Bike Rack too low - Tires scrape on Road

[jumpstart]

Hi,

I have a Toyota Echo 2000 Sedan and have had lots of trouble finding a bike rack which the label states is ok for my tow bar (700kg rating).

I have finally found one which holds 3 bikes and says 700kg and is nice and light. (The only one)

I attached it, placed the bike and secured with addition of octopus straps. The front tire almost touches the road... and when I go over a tiny incline - i.e. out drive way or over pot hole or speed hump the tire actually hits the road! I have tried adjusting the bike on the rack and can not get the tire any higher up off the ground then it already is.

My car is by no means a low clearance car and has not been lowered at all.

Of course I can remove the front tire off the bikes but then it takes ages to re-align the tire and brakes and is hardly worth it!

You would think that a bike rack designed for a small car would take this into consideration. I am pretty sure that the Echo is higher or the same clearance as any other small or medium sized family car.

Any ideas or ways around this... anyone else experience this???
I Know it is a bit of a stupid question but I am really hitting obsticles the whole way!

Sorry for the rambling,

Thanks Heaps!

[echo987]

I go with a trunk rack no problems with clearance. I use it for snoboards too. just a cheap $50 Schwinn rack from Target. Hitch mount on an echo I could see it being a little low. Other than finding a taller hitch rack the only thing I can think of is going with a trunk mount. Or if you want to spend some money get a roof rack.

[CJCride]

Sounds like the vertical pipe should have been designed about 3 inches higher before it bends aft.