Best value hitch platform bike rack?

[Stuntmonkey]

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.

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"?

It's the old ones that grab the bike by the bottom tube. This one:



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?

[Roxtar]

It's the old ones that grab the bike by the bottom tube. This one:



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.
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.

[adrenalated]

It's the old ones that grab the bike by the bottom tube. This one:



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?

I had a Sherpa for awhile too. It was fine, but the wheel cradle on the NV is quite a bit nicer.

I definitely wouldn't pay $500 more for the Thule, that's for sure.

[alfajores]

-Handlebar/seat interference has also not been an issue but I do have to put the dropper posts down.

This was the case for our mountain bikes but tough on the gravel bikes. Wide drop bars are just difficult.

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.

Agreed, maybe NV 3.0?

[alfajores]

The 1Up is $50 more.
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.

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.

[El Chupacabra]

It's the old ones that grab the bike by the bottom tube. This one:



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?

Don't use that "grab by the down tube" type rack on any carbon frames.

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.

[singlesline]

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"

[Roxtar]

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.

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.

[Dromond]

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.

What bikes does the 1up not work with that other racks do?

[Roxtar]

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.

Having never heard of QuikrStuff, I went to their site.
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.

[climberevan]

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....)

[singlesline]

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?

[Touring_Sedan]

What bikes does the 1up not work with that other racks do?

Fat bikes require an adapter kit to fit.

[alfajores]

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.

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?

[alfajores]

What bikes does the 1up not work with that other racks do?

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.

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.

[chicken feathers]

What bikes does the 1up not work with that other racks do?

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.

[alfajores]

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....)

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.

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

[El Chupacabra]

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.

[alfajores]

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...

[AK47bp]

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

[Dromond]

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.

My friend fits his XL modern 29er long wheelbase bike in there. It works. Maybe more space is needed if you have an XXL?

[Dromond]

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.

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.

[El Chupacabra]

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.

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.

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.

[mcski]

I’ve been using my Thule T2 for 12+ yrs and have no desire to replace it. Works just fine

[climberevan]

I've had a lot of hitch racks. Many were mediocre.

This is why the 1UP is actually the best value. Buy one and you're done buying bike racks for life.

As I say with tools: buy the best and only cry once.