Best bike carrier?

[JimB_FFE]

While I can get a bike in the car, folding the seats down and removing the front wheel is too much hassle. Can anyone recommend a rear mount bike carrier for two bikes?

I just tried the Yakima Super Joe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack and it didn't fit at all.
Too bad because it appeared pretty well made.

Thanks!

 

[JFS]

Not an answer, but a summary of some research, because I'm looking, too...

Several Thule styles claim to mount on a ford focus hatchback, but it looks like the non-electric hatchbacks have perforated rear spoilers, which would presumably allow the straps to pass through (not an option for us, with a hole-less foil / spoiler). Mind you, they also claim to work with the mini cooper, which has a similar foil. In both cases, the biggest risk seems to be to the rear wiper, actually (easy to forget that it turns itself on when you back up, and have your forward wipers on). You could try clicking around on similarly shaped models of cars on etrailer.com, I guess.

I read that the European version of the 2013 focus electric has a retractable tow bar, so perhaps those might be able to use a tow hitch rack (but we can't), or maybe we can with an aftermarket mod--see the trailer hitch thread in this section.)

I'm sure Ford would be delighted to sell us roof racks, but those have got to be murder on the mileage.

 

[Leo]

I'm looking to do the same. Has anyone had any luck transporting a bike on the outside of the FFE? Either by roof rack, trailer hitch or???? Trying to do it as inexpensive as possible. Would like to hear how it affected the range. Thanks for any info.

 

[JimB_FFE]

At least a bike fits inside.

Maybe two!

 

[hhcev]

I purchased a Sport Rack Frontier for my wifes 2012 Ford Fusion and it ended up fitting better on my Focus Electric than her Fusion (actually had to order the rack for the 2011 Fusion because the 2012 was not listed). I was worried the clamps might scratch the paint, but it has worked fine.
I do not notice any significant reduction in range but it is easy enough to take off so if my wife uses it on her 60 mile commute I remove it anyway.
The only issue I have is the wind noise it creates when its on, which indicates it is dragging and reducing range, but I need to transport my mountain bike and there is no way Im getting grease on those cream leather seats.

 

[jcjj]

JimB_FFE,

Nice job getting a bike in there. I noticed the top of your storage area is slanted down. The reason I noticed is, it took me a couple weeks to figure out that there are "arms" that can come down from the lid and supports it so that it is even with the top of the battery and folded seats. I keep it that way all the time now. Large pizza's fit nicely back there, even with the back seats up!

Thanks,

 

[Leo]

@hhcev, any chance of getting you to post a picture.

 

[JimB_FFE]

After doing a LOT of shopping around, it appears that the Thule 9007XT Gateway 3 Bike Carrier is the best for a rear mount option, but I just can't get past the concern about the thing trashing the car, especially the rear bumper.

The other options are a roof mount hhcev has or a hitch mount setup. The weldment that they attached may preclude mounting a hitch receiver. It needs to carry up to three bikes.

Still looking.

 

[hhcev]

Leo,
I cant figure out how to post the pic. The rack is pretty standard but it looks decent and was about 250 total including the bike mount through Amazon. I use my Focus for work and occasionaly load base and material on the rack as well. It is solid even on the freeway.

 

[jmueller065]

Have you guys browsed through Focus Fanatics?

http://focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=281382

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=271898

 

[raptorflash1]

The Hollywood F2 works fine for my FFE. [http://hollywoodracks.com/trunk-racks/F2-over-the-top-spoiler-trunk-rack.htm]. It holds two bikes and fits over the rear spoiler.

 

[dcast1079]

Can you please add a photo.

 

[Susan]

I am not sure what you mean by arms to flatten the back. Can you show a photo? Thanks

 

[raptorflash1]

I can not figure out how to post pictures here without having an online storage place.

 

[WattsUp]

I can not figure out how to post pictures here without having an online storage place.

There are tons of free image hosting sites on the web. Google "free image hosting" and take your pick.

I've used http://www.postimage.org here with good results. Just upload a .jpg and it even generates the markup to insert.

 

[eeafp]

I installed an ecoHitch and use a 1upUSA hitch bike rack. I think it is the best bike rack out there for any vehicle and the eco hitch is beefy. I have never seen an easier, faster, or more sturdy way. No lifting bikes between parked cars or over your head. Easy install/uninstall the rack. Easy to load/unload bikes. Sturdy enough to drive cross country, not that I can in the FFE. I'm always loading up two little ones, so being able to go from parked to riding fast important and worth the money to me.

 

[Olagon]

The Hollywood F2 works fine for my FFE. [http://hollywoodracks.com/trunk-racks/F2-over-the-top-spoiler-trunk-rack.htm]. It holds two bikes and fits over the rear spoiler.

Anyone have one of these or have a better recommendation for a bike rack for two bikes for our FFE?

 

[unplugged]

I'm looking to do the same. Has anyone had any luck transporting a bike on the outside of the FFE? Either by roof rack, trailer hitch or???? Trying to do it as inexpensive as possible. Would like to hear how it affected the range. Thanks for any info.

There is an entire topic centered on trailer hitches and bike racks on trailer hitches here: (You will see my unique way of carrying a bike and a tandem.)
http://www.myfocuselectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=703&start=20