Best value hitch platform bike rack?

[jackstraw]

Having said that, if you're regularly carrying 4+ bikes (and spend much time on rough roads), I'd seriously consider an upright.

definitely

[Shredhead]

I built a little step cover for my older dog to use getting in and out of the truck, but it also works great as a seat.

Mind posting a photo?

[jackattack]

Used Thule T2 racks are basically free and generally indestructible. I have a 2" 4x ($150 used) and a 1-1/4" 2x (pro deal in 2010). Can't imagine a better value platform rack solution.

[jackstraw]

Mind posting a photo?

Yeah, super basic. Just a 1x plastic screwed together to make a U that sits over the tray. I'll grab a pic

[jackstraw]

Yeah, super basic. Just a 1x plastic screwed together to make a U that sits over the tray. I'll grab a pic

Just sits on top. Some grip tape on bottom and top.

[jackstraw]

Used Thule T2 racks are basically free and generally indestructible. I have a 2" 4x ($150 used) and a 1-1/4" 2x (pro deal in 2010). Can't imagine a better value platform rack solution.

My thule shit the bed. The slide down piece that holds the front tire failed. I sold thule and yakima for a few years and have had and still own a ton of that stuff via pro deals. For the most part I think they're overpriced shit when compared to a 1up product.

[bagtagley]

I've unloaded two T2s due to excessive rust. They're fine if you live somewhere where rust isn't an issue, but if it is, shit can go wrong pretty fast if you're not rust-proofing and/or replacing parts. Nothing worse than watching a bike tumbling down the road behind you due to a failure.

There are certainly better racks than 1Up as far as convenience and features, but the aluminum construction is what sold me.

[El Chupacabra]

If you pick up an old Thule T2 for cheap, you can replace the pivot bushings cheaply and easily:

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app

Bought a well used 4-bike T2 for $100, replaced all the sloppy bushings for $20, sold the 2-bike extension for $150. Not the best rack out there, but for one that paid me $30 to own it, it's fine.

[VTskibum]

I got 14 years out of my T2, but rust finally won. Replaced both arms and ratchets over the years, mostly living outside. I did back it into a tree and bent the tray bracket a bit, actually made it fit 2 bikes slightly easier. Last few years has only been used occasionally since I bought a truck. Likely replacing with a 1up as I generally only need to carry 3 bikes and use my truck/tailgate pad for daily use.

[Dromond]

I've unloaded two T2s due to excessive rust. They're fine if you live somewhere where rust isn't an issue, but if it is, shit can go wrong pretty fast if you're not rust-proofing and/or replacing parts. Nothing worse than watching a bike tumbling down the road behind you due to a failure.

There are certainly better racks than 1Up as far as convenience and features, but the aluminum construction is what sold me.

I've also seen T2s rust, and the plastic closing mechanism on the arm (on the version I had) is cheesy. I had a friend improperly load his bike into it and it fell down on my roof mid-drive - could have lost it.

1up on the other hands seems almost impossible to load it incorrectly in a way that the bike could fall out which is a massive advantage in my bike. The rust resistance, easy of moving the rack from car to car, and ease of converting between 1 and 2 bike slots makes it a no brainer to me. Having it be in 1 bike mode and still being able to open my hatch with the rack folded up is awesome!

The mechanism used to fold the rack up and down is a bit sticky and annoying - I will say that's the worst part. Also, never get a 1up as a roof rack. I made that mistake and found it surprisingly difficult to load the bike into the wheel slots, even on a car with a low roof.

[jackattack]

I thought this was the best value thread, not the rust-proof beyond 15 yrs, expensive as shit, or impervious to user-error thread.


El Chup -- thanks for the bushing reference, I bet there are a lot of freebies out there for someone willing to replace a few bushings. The little cams failed on our 1-1/4" unit and I just drilled them out and use some long voile straps. They sit nice and secure in the cradles.

[bodywhomper]

Just tried to buy the swingarm piece for Yakima (pro deal), sold out . Anybody know how long?

[jm2e]

I thought this was the best value thread, not the rust-proof beyond 15 yrs, expensive as shit, or impervious to user-error thread. .

Not an invalid point. But a surprisingly high number of us have seen racks rust out, had plastic rot, watched bikes fall off, damaged forks/frames from rack arms, inability to replace parts. Anyones who’s lived through that is thinking, “might be a value rack, but certainly not the best value”
1up racks are like your mom’s Maytag washer from 1980.



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[El Chupacabra]

1up racks are like your mom’s Maytag washer from 1980.

Except that I've never seen your Mom sitting on a 1up rack on the spin cycle.

