Hybrid Front Mounted Bike Rack

OK3wire · 09-14-2015, 08:28 PM

Ok, I know, bike rack discussions are as hotly debated on this forum as gas vs charcoal grilling is for BBQing enthusiasts. I'll ask a very direct question: can the Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk be left on a Roo/Shamrock hybrid and allow the front bunk to be lowered? I want to purchase it for my Roo19, but I'm not interested if I have to unbolt the rack from the frame of my hybrid every time I want to lower the front bunk end. I don't mind having to remove my Thule bike rack that fits into the receiver, but having to unbolt the Stromberg Carlson each time would be a deal breaker. Thanks in advance for the info.

OK3wire · 09-14-2015, 08:35 PM

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Here's a picture of the rack. Can't tell if I'd be able to open the front bunk of my hybrid or not if I left the lower frame attached. Does anyone own this with a hybrid that can verify? Thanks!

TParker · 09-15-2015, 07:52 PM

I am also looking for a similar bike rack. We have a 2013 Shamrock 233s. I am even willing to modify this rack so that it can be lowered to be even with the propane tanks as that is pretty much where the top of the bunk just rests above. It looks like from the picture used it would only have to be lowered 4 to 6 inches. I am looking forward to more replies

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Kansas Camper · 09-15-2015, 10:21 PM

I am in the same situation but I ruled out the way this one as it is only rated at 100 lbs. there are others that can hold more.

OK3wire · 09-16-2015, 02:22 AM

Kansas,

Agreed. 100 pounds isn't ideal, but I haven't seen others that hold more weight that have a receiver so I can utilize my current Thule rack. What others have you seen that you are interested in?

Kansas Camper · 09-16-2015, 06:12 AM

Support Racks SR 3000 and the Up N Front are the two I am comparing. Both can hold more. They are a lite more expensive but can hold a lot more weight.

OK3wire · 09-16-2015, 06:33 AM

Thanks Kansas. I'll check them out. Are you looking to put them on the front of a hybrid with hopes of being able to open up the front bunk without removing them?

Kansas Camper · 09-16-2015, 09:24 AM

Yes. Exactly. I have called both places and they confirmed it will work. But if you have weight distribution you will want to find out if it will impact that. I do not so it is not a problem. I am leaning to the Up N Front but not rushing to make a decision. I have a 2014 Roo 23 ikss.

ebcobra93 · 09-16-2015, 11:34 AM

I have a Roo 183 and was looking at this same hitch. I'm not sure about front bunk clearance, but I stopped considering it when I discovered that it would probably interfere with my equalizer hitch.

My bike solution will probably eventually be a roof mounted rack (TV is an Explorer). Currently, I carry the bikes inside the Roo (2 adult bikes, 2 kid bikes).

ebcobra93 · 09-16-2015, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kansas Camper

Yes. Exactly. I have called both places and they confirmed it will work. But if you have weight distribution you will want to find out if it will impact that. I do not so it is not a problem. I am leaning to the Up N Front but not rushing to make a decision. I have a 2014 Roo 23 ikss.

If you're not using weight distribution, you may want to look at Swagman hitch mount towing racks. They seem to be a very simple solution that just slides over your existing 2" receiver bar (if you have enough clearance).

howie70 · 09-16-2015, 11:55 AM

If you know a welder you could have one fabricated. I worked out a trade on this for the Thule rack and a guy at work did the welding on the base.
This was on my hybrid that I had. I could lower the bunk after I pulled 2 pins and removed or lowered the rack.
I have since transferred it over to my current 23LB.

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