Transporting your bicycles with the traditional car can be a challenge. Even then, you still have to find ways to fit it alongside your items or gear. A good bike rack is an excellent solution to such a problem. Join us as we take a look at two excellent and affordable bike racks you should consider:
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| Product | IKURAM R 2 Bike Rack | Swagman XC2 Bike Rack |
| Dimensions | 27 x 14 x 3 inches | 36.5 x 11 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 10.18 Kilograms | 14.47 Kilograms |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
| Weight Capacity | Supports two bikes with an 84lb total. | 35lbs/bike (supports two bikes) |
| Hitch Receiver Type | Class III & IV 2-inch receiver hitches. | Class 1-1/4″ and 2″ receiver hitches. |
| Supported Tire Sizes | 59 cm (23.2″) | N/A |
| Warranty | Life Time Warranty | 1yr. |
| What’s Included | N/A | Bicycle rack and parts |
| Check Price | Check Price |
IKURAM R 2 Bike Rack vs Swagman XC2 Bike Rack – Similarities
Ease of Assembly
The IKURAM R 2 Bike Rack and the Swagman XC2 Bike Rack are easy to assemble, even for novice users. The IKURAM 2, in particular, only requires three bolts for the set-up process. The SWAGMAN XC2 is also notable because it takes a few simple steps to assemble.
Fold-Down and Swing Arm Design
A foldable design is essential for any bike rack because it helps to provide ease of use. It’s why the IKURAM 2 Bike Rack features an easy fold arm design that offers a 14.5-inch-long carry arm. The arm can rotate out the way when you are no longer using the rack. The Swagman XC2 is also convenient because its unique clamshell design can fold up towards the ratchet. Such an outstanding design help to provide space-saving functions during transportation.
Anti-Wobble Hitch
Thanks to the unique anti-wobble hitch structures, you are also sure that your bike will be stable on both of these racks. The IKURAM 2 Bike rack features a no wobble hitch and a heavy-duty design for longevity.
IKURAM R 2 Bike Rack vs Swagman XC2 Bike Rack – Differences
Weight Capacity and Hitch Receiver
The Ikuram Bike can support two bikes with a weight capacity of 84lb, which translates to about 42lbs per bike. However, while the Swagman XC2 bike supports two bicycles, the weight capacity averages around 70lbs.
The hitch receiver classes on each unit are also different. The Ikuram Bike can support Class III & IV 2-inch receiver hitches, while the Swagman XC2 bike supports the Class 1-1/4″ and 2″ receiver hitches.
The Winner Is – the Ikuram R2 Bike Rack
Excellent Weight Metrics
These bike racks seem to have almost the same features, but there is still a clear-cut winner in terms of weight. The Ikuram 2 Bike Hitch Rack supports two units, with a maximum capacity load of 84lbs. However, the Swagman XC2 bike is different and supports a total of 70lbs, and also weighs higher than its counterpart.
The Winner Is – the Swagman XC3 Bike Rack
Easy of Assembly and Sturdy Design
The Swagman XC2 Bike Rack is easy to assemble in a few minutes, and it features upright ratchet arms. These arms are easy to customize to suit various frames, with the maximum range averaging 59cm (23.3″). The rack itself is sturdy but the included nuts and bolts are poor quality.
The Winner Is – A Tie
Pros and Cons
IKURAM R2
Pros:
- It has a rigid steel construction that bodes well for longevity.
- The dual-arm mounting offers excellent spacing for different bike sizes.
- The easy tilt-down feature offers easy access to the vehicle’s rear section.
- The bike also supports Class III and IV 2-inch receiver hitches.
Cons:
- You may have to buy extra straps to help secure the bike.
- The nuts and bolts included are the cheap, so a hardware store upgrade is recommended. This is odd given how sturdy the rack is otherwise.
Swagman XC2
Pros:
- Easy to assemble and has an anti-wobble hitch for stability.
- Less lifting required to get the bike into the rack.
- The rack can accommodate bike frame sizes of up to 59 cm (23.2″).
- It is foldable for ease of storage.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with significant accessories such as a locking hitch pin.
