It’s well made and exceptionally easy to use, and is very sturdy even on the bumpiest of roads – the bikes barely move and are secured very well. There are generally two types of repair stands: those that use a clamping mechanism there are those that use a clamping mechanism to secure the bike by pretty much any tube you choose to fix them to. Within those categories, there are portable and permanent stands and basic models versus those for the pros. kg | 67 lbs (42 lbs RV) - dedicated 2" receiver version only, 60 lbs per bike - 1.25" receiver version

The first question is: how far and how frequently do you need to carry bikes? Then what type of bikes and how many bikes you need to carry. Which vehicle – or vehicles – do you have, and will you be taking a mixture of bikes? Are they heavy, do they have thru-axles, and will they be getting dirty?Thule Insta-Gater Pro’s aluminum and plastic construction is high quality and durable. Thule is a reputable brand and it seems they didn’t miss the mark with this one. It’s also quite lightweight at 11 pounds. Changes in vehicle design are making it less viable to carry cargo on the roof, too. Many SUVs have surprisingly low maximum roof load limits, as do cars with multiple sunroofs, which are becoming popular. And long gone are the days when gutters, or raised roof rails, meant that a set of roof bars would fit most vehicles. Now, when you change your car, a new set of model-specific bars is almost always required.

If you have a dedicated space or think of yourself as more than a home mechanic, a permanent, pro-style stand, like the Park Tool Deluxe Double Arm Professional Work Stand, might better suit your needs. These are generally heavier, cost more and have a sturdier clamping system - should you ever need to crank down on a bolt or pedal that just wont budge - these repair stands help by either sitting on a heavy duty base or are permanently installed on your workshop floor. And if you plan to work on e-bikes, make sure the stand can support the weight and has a wide enough base to be stable when loaded. Many repair stands have a weight limit that’s high enough to support most e-bikes, but some of the lighter and/or portable stands that are meant for travel may not be appropriate.Front-wheel removal keeps the bike lower (great for tall SUVs), can be easier and lighter to load, and is the classic way of hauling bikes up-top. For most of us, our local bike shop will always come to the rescue for major repairs that require specialty tools or mechanic skills beyond our knowledge. But it doesn’t hurt to learn a few simple fixes or even to service your own bike to prevent small problems from becoming bigger (and more expensive) ones. And by working on your own bike, you not only save time and money, you also become more familiar with it and get to know how it works. You secure the bike to the tailgate pad by tying the adjustable hook and loop straps around the bike frame. The straps, located at the end of adjustable rods, secure your bike in place by the front fork and seat stay. Another highlight of the Mini Bomber is its small size. When it’s not needed, it can easily be stashed in most cars.