spinconn

I want to get a bike rack for a pickup truck hitch and looking online I see many options but the ones I like look like they depend on a fairly level top tube. I have bikes with slanted top tubes. Not curved like a step through but not straight. I am looking at Allen models since they are widely available in local stores but reviews I see do not answer my question. Will a slanted/diagonal top tube work on these or do I need to buy an adaptor as well?

freeranger

A rack that has "hoops" that you put the wheels into might work better for a slanted top tube. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Rac...63HZ1S0XC39YPX

bobwysiwyg

This is another possible solution.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Allen-Spo...hoC5xEQAvD_BwE

Kapusta

The top tube does not need to be level to work with a “hanging” style rack. The front of the bike just hangs lower.

However, keep in mind that some funkier designs (like full suspension MTBs) and also very small frames can sometimes be a challenge with those sort of racks.

one4smoke

I have this one and highly recommend it, especially for the money. Simplistic, but very well made.

jadocs

1UP USA is the best bar none and is what I have on my truck.

Wilfred Laurier

There are two options for top-tube-holding racks- There are 'false top tubes' sold by some rack companies that are like a turnbuckle link between your saddle and stem, designed just for this application. They're easy to install and normally removed when riding, or...

Just put your bike on it and accept that it will be on an angle. Look around next time you are driving and about half of all bikes are canted significantly on their racks. It's not a big deal at all. I regularly carry my SO's step-through frame on an old Thule hitch-mount rack, and the front wheel is down by the bumper and the rear wheel is up in the rear window of the car. It has never been a problem.

Elvo

https://www.1up-usa.com/

TheDudeIsHere

I know you are looking for a hitch rack but have you considered inside the bed bar rack? I have one, very easy fast removal and install.

Also some people, and I have simply mounted a fork mount on a board and placed inside the bed. I have done this when I needed to carry extra bikes.

https://www.etrailer.com/Truck-Bed-B...an/S64702.html

Sprecher919

1UP USA all day long. Being made in the great state of Wisconsin is also a win.

Kapusta

1UP USA is fantastic, unless you have a full coverage fender in the rear.

It also starts at around $450 for a 2 bike rack, ~$650 for 3.

wsteve464

Kuat makes the best hitch rack none better.

https://www.kuatracks.com/products/hitch/nv-2-0/

spinconn

Thanks guys, that is very helpful.

Fendertele

I have the Kuat TS02 platform rack. This eliminated messing with a cross bar adapter. Check out the reviews on etrailer.com for various racks.

Jon T

Check out the Topline model UG-2500. Holds the bike securely in the bed away from harm's way. Cost is in the $75 range. I have one and like it-a LOT.
Jon

Geekage

In case you hadn't guessed from the replies, there are two main types of hitch racks. You already know about hanging racks and some of their issues. There are also platform racks. Each has pros and cons.

I second the suggestion to check someplace like etrailer, but be aware that they don't have all the brands, such as the 1up that others have been touting, so yeah, asking here is also helpful now that you know about this whole other category of hitch racks.

DrIsotope

Top tube adapter. They're widely available, inexpensive, and then you're not clamping the rack straight to your top tube.

I understand-- yes, tray racks are better. But I have a 3-bike Allen rack, and it fits perfectly in the trunk of the wife's car when not in use, has never had a single issue transporting our bikes, and didn't cost $400.

So if the wife needs to pick me up due to a mechanical or any other issue, she just drives to me, the rack is in the trunk with it's bag of tools, ready to go. With a tray rack sitting in the garage? I'd sooner walk home than ask her to try to mount it.

Oh, and a thumbs up for the Allen racks-- the strappy bits aren't the best (they're the cinch-type like backpack straps rather than stretchy rubber) but they're plenty secure.

HerrKaLeun

1up or nothing. Sucks to pay the $. But honestly not more expensive than many others. Easy to use. I put the bike on and off the rack everyday and no hassle.

Get the heavy or superduty version with native 2" .

Many people complaining about other racks with fork interference etc.

An added benefit is 1up rack sticks out less. About 5" less than most racks. Less chance of damage, and fits better in my garage.

FlMTNdude

These are definitely a good way to go. If you can put it in the bed all the better, don’t need to add 3-4 feet to the length of my truck, and not diminish being able to carry bikes while towing. I do realise some truck needs anymore barely can fit a couple bags of groceries, in which case use the hitch.

skloon

You may want to go to a rental place and try one before you buy if you are going high end

RidingMatthew

was looking at 1UP but i have fenders on my commuter.. i cant use 1UP right? they have to hold the tire right?

Kapusta

You can use it, but it is a bit of a hassle.

What I do is move the little cross bar that holds the tire to the very lowest position for the rear tire. I keep a 1/2” wrench in the car for this. On our commuters that lets the rack clamp the tire just below the bottom of the rear fender. The problem with that is that it is no longer actually holding the back end DOWN. So then I need to strap the rear wheel down to the rack tray.

This does work fine, but it is enough of a hassle to defeat the purpose of getting the 1UP, which is largely its ease of use.

Luckily for us, we don’t need to do this very often. We are mostly carrying road bikes and mountain bikes.

Metieval

you even get a bike clamp to work on your bike!

CodyDog

I have a Hollywood rack and love it.