Prius installation of rear hitch and rear bike rack: prius-bike-rack-instructions
Have you been thinking about getting a Toyota Prius but have wondered how you will be able to carry my bike around?
There is an answer! Why not have the best of both worlds; great gas mileage and the ease of carrying two bikes around. A rear hitch-mounted bike rack is one of the best option for Toyota Prius owners or shoppers looking into buying a Prius.
Although the Toyota dealerships will install the trailer hitch for you, installation is easy and something you can do on your own. You can install the hitch in about 30 minutes or less.Things You Will Need That Are Necessary:
- Trailer hitch Curt Model 11468
- Socket wrench with a 14m and 17m socket
- Hand socket wrench with a 10m socket
- Flat head screw driver for releasing the plastic rivets holding the underbody fascia in place
- Heavy scissors or tin snips to trim the plastic under-body fascia
- Extra set of hands to help you lift the trailer hitch into place
Things That Are NOT Necessary But Helpful:
- Mechanic’s Creeper
- Drive-on Ramps
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Popularity: 18% [?]
Clincher VS Tubular Tires and what is the difference?
CLINCHER
The tire that most of us are familiar with is the clincher tire. The clincher tire consists an inner tube and a tire. The tire has a “bead” on each outer edge of the tire. On most tires, the beads consist of hoops of steel wire. The beads are what hold the tire in place on the rim.
TUBULAR
The tubular , or sew up, tire is a one piece system where a tire is sewn together around the inner tube. Tubulars are used on special rims and are held to the rim by glue or two sided tape.
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Clincher Pros
- Easy to change when flatting
- Easy to repair tube when flatting
- Less expensive to replace than tubulars
- Easy to carry spare tube and tools for changing a flat
Clincher Cons
- Heavier than tubulars
- Cannot inflate with as much tire pressure increasing roll resistance – some would debate if higher tire pressure makes a difference.
- Not as comfortable of a ride
- Pinch flat when putting a new tire and tube on wheel or pinch flat while riding
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Tubular Pros
- Lighter
- Better rolling resistance due to higher inflation limit
- Fewer flats because you don’t pinch flat
- Some say they are easy to change but that is the big debate
- More comfortable ride
- Can put a light weight silicon liquid in tire so if you do flat the silicon liquid seals the hole allowing you to ride on
Tubular Cons
- More expensive than clinchers
- Hard to change while on the road
- Hard to repair if punctured. Most people throw them away
- Need to carry a complete spare tubular which adds weight and is bulky
- If you replace a tubular on the road, you need to be careful cornering until you are able to re-glue
- Improperly glued tubulars can roll off the rim causing a crash
Popularity: 25% [?]
