Took her campin :)

[sylvanlights]

That, my friend, is an awesome sight. I love seeing cars decked out for trips. Quick question re: your bike on the back. Looks to me like you have a trunk-mounted rack. What type are you running and also what kind of bikes are you carrying (ie. weight, freeride/xc) and how do you like the rack? Shoot me a PM.

I'm running dual roof Thule racks to carry bike up to 45lbs each but I need to get a rack for the rear also to carry more riders and gear. So many options so the best way to decide is to ask questions... Thanks!

This is still somewhat on topic ... so I will answer your questions here!

I custom installed a 2" hitch receiver since the only aftermarket hitch receivers for this car are 1.5". This allows me to use a hitch-mount rack as I would NEVER use a trunk-mount-strappy-rack. They scare me!

I have a Yakima Full Swing. It holds four bikes comfortably. The arms swing down when you are not using it, and the whole rack swing away from the back (loaded or unloaded) so that you can access the hatch. This, in my opinion, is the only way to go. I get so frustrated when I need to get in a trunk and a bike rack is in the way!

Sounds like you are on a pretty big freeride/DH frame. Which would make sense for Richmond! I am the other end of the scale - super light Bianchi carbon hard-tail XC frame.

If your frame is 'non-traditional' - ie: solid frame, not traditional style - you might not be able to run the Yakima Full Swing. I have been drooling on the new Yakima Hook Up. It holds the bikes by the wheels instead of the frame, so works great for giant frames like what it sounds like you are on.

Let me know if you have any specific questions ... your first step is to have a 2" hitch made up for you!

-=D

 

[Freeridin' Al]

Yeah, I think that about 5 of your Bianchis would equal my PDC... But actually, my ride only weighs in at ~35lbs tops, which is a pretty good weight for a 8 & 8 travel bike. Getting back to a lighter hardtail is next on my shopping list of 2-wheel vehicles...

But thanks for the tip. I was figuring that I'd be going 2" hitch regardless, but in your photo, it looked trunk-mounted. I'm looking at picking this up:

http://www.thuleracks.com/thulecan/product.asp?dept_id=8&sku=916

The Yakima Hook Up is from what I've seen is a pretty good setup as well. Pretty much the same thing and I can get either one for the same price, so I thought that I'd keep my P5 a Thule-mobile. They're both based after the now x-Sportsworks rack anyway (before Sportsworks was bought out by Thule, I believe).

Anyhoo, thanks for the reply. Now I just got to get me a 2" hitch...

 

[Focuz_Freek_XxX]

Im going to be taking mine camping to Okracoke Island in march of 07. Cant wait. I will actually be using it as the tent. the back seats are out and i have a mattress back there in the hatch ready to go.

 

[redpr5]

sleepin in the p5 is nice. im 6'2" and ive slept layin across the back seat just fine many times. pretty comfortable car

i dont like the drivers seat tho for long drives, hurts my back after awhile. idk might just be me but it seems like it lacks a lot of lumbar support

 

[sylvanlights]

I'm looking at picking this up:

http://www.thuleracks.com/thulecan/product.asp?dept_id=8&sku=916

The Yakima Hook Up is from what I've seen is a pretty good setup as well. Pretty much the same thing and I can get either one for the same price, so I thought that I'd keep my P5 a Thule-mobile. They're both based after the now x-Sportsworks rack anyway (before Sportsworks was bought out by Thule, I believe).

Anyhoo, thanks for the reply. Now I just got to get me a 2" hitch...

Yep. They are both pretty well the same deal. The only issue with both the Thule and the Yakima is that they do not allow access to the hatch. But it's the price you pay I guess ...

And ... I am trying to sell of my Bianchi if you are looking. PM for details.

-=D

 

[FastPro22]

Took mine camping last summer.