Bicycle Carrier for Prius?

beachgirl1106 · 07-11-2007, 12:19 PM

Hi All!

I am strongly considering buying a new 2007 Toyota Prius, and as someone who enjoys cycling, I was wondering what bike carriers everyone uses to transport their wheels.

I'd also be interested in finding out how carrying bikes has affected your normal gas mileage.

Any advice/feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Jeannie

iDonna · 07-11-2007, 02:21 PM

Hi. I bought a 2" hitch from Coastal. I bought a Thule 2-bike Roadway rack. I like the Roadway model over the Parkway because the Roadway has these two nifty grey levers that allow the hitch to collapse and give me full clearance to the rear compartment. (Is it a trunk even if it's a hatch? Whatever.)

Prior to my buying the bike rack, I picked up two 6' tall bookcases from Pier 1. So I remember sliding these guys into the hatch. The bike rack would be in the way if I couldn't collapse it down to give proper clearance.

Hard to explain. Maybe it's one things that you have to see to explain better.

Why not come to our next Prius meeting? This way you can see all the mods we all have.

Next chance I get I can post pix of my bike rack in the dif positions so you can see what I'm trying to explain.

lol

sigh

I don't think my mileage is impacted. I'm still averaging 48 around town and I blast the A/C. But I'm only carrying my one bike (which Rand tells me is really heavy). Dunno.

HTH

Devil's Advocate · 07-11-2007, 02:29 PM

Buy the Curt hitch or U-Haul hitch (they're the same). They are a much better desinged and constructed hitch than the Coastal hitch. Has to due with the welds and the receiver being shorter on the Curt hitch so as to not create a large torque arm. There are pictures on this site of both do a search and take a look.

As for hitches, I just have a $139 two bike reciever from Performance bike. Works great.

iDonna · 07-11-2007, 03:20 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Devil's Advocate @ Jul 11 2007, 02:29 PM) [snapback]476991[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Buy the Curt hitch or U-Haul hitch (they're the same). They are a much better desinged and constructed hitch than the Coastal hitch. Has to due with the welds and the receiver being shorter on the Curt hitch so as to not create a large torque arm. There are pictures on this site of both do a search and take a look. [/b]

How long is this Curt/U-Hall torque arm? I'd like to compare that to mine.

I remember going thru the various threads on the issue. Since I didn't need more than a 2-bike carrier and didn't have aspirations to haul anything other than my bike or maybe one other, it seemed to me that the Coastal hitch would hold up. Here's a thread that discusses a problem with the Coastal hitch that's hauling four bikes:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=9326&st=20

I think the other negatives had to do with load as well (four bikes). Unless I missed a thread.

Quote:

As for hitches, I just have a $139 two bike reciever from Performance bike. Works great.
[/b]

I'd love to check out the features of this receiver. Gotta link? Or a model #?

ny biker · 07-11-2007, 05:13 PM

If you're only carrying one bike, you can easily fit it inside the Prius with the back seats down. Front wheel on or off (I take it off, because it's easier for me to get the bike out that way). Others on this chat have reported fitting two bikes inside the car (with a towel or blanket in between), and have still had room for helmets and other gear.

Devil's Advocate · 07-11-2007, 08:09 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(iDonna @ Jul 11 2007, 12:20 PM) [snapback]477035[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

How long is this Curt/U-Hall torque arm? I'd like to compare that to mine.

I remember going thru the various threads on the issue. Since I didn't need more than a 2-bike carrier and didn't have aspirations to haul anything other than my bike or maybe one other, it seemed to me that the Coastal hitch would hold up. Here's a thread that discusses a problem with the Coastal hitch that's hauling four bikes:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=9326&st=20

I think the other negatives had to do with load as well (four bikes). Unless I missed a thread.
I'd love to check out the features of this receiver. Gotta link? Or a model #?
[/b]

From the cross brace that runs from one mounting point to the other, until the end of the receiver is about 1", here is a link to a Prius chat page with a picture of the U-Haul hitch (Curt and U-Haul are the same hitch)
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=2...hitch&st=20

Here is a link to a Priuschat page with a picture of the Coastal hitch sowing a modification made to compensate for the long torque arm.
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=9...hitch&st=20

I have towed a trailer with a Kawasaki ZX-6 and a Honda RC-51 from LA to Vegas and back with no problem. Plus have not noticed the bouncy or saggy-ness complained of by some coastal hitch owners.

