what hitch bike rack should i go with?

[tbone1776]

My babies are growing up and I need to expand to a new rack (need to hold 4 bikes now). My little one is off the trail-a-bike, finally.

I have been looking at the Yakima HoldUp & the add on in order to hold 4 bikes. Does anyone have any history or advice for this rack? Do you like the rack?

It looks like Yakima made a few upgrades in 2009. Is the '09 worth the money of the previous design?

Another suggestions of racks to look at?

My old rack is a Saris Bat Wing (10+ yrs old)...love it...it only holds 3 bikes.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

TBone

[j-henry]

I did a lot of research on both the Yakima HoldUp and the Thule 916 T2 hitch bike racks. I ultimately went with the Thule 916 T2 mainly because I found it cheaper. I knew I wanted a platform style bike rack to begin with. I love the fact that it sits very low to the ground and you barely have to lift the bikes up to put them on the racks. Both of these racks do a great job of making it easy to load any size bicycle (I transport both adult and kids bikes). All you do is place the bike onto the bike tray and then just drop the ratchet arm down onto the front wheel and then do up the rear wheel strap and you are all set. Both the Thule 916 T2 and Yakima Hold Up hitch bike racks fold up all the way too so they are completely out of the way when you aren't carrying any bikes. I use the Thule 918 Plus-2 add on with the 916 T2. Makes it so I can carry 4 bikes. Seamlessly extends the bike rack from 4 to 2.

I was told the new Yakima HoldUp makes it easier to install onto the reciever hitch. Also the securing arms that hold the front bike wheel in place are supposed to work better. I have never had any problems attaching the Thule 916 T2 to the hitch or using the securing arms on the T2.

My opinion is they're both the best you can get if you want a platform bike rack.