Gripsport Dual Bike Carrier Review

[Scott]

We had 1800km of travel planned involving a 1.8L Sedan, 2 DH bikes, 4 Adults and a bucket load of smelly helmets and body amour. Sure we could have attached a trailer for the weekend. Or even setup some roof racks, but with the price of fuel these days such options were going to hit the pocket hard on an already expensive weekend away. The best bet for us was the new Grip Sport Quick Grip tow bar carrier.

Check it out here (http://www.farkin.net/page.php?zp=492763).

[928stu]

A truely excellent product.

I've had mine for nearly a year now - not a problem except your cranks can get a bit scratched.
I've tried inner tube over the cranks - works but looks shite.
So now the 'plasti dip' - a rubberized coating.
At $38 a tin it aint cheep but what a job.
4 coats is about 2mm thick - no scratching now.
I think the red with a black carrier and a black car looks a bit 'loud' so it's getting a coat of black now :D

[scbullit]

Hey 928Stu... Where to you get the plasti dip stuff - Bunnings maybe? Or a more specialty store?

[projectsplat]

Nice tip Stu. We are picking up one for the house in the next few weeks, so I am sure that will be the first mod.

Cheers

Al

[j5ive]

Thats neat stu. Good work!

[Dirt Devil]

I really like the look of that rack. Does anyone know if Diabolus cranks will fit?

[ja_har]

Yep........

[GRIM]

What about saint cranks will they fit or do you need to get an the optional bigger size

[Grip]

Do this to check exactly...

* Stand your bike on flat ground with the left crank pointing STRAIGHT DOWN.
* Right at the crank, measure UP from the ground 270mm and mark that position on your crank.
* That mark is at the same height as the top of the crank holder and shows you exactly how far down into the holders your cranks will sit.
* The opening in a standard crank holder is 47mm wide by 22mm deep, so if you now measure the width and thickness of your crank at that mark you will know immediately if your cranks will fit.

[ScottD]

Hey 928Stu... Where to you get the plasti dip stuff - Bunnings maybe? Or a more specialty store?

try marine stores they use them to dip chains in so it doesnt damage the gelcoat

[GuRhInDiZzLe]

its a great invention, but its just sooo heavy... maybe grip can invent a lighter one for the smaller cars.
i still love it

[Grip]

its a great invention, but its just sooo heavy... maybe grip can invent a lighter one for the smaller cars.
i still love it

Problem is, lighter = not bullet proof. Get your priorities right... buy a bigger car :D

[Roy Batty]

its a great invention, but its just sooo heavy... maybe grip can invent a lighter one for the smaller cars.

Why, can't your car hack it?

How small is your car? Does the rack cause it to wheelies when you accelerate too hard?

[GuRhInDiZzLe]

nah i had a custom tow ball installed. it can take it but when u have heavy bikes as well, it may rip the tow ball off if bouces to hard.

[demo man]

^^

why would you pay for some custom bling if the damn thing can't even carry a bike rack?!

if it's just the ball, just buy another standard type one, they can't be very expensive.

i prefered the idea of a mini etc. doing wheelies down the street with a DH bike strapped to the back though....:D

[ajay]

^^

why would you pay for some custom bling if the damn thing can't even carry a bike rack?!

if it's just the ball, just buy another standard type one, they can't be very expensive.

i prefered the idea of a mini etc. doing wheelies down the street with a DH bike strapped to the back though....:D

its probably no the strength of the actual towball, but the posistion/strength of the chasis... alot of smaller cars dont have the strength in the underbody to accomidate a towball with 40kg of weight levering the chasis to oblivion.

[cam-o]

why would you pay for some custom bling if the damn thing can't even carry a bike rack?!

Like Ajay said it's probably more a case of a custom tow mount on a car that doesn't usually have one. Things like Nissan 350Z and Renault Sport Clio don't have a factory tow bar option.

i prefered the idea of a mini etc. doing wheelies down the street with a DH bike strapped to the back though....:D
Cept being a bum dragger the mini wouldn't actually go anywhere, lotsa smoke tho......

[Hopper]

Hey I am actually thinking of buying a grip sport rack but i have encountered one problem. My mate bought one and my crank doesn't fit in the crank holder? Everyone else's does but my FSA X-drive Xtreme cranks don't fit. Only by a few mm because of a weld or protusion thing at th ebottom of the crant aroun the hole the pedal screws into.

Is it possible to get different sized crank holder?

