Thule 4 Bike Hitching Post Pro 934

Pros: Quality, Solid, Fold-down Arms, Long Shank
Cons: None

This article will read somewhat like a comparison between the Yakima Bighorn 4 and the Thule 934/935 ...

Pros: Stable, folding forks and solid
Cons: Long & straight shank

I returned an $89 Bell hitch from Pepboys (also available from Target and Walmart) because I realized that the fork extended too far out from the back. The fork is hazardous to passer bys when parked. So I decided to go with a folding rack instead.

I picked up a Thule 4 Bike Hitch at 20% off MSRP ($199) at Sports Authority. I was happy with the purchase until I loaded up the van for a camping trip. With the van full the clearance between the shank and the ground made me anxious specially driving up and down driveways. The long straight shank is great for SUVs and trucks where the hitch to ground clearance is 1.5 feet but not for minivans which are 6"-8" when fully loaded. I returned the Thule rack for a Yakima King Pin 4 Bike rack.

I highly recommend the King Pin 4 (also available in 2 and 5 rack versions) which sells for $199 at REI. The Yakima shank is shorter and curves upward increasing the shank to ground clearance for minivans even on steep driveways (BTW, I own a 2000 Honda Odyssey).