Swagman XC2 Bike Carrier: A Robust and Versatile Option

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A row of bicycles parked in an urban bicycle rack outdoors, showcasing different bike styles.
Credit: pexels.com, A row of bicycles parked in an urban bicycle rack outdoors, showcasing different bike styles.

The Swagman XC2 Bike Carrier is a robust and versatile option for transporting bikes. It features a sturdy steel frame that can hold up to 2 bikes, making it perfect for families or groups of friends.

One of the standout features of the XC2 is its ease of use. With a simple, tool-free installation process, you can have it set up and ready to go in no time.

This bike carrier is also designed to be highly adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit to your vehicle and bikes. It has a wide range of arm and tray positions, ensuring a secure fit every time.

Whether you're hitting the trails or just running errands, the Swagman XC2 is a reliable choice for transporting your bikes.

A fresh viewpoint: One Bike Carrier

Ease of Use

The Swagman XC2 bike carrier is designed for everyday use, but it does come with some quirks. It's well suited for smooth road surfaces, but may not be ideal for rougher terrain.

a Man riding a bike in front of the building
Credit: pexels.com, a Man riding a bike in front of the building

Loading the bike is relatively easy, thanks to the low loading height. However, you'll need to adjust the oblong wire loops on the wheel trays by hand for bikes with varying wheelbases.

The wheel trays are adjusted by loosening and tightening their plastic knobs and sliding them along the horizontal center bar of the rack. This process can be a bit of a guessing game.

The vertical bar in the center of the rack features two soft rubber coated hook-shaped clamps that hold the bikes by their top tube with downward pressure. These clamps are easy to adjust with a simple press of a small metal tab.

Loading the bike closest to the vehicle can be a bit awkward, as the clamp bar is in the vertical position when loading. You'll need to lift the bike in between it and the vehicle.

The XC2 comes partially assembled in the box, which is a nice touch. It took around 10 minutes to finish the remaining assembly at home with just a Phillips head screwdriver.

On a similar theme: Rad Power Cargo Bike

Durability

A bicycle securely attached to a car roof rack set in a scenic outdoor area, perfect for travel and adventure.
Credit: pexels.com, A bicycle securely attached to a car roof rack set in a scenic outdoor area, perfect for travel and adventure.

The Swagman XC2 bike carrier is built to last, being virtually all metal except for a few plastic and rubber components.

It's designed to withstand the elements and rough handling, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The rack's carrying capacity is a respectable 35 pounds per bike, adding up to 70 pounds total.

This means you can load up two bikes, but be careful not to exceed the weight limit, as the rack could get damaged.

Assuming you stick to smoother roads, the hardware and fittings should hold up for several years of use.

Features and Versatility

The Swagman XC2 bike carrier is a highly versatile and adjustable rack that can fit a huge range of bike sizes. The wheel trays slide along the horizontal bar and can accommodate wheelbases anywhere within the range of 15-52 inches.

The rack is compatible with wheel sizes from 20-29 inches in diameter and tire widths up to 3.5 inches, making it suitable for most bikes. However, it's worth noting that the wheel trays aren't wide enough to fit fat tire bikes, but fat tire wheel trays are available as an aftermarket accessory.

Young Man Placing His Bike Near a Post
Credit: pexels.com, Young Man Placing His Bike Near a Post

The rack has a total weight limit of 70 pounds, 35 pounds per bike, so it's not well suited for use with heavier downhill or e-bikes. The included hitch pin was too short to work with the 2" receiver we tested it on, but the rack has an adapter system that makes it compatible with both 1.25" and 2" receivers.

The XC2 carries the widest variety of bike frames in its class, making it a great option for those with multiple bikes of different sizes. The frame grip arms have a soft 'frame friendly' coating to protect your bike's finish.

Here are some key features of the Swagman XC2 bike carrier:

  • Compatible with 1¼ or 2 inch receiver hitches
  • Includes a built-in anti-wobble device
  • Easily adjusts to different bike frame sizes
  • Accommodates most any style of bike without removing wheels
  • Fits 20" to 29" tire sizes

Value

The XC2's value is undeniable, with a retail price of $180 that's hard to beat. It's a great option for those who only need basic bike rack features.

You can often find the XC2 online for even less than its retail price, making it an even more attractive choice. I've seen it go for as low as $150 in some online deals.

While it may lack some of the features of more expensive models, the XC2 is a solid choice for those who don't need all the bells and whistles.