[Grip]

Hey I am actually thinking of buying a grip sport rack but i have encountered one problem. My mate bought one and my crank doesn't fit in the crank holder? Everyone else's does but my FSA X-drive Xtreme cranks don't fit. Only by a few mm because of a weld or protusion thing at th ebottom of the crant aroun the hole the pedal screws into.

Is it possible to get different sized crank holder?

Hi Hopper,

You can get oversize crank holders on the carrier itself, or you can buy an oversize adapter that you can then use on the carrier and race shuttles etc, but if it's that close a fit then your cranks will realy flop around in them. You may be better off with standard holders and simply open them up a fraction around the slot. Two shifters and some rag (to protect the paint) will normally do the trick quite nicely. Alternatively, if you want to be able to use other people's carriers you could just grind off a mm or two off the protruding part of the crank (where the pedal screws in) and then your bike will fit in fine.

Cheers

[wannabeabighitta]

does anyone know if you can fit it to a 4WD with the spare on the back

[johnny]

I just recently bought a dual carrier (second hand) and I wouldn't use anything else. It's simply the way to go, anything else is a step backwards.

[Grip]

does anyone know if you can fit it to a 4WD with the spare on the back

Yep. We just need a few details from you rfirst to make sure we sell you the right model. Easy stuff.

Cheers

[j5ive]

Hey grip,

I have a lad up here who carries 3 race bmx's around on a family sedan, do you think you could make something work on a standard towball (not haymen reece) so he could carry 3 bmx's or two mtbs?

[Grip]

Hey grip,

I have a lad up here who carries 3 race bmx's around on a family sedan, do you think you could make something work on a standard towball (not haymen reece) so he could carry 3 bmx's or two mtbs?

Have PMed you.

[racingroo]

I've just got a mazda 323 1992 and would like to have this gripsport carrier. I don't yet have a tow bar installed so I rang up a tow bar place and told him what I wanted it for. He said you don't want to put more than two bike on there. I didn't mention they are downhill bikes (a demo8 and a kona stab (the latter is what you classify as a heavy bike), plus the heavy bike rack. I'm I looking for trouble?

[Grip]

racingroo - it probably would have been more helpful if your towbar seller/fitter had given you the actual download capacity of the towbar rather than just saying "no more than two bikes"... the reality is that bike weights differ so much that advice is pretty meaningless.

For your info, a double carrier weighs 17-19kgs.

Cheers

[racingroo]

racingroo - it probably would have been more helpful if your towbar seller/fitter had given you the actual download capacity of the towbar rather than just saying "no more than two bikes"... the reality is that bike weights differ so much that advice is pretty meaningless.

For your info, a double carrier weighs 17-19kgs.

Cheers

Cool Grip.. I'll ask him what the download capacity is.

[j5ive]

Grip, this was attached to a customers car one night at BMX racing. Thought you'd have a giggle. As I imagine most people who own a grip rack will. Especially those who understand how backward the bmx community can be ;)

[sammydog]

Just used my rack for the first time this weekend.

Bloody awesome. Top piece of work these things are. No more shit in the car and they load up really quick and easy.

Throw in the quick release set up and I couldn't be happier.

Worth every cent of the asking price.

[tu plang]

as far as the "two bikes" guestimation goes you should keep in mind that compared to common bikes a 19kg downhill bike is about average weight. having to haul shitters up the steps at work you really learn to hate kmart specials with their full compliment of steel. having said that definitely best to get a figure on down load.

[racingroo]

Is it possible to get some geometry specification.. eg distance either side of the crank holder. Because looking at the pic on the previous page, the demo 9 front wheel seems to be hanging a little over the side. My demo 8 wheel base is 1183mm (medium). The distance from crank to rear axle is 428mm and to the front axle is 755mm. The demo 8 and 9's have the same wheelbase and chainstay length. That demo9 on the rav4 looked liked a large, which has an extra 20mm from the crank to the front axle. So my front wheel should sit a bit better than that demo9 (if its a large), but for other users it could be helpful to know the distance either side of the crank holder.

[Grip]

Is it possible to get some geometry specification.. eg distance either side of the crank holder. Because looking at the pic on the previous page, the demo 9 front wheel seems to be hanging a little over the side. My demo 8 wheel base is 1183mm (medium). The distance from crank to rear axle is 428mm and to the front axle is 755mm. The demo 8 and 9's have the same wheelbase and chainstay length. That demo9 on the rav4 looked liked a large, which has an extra 20mm from the crank to the front axle. So my front wheel should sit a bit better than that demo9 (if its a large), but for other users it could be helpful to know the distance either side of the crank holder.

