. Again, thanks.

[Jisch]

I have a tray style on a hitch mount. I bought a cheap four bike version thinking it was a 2 + 2 type deal and I'd be able to run it as a 2 bike then bolt on the extension for the other two. When I got it I found it was one solid piece, after not using the 3rd and 4th slot for a year, I cut the mount so its just a 2 bike version now. Initially I hated taking it on and off, but now its part of the pre and post ride ritual and the interior of my van stays much cleaner.

John

[steve_b]

Thanks for the advice, I have been looking at tray styles as well and have been on the fence about them - live in the city and the thought of attaching it, taking it off every time I need to, plus storage in between has made them less attractive. But, I need to revisit this. Again, thanks.

Thule T2 comes with a lock pin for the hitch (http://www.thuleracks.com/product.asp?dept_id=8&sku=917). You can fold it up when not in use instead of taking it off all of the time. I'm sure the Yakima's have the same thing. Tray-hitch racks are the way to go. I would never trust my bikes on the highway on a trunk-mounted rack.

I recommend a tray rack over the Saris you are considering. The hitch racks with the arms don't really secure bikes all that well.

[luvstoride]

Thanks to everyone for the tips and to bikerdom for the lead on the 1up, I was ready to buy this until I found out that to install a hitch mount would entail drilling through the car body around the spare tire well. Since I did not think this was a good idea, I contacted Honda service and the guy there concurred with me. He did some checking and could not find any way that either the latest models of the Civic or Accord would support bike racks! There are no ways to attach the hitch mounts other than by drilling through the body. Plus, the trunks do not support strap on racks. I didn't think to ask about roof racks because I am not keen on them. So, if anyone has had any success with 2009 Honda Civics and racks - especially hitch racks, I would be interested to hear your thoughts.