Here are links to the bike rike. A two bike version and a four bike version. There are better racks that fold up a little nicer but they are much more expensive.

Two bike $159 (gone up a little)
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profil...ategory_ID=4411

four bike $279
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profil...ategory_ID=4411

two bike Saris $359
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profil...ategory_ID=4411

add 2-bikes Saris (additional) $269
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profil...ategory_ID=4411

This Yak rack is cool but I think its about $400, it folds up when not in use
http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=29

iDonna · 07-11-2007, 09:51 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nybiker @ Jul 11 2007, 05:13 PM) [snapback]477105[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

If you're only carrying one bike, you can easily fit it inside the Prius with the back seats down. Front wheel on or off (I take it off, because it's easier for me to get the bike out that way). Others on this chat have reported fitting two bikes inside the car (with a towel or blanket in between), and have still had room for helmets and other gear.
[/b]

Ooooo. That didn't work for me at all. Popping the front wheel off, stowing behind the front passenger seat, folding down the rear seats, hoisting the rest of the bike into the hatch.... lol

Comparing that to flipping the bike rack up and tossing my bike (in one piece) on it... that's a dream and worth every penny I paid. And protects my weekly nail investment.

I think the Thule Roadster was $195. The Parkway, which doesn't collapse, is $135 (or something like that).

YMMV.

iDonna · 07-11-2007, 10:04 PM

Hmmmm. Basically there's no problem with the Coastal 2" hitch when you're talking about one or two bikes, right? The complaints (and I think there's one or two) are from folks who have pushed the hitch towing four bikes? A boat? Large stuff? Is this correct?

While we're at it, I was told at the dealership not to tow anything with my Prius. When I mentioned a bike or two, they said that was not a problem.

So is it correct that towing a boat or one of those small UHall trailers filled with dorm room stuff (for instance) is *not* advised? I'm trying to differentiate between what you do as opposed to what I've been told by Toyota.

BTW, thanks for all the leg work on the links. I can't get the bike rack links to draw. Maybe my Safari Beta. I'll try tomorrow. A friend is considering a rack and a hitch so it will be nice to see the models you're recommending.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Devil's Advocate @ Jul 11 2007, 08:09 PM) [snapback]477196[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

From the cross brace that runs from one mounting point to the other, until the end of the receiver is about 1", here is a link to a Prius chat page with a picture of the U-Haul hitch (Curt and U-Haul are the same hitch)
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=2...hitch&st=20

Here is a link to a Priuschat page with a picture of the Coastal hitch sowing a modification made to compensate for the long torque arm.
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=9...hitch&st=20

I have towed a trailer with a Kawasaki ZX-6 and a Honda RC-51 from LA to Vegas and back with no problem. Plus have not noticed the bouncy or saggy-ness complained of by some coastal hitch owners.

Here are links to the bike rike. A two bike version and a four bike version. There are better racks that fold up a little nicer but they are much more expensive.

Two bike $159 (gone up a little)
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profil...ategory_ID=4411

four bike $279
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profil...ategory_ID=4411

two bike Saris $359
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profil...ategory_ID=4411

add 2-bikes Saris (additional) $269
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profil...ategory_ID=4411

This Yak rack is cool but I think its about $400, it folds up when not in use
http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=29
[/b]

bleuleon · 07-25-2007, 06:07 PM

I got the U-HAUL hitch and bought a 4 bike rack from Performancebike. It is the XPORT Slipstream model. This is the same as the SportRack Escape.

So far, the combination is working fine. I'll have to try it more times and longer distances to see if there are problems. What I like so far is that I can open the Prius trunk without having to lower the bike rack post. I just have to turn the front wheel of the inner bike a little to allow the trunk to open all the way. It seems to be a nice feature. The trunk is able to open even though I used the closest hole on the rack to connect to the hitch opening. Attach is a picture.

bredlo · 07-25-2007, 06:47 PM

We own a pair of full size 26" wheeled DAHON bikes. They fold in half and are easily tossed in the trunk with the backseats folded down.

