By
Gloria Bussey
Gloria Bussey
Research Writer
Gloria is a young, but prosperous writer. A few years ago she graduated with a Master’s degree in Journalism, and since then experiences no difficulties with job offers.
reviewed
Reviewed By
Steven Martin
Steven Martin
Expert Consultant
Apart from the fact that Steven is a car mechanic, we value his experience as an avid camper. Steven knows for sure how to make the most out of any space in your vehicle.
Last updated: May 05, 2023

Swagman XC2 Review: Affordable and Versatile Bike Rack (Spring 2023)

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By
Gloria Bussey
Gloria Bussey
Research Writer
Gloria is a young, but prosperous writer. A few years ago she graduated with a Master’s degree in Journalism, and since then experiences no difficulties with job offers.
reviewed
Reviewed By
Steven Martin
Steven Martin
Expert Consultant
Apart from the fact that Steven is a car mechanic, we value his experience as an avid camper. Steven knows for sure how to make the most out of any space in your vehicle.
Last updated: May 05, 2023
Rack Advisor is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Ideal for
  • People looking for a secure bicycle rack
  • Bikers that need an affordable and stable bike rack
  • Families with different sizes of bikes
Highlights
  • The bike rack comes with a two-bike hold
  • You can easily mount it on an RV, 5th wheeler or even a trailer
  • The bike comes with wheel trays to fit different sizes of bike tires
Editor's Rating
9.6
out of 10
  • Capacity
    9.4
  • Versatility
    9.6
  • Durability
    9.7
  • Safety
    9.8
Users’ Rating
4.4
out of 5
68 Users’ Rating
rating rating rating rating rating
rating
rating rating rating rating rating
4.4
out of
5
68 Users’ Rating
  • 5 stars
    49%
  • 4 stars
    41%
  • 3 stars
    7%
  • 2 stars
    3%
  • 1 stars
    0%
Add your rating:

Do you own more than one bike or need to transport your bike to another location with your car? You can easily do this when you have the Swagman XC2 rack. This carrier comes with a lot of features that will help you move your bike, whether it has small or large wheels. The carrier can accommodate all types and sizes of bikes. In our Swagman XC2 review, we will cover everything you need to know about this carrier.

The Swagman XC2 is versatile and will provide a stress-free way to move your bike. The hitch mount comes with everything you need and its assembling is very easy.

Rankings

Our #5 pick for the best bike rack for lexus rx350
Our #3 pick for the best bike rack for kia soul

Specifications

Mount type
Hitch rack
Capacity
Up to 2 bikes
Hitch size
Class 2, 1-¼ inches and Class 3, 2 inches
Weight capacity
70 pounds
Bike tires compatibility
Up to 2.5” wide
Bike wheels compatibility
20” to 29” in diameter
Dimensions
5 x 34 x 11 inches
Weight
28 pounds
Warranty
Limited lifetime

Swagman XC2 Review

The Swagman XC2 rack is one of the most affordable and high-quality racks sold today. We will be looking into all the features in detail for this rack.

Design

The design is built specifically for mountain bikes. Bikers won’t have any trouble setting it up because of its construction. The Swagman XC2 rack comes with a 4-inch shank rise for easy ground clearance. This way your bike won’t make contact with the ground when it is attached.

Swagman XC2 Review: Affordable and Versatile Bike Rack (Spring 2023)

Bike Capacity and Spacing

 

The hitch mount can easily accommodate tires measuring 3.5 inches but if you have larger tires, you can get a separate tire tray for the rack.

Weight Capacity

The Swagman XC2 can also handle the weight of bikes up to a total of 70 pounds. This way, you can hold two bikes comfortably weighing 35 pounds each.