Versatility

Cycling helmet and shoes on a car roof amidst trees in Gelibolu, Türkiye.
Credit: pexels.com, Cycling helmet and shoes on a car roof amidst trees in Gelibolu, Türkiye.

The XC2's versatility is one of its standout features. It can fit a huge range of bike sizes, thanks to its highly adjustable design.

The wheel trays slide along a horizontal bar and can accommodate wheelbases between 15-52 inches. This means you can easily fit a variety of bikes, from compact road bikes to larger mountain bikes.

The included oblong wire loop wheel trays are compatible with wheel sizes from 20-29 inches in diameter and tire widths up to 3.5 inches. This is perfect for most bike types, but keep in mind that fat tire bikes may not fit.

The vertical bar on the rack has a ratcheting length of 29 inches down to 15 inches, making it suitable for both tall and small bicycles. This is a great feature for families with kids of different heights or for riders with varying bike sizes.

The rack has a total weight limit of 70 pounds, with a maximum of 35 pounds per bike. This means it's not ideal for heavier bikes like downhill or e-bikes.

The XC2 rack is compatible with both 1.25" and 2" receivers, thanks to its adapter system. However, be aware that the included hitch pin may not work with all receiver sizes.

Features

Classic Lada 1500 car with roof rack in outdoor setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Classic Lada 1500 car with roof rack in outdoor setting.

The Cross Country XC 2 Bike Rail Rack is a versatile and practical solution for transporting bikes. It can be used with 1¼ or 2 inch receiver hitches.

One of the standout features of the XC 2 is its ability to easily adjust to different bike frame sizes. This is made possible by the simple movement of the wheel hoops.

The rack can accommodate most any style of bike without the hassle of removing wheels. This is a huge time-saver and makes the transportation process much more convenient.

The frame grip arms have a soft 'frame friendly' coating to protect your bike's finish. This is a thoughtful touch that shows the manufacturer cares about the well-being of your bike.

Here are some key bike sizes that the XC 2 can accommodate:

  • 20" tire sizes
  • 29" tire sizes

The rack also features a built-in anti-wobble device, which helps to prevent the bike from shifting around while in transit. This adds an extra layer of safety and security to the transportation process.

When not in use, the rack folds up for easy storage, either on or off the vehicle. This makes it easy to store the rack when not in use, and it also makes it easier to transport when you need to.

Testing and Results

Urban street scene in Vienna featuring a bicycle rack and people walking.
Credit: pexels.com, Urban street scene in Vienna featuring a bicycle rack and people walking.

The Swagman XC2 bike carrier is a no-frills option that's highly adjustable to accommodate a wide range of bike, wheel, and tire sizes. This is due to its relatively simple design.

Testers praised the XC2 for its adjustability, which is a major advantage when transporting different types of bikes. We had the opportunity to test the XC2 on several different vehicles, with a variety of bikes, and on varying road surfaces.

The rack's lightweight design makes it easy to install and remove, which is a plus for frequent bike enthusiasts. However, the lack of security features is a notable drawback.

The XC2's small collapsed size is another advantage, making it easy to store in a garage or shed. This compact design is also convenient for road trips or travel.

A lack of security features and obvious wobble were the rack's low points, according to testers. The clamps that contact the frame also received criticism.

Installation and Maintenance

A man secures a red bicycle on top of a car's roof rack in an urban setting.
Credit: pexels.com, A man secures a red bicycle on top of a car's roof rack in an urban setting.

The Swagman XC2 bike carrier is designed to be easy to install, with most parts already assembled in the box.

The vertical and horizontal bars are attached to the center point of the rack, and the wheel trays slide onto the horizontal bar. The clamps also attach to the vertical bar.

It takes approximately 10 minutes to finish the remaining assembly at home, and the only tool needed is a Phillips head screwdriver to install two small keeper screws.

Ease of Assembly

The XC2 comes partially assembled in the box, which is a big plus for those who value convenience. This means you can get started with assembly right away.

The vertical and horizontal bars are already attached to the center point of the rack, so you don't have to worry about that part. The rack also comes with easy to follow instructions.

It took approximately 10 minutes to finish the remaining assembly at home, which is a relatively short amount of time. The only tool needed was a Phillips head screwdriver to install two small keeper screws.

The receiver bar needs to be attached to the center point of the rack, which is a straightforward process.

