Hitch rack recommendations for fenders

[rohan]

A second baby will mean roof box and hitch rack for trips in our VW Golf Sportwagen! What hitch racks are forum members using for bikes with fenders?

The Saris Freedom 2 would work, but is there something better?

[Mr.Appa]

I'm a fan of the hollywood sport rider rack - it clamps the top of the top tube, so it also leaves clearance for framebags, fork mounted bottles, racks, etc. Picture attached for proof!

Secure enough for normal riding to the trailhead or start spot - you have to save the gnarly stuff for the actual bike ride

[DfCas]

I prefer hanging racks as they are smaller and lighter than tray racks. They work with any racks fenders bags what have you.

[Black Dog]

Second vote for Hollywood racks. Great value. Works well with fenders.

[p nut]

1Up sells fender cushions for their racks. I’ve not tried it personally but reviews seem good.

https://1up-usa.com/product/fender-cushion

[Wunder]

I've done okay using a Kuat on bikes with fenders. The profile of the hook is soft enough that it doesn't damage the fender but still secure on the road.

[schwa86]

I only transport my fendered commuter occasionally. It has sks fenders, the kind with the v-shaped brace where the point of the v attaches to the rear drop out. I have a 1 up rack. My solution was to use computer case thumb screws to attach the v. They unscrew in 30 seconds by hand, I can then slide the 1 up mechanism under the rear fender. There are no issues with the front fender interfering. Inelegant, but serves my purpose and my other bikes are un fendered.

[unterhausen]

We have a kuat and it works okay with fenders.

[AJosiahK]

Originally Posted by p nut

1Up sells fender cushions for their racks. I’ve not tried it personally but reviews seem good.

https://1up-usa.com/product/fender-cushion

Ive tried their cushions which work fine, along with something they sold to add on to your current rack (wheel stop). Kind of like a 3rd arm to wedge the front tire from behind. That does not work at all. Maybe I got an early design but i pulled if off the rack and swore if off after several different fendered bikes did not benefit from its purchase.

Id not trust that type of hook up tho, bound to do damage to your fender stays, or allow your bike to wabble during travel.

Wheels are a sturdy place to hold a bike onto a rack, fenders are not imo

dont get me wrong, I dig my 1up 10/10

[weaponsgrade]

I have a kuat but I’ll also strap the front wheel to the basket using a bungee cord.

[unterhausen]

I keep a strap with our Kuat for my wife's rear fender. Otherwise it rattles in the wind. The front fender seems to do okay. This isn't really a kuat-specific problem though.

[Ralph]

I like our 1UP rack for 3 bikes. But for transporting bikes with fenders, believe I would get something else.

[David in Maine]

My 1UP Equip-d rack works fine with my fender bike. Helps that I have sturdy, metal PDW fenders. I put some pipe insulation on the tire holders to cushion. I also strap the rear wheel to the tray for extra security.

David