Anyone have the Ford Bike Rack??

Heather inOC · Sep 23, 2005

I currently am using a Thule bed rider, but the thing pops out all the time because it rests at the very top of the bed liner and if I tighten it too much it starts to bend the liner. I'm a big fan of Thule, but this rack is not cutting it for me or my bikes. It works great for a 16 lb. road bike, but the mtn bike I just finished building up is 28 lbs and bends the rack too much. So I'm thinking about getting the one Ford makes because it looks as though it's down lower in the bed and might be a little more solid. Any thoughts on this rack from those who have it / had it / seen it once?? Does it bend under the weight of a few mtn bikes? Twist around at all? Is it secure in the bed? Thanks!!

-Heather in OC

Dana OBrien · Sep 23, 2005

Have you thought about a rack that fits on the hitch receiver?

Heather inOC · Sep 23, 2005

Don't have a hitch- don't want one. Plus there are too many tailgaters here. I lost a vintage Colnago to some idiot following too closely when I had a hitch mounted rack on my old Explorer. I like the bed idea- I just have to find a rack that works right

-Heather in OC

Sal Adinolfi · Sep 23, 2005

I modified an old set of Thule Rain Gutter mount Roof rack to fit onto the side cleats.

then use that to hold fork mount bike rack to them..

Works great.

Will post pics tomorrow if your interested.

Lou M · Sep 23, 2005

I just use a 2X4 and installed a couple of fork holders to it like Q did. I then use a tiedown strap through the attach points on the side of the bed and through the bike(s) to hold them and the mount down. I also bungee the front wheels to the bike frame somewhere.

I made another piece of wood (shorter and with the fork holder mounted in the center to hold a third bike in backwards. Going to a race in Monterey CA, I was able to put 5 bikes back there (mtb and road). All closely packed with luggage around them to prevent rubbing.

Whenever I get where I am going, I just put the piece of wood in the back of the car. Simple and cheap. But it works well.

By the way, 28 lbs for an mtb...... Downhill rig right???

Lou...