Your bike will fit fine, racingroo. Distance from end of carrier to crank holder is 550 for the rear and 750 for the front.

Cheers

[johnny]

Grip, this was attached to a customers car one night at BMX racing. Thought you'd have a giggle. As I imagine most people who own a grip rack will. Especially those who understand how backward the bmx community can be ;)
Bahahaha!

If only one could send a note back saying something like "Your eyes are farked, please pay attention to where you are walking like everyone else". I mean boo hoo, you walked into something yet it's some one else's fault :rolleyes: Riiiiight....

That gave me a great cynical laugh to start the day!

[Techno Destructo]

Gripsport bike racks: Built like a sumo. Visible like a ninja.

[Grip]

Gripsport bike racks: Built like a sumo. Visible like a ninja.

Ha! I like that. Not sure how to use it... but I like it.:D

[TonyG]

After lugging my bike/s around in the back of my car (taking on and off the front wheel) I decided to take the plunge and order a dual bike carrier off Grip. They looked to have the most practical and simple design, and from reading this have great service.
I spoke with Grip about securing the bike to the carrier and he told me of several different methods.
I wouldn’t mind getting some direct feed back from all you users on 2 things, if you have the time.

1 - Best way of securing the bike to the carrier to hold it in place,(i.e velcro straps around the wheels, or tie it down)

2 - Security of bikes, do you lock them to the carrier, do you lock the hitch to the car?

Regards,
Tony

[cam-o]

1 - Best way of securing the bike to the carrier to hold it in place,(i.e velcro straps around the wheels, or tie it down)


I usually run a single tie down strap per bike from the rack, over the top tube and then back down to the rack. Takes seconds and never had a bike move


2 - Security of bikes, do you lock them to the carrier, do you lock the hitch to the car?


Bigass cable lock through the bikes and looped through itself so only one end goes to the padlock. Then attach the padlock to the hole on the towbar where you usually put the chain from your trailer.

[TonyG]

I usually run a single tie down strap per bike from the rack, over the top tube and then back down to the rack. Takes seconds and never had a bike move

Bigass cable lock through the bikes and looped through itself so only one end goes to the padlock. Then attach the padlock to the hole on the towbar where you usually put the chain from your trailer.

Thanks for the quick response Cam-o,
That sounds like a good way to lock the bike on; I have a good plastic covered cable I bought for locking my trailer up. So that will come in handy.

I have a carbon framed bike, with hydraulic brake cables running across the top of the top tube; do you think these will be fine to tie across?
Perhaps if I tied down just from the bottom of the frame (above the crank) this might be a stronger point?

[ja_har]

1 - Best way of securing the bike to the carrier to hold it in place,(i.e velcro straps around the wheels, or tie it down)

two old bike tubes, (one fore each bike) looped thru themselves on the brace for the crank holders, (DH tubes work better). Stretch these up and over the bars which holds the bike and front wheel down tight. Never moved over some pretty damn rough roads. I started using straps on wheels etc but as they got lost I never replaced them and bike is still not moving anywhere so dont need them. Also as the tubes are attached to the rack you cant go loosing them like I do with tie straps.

2 - Security of bikes, do you lock them to the carrier, do you lock the hitch to the car?


Big arse cable lock thru both bike frames and thru the braces on the crank holder. Also a lockable pin for the hitch.

[cam-o]

Perhaps if I tied down just from the bottom of the frame (above the crank) this might be a stronger point?
I'd say that'd be OK. Another option would be a small strap around each rim and the rack. The hardware shops sell short rubber ones with hooks that'd do the trick.

[johnny]

1 - Best way of securing the bike to the carrier to hold it in place,(i.e velcro straps around the wheels, or tie it down)For long distances I use 8 meter long straps that I bought from Kennards Hire. Around the both wheels to the carrier and over the crank/BB intersection to the carrier. As I said earlier, I've aired my 4WD over a speed bump with Squids bike on the back. That's how much confidence I have in this setup. When shuttling, I just stretch an inner tube over the bars and under the carrier and hook the seat with a tube, go under the carrier and back over the pedal. Could easily drive long distances with this too.

2 - Security of bikes, do you lock them to the carrier, do you lock the hitch to the car? No, I don't let the bikes out of sight.

