Swagman XTC2 Hitch-Mounted Bicycle Rack for 2 Bikes

DumpsDumps: You can't beat this rack for a platform rack for the price. It fits my 2.5" tires perfectly, is easy to load and lock, and even has a spot to put a padlock through the top tube clamp's release button to help prevent theft.

No, it doesn't flip up to keep your car's overall length down, and it DOES stick out a fair bit which you need to be mindful of when parking, but at this price point, you're getting a solid rack that will safely transport your bike.

I recommend putting a microfiber cloth between the top tube clamp and the top tube to protect your bike's paint.

United States on Nov 08, 2023

Ryan G.Ryan G.: Works like a champs and holds bikes firmly! The curved tongue keeps bike above the exhaust unlike a straight tongue. This may make it impossible to open a rear hatch without first unloading bike, but the vertical member easily folds down and can be pinned in place for easy access to the rear cargo area of your vehicle. Once the screw hitch pin is installed the rack is solid with very little if any play. Highly recommend the XTC2.

United States on Sep 25, 2023

Amazon Customer: Let me begin by writing that I've been a Thule guy for decades. This XTC2 replaces a Thule Apex hanging bike rack that rapidly became impractical for mounting an MTB. Constant blow-back in the wind at high speed etc etc.

Based upon recommendations from fellow cyclists, I was urged to get a platform rack. Having researched them for weeks and not being independently wealthy, I decided to get the Swagman rather than Thule. This unit does not disappoint!

Assembly was easy but I suggest using an Allen key socket on a ratchet to get better and complete torque on the two bolts that mount the rack to the tongue. Wheel cradle and top hook placement took a bit to figure out as I have two bikes (one road and one MTB) with different top bar styles and wheel bases. That said, you set them and forget them.

Placement on the car back from the bumper is a few inches more than the previous Thule but no biggie if you remember the rack is back there. You can see the upright post in the mirror. It does not wiggle any more or less than the Thule. I can open my trunk without difficulty even with the wheel cradles folded up.

Mounting the bikes takes seconds...

Canada on Jul 15, 2023

Javier R: Es de buena calidad y muy fácil de intalar

Mexico on Sep 17, 2022

RHM: Nada dificil para ensamblar, resistente bueno calidad vs precio

Mexico on Jun 03, 2022

VtaitVtait: I recently struggled to look for a affordable but safe bike rack for my new full suspension bike. There are many other brands out there seem overpriced to me. The Swagman XTC2 Platform 2-bikes rack was built in higher quality than what I expected. Good thing spending extra to get the locking pin and cable lock could be very handy when your bikes on the rack but you need to walk into a convenience store to get something. So you don't worry about your bikes are gone when you just turn away to walk into a store. I have been using the bike racks for few weeks now. I found it a sway a bit when running on uneven roads but hey, which rack doesn't? But totally secured and it is super easy to use! No hassle at all!

Canada on Aug 02, 2021

HECTOR ZEQUERA VALDES: Entrega en tiempo, fuerte para las 2 bicicletas, fácil de armar, queda a la perfección para el tirón de 2",lo lleve y traje de Querétaro a Ixtapa y sin problema, lo recomiendo ampliamente.

Mexico on Nov 29, 2018

Kellie Collins: (Written by my husband since he made the additional purchases and so far has always loaded up the bikes)
Finally, peace of mind on the road
At least as far as the bicycles being secure, that is. After fidgeting around for years with a strap-mounted rack that has the bikes hanging, it has been refreshing to use a product that feels solid and secure. We have two adult 26” steel frame “hybrid” bikes, which are by nature heavier than street/road bikes. After about a half-dozen trips under our belts, we couldn’t be happier with the XTC-2.
Assembly is straightforward and only took a few simple hand tools, and at 34 pounds, the assembled rack is not unwieldy enough that my wife would have any issues removing it from the wall storage and sliding it into the receiver. We have a 2008 Camry with a 1 ¼” receiver (by U-Haul, about $180 installed), and the offset-shank is definitely a must for the low ground clearance of the Camry and steep driveway aprons.
We purchased a few of the reviewer-recommended add-ons: Locking hitch pin, ratcheting box wrench, and a couple of the Master 131T padlocks to secure the ratcheting arms. When installed, the...

United States on Sep 21, 2015

Eric TEric T: Pros:
Easy to Secure Bike
Holds Bike Securely

Cons:
Requires 19mm socket to remove rack from car
In the way when not in use
Poor Instructions (but easy enough to figure out)

Bottom Line:
The rack is a good value and works well for holding two bikes. It is sturdy enough for the job, but it does sway in the wind/bumps when driving.

Review:
A bike only takes seconds to place in the rack, drop the ratcheting arm down on the frame, and secure the tire straps. The inner bike on the bumper side might require you to position the pedals to not scratch the rear bumper. The fit is secure.

The downsides are the instructions are not good, they neglect to mention (or illustrate in diagrams) that you need to put the two lock washers on the securing bolts. I noticed them in the parts bag after attaching the bolts, which have threadlock on them that is only good the first time you insert the bolt. Be sure to put the lock washers on first!

Secondly, these two securing bolts cannot be adequately torqued with the included short handle wrench. I used an 8mm hex socket to torque them down to a suitable tightness (25 ft-lbs...

United States on May 13, 2011