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Step-By-Step Hitch Bike Rack Finder Excellent choice... now let's look at your options in hitch bike racks! First we have to choose a style of Hitch Bike Rack. There are two ways to secure your bike to the rack, by the top tube (as seen on traditional hitch bike racks), and by the tires (as seen on platform style bike racks). Traditional Hitch Bike Racks Traditional bike racks are the ideal set up for the family looking to get out and explore their local trails together. Designed to carry up to 4 bikes (some models up to 5) these bike racks use the bicycle top tube to hold the bike in place. They are very easy to use and can hold a variety of bicycles. Bikes that do not have a horizontal top tube (aka womens and some kids bikes) may require a bike adapter so that the bike hangs level to the ground. This is not an issue for most trucks or SUVs as they will be high enough not to cause problems but should be a consideration for cars and minivan owners. Traditional racks make it easy to access the rear of your vehicle as almost all of them fold down and away to allow trunk or hatch access. Check out Softride's pattented paralellogram design.... it was enough to convince me that I wanted to go with a Softride rack. 
If you are looking for a traditional hitch bike rack, click continue. 
Platform Hitch Bike Racks Platform racks are great for the avid cyclist who wants quick access to his/her bikes. They are also great for mountain bikes and other heavy bicycles because all of the weight rests naturally on the wheels as opposed to hanging by the top tube. Platform racks are typically sold in 1 or 2 bike capacities but most have the ability to add an extention to carry up to 4 bikes. This is because carrying 2 is the ideal way to use a platform rack, any more than that and the rack begins to extend pretty far from the rear of the vehicle and is cumbersome to use as you have to stretch to put the first bike on the rack. There is also limited to no access to the rear of your vehicle with a platform rack. If you think platform racks are more your speed click continue.
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