[GravityGuru]

Ryan's Got Grip!!!!:D
My Dual QR Gripsport rack arrived today. I am absolutely amazed at how solid it is. I'l put up some pictures at some stage.. Just because I can :cool:
Love It
Thanks Grip Farkin Fantastic Rack

[arpit]

Yeah. i share your postive impressions. I was at manly dam last weekend and this dude turned up up with a grip carrier.
I had only ever seen these carriers from small pics on the website and they looked a bit homemade and dodgy. What I actually saw in person was really good. The welds were excellent, the painting was great, and yes it looked really solid. I wanted to jump up and down on it, but I didn't think the owner would appreciate me bouncing his car.

The thule rack next to it looked heaps flimsy in comparison.

As with all black racks I recommend you attack a couple of coloured reflectors to it. It'll save people from walking into it, and it'll hopeflly prevent people hitting it when driving past the back of your car.

[Techno Destructo]

And while we're talking about securing bikes in the Gripsport rack, the FIRST purchase you should make after getting the rack is to buy a tin of PLASTIDIP. Then you can coat your crank holders in the stuff (multiple dips/coats needed), which dries and creates an awesome, grippy, thick pliable rubbery coating which will not only protect your cranks from scratches, but also wedges/holds your bikes cranks in place beautifully.

Warning though... if you do buy this stuff, be careful. I've NEVER handled a product before (like Plastidip) that has as many warnings as this stuff does. And they're scary warnings.:eek: Cancer, death, birth-defects, you name it... Be CAREFUL with this stuff.

Apart from that, it's GREAT!:) If you need some advice on how to do it, you can ask me (although I'm not proclaiming to be an expert with the stuff, I'm really happy with the job it's done!)

[Old Shagger]

Hey Tecno..Ive just bought the bike rack and i too think its gr8 except for the scratching of my new cranks..THis plastidip stuff..who os the manufacturer and where did you get it from as it sounds like a fairly specialized product??/
Thanks

[Techno Destructo]

www.plastidip.com.au

The website has a distribution map that will help you a place that sells the stuff.

I bought mine from:
Johnson Bros. Mitre 10
51-55 Bassett Street
Mona Vale NSW 2103
Ph: (02) 9999 2130
Fax: (02) 9997 1886

[racingroo]

I ordered my rack yesterday :) yey!

I'll be doing that plastidip modification asap aswell.

[Old Shagger]

Thanks Techno. Getting a spray can today to spray it on so that my cranks dont get a hiding on the way to Lithgow and back for the State race this wend. Hey Grip, sounds like you should maybe look into this prod or offer all us happy customes a flyer with their details etc. If it is as good as it sounds, we will all be even happier grip customers.....

[Techno Destructo]

Thanks Techno. Getting a spray can today to spray it on so that my cranks

Whoa whoa whoa... a spray can?

That method just sounds like you're asking for punishment! Do it the dipping method, not the spray on method!

How would you know if you're getting even, or even complete, coverage using a spray?

This is how I did it...

1. Get the narrow, cylindrical tin of Plastidip (which is just large enough to fit the oversize crank holders in without touching the sides of the tin)

2. Support your rack upside down on some supports so the crank holders are hanging down and unobstructed

3. Put something on the ground to catch drops of the uber-toxic Plastidip that might drip off.

4. With gloves on (so you don't get that stuff on your skin/hands), raise the tin up underneath each crank holder to dip it in the tin. Maybe hold it there for a couple of seconds so it fills any holes or stuff. Remove the tin by moving it back down off the crank holder.

5. Let the Plastidip dry before applying the next coat. Check the instructions on the tin for proper drying/setting times.

6. Repeat this method several times to apply several coats. This will give you a good, thick, covering of the stuff. I did six coats. 928stu, at the beginning of this thread, did 4 coats.

I would NOT trust the spray to do a good job.... but that's just me....

[Atomizer]

Whoa whoa whoa... a spray can?

That method just sounds like your asking for punishment! Do it the dipping method, not the spray on method!

Motion seconded!

Dipping is certainly the way go. Slowly in, slowly out and as Techo Destructo explained will see the end result run-free and the adherance of the coating to the crank-holder assured. A couple coats will do the job just fine.

