joneseyyy
New member
1Up will anodize them black if you ask; think it cost $50 more.
Hitch mounted bike rack...
- Thread starter Jin
- Start date
1Up will anodize them black if you ask; think it cost $50 more.
RyanC
New member
Generally speaking the types with the tray that the wheels sit in will be most flexible across the widest variety of bikes. I've used both my Kuat NV and a friends Thule hitch rack to move 29ers, cruisers, road bikes, cyclocross bikes...you name it.
One thing to keep in mind with the tray racks though is that they usually have some sort of arm that clamps down on the front wheel to keep it upright on the tray. If you have a bike with front fenders (some cruisers, commuters, etc) this is something you will need to work around. I usually just wrap a shop rag around the fender protecting both the finish of the fender and filling the space between it and the wheel making things more stable.
Bay33saw
New member
Thanks Ryan, I honestly did not think of the fender thing...Good call so I guess I'll be looking for a tray rack type of thing, I did see one where the arms clamp down on the frame but as of yet I don't know if it will work on a woman's cruiser down tube. Thanks again
Ukie
New member
Here's a nice Softride Dura 26321 video review where rack is actually fitted on a 4Runner:
http://images.etrailer.com/Merchant...-dura-hydraulic-assist-bike-rack-sr26321.webm
UtahSooner
New member
RyanC covered most of the high points here but I'll add that the Kuat rack accomodates a wide range of tire sizes - a buddy of mine can easily put his fatbike with ~4" wide tires in the Kuat rack but it won't fit securely on the Thule T2. You'll still have to work around the front fender if the cruiser has one.
Also, I used an old Sportworks rack for years and upgraded to the Kuat last summer when I picked up a 29er. It fits the taller wheels like a champ and has totally eliminated the handlebar/seat interference issues I always had with the Sportworks when carrying two mountain bikes. The cam mechanism in the receiver hitch eliminates any bouncing of the rack in the hitch. And, when the rack is folded down to access the tailgate there is plenty of clearance for the tailgate to open -- and there is a little bit of friction in the hinge design so the rack doesn't just slam down when you release the pin to drop the rack (this friction is a good thing when you have the rack loaded with 2 bikes or have the +2 extender).
The only complaint I have with the rack is that the built in cable lock is barely long enough to go through two bike frames -- it doesn't provide for running the cable through the wheels. Not a real big one for me since I already have a Yakima 6' locking cable that I used on the old rack, but if you have an expensive carbon wheelset on any of your bikes you'll definitely want to augment the built in locking cable (this probably goes for most other racks as well).
Last thought - I really wanted to like the Yakima Holdup (mostly since all my other roof rack items are Yakima) but after borrowing a buddy's one weekend I wasn't impressed. It's super heavy and I didn't like how the fold out wheel supports were a little "floppy" when the rack was folded up (flipped up vertical with no bikes loaded).
I have a 2015 TRD Pro on order. I currently have a 1upusa bike rack that is the 1 1/4" version with the adapter for a 2" hitch. Do we have any sort of confirmation that both racks work from 1upusa (both the 1 1/4" with 2" adapter and the 2" version without the adapter)? I would like the ability to haul 3-4 bikes so I'm debating selling my current rack and buying the 2" version with additional trays, but I don't want to do that if my current set-up works better. Thanks!
mikey's2010SR5
New member
Get a 2 inch version if you are going to run 3 or 4 bikes. The 1.25" just can't deal with the weight (it could buy with the price of my bikes I would not chance it!).
I know I need the 2" version if I want to run 3-4 bikes, but there was discussion earlier in this thread about some 1up racks not fitting the stock hitch. I'm asking if we know if both versions fit or if there are any issues. I hate to sell the version I have, buy another, then find out it doesn't work. Anyone have photos of a 2" 1up rack in a 5th gen?
Another weird clearance question....if the 1up rack is inserted maximally (near the spare tire), and you have an XL frame with wide 800mm + bars is there any issue with the bars clearing the 4Runner when the bike is in the most inward position? Thanks!
