Bumping this. I have a a thule roof rack and it's fucking janky as shit for holding a $6k bike. Is the Thule T2 still the front runner for hitch mount?
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Bumping this. I have a a thule roof rack and it's fucking janky as shit for holding a $6k bike. Is the Thule T2 still the front runner for hitch mount?
get a 1up and never look back
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I sold my 2nd KUAT NV 2.0 4 bike rack last summer and bought the Quikr Rack 2.0 as a 3-pack.
NV 2.0, often discussed and lauded as a great rack and you already know all of those; but here are my downsides:
The pivot is really big and the rack has a lot more protrusion off the back of the vehicle. If you are in a vehicle with a hitch below your bumper and you have an egress not worthy of the Rubicon trail, you might find yourself scraping the rack on your Whole Foods parking garage ramp. I did in my 2015 Outback, often.
We got rear-ended in Chicago OFTEN. Several times a year. Only twice damaging the rack. It was totaled once and I got a new rack and hitch, but kept the old one and fixed it to sell to a buddy at a big discount. Kuat sells parts and you can rebuild the rack.
The trays are not stadium, so there is a lot more handlebar/seat interference than you would imagine.
The base system is a two-tray and not a solo, meaning you will never have a single bicycle rack.
No clear license plate mount nor light option to add brake lights.
Final verdict on value: b+. Resale is high and they last if you do not get rear-ended. If you do, take the old rack back and buy the parts to refurbish it. Sell it to a kid for cheap and make their year. I ordered my first one from Moosejaw and leveraged a brief activejunky.com double cash back while also getting Moosejaw bucks enough to buy a set of skins for my skis. Total original purchase was a good deal.
Quikr Racks Up and downsides:
Upside:
Starts with a single rack
No tools needed for anything!
lowprofile on the vehicle hitch so clearance isn't an issue
Stadium bike trays!
Each tray is separate and you can have 1-4 bikes
Can fit wheelbase of almost any bicycle, including your e-cargo bike!
Sturdiest bike rack I have ever seen
Stores and folds away much smaller than other racks
License plate holder included!
Made in the USA, Grand Junction Colorado to be precise.
Supports the person that has the patents for the 1UP racks but made a better rack and doesn't make a ton over the 1UP licensing disputes (remember 1up.com vs 1up-usa.com?).
Downside:
price $$$$ Priciest rack I have owned
The wheel retention slides a little less smoothly than 1UP
The Backlog of racks. Get ready to wait 6-9 months
No accessories like 1UP yet (jerry can holders, trays, Mechanic stand, etc)
The giant reflective tape is super thick and doesn't sit flat at the corners of the rack
Key matched locks are crazy expensive.
Final Verdict: C+, the price is really high. This rack solved three big problems for me found in the Kuat NV 2.0: handlebar seat issues, poor egress clearance, and my wife didn't like it in our garage. This rack solved all three, at a premium.
Which Thule roof bike rack do you have? If it's a Sidearm, that's the same ratcheting arm style as the T2 Classic hitch rack. The newer T2 Pro is different.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuntmonkey
And by front runner, are you looking for "best value" hitch rack as the thread title says? Or "best rack, price is not a factor"?
I still like the North Shore Rack for hitch racks, and if patient, you can find them used and save a bunch. In that style of vertical rack, I've looked at others from Yakima, Alta, Recon, etc, and I still like the North Shore best. Fewest moving parts. Burly. It will rust if you leave it on in winter, so don't do that.
I still like the old Thule T2 for the "best value" in a 2-bike hitch rack, because you can buy a used one for peanuts, refurb whatever needs replacing, and it'll be fine. It's not the best rack ever, but it's the best cheap rack.
Kuat has an orthodontist level 1up style rack with Kashima color piston doohickeys, for something like $1300, if you want your rack to match your Yeti switch suspension stuff.
We've had a Kuat NV 2.0 Base on our car (2012 Forester) for a few years now and I really like it.
-Clearance has not been an issue, but we usually take the #liftedtundra for rougher roads and our nearest Whole Foods is almost 300mi away
-Handlebar/seat interference has also not been an issue but I do have to put the dropper posts down.
I checked out the Thule and Yakima options that were available at the time and thought the Kuat seemed better made and easier to use than the comparable options. Wasn't willing to spend the $$$ for the bougie options.