[beaterdit]

This one popped up on my sidebar after I had visited the etrailer site looking at the Rockymounts tray rack from the other thread. Both are 1up style tray racks, the Rockymounts looks pretty good but is a three bike max. This Inno sure looks good, especially for the sale price of $899 right now. Inno has always had a very good reputation to me, their roof boxes are Awesome, and expensive. The Inno has all aluminum construction, it's packed with features, and seems to address some of the issues that 1up hasn't. The Rockymounts has a true secure lock, which is nice. The Inno just has a small cable, inadequate but I usually use my own arrangement anyway and still don't leave the bikes in compromising situations.

https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-...no/INH142.html

I always planned on getting a 1up when my T2+2 died, or I got a new Van. Now the Inno looks like it might be the ticket.

For absolute value, a used Thule T2 etc is still good. I'm 12 years in on mine. I replaced the bushings like two years in and they're still going strong. I've replaced the tray bolts a few times, and some other small stuff. It's rusty and the fork locking mechanisms are janky and stick but it is still going. Gonna retire it soon or sell it real cheap though.

[rod9301]

Just don't buy a Yakima, i had two and nothing but problems

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[Dromond]

I thought this was the best value thread, not the rust-proof beyond 15 yrs, expensive as shit, or impervious to user-error thread.


El Chup -- thanks for the bushing reference, I bet there are a lot of freebies out there for someone willing to replace a few bushings. The little cams failed on our 1-1/4" unit and I just drilled them out and use some long voile straps. They sit nice and secure in the cradles.

Just buy a Thule like my friend did. His bike is somewhere between Dallas and Bentonville. Great value!

[alpinevibes]

This one popped up on my sidebar after I had visited the etrailer site looking at the Rockymounts tray rack from the other thread. Both are 1up style tray racks, the Rockymounts looks pretty good but is a three bike max. This Inno sure looks good, especially for the sale price of $899 right now. Inno has always had a very good reputation to me, their roof boxes are Awesome, and expensive. The Inno has all aluminum construction, it's packed with features, and seems to address some of the issues that 1up hasn't. The Rockymounts has a true secure lock, which is nice. The Inno just has a small cable, inadequate but I usually use my own arrangement anyway and still don't leave the bikes in compromising situations.

https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-...no/INH142.html

In no looks pretty good, only thing I’d say is a 1up HD with two extensions is 82lbs. That Inno says 118lbs. Not nothing for your back…


We’ve had a Rocky for five years and have gone through a few locking pins. The original plastic lock head was shit and worthless. Quick pry with a fathead and it was off. The metal one is slightly better but still not burly if you’re concerned about actual anti-theft. It’s fine for keeping the pin on, which is our main concern.

[beaterdit]

In no looks pretty good, only thing I’d say is a 1up HD with two extensions is 82lbs. That Inno says 118lbs. Not nothing for your back…


We’ve had a Rocky for five years and have gone through a few locking pins. The original plastic lock head was shit and worthless. Quick pry with a fathead and it was off. The metal one is slightly better but still not burly if you’re concerned about actual anti-theft. It’s fine for keeping the pin on, which is our main concern.

Oooo I missed that, 118lbs is a lot.

The new Rocky comes with a burly fabric covered chain That has a protected locking receiver on the rack. Actually looks good.

[snowaddict91]

Oooo I missed that, 118lbs is a lot.

The new Rocky comes with a burly fabric covered chain That has a protected locking receiver on the rack. Actually looks good.

Yeah, looks way better than the crappy cable lock on my backstage that seems like it was an afterthought.

[Telemahn]

Just don't buy a Yakima

True dat, they call it a holdup because they are just stealing your money.

[Touring_Sedan]

Oooo I missed that, 118lbs is a lot.

The new Rocky comes with a burly fabric covered chain That has a protected locking receiver on the rack. Actually looks good.

118lbs?!! That's more than you weigh.

I'm still in the OG 1UP club. I think I've had it for at least 8-10 years. and it stays on the car year round. I have a fatbike kit installed on one tray. The only damage is a little flaking of the coating on the edge of one of the trays, otherwise you'd be hard pressed to tell it from a new unit. Expensive yes, but I think it'll outlast my NorthShore.

[Norseman]

Um, is that a dedicated flask cage?





Edit... I didn't realize this was a thing but it sure is. I need one.

[NW_SKIER]

Um, is that a dedicated flask cage?





Edit... I didn't realize this was a thing but it sure is. I need one.

Now I know you aren't human. No way in hell I'm drinking liquor on a ride. I'd die for sure

[JimmyCarter]

I realize saris isn’t the number one choice around here, but they’ve got a 50% off sale on a bunch of racks and accessories, including the swing away


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