I'm looking for a hitch-mounted tray rack with the following properties...

[phantom power]

1) uses a 1.25" receiver hitch.

2) can carry >= 3 bikes

Like this two-bike version:

[happyslug]

1. Don't restrict yourself, there are converters $14.99

Here is one:



http://www.harborfreight.com/1-1-4-quarter-inch-to-2-inch-hitch-adapter-65023.html

The two big names are Thule and Yakima

Here is the REI Cite for Thule, only comes with a 2 inch hitch:

http://www.rei.com/gear/feature/search/Google/Thule?s_kwcid=TC|13029|thule||S|e|17450413325&gclid=CMnj7o7Y3bICFQSe4AodhQ8A4A

/150

Here is the Yakima REI Cite, its top end comes with a 1 1/2 inch hitch option.

/150


http://www.rei.com/gear/feature/search/Google_Racks/Yakima%20Bike%20Rack?_kwcid=TC|13029|yakima%20bike%20rack||S|e|12935618885&gclid=COH1_uzX3bICFc2d4AodzRsApQ

[phantom power]

2. yeah, it's a possibility but everybody I've spoken to...

says using the 1.25 -> 2 adaptor allows too much play, and isn't stable enough.

Another possibility is just getting crossbar inserts for my wife's townie, and make the rack I have easier to use. Probably the cheapest option to try first.

I've identified exactly one 3-bike / 1.25 option: The Saris Thelma 3. It's got a lot of good reviews, although some of the bad reviews have to do with insufficient strength and bending, which doesn't give me a big warm fuzzy.

Oh well. Next car, a 2" receiver hitch will be a purchase consideration.

[happyslug]

3. The Yakima comes with a 1 1/2 inch hitch, holds up to four bikes

I like Yakima, presently I am using a Thule Roof rack. Both are and have been very good. I have used a Hitch rack in the past, I just prefer Roof Racks.

The bad side of hitch rack is that the bike is tied down in one spot. Roof racks tied down the bike at two spots (i.e the wheels), thus providing a more secure connection between the car and the bike. The good side of a hitch rack is that you do not have to lift the bike as high.

Just a comment about the two types of racks. Often is is more a preference of one over the other.