Only issue we've had with the Kuat is the rear tire strap came out of the slot that holds it in place and I had to partially disassemble the rack to put it back in. Not a huge deal. I also think ratchet style straps in general suck and wish they would do more of a Voile strap style deal.
I also generally think that if clearance is a major concern - especially for hauling more than 2 bikes - then a vertical rack is the way to go.
It's the old ones that grab the bike by the bottom tube. This one:Quote:
Originally Posted by El Chupacabra
Attachment 463244
I'm not a dentist so splurging on unnecessary shit isn't my thing, so basically what are the top 3 - then I'll look for one one sale lol.
I just checked out the local shop and the T2 are around $1100. They have a Kuat Sherpa 2.0 on sale for $600 CAD. It looks pretty solid?
The 1Up is $50 more.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuntmonkey
Years ago, when I had my shop, I could buy any rack at wholesale.
I paid full retail for the 1Up. That's how much better they are.
I had a Sherpa for awhile too. It was fine, but the wheel cradle on the NV is quite a bit nicer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuntmonkey
I definitely wouldn't pay $500 more for the Thule, that's for sure.
This was the case for our mountain bikes but tough on the gravel bikes. Wide drop bars are just difficult.Quote:
Originally Posted by adrenalated
Agreed, maybe NV 3.0?Quote:
Originally Posted by adrenalated
Unfortunately, QuikrStuff racks start at $679 for the Mach2 single bike. $479 for add ons. While superior to the 1UP in 90% of the features, definitely in the T2 Pro category for costs. 1UP is good value if you find the rack that works for your bikes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roxtar
Don't use that "grab by the down tube" type rack on any carbon frames.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stuntmonkey
Are you willing to buy used?
The Kuat Sherpa racks that I've seen look like their wheel trays are on the short side -- so long wheelbase mountain bikes may have the rear wheel hang off the end, even to the point of not fitting. Maybe they've updated them? Test fit before buying, for that one.
Don't buy the Sherpa if you ride an L or XL...or even a medium with how long bikes are right now.
Max wheelbase on the Sherpa 2.0 is 47" and while you can get away with cheating it a little bit, there are a lot of 50+ inch bikes out there.
I have a wheel-off roof rack that I like (rackmounts switchhitter) but I can only use it with my hardtail because it maxes out at 48"
That's part of the beauty of the 1up. With the ability to move the bike back and forth, it works with any bike combination.Quote:
Originally Posted by alfajores
What bikes does the 1up not work with that other racks do?Quote:
Originally Posted by alfajores
Having never heard of QuikrStuff, I went to their site.Quote:
Originally Posted by alfajores
What, in your opinion, makes their rack better than 1Up? I just see a very close copy of the original.
At almost double the price for a two tray version.
QuickrStuff is just the original 1UP guy after he sold the company and the patent ran out. He added some (IMO) gimmicky features and a few tiny refinements.
Our OG 1UP is going strong and it has sold several others after people see how clearly superior it is. I can't fathom buying a Kuat for more money. (But there are people who pay more for SRAM than they could get Dura Ace for, so....)
I agree that some of the new features are gimmicky (like the slide adjust for wheel sizes--lot of extra complication for limited benefit)
But there are are some definite refinements that could be made to the 1up design and Quickr has done a few of them.
1. The new hitch latch design looks great. Better engagement, doesn't require a tool, and has an actual lock. The lock might also stop the bolt from loosening on bumpy dirt roads which seems to be a common 1up issue.
2. Slightly better setup for unlocking the tilt feature. The 1up tilt bar is a PITA to reach and requires either DIY or additional bulky accessories.
I still think they could offer something better for bike locking. The new Quikr wheel looks look pretty slick rather just reselling a cheap hitch pin lock (and unlike 1up they will match keys to your existing hardware), but they could come up with some sort of lockable anchor point for a cable or chain...
Selling the entire thing as modular seems odd. If you want that kind of adjustability, then sure, the tool-free attachment system seems great. But how many people out there are actually swapping back and forth between 1/2/3/4 bike racks? Seems like 95% of purchasers get a 2-bike rack and then keep it that way.
