Best inexpensive hitch mount rack?

[milestogo]

Looking for a secondary hitch mount rack. Primary vehicle has a 1Up that I've had for years and years, but other vehicle needs one for occasional use, mostly for 1-2 gravel bikes. Prefer tray style. I've seen some cheap ones on ebay/amazon, but don't know anyone with real world use of them?
Like this?

[carlh]

Where are you? I just bought a 1up so have a yakima holdup to let go cheap.

[milestogo]

Where are you? I just bought a 1up so have a yakima holdup to let go cheap.

Vermont.

[rudy]

Unless I got a first hand review of those cheap racks no way I'd be risking putting my bikes on them. Too much risk for me to take...

[east or bust]

Unless I got a first hand review of those cheap racks no way I'd be risking putting my bikes on them. Too much risk for me to take...

x2

[snowaddict91]

x2

X3. Take a look on Facebook or CL for something lightly used. There are often deals to be had.

[muted reborn]

Unless I got a first hand review of those cheap racks no way I'd be risking putting my bikes on them. Too much risk for me to take...

That's exactly what he is asking for.

[dan_pdx]

Where are you? I just bought a 1up so have a yakima holdup to let go cheap.

I'm in Spokane and might be interested in your holdup. Looks like you're on the west side, is that right? Which specific model is it?

[carlh]

I’m in Seattle. It’s a 10 year old ish holdup 2” 2 bike with a 2 bike extension. Worn but usable. I wanted an easier to use 3 bike option and my xl enduro bike was way over the max wheelbase hence the upgrade. Pm if you want more info. Price tbd.

I'm in Spokane and might be interested in your holdup. Looks like you're on the west side, is that right? Which specific model is it?

[singlesline]

If you're just trying to carry gravel bikes and you're not that worried about frame rub...old hanging style racks tend to go pretty cheap and they are easy to store when not using.

Modern geo bikes won't hang on them quite as well as old level-top-tube bikes, but you should have no problem getting 2 bikes on one. Not a good option if you need to move FS MTBs.

If you want to go the cheapo new option, Allen Sports is at least somewhat reputable. No first-hand experience with any specific current model, but their stuff shouldn't fall apart on you. That said...they are generally obnoxious to use, need padding to avoid scratches, and their "tray style" rack still ends up grabbing the bikes by the frame rather than the wheels....they can be good reliable "value" racks but you will 100% feel the value.

[rudy]

That's exactly what he is asking for.

I mean someone I knew and trusted, not some internet "friend"

[muted reborn]

I mean someone I knew and trusted, not some internet "friend"

I would not trust advice from myself here but I would trust Jamal, Rideit, Toast1234, Hick, Bossial, Joetron, PanchosDad, Shralp, beaterdit, Rotax, Chup, BasinBeater Deehubs, Eluder and many more I can't think of, if they used the rack a bunch and liked it.

[El Chupacabra]

Used Thule T2 off Craigslist or FB marketplace.

Saw one yesterday for $125 for a four bike setup. That was an unusually good deal, but they're common at $200 for a 2-place rack.

[mcski]

This ^^^

[Meconium]

For less expensive new stuff, lower end Rocky Mounts is trustworthy. Sometimes they are on sale cheaper

[milestogo]

If you want to go the cheapo new option, Allen Sports is at least somewhat reputable. No first-hand experience with any specific current model, but their stuff shouldn't fall apart on you. That said...they are generally obnoxious to use, need padding to avoid scratches, and their "tray style" rack still ends up grabbing the bikes by the frame rather than the wheels....they can be good reliable "value" racks but you will 100% feel the value.

Thx. I've been searching craigslist/fb and just amazed how much money people think their old racks are worth.

[The SnowShow]

Thx. I've been searching craigslist/fb and just amazed how much money people think their old racks are worth.

That and bent, broken racks. I saw someone with a bent T2 who wanted hundreds for it. Haha.

[helldriven]

I would also be looking for a used T2 Classic as they can be found at a reasonable price but like SnowShow said, some people have this idea their racks are worth more than what they really are.

[XXX-er]

If you're just trying to carry gravel bikes and you're not that worried about frame rub...old hanging style racks tend to go pretty cheap and they are easy to store when not using.

Modern geo bikes won't hang on them quite as well as old level-top-tube bikes,.

yeah this ^^ I see them used for < 100 $ around here

[Yukonrider]

I've done silly things with my T2 and it has always continued working. Can be found affordably if you shop Craigslist and are patient.

[Dantheman]

Thx. I've been searching craigslist/fb and just amazed how much money people think their old racks are worth.

A guy here has his posted for rent for $25/day. Pure lulz.

I would also be looking for a used T2 Classic as they can be found at a reasonable price

One thing to be careful of is old T2s may not fit modern 29ers with real tires. We put a hitch on AC's car expecting our old T2 would be fine for occasional local use and the arm would not clear front tire of her Stumpy EVO.

[mcski]

I have an old T2. It’s tight but I can maneuver any of my 29er tires onto it with a little finesse

[El Chupacabra]

The oldest T2 racks are tight on 29er MTB wheels, but they'll mostly fit if wiggled in at an angle. Newer T2s clear just fine, can swing the hook arm straight over the top of the tire no problem.

Just ask the seller and test fit a wheel before buying.

[Dantheman]

Mine was really old, circa 2008 or 2009. Less likely to be an issue on one this is old but not that old.

[skaredshtles]

A guy here has his posted for rent for $25/day. Pure lulz.



One thing to be careful of is old T2s may not fit modern 29ers with real tires. We put a hitch on AC's car expecting our old T2 would be fine for occasional local use and the arm would not clear front tire of her Stumpy EVO.

I had a buddy with an older T2 that had to let the air out of his tire to get it to fit.