Bicycle Mounting Options

[Supermoto]

Curt hitch with a Bell bike rack, both from amazon. Excellent stuff for a great price. My friend went the seasucker route and within a week smashed his bike into the roof of his garage. Thats his mistake, but looking at his system and how it all worked I'd far prefer a trailer mount. I dont care if I can hand the statue of liberty off the suction cup, id still prefer a trailer hitch

 

[revvit]

Torklift Stealth Eco Hitch 2'' plus Saris Freedom 2.

Yes, Stealth Eco Hitch is pretty expensive (it was around 400 at the time) and it takes some time to install, but it's not visible at all when not in use.

That was big point for me - I just don't like visible hitches on non truck/SUV vehicles, and preferred to stomach the high cost than feeling of regret every time I would look back at GTI and notice the hitch

I use it only for carrying bikes, and didn't have a single problem with it, it's very stable, fit and finish were great. Well, they better be for the price....

 

[StealthGTI]

HAHA!

Installed the same hitch, this is by far the best option when you want a hitch but don't want the ugly bar. Its actually amazing how unnoticed it is to so many.

Yes! If you can see the name of the "Hidden Hitch," it's probably not very hidden...

Top = My EcoHitch; Bottom = Hidden Hitch (not VW)

 

[RobertJG25]

HAHA!


Yes! If you can see the name of the "Hidden Hitch," it's probably not very hidden...

Top = My EcoHitch; Bottom = Hidden Hitch (not VW)

You know, for something called 'hidden' hitch I do see a lot of them on vehicles..

 

[bentin]

Stealth Hitch is where it's at. Although I think for the Mk7, the Stealth and the EcoHitch were basically copies of each other. Stealth has already said they won't offer one for the Mk8 and EcoHitch just needs a slight adjustment to the 2" receiver to be about half an inch lower, the mount is obviously still the same.

 

[HelloNewman]

stealth hitch is definitely the best option, I just can't stomach the cost and complexity for something I will get such limited use out of.

 

[bentin]

stealth hitch is definitely the best option, I just can't stomach the cost and complexity for something I will get such limited use out of.

I use mine once or twice a week, which also means that I'd rarely remove the actual "stealth" part, but it's still nice to have.

 

[aloha_from_bradley]

Torklift Stealth Eco Hitch 2'' plus Saris Freedom 2.

Yes, Stealth Eco Hitch is pretty expensive (it was around 400 at the time) and it takes some time to install, but it's not visible at all when not in use.

That was big point for me - I just don't like visible hitches on non truck/SUV vehicles, and preferred to stomach the high cost than feeling of regret every time I would look back at GTI and notice the hitch

I use it only for carrying bikes, and didn't have a single problem with it, it's very stable, fit and finish were great. Well, they better be for the price....

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This is awesome. Love this option. Looking at them right now... you are not lying. Price for the Golf R is $558

Yikes

 

[Salami]

Although I think for the Mk7, the Stealth and the EcoHitch were basically copies of each other.

The Stealth hitch requires removal of the factory crash beam and foam but also has a removable receiver so it is completely hidden. The EcoHitch has a visible receiver opening but allows the factory crash bar and foam to be retained.

 

[FooDogg]

I chose an EcoHitch, model #X7310...



It's a little more involved than less expensive and easier-to-install hitches, particularly since the bumper skin has to come off and get a trim. But I like that it tucks a little higher, even if it's just an inch or two. Here are a few photos:

It sits higher than the lowest point of the car. I've never knocked it on a curb or bump; the muffler would take the hit far sooner...

[edit] My model is the 1.25" version. Two-inch models are more popular for hitch accessories and there's a 2-inch EcoHitch available for the GTI. However, I didn't choose it because it would sit a tad lower, maybe 3/4"? [/edit]

Whole bunch of these Ecohitches put on by shops or DIY on mk7s over the years. See E-trailers collection or youtube for more.

 

[SonicBloom]

I just installed the Stealth Hitch on my GTI. The latch block wouldn’t fit without some sanding, I had to buy a 15/16 socket for the latch block bolts, and I didn’t have a dremel to trim the diffuser so I used shears. Other than these minor issues I love how hidden it is. I’m going to raise my rear suspenion a bit to compensate for the extra hitch and rack weight.

 

[avenali312]

I just installed the Stealth Hitch on my GTI. The latch block wouldn’t fit without some sanding, I had to buy a 15/16 socket for the latch block bolts, and I didn’t have a dremel to trim the diffuser so I used shears. Other than these minor issues I love how hidden it is. I’m going to raise my rear suspenion a bit to compensate for the extra hitch and rack weight.

I don't recall any of these install issues, but I was installing on a 2015, so maybe that's the difference. I did throw a set of the reverse rake pads in with my EMD springs to visually level things out a bit with the weight of the hitch, rack, and bike. I'm back on stock springs now and will probably put the pads back in for similar reasons. For some reason, my front springs sit higher than normal though haha.

If you'd like to read more about that drama, find the thread here: MK7 GTI DSG Factory Ride Height | GOLFMK7 - VW GTI MKVII Forum / VW Golf R Forum / VW Golf MKVII Forum

 

[blaqsheep]

I picked up a used Ecohitch for my GTI, can anyone confirm if hardware is supplied when purchased new or you are supposed to reuse existing?

 

[bentin]

Pretty sure you just reuse the bumper bolts. That’s how our Audi was.

 

[ZERO815]

I don't recall any of these install issues, but I was installing on a 2015, so maybe that's the difference. I did throw a set of the reverse rake pads in with my EMD springs to visually level things out a bit with the weight of the hitch, rack, and bike. I'm back on stock springs now and will probably put the pads back in for similar reasons. For some reason, my front springs sit higher than normal though haha.

If you'd like to read more about that drama, find the thread here: MK7 GTI DSG Factory Ride Height | GOLFMK7 - VW GTI MKVII Forum / VW Golf R Forum / VW Golf MKVII Forum

Maybe one other option? Try finding used OEM Golf R springs, and just install the rears.

Just out of curiosity I installed R rear linear Eibach springs to my GTI with linear GTI Eibach kit, because they were available in my garage . It completely transformed the balance of the car loaded and unloaded. Rear came up by 7-8mm. Rear feels much more supported in normal driving. I have a Westfalia hitch and carry a bike rack or a trailer here and there. The added spring rate helps against pitch due to tongue load as well.