Sure, it would occasionally be nice to have a 1-bike rack (doesn't stick out as far, doesn't block the hatch when folded), but is that flexibility worth a $500 premium over a 1up heavy duty double?
Fat bikes require an adapter kit to fit.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dromond
Based on the quote you cited, I don't really see how you drew this comment. You cited my comment about how much more QuikrStuff costs. NV2.0 covered all but cargo bikes in terms of wheelbase, but 1UP and Mach2 both handle super wide wheel bases. Curious what specifically you were citing?Quote:
Originally Posted by Roxtar
Wheel width is a huge issue with 1Up. You need to verify tire width compatibility for the rack you buy. Not all racks support fat and wider tires. Not a problem for most folks, but you might also have trouble with your road bike tires and need to get the adapters for those depending on the rack.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dromond
NV2.0 is great with thin road tires but needs some adapters for super fat tires or 20-24" kids bike sizes (some messenger courier front tires or japanese touring bikes?) Mach2 from QuikrStuff doesn't need an adapter.
Wheelbase length is a consideration…My size large 29er AM bike just fits on my standard 1up rack. Whereas a bike with a smaller wheelbase can be positioned several ways on the rack a bigger bike pretty much sits in one spot. Droppers get the seat out of the way though so it all works.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dromond
And also to respond to Roxtar: QuickrStuff is best if you ride a wide variety of bike wheel sizes (not the same bike every time) and might benefit and choose to change the rack from 1-4 more frequently. If this is NOT you, then it isn't worth the difference in price.Quote:
Originally Posted by climberevan
QuikrStuff refinements:
- Locking hitch pin is integrated with the rack, so nothing to lose.
- Tool-less! Everything works with levers and those lever release buttons lock with the same key. Meaning all the parts lock to the rack except the wheel adjust chocks and rails. Wheel locks lock with the same key, but they are more expensive than the 1Up wheel locks!
- Each additional bike rack tray has a built in release extension. You do not need to buy release handles for each number of trays like 1UP ($82-88 each). This brings the costs closer to parity but the systems interlock immediately, saving a ton of time each time you adjust between 1-4 racks.
- On 1Up, you need "add-on locks $24" for each additional tray, not so on the Mach2 as each tray has locks built into the connection.
- The tire compatibility is greater on the Mach2 than 1Up and the adjustment between tire sizes is a lot faster (no unscrewing!!!). You can watch videos, but the spindles are made in a way that center your tires for the bike and can support 19mm road bikes to 4.7-5.05" fat. 1Up has $28-38 fat tire spacer kits for tires over 3.1" or 4.5" and road bike adapters ($16 each wheel...) but make it not as good at fitting road bikes :-(
- Wheel size compatibility is among best in market with 12" to 29" and I bet you could cover 30" wheels on a non-XL bike. It don't think it will fit the smallest XXL 32" Clydesdale. Haven't tried, but it doesn't seem that big.
- Downside is the over engineered $79 for a license plate holder for states that you actually get pulled over for not having your plate visible... (1up charges for these for $56-58)
- Works fine with any swing away. I use the Kuat one, but you could use the RackAttack, Wilco, 1Up, or any other swing away hitch you like. Some of the rack cams from other brands don't work as well with fitment clearance on a swingaway.
Anyone can argue that some of this is unnecessary for their use. If any of this save the license plate holder has been a big pain for you, like it has for me, the Mach2 is convenience for a cost.
Fitment Comparison:
1Up Equp 2"
1Up Super Duty
QuikrStuff Mach2
1up style racks won't play friendly with fenders. But most racks will have that same problem.
None of the 1up, Quik, Kuat, etc are in the "best value" category IMHO.
Fun aside, I built up both racks to compare and show the absurd difference in a 4-bike rack cost:
1UP Super Duty with Road wheel fenders (x8), wheel locks (x8), 2 add-on locks, and fat tire kits for all 4 trays = $1926 before tax and shipping
QuikrStuff Mach 2 rack for 4 bikes with 8 wheel locks = $2588
The difference would be that you could use the Mach2 with a single bike while the 1Up has a double base so you can have all 4 bikes. Probably not a deal breaker for ANYONE, but the cost would be...
In regards to “best value” Compared to Yakima and Thule the Rocky Mounts seems comparable and cost is less.
