Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack 2-Inch

When I purchased this bike rack I was looking for something affordable, extremely functional that would last a reasonable amount of time. I got 2 out of 3. Everything that you want/need is here. As long as the rack isn't left out a lot in the rain, I think it would weather well and I like the fact that the parts that do move probably wouldn't wear out on their own through use like so many other bike racks I've owned and used. It's nice that the ratchetting clamp mechanisms can come off so that no one would really want to steal the rack if the clamp down hooks are in your car. This rack is very convenient, super easy to use and built to last with two very glaring problems. It's hard to know for sure if your bike is clamped down. I've used this 100's of times in the 8 months that I've owned it and a couple times I was certain my bike was secured because I couldn't get the clamp any tighter. When I hit a pothole a few miles from my house my bike bounced out of the stirrups (bottom support) and fell between them damaging my car. It was also a close call as things may not have gone as well if I had gotten on the freeway before this happened which was where I was headed. The second issue is that the stirrups or bottom support don't have clamps and bend easily, meaning you want to put enough pressure on the bike you are transporting to create a secure and firm hold on the support, yet the supports are flimsy and bend. I find this to be a rather glaring design flaw and I would be embarrassed if this were my product as this is the reason why I can no longer use this rack and have to spend my hard earned money on another. So let me re-iterate. This is a nice, sturdy and functional rack but there is really no way to tell if your bikes are secure and if you tighten the bikes down too much, you'll break the rack. I would never purchase again, but depending on the size of the bikes you have to transport, I could see this being a viable option for some people.