prj71

I figured there was an allen wrench like that out there.

1up supplies a locking hitch pin but it's kind of chintzy and looks like it could easily be cut. So when I bought the rack my hitch pin lock and two wheel locks https://www.1up-usa.com/product/wheel-locks-qtr-turn/ are all keyed alike. When I inquired about getting two more wheel locks they told me they couldn't key the new ones to match the ones I ordered. Dumb. All you need to do is keep track of the key code on the orders.

gpburdell

Yes, it'd be nice if they let you request a specific key code and it's annoying they don't. Though let's also remember that'd mean they'd need to maintain stock of every different keycode they've used in the past.

While Yakima and Kuat do this, they seem to just have twenty five or fewer codes in use... making it pretty simple for a pro thief to just walk up to your rack with a keyring and have your bike in a hurry.

My guess is 1UP is getting batches of locks from their supplier and maybe doesn't repeat keycodes with new batches. In one sense that's some enhanced security, though in another sense a few tools or an angle grinder and the locks are irrelevant. I'd imagine company size may have some bearing on the differences in how 1UP does this vs the big players.

At least 1UP does sell just the lock portion - and you could buy three locks to match any new ones you bought and have everything keyed the same. Multiples get a discount so it'd be $33 for three locks in addition to the new ones you were to order.

Fredo76

I recommend making sure you can get your old hitch out before buying a hitch rack.

rm -rf

Kuat Sherpa 2 is only 33 pounds. I really like the light weight. It's hanging on two hooks on my garage wall. I can install it on the car in 30 seconds. It's great for two road bikes, fast and secure to load and unload bikes. It comes with a low security cable lock, suitable for quick stops. But cables are too easy to cut, so I wouldn't leave it out of sight for a longer time.

For longer stops, I bought some Abus 10mm chain with a cloth covering sleeve, sold by the foot. And a lock for it. I used a rope to see how long I'd need to go through two bikes and down to the car's underbody. 9 feet. That's about 20 pounds, I think. It stays in an inexpensive Harbor Freight canvas bag, very convenient.

jaxgtr

Single racks are less than 500 if you get the slide, but I bought the the single heavy duty for $395 at the beginning of the year. Loved it so much, I bought the 2nd bike option for 230, while still not cheap, it's a damn nice rack and price wise is on par with others. The beauty is that the single only weighs 23 lbs, the add on is like 18. I can separate the 2 if I am only hauling 1 bike.

The only time the rack bar is a problem is if you have 2 add on racks, that is sort of a pain, but otherwises it easy peasy simple and not an issue. Also, the rack comes with 2 of the "special tools" which is an allen key with a hollowed out core which adds a bit of security to the bolt so anyone with a standard allen key can't take the rack if you do not have it locked. The anti sway does not interfere with the hitch pin since it comes with a locking hitch pin anyway.

Not all bike racks fit every bike tire size, most companies have had to design specific racks to handle fat tire bike and e-bikes, so not sure why this is an issue.

jaxgtr

Yea, I am with you on this one. I was going to check with a locksmith about matching them up, but I got a check back from my insurance company since we are not driving as much and I just used some of those funds to buy new locks and gave my old locks to my son for something he was building. Although, I think you would really have to work at it to cut it off on truck. It fits really tight.

prj71

The Thule XT does and so does the QuickRack. 1up you have to buy the spacer kit for fat...which in all honesty...I think the fat spacer it will fit all tire sizes.

E-bikes are different issue because of their weight. Most racks have a bike weight limit of 40-50lbs. A lot of e-bikes exceed 50 lbs.

gpburdell

Good point regarding ebikes. Kuat NV 2.0 and 1UP Super Duty (single & double) are adequately rated (60# & 75# respectively, and I'm sure Yakima and Thule have appropriate models as well. They're of course a bit more expensive than the 40-50lb rated racks.

NatusEstInSuht

I love my Saris Superclamp EX 2. I use it for all my bikes, including carbon fibre ones as it clamps the wheels, instead of the frame.

It's lightweight, compact, doesn't obscure the licence plate too much and is easy to store when not in use. I've taken 1,000km journeys with it and my bikes have always arrived at their destinations securely.

https://www.saris.com/product/superclamp-ex-2

https://carsrcoffins.com/words/posts...-2-is-a-champ/

kahn

If you want something fancier to hang that Kuat:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

prj71

It would be much cheaper to buy something this and mount it to a stud on the garage wall...

https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-7003...9409977&sr=8-5