Ease of Removal and Storage

Black Restored Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 with a Roof Rack Entering the VW Car Show
Credit: pexels.com, Black Restored Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 with a Roof Rack Entering the VW Car Show

The XC2 rack is designed with ease of removal and storage in mind. It comes with mounting hardware that requires tools to install and remove the rack from the receiver.

The rack has a threaded hitch pin and a cotter pin to secure it in case it comes loose during use. This is a thoughtful touch that adds an extra layer of safety.

The included hitch pin fits 1.25" receivers, but it's worth noting that it may not fit 2" receivers as intended. This was a problem we encountered during testing.

The XC2 rack is surprisingly lightweight, weighing in at just 25 lbs. This makes it easy to carry around once removed from the vehicle.

The horizontal bar folds up on both sides, making the rack impressively small when collapsed for storage. It will easily fit into your trunk or take up less space than most hitch mount tray racks.

Installation and Maintenance

To ensure a safe and trouble-free ride, make sure the bikes are carried high enough. This is especially important for RVs without tow cars, as a gusset plate can increase the height of the bike rack and prevent it from dragging on the road.

Bicycles covered in snow at a city rack during winter, people walking nearby.
Credit: pexels.com, Bicycles covered in snow at a city rack during winter, people walking nearby.

Swagman RV-approved Bike Racks are designed to get enough ground clearance, so you don't have to worry about your bike rack getting damaged or causing a problem when driving through a dip in the road.

When traveling with both an RV and a tow car, position the bikes between the two vehicles. This will keep them covered both when you're on the move and when you're parked.

Swagman Xc2 Rack

The Swagman XC2 Rack is a simple and affordable hitch mount bike rack that's perfect for weekend warriors and occasional riders. It's easy to install and use, making it a great option for those who don't want to spend a lot of time setting up their bike rack.

The XC2 comes partially assembled in the box, so you'll only need to attach a few pieces to get it up and running. This process takes approximately 10 minutes, and you'll only need a Phillips head screwdriver to install the small keeper screws.

Black SUV with roof rack in front of lush hills and dirt path.
Credit: pexels.com, Black SUV with roof rack in front of lush hills and dirt path.

The rack is designed to be versatile, carrying up to two bikes with a maximum weight capacity of 35lbs per bike. This makes it a great option for couples or families who want to bring their bikes along on a trip.

Here are some key specifications to keep in mind:

  • Carries up to two bikes with a maximum weight capacity of 35lbs per bike
  • Fits tires up to 2.5” wide (fat bike wheel trays sold separately)
  • Fits wheels 20” to 29” in diameter
  • Compatible with Class 2, 1-¼” and Class 3, 2” hitch receivers
  • Center arm folds down to allow vehicle access when bikes are not mounted
  • Fits most frame sizes, shapes, and styles (step through/cruiser bikes require the use of a Bar Adapter)

By considering these factors, you'll be able to determine if the Swagman XC2 Rack is the right fit for your needs.

Shop Parts & Accessories

The Swagman XC2 bike carrier is a fantastic option for cyclists, and if you need to replace or upgrade any parts, you're in luck - Swagman offers a wide range of accessories.

You can find these parts and accessories in the Shop Parts and Accessories section of the Swagman website.

The XC2 Series Ratchet Hook Set is available for $30.00 and is in stock.

If you're looking for a locking threaded hitch pin, you have two options: the 1/2" Locking Threaded Hitch Pin for $37.50 or the 1/2" Locking Threaded Hitch Pin & Cable for $55.00.

Additional reading: Blue Carrier 1

Gray Commuter Bike Parked on Road Beside Sea
Credit: pexels.com, Gray Commuter Bike Parked on Road Beside Sea

The Swagman XC2 bike carrier is designed to be versatile, and the L Bracket for 1-1/4" Receiver Bar is a great accessory for $22.00.

Here are some of the most useful parts and accessories:

The Swagman XC2 bike carrier is a high-quality product, and having the right accessories can make all the difference in ensuring it continues to perform well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can a Swagman XC2 hold?

The Swagman XC2 can hold a maximum of 70 lbs. total weight, with each bike weighing up to 35 lbs.

What is the Swagman current bike rack?

The Swagman CURRENT is a heavy-duty bike rack designed to carry two heavier bikes, including ebikes and fat tire bikes up to 5" wide. It has a high weight capacity of 60lbs per bike, making it a great choice for transporting larger or heavier bicycles.

What size hitch is a Swagman bike rack?

A Swagman bike rack requires a 2-inch hitch for installation.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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