And, as for the photo a few pages back of the RAV4 with the Demo 9 on the back the front wheel doesn't pertrude quite as far as the photo suggests. It only extends out about 20cm. ;)

http://forums.farkin.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=25906

[itsajoke]

Got mine yesterday, plasti-dip done and tow-ball plate fitted. Very happy! First test was today but we actually got some rain in T'bar so the ride is off. I may just drive around town to see how it goes. Nice work
Grip!

[Grip]

Glad you're happy with it. Shame about the rain though.;)

[TRACKS]

I have had my bike Carrier for 4 month now, and i have done a lot of 4WD with it and had two bikes on. It has held up well, I highly recommend it well done gripsport i love it:D

[racingroo]

I've had mine for a couple of months and its been great. Been to lazy to plastic-dip crank holders :( instead i've wrapped a tube around the crank and covered the tube with electrical tape. I works pretty well and doesn't look to bad. Fits snug in the holder too.

If anyone was like me and was indecisive whether to buy the carrier, JUST BUY IT YA BUMS!

[gilly101]

I LOVE MY BIKE RACK:D :D .. although ive backed out of a few drive ways a couple of times a couple of km's to fast and BANG!! SCRAPPPPPPPEEEEE!!! but its so tough and its gotten me to um coffs and back.and , and. yeah i havetn had it long but its great:p

[Techno Destructo]

I LOVE MY BIKE RACK:D :D .. although ive backed out of a few drive ways a couple of times a couple of km's to fast and BANG!! SCRAPPPPPPPEEEEE!!! but its so tough and its gotten me to um coffs and back.and , and. yeah i havetn had it long but its great:p

Yeah, I've scraped mine off the road a few times too... that rack just laughs it off!:cool:

[ja_har]

Yeah, I've scraped mine off the road a few times too... that rack just laughs it off!:cool:

I've backed into trees no issues knowing I have the bullbar on the back..:D

[itsajoke]

It's had the road/off road test now and the results are all good. Once I got the play out of the tow bar on the Subaru it all went well: solid and confidence inspiring. My hard tails cranks (Race face Prodigy) and my better halves (Shimano ?) don't drop all the way down, leaving one tyre an inch above the rack. Other than replacing them has anyone encountered this and do you have a remedy for it?

[j5ive]

Cut that one inch from the top of the crank holders. Or get some 3" tyres :D

[Grip]

It's had the road/off road test now and the results are all good. Once I got the play out of the tow bar on the Subaru it all went well: solid and confidence inspiring. My hard tails cranks (Race face Prodigy) and my better halves (Shimano ?) don't drop all the way down, leaving one tyre an inch above the rack. Other than replacing them has anyone encountered this and do you have a remedy for it?

We've actually started selling a quite a few of these to roadies and triathletes because of C/F frames that can't be "hung/clamped" by the top tube (as with normal carriers) and their rear wheels always sit about 3-4 inches off the channel because of much lower bottom bracket heights.

This tends to happen with XC and some jump bikes too, but rather than cut the top off the crank holder I always suggest people just sit a small piece of 4x2 pine etc under their real wheel before they tie their bike down. Simple and adds about 2.35 seconds to the load/unload time.

Cheers

[itsajoke]

Thanks Grip. That makes too much sense and sounds too easy.

[Shorty40]

Do these racks put any extra pressure on bearings etc ?

Also, can I get one with the bottom holder on the right side ? I would like my bike to have the handle bars on the passenger side of the car as I drive a Nissan Patrol and the spare tyre is on the drivers side.

Definately on my wish list :D

Thanks

[Grip]

Shorty, they put a lot LESS pressure on bearing than normal riding does. No problems there:) .

On the standard carriers the bike nearest the vehicle DOES have its handlebars on the left (passenger side)

Cheers

[j5ive]

Hey grip.

Customer just picked up the custom 3 bike rack you made in lovely shop colours. Thanks again. Happy camper.

You know what you need now? A road specific rack made lighter weight and to carry 3 roadies on a standard towball. It would have to have crank protection as roadies hate doing anything for themselves. They get us to clean their bikes ffs! :D

[Shorty40]

Thats awesome Grip :cool: Thanks for the quick reply. As soon as I can put a few dollars together I will be placing an order.

Cheers

[Grip]

No probs, shorty, and j5ive... why the hell did he want it this colour? Yuk!

http://forums.farkin.net/photo/data/507/Triple_blue_custom_carrier.jpg

[j5ive]

Haha, matches the shop. And little blinky our shop 'truck'. Its one of those little mini dihatsu ute things with jelly bean mags and working truck stacks. Sounds mean.

