Advice on Bike racks needed

AaronA · Post by **AaronA** » 18 Jun 2011, 20:02

I have a 2001 V70 with no roof rails. I need to get a rack to transport 2-4 bikes (as the kids get older). I was going to get a rear rack and hang it on the tailgate, but a friend pointed out that the top of the tailgate is a plastic piece which broke when he tried to put a rack on it. I'm wondering what solutions people recommend? I'm looking to keep the price down too.

I'm considering getting the OEM volvo load bars and then get a roof bike rack to go with it or installing used euro rails and then trying to find used load bars and a bike rack, or installing a trailer hitch for a rear mounted rack, but I'd really prefer to just get a rear rack for the tailgate. I'd really appreciate it if people could share their experience.

Thanks,
Aaron

Volvos rock3 · Post by **Volvos rock3** » 19 Jun 2011, 07:22

Just did this on our 02XC. Check out etrailer.com. I got a Draw tite hitch for $145 and a Swagman 4 bike for about the same. The racks that hang/strap to the rear hatch put the bikes to close to the car and WILL cause damage to the car (paint scratches, etc).

ed7 · Post by **ed7** » 19 Jun 2011, 13:29

I find lifting bikes to the roof a major pain, and the factory roof rack inferior to Yakima and Thule.
The receiver and tail rack combo is simpler and cost effective, I also pull a trailer at times.
Ed

AaronA · Post by **AaronA** » 22 Jun 2011, 20:08

Thanks for the thoughts. I asked a guy at a bike store this weekend who said his father drove a V70 and he recommended the trailer hitch option too.

My question is if I have to leave the bike rack on all summer or if it's easy to put on and take off? Could I use it for the once or twice a month we use it, and then put it in the basement for the rest of the time?

Thanks!

ed7 · Post by **ed7** » 22 Jun 2011, 20:26

It's a ten second operation. Pull the hitch pin and remove the bike rack.
The receiver stays put out of the way.
Ed