May want to check out the racks from Swagman. Just bought one and couldn't be happier with it. Converts from 2 bike to 4 bike in about 30 seconds, and the trays and fully adjustable arm mounting system that slide down over the top tube fits just about any frame geometry. Also folds up when not in use. Autoanything had the best price I could find and they have free shipping.
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the good thing with the 1up rack is that you can position bikes fore and aft on each tray and in either direction so you can avoid bars, pedals, saddles, etc making contact much better than any other rack. I think I'll just swap my 1up to the 2" version. If anyone knows the 2" doesn't fit the stock hitch please chime in quickly before I order. Thanks!
2 cents
For what it's worth, I'll throw a vote in for the Kuat NV 2". I've had mine for a year or so now and it's been great. As one person noted, the cable lock system could be longer, but I generally don't trust cable locks anyway.
I don't have the 2 bike extender on my rack, but I've heard that when you do the rack weighs over 100 lbs and when you tilt it down to get access to the trunk, depending on your truck's height, it can hit the ground. I've only seen the 4 bike version once and it was on a Mercedes ML. When the rack was flipped up for no bike use, it was as tall as the ML.
My friend converted from the Thule 916. He broke his within 2 years. It was also not very stable compared to the Kuat.
Hope that helps!
T
For what it's worth, I'll throw a vote in for the Kuat NV 2". I've had mine for a year or so now and it's been great. As one person noted, the cable lock system could be longer, but I generally don't trust cable locks anyway.
I don't have the 2 bike extender on my rack, but I've heard that when you do the rack weighs over 100 lbs and when you tilt it down to get access to the trunk, depending on your truck's height, it can hit the ground. I've only seen the 4 bike version once and it was on a Mercedes ML. When the rack was flipped up for no bike use, it was as tall as the ML.
My friend converted from the Thule 916. He broke his within 2 years. It was also not very stable compared to the Kuat.
Hope that helps!
T
I read back through the thread (I'm planning on getting a 1UPUSA rack soon). Only 1 person had issues with the rack fitting into the receiver. 1UPUSA sent him another piece to correct the issue at no charge.
See post #71 in this thread for a photo of a 2" 1UPUSA rack.
I have the 1UP 2" heavy duty model and it fits my 2014 TE just fine. I really like the rack - quality built and off-road compatible. Costs a little more, but could be a lifetime purchase.
I also like that it seems to fit closer to the vehicle than most and still has room to open the hatch with and without bikes. I also purchase a u-lock to lock the rack and the bikes (with a cable) to the hitch loop even though the rack internally locks to the hitch using a special wrench.
1UPUSA.com :: 2" Double Bicycle Super Duty Quik Rack (Black)
I also like that it seems to fit closer to the vehicle than most and still has room to open the hatch with and without bikes. I also purchase a u-lock to lock the rack and the bikes (with a cable) to the hitch loop even though the rack internally locks to the hitch using a special wrench.
1UPUSA.com :: 2" Double Bicycle Super Duty Quik Rack (Black)
Just Loaf It
New member
I'm a big fan of the Yakima HoldUp. It's extremely solid, comes with hardware to lock it to hitch and keep it from shifting, and the finish is nice and easy to clean. It also has integrated cable locks which is a bonus. The only thing I've considered changing is adding some tail/brake lights for long-distance traveling.
Bootleg
New member
I have the Kuat NV and my wife has the Sherpa. My buddy has the 1UP and let me just say that the quality, look, feel, and function of the 1UP is not nearly as good as either of the Kuats. My hardtail, road bike, cross bike, full suspension and my kid's 20" stay rock solid on the Kuats. The bikes move around a lot on the 1UP. Far too much for my comfort anyway when you're talking about thousands off dollars bouncing around. They also look really cheap. With the Kuats I can open and close the lift gate without removing the bikes which for me is a big plus.
Anyway, that's just my opinion.
Anyway, that's just my opinion.
I didn't like the 1up rack, either. I bought one...it was sexy. All aluminum. Simple. My bikes were all over the place on the 1up, though. I couldn't believe how much movement there was back there. It freaked me out, so I returned it and got my money back and purchased a Kuat NV the next day. It's awesome. No regrets. Rock solid.