We look after him so he looks after us with shop colours and logos. He's going to write something along the lines of
'Nice rack huh?' Phone 49289900

[mtbmamma]

No probs, shorty, and j5ive... why the hell did he want it this colour? Yuk!

http://forums.farkin.net/photo/data/507/Triple_blue_custom_carrier.jpg

I love that colour, get sick of plain old black.:)

[Shorty40]

G'Day Grip,

What would shipping to Brisbane be worth ?

Are there any options to fit a Hayman Reece tow bar ?

It will be going on a Nissan Patrol wagon if that makes a diffrence for sizing etc

Cheers

Shorty

[Grip]

G'Day Grip,

What would shipping to Brisbane be worth ?

Are there any options to fit a Hayman Reece tow bar ?

It will be going on a Nissan Patrol wagon if that makes a diffrence for sizing etc

Cheers

Shorty

Shorty, freight to your door is $25. We can make you a double carrier to suit a direct fit into the receiver of your Hayman Reece (no extra charge, but it IS made to fit your towbar and wont necessarily fit any other). What most people with Square Hitch style towbars do is just buy the standard bolt-on model like this that we usually have in stock and ready to go...

http://forums.farkin.net/photo/data/507/medium/Towbar_Carrier_2-Bike_STD.JPG

At least with one of these you can get it off and on the vehicle quickly by using the towbar's own quick release hitch (and pulling the complete carrier and hitch out) plus you can always put this carrier onto any other towbar (which you probably can't do with a square hitch jobbie.

Any other questions? Feel free to call (03)94371954, email mail@gripsport.com.au or check the web www.gripsport.com.au

[GRIM]

Does anyone know where to get my hands on some Pastidip Coating for my newly ordered GripSport Bike Rack (previoulsy mentioned in this Thread). I have tried several places such as Bunnings, Mitre 10, Automotive Stores etc but it seems to be very hard to find. I live in Sydney if that helps

[jda]

Does anyone know where to get my hands on some Pastidip Coating for my newly ordered GripSport Bike Rack (previoulsy mentioned in this Thread). I have tried several places such as Bunnings, Mitre 10, Automotive Stores etc but it seems to be very hard to find. I live in Sydney if that helps

I got mine from Mitre 10 at Brookvale I think, to be honest I wouldn't bother, mine wore off after a couple of times using the rack. I wedge a stick in with the crank now (middleburns) so the crank arm isn't moving around in the holder and doesn't wear the arm down.

[TheBofh]

I just put an old sock over the pedal & crankarm, it stops it getting scratched & wedges it in nice & tight.

[ja_har]

Just cut off a few inches of an old tube and slip it over your crank arm (pedal off, of course) and you will be sweet, no cost and replace it any time when worn out.

[Pebble]

Shorty, freight to your door is $25. We can make you a double carrier to suit a direct fit into the receiver of your Hayman Reece (no extra charge, but it IS made to fit your towbar and wont necessarily fit any other). What most people with Square Hitch style towbars do is just buy the standard bolt-on model like this that we usually have in stock and ready to go...

http://forums.farkin.net/photo/data/507/medium/Towbar_Carrier_2-Bike_STD.JPG

At least with one of these you can get it off and on the vehicle quickly by using the towbar's own quick release hitch (and pulling the complete carrier and hitch out) plus you can always put this carrier onto any other towbar (which you probably can't do with a square hitch jobbie.

Any other questions? Feel free to call (03)94371954, email mail@gripsport.com.au or check the web www.gripsport.com.au

Hi Grip,

I emailed you some time in the last few weeks - looking at one for the Camper trailer. Anyway a great idea about removing it completely (we could buy a second hayman reese type toungue!), would save worrying about how high the crank holder is and weather we'd be able to open the tailgate.

Will be in touch - we're collecting the trailer on the 28th May at this stage.

[peto]

I have the older style grip rack and these racks rock.
I use mine for DH and XC bikes and even used it with a road bike.
It is good to use some soft plastic bent around and slid into the crank holder to protect expensive XC cranks.
This new quick release makes it even better.
Look no futher for a rack.

[takai]

How do people with a Hayman Reese box tongue style towbar find the Grip carrier?
Because with my current carry from top tube style carrier i find that i get some lateral movement because the HR tongue isnt an interference fit in the sleeve. Instead it has a grub screw to hold it in place, which regularly comes loose.

So how have people found the Grip solution?

