Gearhead: Yakima Spareride fits on a spare tire

Car bike racks abound, but there are slim choices that fit over a rear-mounted spare tire. Here’s the best we found.|
SUZIE RODRIGUEZ
FOR THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

If you want to transport one or more bicycles with your automobile, a wide and excellent range of bike rack choices abounds for sedans, hatchbacks and most sports utility vehicles (GearHead took a look at Saris car racks a while back).

However, there are very few rack choices for cars that have a spare tire mounted on the rear. These are usually off-road vehicles, but some sports utility vehicles also possess a rear-mounted tire.

Luckily, the Yakima Spareride is a solid and highly-rated choice for hauling up to two bikes on a vehicle with a rear-mounted spare.

The device, which adapts to fit almost any stock-size spare, is easy to attach - without tools - to your rear-mounted spare.

An added plus: the tailgate door opens easily when bikes are on the car.

Made of steel, the rack is durable and stable. Removable ZipStrips hold your bikes securely and an anti-sway cradle design helps minimize bike-to-bike contact.

A built-in SKS lock protects bikes from thieves if you step away.

Weight: 21.5 pounds. Cost: $239.

In Sonoma, Yakima products are carried by Freeman Toyota, REI, Santa Rosa Ski & Sports, Wind Toys Water Sports Center, Clavey Paddlesports and Petaluma Stand Up Paddle.

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