Downside is it’s pretty heavy and I can someday see the plastic wheel gripper maybe giving out. Easily replaceable if needed. I bought the 2 bike system with a 1 bike extender for my family of 3. Although it’s mostly used for 1 or 2 bike MTB trips.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07JD...b_b_asin_title
Attachment 463316
Attachment 463317
My friend fits his XL modern 29er long wheelbase bike in there. It works. Maybe more space is needed if you have an XXL?Quote:
Originally Posted by chicken feathers
What is the best value and why? For me, durability comes into the value equation. I often have my rack on through winter with a lot of wet weather, so resistance to corrosion is a big factor.Quote:
Originally Posted by El Chupacabra
It's going to vary depending on usage - someone who uses a fat bike in winter and is going to subject a hitch rack to salt spray probably wants an aluminum 1up rack.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dromond
IMHO other than that, it's really hard to beat a cheap used Thule T2 for a 2-bike hitch tray rack. $150-200 on Craigslist or FB marketplace. Keep an eye on the tray clamp bracket that wraps around the center mast - those had issues with cracking and then the tray can fall off. Also, skip the early T2 that doesn't fit 29er tires easily - all the Sportworks branded versions are like that AFAIK, so avoid those.
I've had a lot of hitch racks. Many were mediocre.
I’ve been using my Thule T2 for 12+ yrs and have no desire to replace it. Works just fine
This is why the 1UP is actually the best value. Buy one and you're done buying bike racks for life.Quote:
Originally Posted by El Chupacabra
As I say with tools: buy the best and only cry once.
As a 1up owner for 2 decades I’m trying to figure out some of the comments above. I put various XL enduro and DH sleds in my rack with 1300 mm wheelbases, seems to work fine? I have a bikepacking hardtail with up to 2.8” tires, various bikes with 2.5”, road bike with skinny tires, all seem to work fine.
I had one that lived almost the entire year on my truck, as I rode 12 months of the year. It finally died in about 2019, replaced many of the parts, but finally gave up and trashed it. I have a tailgate pad for my normal usage, but now and then I borrow a 1up which is a better product and see all the hype. My only complaint is the location of the release handle and it doesn't quickly handle different tire sizes (29 -> 20/24" kids bikes) as easily as the T2. I can't say my old t2 wouldn't have the problem, but I did have to turn my daughters 24" bike bars sideways as it was contacting my bike frame and couldn't find an arrangement to avoid my top tube height, since the bikes on 1up are so close together. That's a fringe case, but for families I can see that being an issue.Quote:
Originally Posted by mcski
All that said, if/when I get around to buying a rack myself, 1up is the way to go. Their customer service is also fantastic per few friends who have them. Only other one that hits the value is the Rocky Mountain racks posted above for good bit lower cost.
I switched to North Shore Rack around 2011, have no desire for a 1up. I don't particularly like them - I think there are some significant design issues with them, but if they work for you, that's all that matters.Quote:
Originally Posted by climberevan
I have a single tray and double tray HD 1Up, very pleased with both. If I had 1 criticism is that the trays are too tightly spaced on the double and I've gotten some pedal rash on my downtube as a result.
Pick a rack and be a dick about it.
Well a used T2 might be the best used $200 rack, but I had one and found the ratchet mechanism to be made of plastic, weak, and also possible to load incorrectly. My friend’s T2 also rusted out completely in the PNW where there is not a lot of road salt. I see new Thule classic T2 2 bike racks at $550 and the 1up 2 bike rack at $650 so at least at the new price I’m not seeing the value even at $100 less. But used at $200 I could being worth it since the used prices of 1ups seems pretty high.
I care about this because several times people have asked me for rack recommendations in part so I want to know what’s working for people
Just got a 1up single hitch rack and it’s solid and will no doubt last years but it sits crooked in the hitch.
Not sure if the rack is crooked or if my truck frame is.
Kinda bugs me so I may get a shim for it.
Attachment 463398
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1up has awesome customer service. Shoot them an email.
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Based on the 1Up hitch design, I'd bet on the truck hitch having the issue.
To be sure:
Take the rack off, set it on the floor, make sure the trays are sitting level, and put a short (9") level on the receiver.
If the rack receiver is level, it must be the truck hitch.