[*morison*]

just wondering if i can get some more feedback on that platstidip stuff, is it still going strong or doews it wear out after a few months, just wondering if its worth getting, thanks.

[Techno Destructo]

Does anyone know where to get my hands on some Pastidip Coating for my newly ordered GripSport Bike Rack (previoulsy mentioned in this Thread). I have tried several places such as Bunnings, Mitre 10, Automotive Stores etc but it seems to be very hard to find. I live in Sydney if that helps

So it wasn't here:?

Johnson Bros. Mitre 10
51-55 Bassett Street
Mona Vale NSW 2103
Ph: (02) 9999 2130
Fax: (02) 9997 1886
Does the website (http://www.plastidip.com.au) give you any answers?

I got mine from Mitre 10 at Brookvale I think, to be honest I wouldn't bother, mine wore off after a couple of times using the rack. I wedge a stick in with the crank now (middleburns) so the crank arm isn't moving around in the holder and doesn't wear the arm down.

Really? How many coats did you do? I did six and mine is still "bomber". And I've put a LOT of use on it. Do the "dip" method and give it at least 4 coats, maybe? It might also help to "score" or roughen up the surface it's going on so the Plastidip can get a better purchase/grip/attachment....

It's been on for nearly a year and a half, still going strong, and I'm still very happy with it. I would do it again if I got a new rack, for sure.

[trevallynbikerdude]

Down here in tassie they have stopped bringing in plasti-dip because of it's nastyness. Everyone i've talked to swears by it, but they aren't able to buy it anymore.

I got mine from a marine shop (they use it on anchor chains and the like) and got one of their last cans.

good luck in your search...

[GRIM]

Finally got some, that Plastidip website never works for me but the place to go is 4WD Megastores, I went to the Carlton outlet but they seem to be all over the place. I even got black to match my bike rack, I only did 3 coats seems to work great (may do more later)

http://plastidip.net.au/index.php?module=Website&action=Text&content=1162597499875-2532&parentContent=1160805421953-7851

A lot of paint stores and hardware places are under the impression that the stuff is not longer available but it is.

I gotta say the Gripsport rack is great loving it and its keeping the interior of my new car dirt and scratch free

[NiK TyLeR]

i need one of these, i've got one of those old 3bike ones and it scraches and not to mention the bikes dont fit :mad: , just need to save up now
nik

[Techno Destructo]

i need one of these, i've got one of those old 3bike ones and it scraches and not to mention the bikes dont fit :mad: , just need to save up now
nik

They really are fantastic... best bike rack I've ever bought!

So many advantages over your average bike rack.

Only negative that I see is:
Too heavy for my wife to want to deal with it. So the bike rack is solely my responsibility.

I'm only posting this because I'm always gushing to people about how good the Gripsport rack is... so for the sake of impartiality, I'm posting a negative this time...

[gilly101]

Yeah these racks are so good. Got one about a year ago and it was deffers one of the best investments i've made other than my bike... (thanks mum :rolleyes:) So much better than the old a frame racks for the dh rigs, quicker loading/unloading and no more scratching (well not nearly as much). One thing needed though is some form of number plate on it because your bike will block it and sometimes the coppers wont be as they were to me and only giving me a warning about lack of visibility of P plate and the number plate. I've heard it can be quite a hefty fine!:eek:

[BIG ANT]

I have had my rack for about 2 months now with no problems
Strong and easy to use
The only draw back is it sits at shin height and blends in well with back ground at dusk
:)

[BLAKE-2234]

I have had my rack for about 2 months now with no problems
Strong and easy to use
The only draw back is it sits at shin height and blends in well with back ground at dusk
:)

get some reflectors on it same with mine and rflective tape stuff you can get it from super cheap does the trick

same mine is going great only problem is that it rocks a litlle but thats ok its not much to worry anything great rack and great results

rta does bike number plates for 33$ takes 3 weeks well worth it had a cop sitting next to us full checking it out (probably wanted my bike :) ) then just bolt it to the rack easy as

[jono86]

This has just answered my questions on how to carry my bike too bad they dont have a harness to attach to your lights like a trailer but im sure i could rig something up.

[Grip]

I'm certianly not suggesting you ignore lighting, jono, but to be honest I don't know of any customers who have bothered because lights do tend to be clearly visible through your spokes anyway.

Number plates on the other hand WILL need to be mounted in a way that they're not obscured at all and down here in Vic they "should" be illuminated if using the carrier at night ;)