- Almost twice the price of the IKURAM
The Final Verdict: IKURAM R2 Bike Rack vs Swagman XC2 Bike Rack
Although both racks do the same job well, the price difference is hard to ignore. If you a trip to your local hardware store to upgrade the fasteners on the IKURAM is worth ~ $75 to you then get the IKRAM. However, if you value “plug and play” convenience and ease of getting the bikes into the rack then the price is not an issue, then you will be happier with the Swagman XC2.
Need a Good Baby Carrier Too?
Manufacturers
IKURAM
Swagman
What is a Swagman?
A “swag” is an Australian term for a backpack. A swagman is an agricultural day laborer. In days of old many men would wald from farm to farm seeking work, carrying their possessions in a swag.
What Real People Say: IKURAM R2 Bike Rack vs Swagman XC2 Bike Rack
About the IKURAM R2
I’m truly enjoying this bike rack. Solid construction (with one exception) and the capability to leave the rack on and still use the hatch on the back of my Jeep is awesome. Another excellent feature is the clamp that stabilizes the rack on the drawback and (for me ) gets rid of any rattling or movement. I’m offering the “sturdiness” rating a 4 out of 5 for the following reason …
As others have actually written, the one problem I had was the nylon nestles and the bolts securing them to the rack. I could not get them tight enough and they tended to slip and move. I took one to my local hardware shop and showed them the bolt. They offered longer bolts in addition to WASHERS that permitted me to really tighten up down the cradles – issue solved for a few of dollars.
Do yourself a favor and buy some straps since this rack does not have the platform for the wheels to sit in. Use one to walk around the frame of the bike and the main post, and another to secure the front wheel to the frame of the bike so it doesn’t walk around!
Easy and extremely durable to utilize. Folds back quickly to allow the rear hatch to open. Ensure you utilize a stabilization bracket to ensure that it does not vibrate during usage. It likewise makes it simpler to deinstall as the huge bolt holding it into the tow bracket does not require to be over-tightened. Parts mesh easily. While the bike is safe and secure in the holders, you ought to still use tie-downs or bungee cables to secure the wheels.
We connected this rack to our Model X, it’s been as good as the best Yakima rack system. The rack has bolts where it will not be disassembled, and a quick-release in places where you need to fold the rack up or down. There is a plate to keep the rack from rattling, simply tighten up the u-bolt down as much as you require and the rack is silent. A heavy bike might be tough to raise, so you can lower the rack to the ground, set up the bike, then raise the rack to the horizontal position. When you back into parking areas or your garage, make sure you utilize a rear-facing electronic camera.
The rack has bolts where it will not be disassembled, and a quick-release in places where you require to fold the rack up or down. There is a plate to keep the rack from rattling, just tighten up the u-bolt down as much as you need and the rack is silent. A heavy bike may be difficult to lift up, so you can decrease the rack to the ground, set up the bike, then raise the rack to the horizontal position.– Dennis R. from New Hope, PA
About the Swagman XC2
This is my first evaluation of the hitch and rack after mounting it to the vehicle. Good strong construction. Takes about half an hour to put together and install. All materials are solid, no inexpensive stuff. Bike mounts easily. Solid hold on the bike. Will continue this review after riding around with bikes on the car. Fantastic trip, no sway at the hitch junction. Bike is SECURELY installed to the carrier. As always, I include a safety strap just in case. Just got back from a 900 mile meandering journey with 2 bikes in the provider. Not a single problem while bouncing on the road from Florida to Kentucky. I recommend this rack for the ease of getting bikes on and off and the security. I am very happy with it. It is a good idea to make certain the clamps are tight and the wheels remain in the receptacles. For security sake, I use a bungee cord on both bikes to make certain nothing happens, The mechanism has holes for a lock to be inserted to prevent theft or utilize a routine bike lock.
Bike installs easily. Bike is SECURELY mounted to the carrier. For safety sake, I utilize a bungee cord on both bikes to make sure nothing takes place, The system has holes for a lock to be placed to prevent theft or utilize a regular bike lock. – Peggy M – Sacramento, CA
What Real People Also Ask: IKURAM R2 Bike Rack vs Swagman XC2 Bike Rack
Is IKURAM a good brand?
IKURAM manufacturers a wide variety of outdoor products which are well received on the world’s biggest online retail website, the average rating is almost 4.7 stars.
How do you load a bike on a Swagman XC3?
Here is a great video which shows how to load bikes on a Swagman XC3:
