Thursday, January 3, 2019

Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack Review

Mount Bike Rack  on back of truck

Bike riding has always been one of my greatest outdoor pleasures.  Cycling provides me with an exhilaration that I don't find with other forms of exercise.  It's like it gives me wings.  As I was thinking about my new year's resolutions, I realized that I want to ride more in 2019.  The only thing keeping me from doing so was the need to transport my bikes.  This is where the Swagman XC2 hitch mounted two-bike rack entered the picture.

Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack

I had already done all of my homework.  I knew the features I wanted and I'd read all the reviews.  A few years back, when I purchased a recumbent bicycle with a long wheel base, there were few bike carriers that could accommodate my Easy Racer.  That is when I was introduced to the Swagman line of racks.  They are popular for several good reasons: quality, features, affordability, and ease of use.

Most households have bicycles of different sizes and styles.  You need the type of bike rack that can adjust to fit that wide range.  My new Swagman XC2 is the rack that best fits not only my bikes, but also my lifestyle and budget.

contents of the Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack box

Assembling my new bike rack took just a few minutes.

swagman bike rack on truck hitch receiver

Here I have attached the Swagman rack to my hitch receiver.  

putting a bike on a vehicle bike rack

The tire trays keep wheels from spinning and help stabilize the bike during transport.

securing a bike frame on a mounted bike rack

A well-cushioned ratchet arm tightly secures the bike frame to the rack.

Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack with bike mounted on truck

It is very easy to load and unload bicycles from the rack.  Though I opted for the two-bike carrier, you can also purchase a Swagman rack that will carry more bicycles.  As you can see, there is still plenty of room for me to access my vehicle when the rack is in use.  The center post of the rack folds down to allow for the tailgate to be opened and closed.  Though I drive a cross-over SUV, this really is an ideal bicycle carrier for most vehicles.

Having transported my bikes a few times since gifting myself with the Swagman XC2, I can honestly say that I am very happy with this product and only wish I had bought it sooner.  This is a great investment that will help me achieve several of my health and travel goals for the new year.

Depending on where you live, you may not be able to do much outdoor biking this time of year, but it really is the best time to get a bargain on a new Swagman bike rack.  When I checked on Amazon this morning, I couldn't believe the price on the Swagman XC2.  It was $80 less than retail (44% off)—the best price I have ever seen for this item by far.  You will want to take advantage of this sale if you are in the market for a top-of-the-line bicycle carrier.  I also recommend that you purchase the Swagman cable hitch lock for this bike rack.  This is something I bought for protection against theft and I have very much appreciated the extra peace of mind it has provided.

I hope to see you out there along the bike trails.  May the road rise up gently and the wind be always at your back.  

Happy New Year!







Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


12 comments:

  1. This seems to be the bike carrier that many people could use. Glad to know it has helped you get your wings back. It's nice to be able to do the things you love and with an ease that wasn't there before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Olivia. I do love having wings. Riding makes me feel like a kid again. Happy New Year to you!

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  2. We used to have a bike rack for the car we previously owned. Unfortunately, when we sold the car, we no longer had a usable bike rack. My husband has said several times that we need to buy a new bike rake that will fit our SUV so that we can start going to the bike trails again this spring. I will definitely show him your review today. Since he loads and unloads our bikes, plus drives to the trails, I leave the choice of bike racks up to him, but this one sounds perfect for us too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think your hubby would like this bike rack. It is perfect for an SUV. Right now the price is less than what I paid for my Swagman (and I had really shopped around and had waited quite some time for a good price). Having a bike rack encourages good times out in nature. Even though it is winter, I am still using my new carrier on mild days.

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  3. This bike rack appears to be perfect for both your bike and your lifestyle, Diana. Very nice.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Pat. It is a good match. I'm glad I finally made the move to get something that I have needed for quite some time. An investment in health and thriving is money well-spent.

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  4. Your photos really help to illustrate how easy this rack is to install. Have fun with you bike riding.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mary Beth. I have been using an old iPhone to take photos since my computer died. I'm really missing my photography tools. Just doing the best I can with what I have. I think photos are a really important part of every blog post and review, so I appreciate your feedback.

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  5. Yay! I’m glad you got a bike carrier and took away a barrier of riding. I know exactly what you mean about feeling like you have wings when on a bike. I haven’t ridden my bike at all since moving to Maryland. But I have decided that I’m going to put new tires on it and take it to The Shack and start riding again. Thank you for the bike carrier review. I’m not at all sure how I’ll get the bike up there but I have decided I want to start riding again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know you will enjoy riding again. Here's wishing you much enjoyment and good health in 2019! Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. Biking is my fave form of exercise. My husband has purchased a few bike racks over the years, but I don't think he's ever had this one. They sure are handy for traveling. I would love to do a trip that involved biking as the main activity. There's a place close to my moms that I'm thinking I'd like to do a summer vacay where biking is the activity on this gorgeous path along the St. Lawrence Seaway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have enjoyed all of your biking pics on social media. You sure have a lovely area for riding. I'm not at all surprised to learn that biking is also your favorite form of exercise. My dream trip is to do a bike ride across America. I would also love to bike in New Zealand. I hope you do take that biking vacation. Enjoy!

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