Let’s Dive into Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier
The Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier promises to be a versatile and secure option for transporting your bicycles. Manufactured by Reese, this carrier boasts compatibility with both 1-1/4″ and 2″ receiver hitches, adjustable wheel slots, and a tilting design for easy access to your vehicle’s rear. For the weekend warrior or the serious cyclist, a reliable bike carrier is essential gear, but with so many options available, which one to choose?
My old platform carrier was struggling to accommodate the variety of bikes in my family, from my son’s BMX to my wife’s e-bike. I needed something adaptable, robust, and easy to use. I was specifically looking for a carrier that could handle different wheelbases and tire sizes, and, crucially, one that wouldn’t damage the frames of our bikes.
Upon unboxing, the Rola Q Slot 2 impressed me with its solid construction. The A-coat and powder coat finish suggest good resistance to rust and the elements. It felt heavier than I expected, a possible indication of durable materials, but also a factor to consider when mounting and unmounting from my vehicle. Compared to Yakima’s Dr.Tray and Thule’s T2 Pro XTR, the Reese model seemed less refined aesthetically but potentially more rugged. I opted for it primarily due to its adjustable wheel slots and the promise of a secure, frame-friendly hold at a more budget-friendly price point.
I was cautiously optimistic. The initial impression was positive, but the real test would be how it performed on the road and how easy it was to load and unload bikes after a long day of riding.
Real-World Testing: Putting Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier on a weekend trip to a local mountain biking trail. The conditions were dry and dusty. Setting up the carrier and adjusting the wheel slots to fit both my mountain bike and my wife’s hybrid was surprisingly straightforward.
The padded contact points held the bikes securely without any noticeable sway or wobble during the drive. I also appreciated the tilting feature when we stopped for lunch, as I could access the trunk of my SUV without fully unloading the bikes. However, the tilt mechanism felt a little stiff initially and required a bit of muscle to operate.
The only immediate issue was a slight rattle from the receiver connection, which was easily remedied with an anti-rattle hitch pin I had on hand.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of consistent use, the Rola Q Slot 2 has proven to be a reliable workhorse. It has endured several long-distance road trips and countless local excursions. There are some minor scratches on the powder coat finish from bike pedals and handlebars rubbing during transport, but no significant signs of wear and tear.
Cleaning the carrier is simple; a quick spray with a hose and a wipe down with a cloth is all it takes. The adjustable wheel slots continue to function smoothly, and the padded contact points show no signs of degradation. Compared to my previous carrier, the Reese model provides a much more stable and secure platform for transporting bikes.
However, the tilt mechanism is still a bit stiff, and the overall weight of the carrier can be cumbersome when installing and removing it from the hitch.
Breaking Down the Features of Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier
Specifications
- Receiver Compatibility: Fits both 1-1/4″ and 2″ receivers, thanks to a bolt-on adapter. This adaptability is crucial for users with different vehicles or those who might upgrade their vehicle in the future.
- Bike Capacity: Carries up to two bikes.
- Wheel Slots: Fully adjustable to accommodate various bike sizes and wheelbases. This is a standout feature, allowing for a custom fit for different types of bikes.
- Contact Points: Padded to protect bike frames from damage. Protecting the bike frame is a huge deal if you care about the bike finish.
- Tilt Function: Center tube tilts down for rear vehicle access. Extremely useful for accessing gear without removing the bikes.
- Finish: A-Coat and powder coat for rust resistance. Rust resistance is a must for any gear constantly exposed to the elements.
- Rise Shank: Provides extra road clearance. Essential for avoiding scrapes on driveways and uneven terrain.
- Storage: Compact storage when not in use.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the carrier’s versatility, durability, and ease of use. The adjustable wheel slots, for example, allow me to carry everything from my road bike to my son’s mountain bike without any modifications.
Performance & Functionality
The Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier performs its core function admirably: securely transporting bikes. The adjustable wheel slots and padded contact points ensure that bikes are held firmly in place without any risk of damage. It exceeds expectations in terms of adaptability, easily accommodating different bike sizes and styles.
However, the stiffness of the tilt mechanism and the overall weight of the carrier are areas that could be improved. The addition of an anti-rattle hitch pin is almost a necessity to eliminate noise.
While the carrier may not have the sleekest design or the smoothest operation, it delivers reliable and secure bike transport at a reasonable price.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rola Q Slot 2’s design prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The materials used are robust, but the overall look is somewhat utilitarian. It feels heavy and well-built.
There is a slight learning curve involved in setting up the wheel slots for different bikes, but the process becomes easier with practice. The tilting mechanism could be more ergonomically designed for smoother operation.
Durability & Maintenance
The A-Coat and powder coat finish suggest good long-term durability, and after several months of use, there is no evidence of rust or corrosion. The carrier is easy to clean with just water and soap.
While I haven’t had to repair anything yet, the bolt-together construction implies that individual parts could be replaced if necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier comes with a bolt-on 2″ shank adapter. It also utilizes standard hitch pin size, so anti-rattle devices are readily available from other brands.
There are no specific Reese branded accessories for this carrier, but third-party bike locks can be easily attached to the carrier’s frame for added security. Additional straps can also be used to further secure the bikes.
Pros and Cons of Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier
Pros
- Adjustable wheel slots accommodate a wide range of bike sizes and styles.
- Padded contact points prevent damage to bike frames.
- Tilting design allows easy access to the vehicle’s rear.
- Durable construction with A-Coat and powder coat finish.
- Affordable price point compared to higher-end carriers.
Cons
- Tilting mechanism can be stiff.
- Overall weight can be cumbersome.
- May require an anti-rattle hitch pin for a quieter ride.
Who Should Buy Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier?
The Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier is perfect for families or individuals who own a variety of bikes and need a versatile and affordable transport solution. It is also well-suited for those who prioritize durability and functionality over aesthetics.
Those who require a lightweight carrier or demand the smoothest possible operation might want to consider higher-end alternatives like the Yakima Dr.Tray or the Thule T2 Pro XTR. Must-have accessories include an anti-rattle hitch pin and bike locks.
Conclusion on Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier
The Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier offers a solid value proposition for cyclists seeking a reliable and adaptable bike transport solution. The adjustable wheel slots and padded contact points ensure a secure and frame-friendly hold, while the tilting design provides convenient access to the vehicle’s rear.
While it may lack the refined aesthetics and silky-smooth operation of more expensive carriers, the Rola Q Slot 2 delivers dependable performance at a justified price. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile and durable bike carrier without breaking the bank.
If you need to haul bikes of varying sizes and you’re not overly concerned with premium features, then pull the trigger and grab the Reese 63134 Rola Q Slot 2 Bike Carrier. You’ll be spending more time riding and less time worrying about how to get your bikes to the trailhead.