Raiden

I'm poking around at 1 1/4" hitch-mount bike racks. 2-bike capacity, for road and touring bikes. No hanging racks, trays/rails only. This rack will likely stay installed on my hatchback/wagon 24/7, so relatively light weight would be nice.

I've actually sold and installed quite a bit of Kuat; I consider the Sherpa (~$400+) to be the top of my list (The NV- $500+ -is bigger, heavier, and pricier than I'd prefer/need). I've also handled a lot of Saris; the Thelma 2 (<$300) is around the right size/weight/price but has always felt flimsy to me (I do own a Bones 2, which I like for what it is- it's my favorite trunk mount rack).

Can anyone suggest a rack that might be up my alley? Or any you own(ed) and regret?

cashmonee

I own a Saris Thelma 3, and while I like it, flimsy isn't a far off description. Or at least bouncy. The bikes stay stable, but the rack itself does indeed bounce around a lot. My buddy has a Kuat Sherpa that replaced a Thelma 2 whose bolt broke, and is happier with it than the Saris. The thing is solid as a rock doesn't sway or bounce around at all.

Other than the overall stability, the way that each receives is different as you know. The Saris uses a tray with a strap, that surrounds half the front wheel, while the Kuat uses a bar that comes up over the top of the wheel and then cinches down. For loading and unloading, I actually probably prefer the Saris. The Kuat works fine and isn't difficult, but pressing the button to release the bar from the wheel requires significant pressure, whereas the strap on the Saris comes off super easy.

Choosing between the two, to me, is all about budget. If you can swing the extra $100 or so for the Kuat, I would probably go that route. However, if budget is a concern or you need three bike trays, the Saris is a good option, and would be my preferred option, if only it was more stable (though I don't think the bouncing around actually hurts anything.) You definitely do feel like the Kuat is better built.

Alias530

I have this one and like it

TransIt Flatbed 2DLX 2-Bike Hitch Rack

Raiden

Yeah, the wobble of the Thelma in the hitch socket has always been an annoyance. If I were to go with the Thelma I'd invent myself a shim.

That Performance rack is attractive in price but I'd like something that folds up flat against the rear when not in use.

Bunyanderman

Why does weight matter?

kingston 

I have the Nashbar version of this and like it.

Raiden

You're right, weight is mostly a silly concern, considering the rack will live on my car (though I've handled some hitch racks that I swear were made of lead, which I'd like to avoid). The Kuat NV is fine, really, it's just gigantic and I don't want it on the back of my little wagon.

Pendergast

My 1UP USA rack is just the single bike configuration, but I really like it. I spent a bit more to get the black anodized version. It doesn't have the security features some racks have, but that wasn't a consideration for me. $500 gets the silver single bike rack and an add-on for another bike. $600 for black.

bbattle

I've had one of these for several years and I also like it. Nothing fancy but it holds all types of bikes securely. I don't use it very often; if I did, I'd probably want something nicer like the Saris so it would be quicker/easier to get the bikes on and off.

When I'm not using it, I simply unbolt it and put it away. Takes only a few minutes.

02Giant 

I have the: https://www.saris.com/product/superclamp- really nice carrier, well made. One drawback it does not pivot/drop down so on my CRV the hatch can not be opened while the rack is loaded, unload the bike fold the arms down, no problem.

Raiden

The 1UP rack is pretty cool, but for the money I think I still like Kuat a little more.

I'm really just not digging the transit rack- It would probably block my back window and I don't want to need to remove it regularly (I live in an apartment).

The Superclamp is neat, I had totally forgotten about it. It would be high on my list, except I don't think it would play well with my touring and commute bikes with racks over the wheels.

BigC_82

I use Thelma 3 on my Volvo XC70 and use two rubber bungie straps to help on the bounce. I have a lot of sway on the 2 in adapter when I use our Chevrolet Suburban.

kowalski

I've had a few different 1-1/4" hitch mount tray racks including a Hollywood, RhodeGear and the first generation 1UP, but by far the best rack I've used is the Raxster I currently have. This rack is so simple and easy to use, folds up and out of the way. Just four velco straps secure a bike, but seems to be more than enough. I just leave it on the car folded up when not in use.

Raiden

IGreat suggestion, thanks!

MikeyBoyAz

What about the Thule T2? I have owned one for half a decade now and still have no complaints. One advantage I notice is the threading to pinch the hitch against the insertion post, keeps the wobble to an acceptable (trivial) level. Can't fit 29x2.5s without deflating the front tire though [grumble grumble].

nesdog

I picked up the Performance rack a few months ago on sale, just before I got my CR-V. It looks pretty good to me.

I haven't put the hitch on the car yet. I want to stay with the 1-1/4" Class 1 rather than using the 2" adapter with an overkill hitch. But I heard that some of these tray style racks are supposed to be used with an extra strap to the car to add stability if you go 1-1/4. Has anyone ever run into this issue, with a wobbling tray? I'm only using 1 or 2 road bikes at most anyhow so the weight is way below specs.

Shuffleman

I bought an Allen a few years ago. I justified the purchase because I only use it to go to the shop, which is only a few local miles away. I have to admit that I am in full panic mode everytime I leave my driveway with that thing. It was roughly $100 at Wally World. I wish that I could have that $100 back. thankfully, I rarely use it. I will be buying a Thule or Yakima rack soon to replace it. It is crazy to trust my expensive bike and others lives on that piece of junk.

bbattle

No wobble problems for me with my Performance rack on my Honda Element.

I ordered a Hidden Hitch setup for my Element. It took longer to get it out of the box than it did to bolt it to the car. It should be that easy on a CR-V, too.

nesdog

1-1/4'? Hidden Hitch is my preference as well.

FLvector

+1 I went through this selection a few years ago and agree. The 1UP USA is one of the nicest racks I've seen, but a bit pricey. I ended up buying the Kuat Sherpa and think it a great choice and better bang for the buck. It's very solid and never have any issues. I don't use it as often now, since I recently bought a truck with a skewer mount.

bbattle

yes, that's the size i got.

DowneasTTer

I guess it REALLY must be overkill s I use a kyat NV on my smart for two and fiat 500. Plus I purchased a 2" nv with add-on for my RV. After using racks since the 60's I have found that KUAT is the leader of the pack. Better designed, better built and better customer support. Good luck with your decision.

CoMotionRider

I have the 1Up rack and there is this is the easiest rack on the market. Everyone that sees how fast the bike goes on or off the rack and how secure the bikes are held on the rack are ammazed. I did get rear ended when I had my bike on the rack. The bike survived without a scratch. The rack took the full impact and I had to replace a few parts but it was less than $100.00. I was amazed that the rack held up so well from the impact.

Nachoman

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These adapter braces (i forget what they're called) work great for those of you that experience wobbly bike racks.

Campag4life

OP...any tray style mount like this will be good. You don't want anything touching your frame to stabilize your bike. My personal favorite is a transverse mount tray rack like below only with the front wheel removed and a fork mount holding the front wheel and the rear wheel held as shown below: