Nashbar Shadow 2-Bike Hitch Rack

I gave it only 4 stars because they appear to have some quality control issues. The threads on the anti-wobble insert were defective. I used a 1/2"-13 tap to fix the threads and after that the carrier worked well with the supplied threaded anti-wobble pin. I wanted a threaded pin with a lock, so I purchased the Heininger 6033 Advantage SportsRack 1.25" and it worked well. This rack appears to be well made and so far I have been very happy with it. The folks at Nashbar did not seem to know much about this product. There have been questions about the ability for the vertical column to tilt down to allow better access to one's car. There is a pin in their vertical column, much like the pins used to allow the two side arms to fold down (to hold a bike). When this pin is removed, the vertical arm folds away from the car.I agree with some of the other reviewers, it would be nice if they added a provision for attaching a cable to the rack to secure the bike. When the bike is on the rack, I use a cable which runs through the loops on the trailer hitch. When the bike is not on the rack and the rack is folded up, I run acable through the openings made when the side arms are folded upright. This adds a bit more security to the rack, both when the bike is mounted and when just the rack is attached to the car.

I ordered this because it offered the same design as models that cost 100 dollars more. The hoop that you place the tires in holds them really well. It is winter now so I have only used it a few times or I might have given it 5 stars. The only weakness I see so far is the wire the locking pins are attached to might not last more than a few years. Time will tell.I would recommend this.

Very happy with the Nashbar Shadow 2-Bike Hitch Rack. Platform bike racks are the way to go. It mounted perfectly on the back of 2015 Chevy Cruze using a Class 1 Curt brand hitch receiver (also purchased from Amazon). Clearance between the bikes and vehicle, and ground clearance are great. The bike rack comes with a threaded bolt that secures the rack to the hitch receiver taking the place of a hitch pin; the bolt is sturdy and really helps stabilize the bike rack to reduce movement and rattles at the hitch connection. There is still some normal flexing in the bike rack receiver arm when carrying two XL size mountain bikes, but nothing to be concerned about in my opinion. Great value compared to spending twice as much on other products.

I really like the ease of loading and unloading bikes on this rack. I haven't had any clearance issues on driveways or speed bumps with 2 bikes on my Honda Civic so far. I just wish the rack was a tad more sturdy, also make sure to check all bolts before loading bikes, as some of mine were a bit loose.

Great rack, seems strong and well made. I installed a class 3 hitch on my 2016 Dodge Charger and use this rack for my two 700c road bikes. I love it. Looks good and works great. The rack has plenty of clearance on the Charger, I can open the trunk and it clears the road well, about 12-14" from the road. I folded it up an put in in the trunk. Has some weight to it, but not too heavy, maybe around 30 pounds, I can install it, unfold it and have my bikes on it in about 5 minutes. Good solid rack, very happy!

Good for city. Would not recommend for long haul. The threaded bolt that goes through the trailer hitch is too short. Cannot insert safety pin (does have flat and lock washer). I have 2.3" tires and the Velcro straps are short. Other than that does the job.

Nearly all the tension screws and bolts that hold the rack together come loose after short drives down the road. It go so bad on mine that one of the tire racks (where the tire rests) came loose and shifted while driving. It was so loose that the entire tire rack came off the horizontal bar and is now lost forever. Nashbar has not contacted me back after multiple attempts to reach them for a replacement. Other design flaws is you can't put a standard trailer hitch lock on this rack because it takes a threaded bolt - that also becomes loose. So, if you don't want a rack on your vehicle at all times and would like to take it off between trips with a bike on the back of your car, you're stuck with the cumbersome task of getting out tools and sockets to remove the rack from the hitch. Additionally, a cheap velcro strap is what holds the tires to the tire rack and is thin and of poor quality - its also hard to get on and off. I will update this review if Nashbar replies to my request for a replacement.

The bike rack is really great! It was very easy to assemble and holds our 2 bikes really well. I like how simple it is to use and how well it folds up! I have nothing negative to say except that a couple washers were missing. I had some laying around the house so i took care of it. I reccomend this rack if anyone is looking for a solid rack for a good price.