Bike Carrier Accepts Variety of Frames, Sizes

If you've ever lugged a bicycle or two on your RV excursions, you know how frustrating bike carriers can be. One RV couple we knew had a setup on their roof ladder--and spent many "enjoyable hours" fixing the thing in the middle of a road trip when it went gunnybag. Others complain about the fixed attitude of some manufacturers: The bike must hang by the frame. Great if you have a standard "top tube" bicycle--but get something a bit more esoteric and your carrier may not be smart enough to cope.

Cequent Towing--the parent company of Reese, who makes fifth wheel hitches--says it has the answer in its "Highland SportWing" bike carrier, designed to accommodate two bicycles.

The SportWing is a hitch-receiver mounted carrier, the cradle side of the carrier is poished aluminum and it's this end wherein the secret lies: Rather than insisting the frame be the point of contact, the adjustable cradle looks to hold the bike by the rims. Padded hooks prevent damage to the bike's rims, and adjustable sized rubber clamps lock onto a variety of rim sizes. Both full size adult bikes and kids rollers can ride in this fancy getup.

Street prices look to be about $120 and up for the SportWing, model number 5801200.