Bike Compatibility

If you plan on going on a trip with your family and need to carry your bikes out. This rack gives you room for 2 bikes. The Swagman XC2 is versatile and can accommodate different styles of bike frames. You can use it for both children and adult bicycles. You can easily attach it to your bike using its upright ratchet arms. You won’t have any problem attaching bikes with frames measuring up to 59cm (23.2 inches). Apart from adult and children’s bikes, the Swagman XC2 can accommodate the following bicycle types:

  • Downhill bikes
  • BMX bikes
  • Y-frame design bikes
  • Full suspension bikes; and
  • Cruiser bikes

Vehicle Compatibility

Sometimes using a top mount system on your RV for your bike can cause it to scratch the top of your car. However, with a Swagman XC2, you won’t have such issues. The bike rack will easily mount your bikes at the back of vehicles.

It can be used on all vehicle types and even trucks, and can comfortably sit on the bumper of your RV.

Durability

This hitch mount is high-quality and one that you will use for a long time. It is made from an anti-rust coat that will also protect your bike rack from corroding.

Warranty

The company guarantees users that they will be getting the best rack. The Swagman XC2 has a limited lifetime warranty given to the original purchaser of the product. Buyers can access the warranty when there are defects on the rack from the manufacturer. It doesn’t cover wear and tear from the user.

Installation

One of the perks of using this rack is its easy installation. When you get the rack, follow these easy steps to start using your rack:

  • The first step will be to fix the grip arms on its ratcheting mast. You can do this by sliding them down until they snap in place properly.
  • Locate the push buttons on the grip arms. This button allows you to release the bike when you need to remove it. When you slide the grip arms in the ratcheting mast, you should press the buttons.
  • Next, you place the rack in the receiver hitch using the proper adapter. The receivers hitch usually comes in the following sizes: 1¼ x 1¼ or 2 x 2 inches.
  • After attaching the rack to the receiver hitch, you should fasten the anti-wobble bolt to hold it securely. This will prevent the rack and hitch from wobbling when you are driving.
  • Once you follow these steps, you can then load your bicycles on the rack. Ensure that the grip arms remain at a reasonable height before loading your bikes. When the grip arms are readied, you can then bring out the wheel cradles and loosen them to hold the bike wheels.
  • Place your bike on the rack and then make sure the wheels are set in each of the wheel cradles. After doing this, you can tighten them so it is firmly secure. You will need to hook the grip arm on the bicycle’s horizontal frame before you get on the road.

You can use this procedure for most bicycle types, but the setup will depend on the frame of your bike. Some bikes are more difficult to set up than others but you can still set it up without any hassles.

Key features

Swagman XC2 Review: Affordable and Versatile Bike Rack (Spring 2023)

Here are some additional features of the Swagman XC2 bike rack.

  • Easy to use

This bike carrier is very easy to use and the company provides a manual Trusted Source Swagman Due to the increase in thinner/lighter “carbon frame bikes” this rack may be inappropriate because the hook clamps the frame. www.manualslib.com to help you with the setup. You will only need an Allen wrench to get it up. You can also get more instructions on the setup on Swagman’s website if you have any difficulties.

  • Sturdy carrier

When it comes to security, you will feel comfortable having your bike mounted on the Swagman XC2. This carrier is sturdy and will keep your bike firmly attached throughout your journey.

  • Quick release tire hoops

The Swagman XC2 comes with quick-release tire hoops that are easily adjustable. You can easily set your bike frames on any of its three different points.

PROS CONS
  • The bike rack is easy to set up and mount
  • It is an affordable bike mount
  • Will hold your bike up without touching the ground
  • Comes with a lifetime warranty
  • It has a tough thumb switch

 

Conclusion

The Swagman XC2 bike carrier is one of the most affordable you will find in the market. Despite its price, this bike rack is quality and very durable. It offers users stability and will protect your bikes while you drive. Hopefully, we have covered everything you need to know about this rack in our Swagman XC2 review. We hope this helps you decide if the bike carrier will meet your needs.

References

1.
Swagman
Due to the increase in thinner/lighter “carbon frame bikes” this rack may be inappropriate because the hook clamps the frame.
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