Just wanted to write a quick review to share my positive experience with the Thule Spare-Me bike rack, seen
here on amazon
I have no hitch and no roof rack (and don't really want them on the roof anyway), so the spare tire was really the only place for bikes. That said, this thing is awesome!
Immediately after purchasing it, I drove 2,000 miles from Milwaukee to Tucson with two bicycles, and several heavy duffle bags hanging off it becuase I overpacked my truck. No problems!
The user manual states that it is not to be used off-road. This morning I put that to the test and hauled a mountain bike with me on the trail.
Hear this: I did NOT take it easy at all on this thing. And I did everything - really fast sand to steep rock shelves. The bicycle stayed put and the rack was not damaged. Also, the bike is mounted high enough that it would be very difficult to put into the ground.
Also, it has a locking mechanism that prevents its removal, and since it blocks the lugs on the spare tire - it doubles as a spare tire lock in some sense.
Highly recommend it!
