» Thule 956 Parkway 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)

Thule 956 Parkway 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: great value
Comment: I purchased this bike rack to replace a rear mounted style bike rack. I needed a rack that could accomodate 4 growing kids/teens. The rack was easy for my husband to install on our hitch. The rack is heavy and durable. I had no problems fitting the 4 bikes of different styles and shapes. The rubber holders turn easily to fit the different style bikes. My 13 year old was able to load the bikes himself. This rack doesn't allow access to the trunk while loaded. When the bikes are off it is very easy to pull a pin and lower the rack to gain trunk access. My 7 year old could do it! This rack is a great value for the money. If you need access to your trunk while loaded or need to pull a trailer too you'll need to upgrade.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Good rack, Made in USA!
Comment: Rack works well, carried 4 bikes on a 1500 mile trip last week and it worked great.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Great bike rack
Comment: I bought the rack for a vacation trip to Maine with 4 bikes (2 adult, 2 small children) using a 2006 Toyota Tacoma with rollup tonneau cover. I was able to open the tailgate about a foot without tipping down the frame (can't do it with bikes on it), so that was handy at the hotel when we just needed a suitcase and cooler. The tip-down feature wasn't really useful because you can't lower it with bikes on it. It took some effort to figure out how to fit all the bikes on the rack, but got easier with practice. The attachments are adjustable, and I found I could make everything work by turning the smallest bike upside down to avoid conflicts with the pedals and handlebars with the bigger bikes.
I also got the Thule 950 Zipstick to better secure the bikes, but found it wasn't really effective or necessary. The 956 Parkway came with one strap, and the 950 Zipstick came with 3 straps. I was able to secure the four bikes easily with 2 straps, but used three just to make sure they didn't swing around and rub against each other. The 950 Zipstick is cheap enough, but not really needed. Maybe it's more effective with 4 adult bikes.
My only complaint is on the design they chose to secure it to the hitch. They welded a bolt to the inside of the frame, making it impossible to use a standard hitch pin and lock. I didn't buy the Thule lock (thinking I'd use the lock I already had), and couldn't find one locally before my trip. I would have felt better with a lock to keep the rack on my truck, but didn't have a problem. Just toss an adjustable wrench in your stuff if you don't spring for the Thule lock. I also found it necessary to buy a 9' cable and lock, since a 6' cable was not long enough to reach through the lock point and all 4 bike frames.
Overall, a great bike rack that served me well on a recent 2,400 mile round trip, to include highway, gravel and off-road surfaces.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Thule Bike Rack 956
Comment: Bike rack was delivered quickly. Quality is very good and easy to install. We bought this because a friend had the same one and loves it. When bikes are on rack they stay secure. A very good product I'd recommend

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Good sturdy rack
Comment: We haul at least one mountain bike and one kids bike on this at a time. It's sturdy and there is not a lot of wiggle if any. Easy to put together. Took me about 15 minutes or so. Easy on and off. Easy access to the back with the bikes off.

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