The Swagman XC2 Light Duty Bike Carrier

The Swagman XC2 bike carrier provides a safe, stress-free way to transport your bikes. Each bike is secured at its frame and wheels with adjustable hooks for a more secure and stable ride.

Additionally, it offers a snug fit to prevent any damage during transport.

The Swagman XC2 is a budget-friendly hitch-mount bike rack.

Here are the key pros and cons, specifications, features, construction details, usage tips, and FAQs for the XC2 bike carrier.

Pros:

• Lower cost under $150
• Carries 2 bikes up to 35 lbs each
• Fits 1.25” and 2” hitches
• Padded cradles protect bike frames

Cons:

• Maximum 2 bike/70 lbs capacity
• Basic ratchet straps less stable
• Not designed for off-road use
• Limited tire width clearance

Specifications:

• Carries 2 bikes
• Hitch sizes: 1.25” and 2”
• Max bike weight: 35 lbs each
• Max tire width: 2.25”
• Rack weight: 27 lbs

Key Features:

• Tilting rack for rear hatch access
• 89” long carry arms
• Ratchet straps secure top bar
• Foam cradles protect bike frames
• Integrated vertical bike storage

Construction:

• Powder-coated steel frame
• Nylon straps and plastic cradles
• Rubber buckle covers prevent bike scratches

Usage Tips:

• Verify bike/tire fit before purchase
• Review maximum weight capacity
• Add padding to contact points as needed
• Ensure arms are spaced properly for bikes
• Check straps are tight before transport

Versatility and Fit

The Swagman XC2 provides decent versatility through its range of adjustments, albeit with some limitations. The wheel trays can slide along the horizontal bar to accommodate wheelbases from 15 inches up to 52 inches. This allows the rack to fit smaller kids’ bikes up to larger mountain bike frames.

The wire hoop design of the trays is also compatible with road, hybrid, and mountain bike wheel diameters ranging from 20 inches to 29 inches.

Tire width capacity reaches up to 3.5 inches, so wider mountain bike tires can be accommodated.

However, the rack is not wide enough for super fat tires found on fat bikes.

The ratcheting top tube clamps adjust between 15 inches to 29 heights, working with small and large bike frames.

So the XC2 can fit a wide spectrum of bike sizes, albeit with a maximum weight capacity of just 35 lbs per bike.

We did find the included hitch pin was too short for proper fit in the 2″ receiver we tested. An adapter is included for 2″ hitches, but purchasers should ensure they obtain a longer hitch pin for a secure fit if needed.

While the XC2 can’t handle downhill or heavy electric bikes, its adjustable design suits most average-sized bicycles a family would transport. It lacks compatibility for certain fat tire bikes or extra long wheelbases over 52 inches.

With some minor sizing optimizations, it provides fundamental versatility for basic 2-bike transport needs.

Last update on 2024-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The XC2 bike carrier from Swagman fits either one or two bikes and can be installed in just a few minutes. It features a simple hitch mount and adjusts to fit bicycles with 20-to-29-inch wheels.

It also has an adjustable center arm that folds down for easy trunk access.

Ease of Use and Convenience

In daily driving on smooth roads, the Swagman XC2 provides adequate convenience for loading and transporting bikes.

However, it does lack some of the refinements of premium racks that make bike mounting more seamless.

The XC2 uses basic oblong wheel trays that must be manually adjusted and slid along the center bar to adapt to different bike wheelbases. This involves a trial-and-error process of loosening the plastic knobs, sliding the trays, re-tightening, and checking fit.

More expensive racks have easier one-hand adjustability or “set it and forget it” cradles.

The ratcheting center clamps that secure the top tube are relatively easy to position up and down after pressing the release tab.

However, when loading the bike closest to the vehicle, the vertical position of the clamp attachment bar can make lifting the bike into place slightly awkward.

We also found the contact of the metal clamps on the bike frame inconvenient compared to racks with padded or adjustable cradles.

The rack functions fine for basic transport purposes, but manually adjusting multiple components makes the loading process less smooth.

While the XC2 works sufficiently well on smooth roads, the rack’s limitations become more apparent when loading quickly, securing oddly shaped frames, or driving on rougher surfaces.

The all-around convenience and stability of premium racks is missing. But the XC2 provides an affordable starting point for basic 2-bike transport.

Last update on 2024-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Security of the Rack and Bikes

One downside of the XC2 is the lack of any integrated locking mechanisms for securing bikes to the rack or the rack to the vehicle. Out of the box, there is no way to lock down bikes from theft when parked.

There are also no provisions for locking the rack in the hitch receiver.

This major omission in security reduces peace of mind when leaving bikes unattended. Brands like Yakima and Kuat offer built-in cables and hitch locks even on affordable models.

Thule and Saris sell accessory cables for their racks. But the XC2 has zero integrated security.

Swagman does sell a few aftermarket accessories like locking hitch pins and cables. But most buyers must factor in these additional purchases to get full security from their rack.

For the price, we would prefer to see at least a hitch lock included as standard for the XC2. Without it, bikes and the rack itself are vulnerable targets when parked.

While the XC2 seems reasonably durable, its lack of security features significantly reduces functionality and convenience. We recommend budgeting for additional lock accessories with this rack.

The security limitations are a major shortcoming compared to other similarly priced racks.

Securing Your Bikes

The Secure Swagman XC2 is a lightweight hitch-mounted bike carrier that carries one or two bikes. It has an intuitive construction allows you to adjust the arms to ensure the bike is secure. It also has a locking cable and hitch pins to prevent theft.

This hitch-mount bike carrier is ideal for carrying light hybrid or road bikes.

FAQs:

• Does it work with fat tire bikes? No, the max tire width is 2.25”.
• Can I add more than two bikes? No, the max capacity is two bikes.
• What’s the warranty coverage? Limited lifetime warranty.
• Does it fold up when not in use? Yes, it tilts up vertically.

The Swagman XC2 provides an affordable way to transport two lighter bikes on a hitch rack.

But it lacks features for off-road use or heavy electric bikes.

Happy Biking!