Hitch Rack Recommendation?
 

My 15 year old rack has given up so it's time for a replacement. I have a 1.25" hitch receiver and would like a two bike setup where the bikes are "cradled" not hanging. Anybody have one they like and can recommend?

Go here:

https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Hitch_Bike_Racks.aspx

maybe something like this:

https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-...an/S64650.html

I purchased my rack from etrailer, and am more than satisfied with their service and prices. Up to a point, It seems like you get what you pay for when buying a bike rack.

I bought a Thule Double Track 990 XT, and it has been a great rack. I have hauled bikes on it for over 6000 miles without any damage to the bikes. It replaced a "hanging" type rack, which I was not happy with.

One of the problems with a platform rack is interference with stop light and turn signal visibility. A lady almost ran into me when she did not see my turn signal. I have not been stopped by the police for obstructing the view of my licence plate during the 3 years I've been using the rack.

Our touring bikes have racks and fenders on them so I chose a rack that secured the bike using the top tube. If your bikes do not have fenders, you can use racks that secure the bike to the rack using the bike's wheel.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...130068dd_c.jpg

This is my solution the the visibility issue:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...58221c66_c.jpg

The light bar swivels, allowing the lights to be seen when the rack is in the stowed position or in the loading position. Building It was a fun project, and it turned out well.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d1ca4b9d_c.jpg

Yakima also makes a similar rack.
https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-...ma/Y02468.html

1upusa

Slightly OT, but how much road grime do bikes get on such a rig?
I've never used one so I'm asking from on top of a large hill of ignorance.
Thanks.

This.

It's better than Kuat NV and Yakima Hold Up.

One Up USA. Hands down, the best of the best.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0a4b01c56.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8d9bc0756.jpeg

I've been loving my Kuat for 3 years now, many long distance trips along with local travel.

I've been using a "hanging" hitch rack for 14 years, and have never had any issues with road grime. Honestly, I get more on the bike just riding it.

Thanks to all for the replies. I've got some shopping to do, but I think I'll wait until January. Hoping for a price break after the Christmas season has subsided.

1up, Kuat, and Thule all make good tray/cradle style racks. You'll not go wrong with any of them.

The only thing I can add is an observation about the 1up rack that is pictured above: the swingarms that hold down the wheels are entirely made of metal -- aluminum, I suspect. Sturdy and light, but not fender-friendly. I have a Thule (I think it's an XT Pro T2, or something like that) which has sturdy plastic swingarms, and the parts which clamp onto the front wheels are also plastic and rather broad. They work fine on a fendered bike, and then the rear wheel is held down with a ratcheting strap.

I have the same one. Actually a T2R, which is just the latest version. It's identical to last year's T2 (with no R) except for one detail: they've now added little wheels on the bottom of the frame, which let you roll the rack around on the ground when it's not installed. Totally worth the 30 or 40 dollar price increase. I love my rack and give this model a very high recommendation.

I would've happily paid $30 or $40 extra for wheels, as the rack is not a lightweight. But overall, I agree: it is a good rack. I'm pretty happy with it.

Likewise. My Kuat Sherpa 2 is solid, light weight, and secure. It has seen many cross-country road trips and still looks and works like new.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f0427a653e.jpg

1Up is all you need to get.

We’ve had good service from our Yakima TwoTimer tray mount rack. We use it to haul spouse’s e-assist Trek (with battery removed) and one of my short wheelbase recumbents (with seat removed).

1UP is the gold standard, IMO.

If you get a single tray with an add on, with the single tray configuration it folds up flat against the bumper when not in use and is completely out of the way of the rear hatch.

Also, after 5 salty winters in upstate NY, there is no rust and they look great (other then a couple bolts which were not stainless that I’m going to replace.

If something were to break they are very modular and easy to work on. Also easy to make upgrades, like swapping out the 1-1/4” insert for a 2” if you get a 2” receiver in the future (or you can use their very solid adaptor)

The only limitation I can think of is that it takes some finagling and hassle to use it with a full coverage rear fender… or at least to go back and forth between a bike with and without them. But 1UP does sell a sliding crossbar/wheel clamper thing that makes this a lot easier.

Among nearly everyone I ride with (both road and MTB), 1UP is what most eventually end up with. Once you see them in the flesh and use them, the value becomes apparent.

The previous posts have all given great options. In my case, my choice was price driven which ultimately led me to the Kuat Transfer 2 model. We like the platform design for quick and secure loading. It's reasonably light if you need to remove it (I don't keep ours on our SUV being fearful of forgetting it back there and hitting the hatch open button on the dashboard). I have SKS thermoplastic fenders on my bike and, while Kuat doesn't recommend it, I have had no problems locking down the front wheel by just compressing the fender to the tire. I have driven hundreds of miles this way with no problems and no damage. YMMV. My Transfer 2 will work with 1.25" or 2" hitch receivers (we have a 2").

At $330 or so, I think it's a heck of bargain.

These guys have 1-upped 1up: https://quikrstuff.com/

$599 for a rack that takes ONE bike? No thanks.

I'm considering purchasing a Saris Superclamp 2, but am curious what anyone thinks of the Rockymount Westslopes?

Rockymount Westslope at Backcountry

It seems 1UP has addressed this situation with a couple new accessory products in recent months. They now have a Wheel-Stop and a Fender Cushion. While I've not personally tried them it seems you use the wheel stop and normal swing arm to lock the front wheel in place, then a strap (and maybe the fender cushion) for the rear wheel.

More info: https://www.1up-usa.com/product/wheel-stop/ and https://www.1up-usa.com/product/fender-cushion/

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f1c762e366.png

Great info, and very cool. Thanks!

If I had to guess, 1UP is responding to the growing popularity of ebikes - since so many of them come with fenders installed.

I notice they've also developed a detachable ramp option to help those who may not be able to lift their bike onto the tray:
https://www.1up-usa.com/product/v-style-ramp/

Agree. They have some nice features built in that 1up should have had on theirs. But $600 for one bike or $1000 for two bikes is a tough pill to swallow.

On the 1up (I have the Super Duty Model)...

1.) It's stupid that you have to reach under the rack and grab the bar to tilt the rack. But for an extra $70 you can buy their EZ-Pull Accessory!!! https://www.1up-usa.com/product/ez-pull/

2.) It's stupid that you have to use their hitch pin. A standard hitch pin doesn't work because of how they designed their anti-sway mechanism. Plus their anti-sway mechanism requires a special tool.

3.) The rack should come standard with the fat bike spacers and fit all other bikes tire sizes like the Quickr rack does.