If you wanted to have four people and still carry a couple folding bikes, you could likely STILL fit our bikes in just the trunk, if you went through the complete folding process of removing the front wheel, removing the seat post, etc.

Love our inexpensive Dahons, love our Prius.

We own a pair of full size 26" wheeled DAHON bikes. They fold in half and are easily tossed in the trunk with the backseats folded down.

If you wanted to have four people and still carry a couple folding bikes, you could likely STILL fit our bikes in just the trunk, if you went through the complete folding process of removing the front wheel, removing the seat post, etc.

Love our inexpensive Dahons, love our Prius.

07-25-2007, 06:07 PM	#9
bleuleon Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I got the U-HAUL hitch and bought a 4 bike rack from Performancebike. It is the XPORT Slipstream model. This is the same as the SportRack Escape. So far, the combination is working fine. I'll have to try it more times and longer distances to see if there are problems. What I like so far is that I can open the Prius trunk without having to lower the bike rack post. I just have to turn the front wheel of the inner bike a little to allow the trunk to open all the way. It seems to be a nice feature. The trunk is able to open even though I used the closest hole on the rack to connect to the hitch opening. Attach is a picture. Attached Thumbnails

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07-11-2007, 12:19 PM	#1
beachgirl1106 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #3 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hi All! I am strongly considering buying a new 2007 Toyota Prius, and as someone who enjoys cycling, I was wondering what bike carriers everyone uses to transport their wheels. I'd also be interested in finding out how carrying bikes has affected your normal gas mileage. Any advice/feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Jeannie

07-11-2007, 02:21 PM	#2
iDonna Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 89 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hi. I bought a 2" hitch from Coastal. I bought a Thule 2-bike Roadway rack. I like the Roadway model over the Parkway because the Roadway has these two nifty grey levers that allow the hitch to collapse and give me full clearance to the rear compartment. (Is it a trunk even if it's a hatch? Whatever.) Prior to my buying the bike rack, I picked up two 6' tall bookcases from Pier 1. So I remember sliding these guys into the hatch. The bike rack would be in the way if I couldn't collapse it down to give proper clearance. Hard to explain. Maybe it's one things that you have to see to explain better. Why not come to our next Prius meeting? This way you can see all the mods we all have. Next chance I get I can post pix of my bike rack in the dif positions so you can see what I'm trying to explain. lol sigh I don't think my mileage is impacted. I'm still averaging 48 around town and I blast the A/C. But I'm only carrying my one bike (which Rand tells me is really heavy). Dunno. HTH

07-11-2007, 02:29 PM	#3
Devil's Advocate Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 906 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Buy the Curt hitch or U-Haul hitch (they're the same). They are a much better desinged and constructed hitch than the Coastal hitch. Has to due with the welds and the receiver being shorter on the Curt hitch so as to not create a large torque arm. There are pictures on this site of both do a search and take a look. As for hitches, I just have a $139 two bike reciever from Performance bike. Works great.

07-11-2007, 05:13 PM	#5
ny biker Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 416 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	If you're only carrying one bike, you can easily fit it inside the Prius with the back seats down. Front wheel on or off (I take it off, because it's easier for me to get the bike out that way). Others on this chat have reported fitting two bikes inside the car (with a towel or blanket in between), and have still had room for helmets and other gear.

07-25-2007, 06:47 PM	#10
bredlo Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Evanston, IL Posts: 5 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	We own a pair of full size 26" wheeled DAHON bikes. They fold in half and are easily tossed in the trunk with the backseats folded down. If you wanted to have four people and still carry a couple folding bikes, you could likely STILL fit our bikes in just the trunk, if you went through the complete folding process of removing the front wheel, removing the seat post, etc. Love our inexpensive Dahons, love our Prius. We own a pair of full size 26" wheeled DAHON bikes. They fold in half and are easily tossed in the trunk with the backseats folded down. If you wanted to have four people and still carry a couple folding bikes, you could likely STILL fit our bikes in just the trunk, if you went through the complete folding process of removing the front wheel, removing the seat post, etc. Love our inexpensive Dahons, love our Prius.