The New All-Aluminum Bike Rack/Carrier from 1up USA. The fastest hitch-mounting and bike loading rack ever. Carry 1,2 or 3 bikes. Holds bikes by tires only. Made entirely in the USA!
Submitted by
yeti4ever
a Weekend Warrior
from City of Angels
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2012
Strengths: Beautiful and ingenious design, very industrial look, super light, easy install, very functional. Most beautiful rack I've ever owned and seen.
Weaknesses: Wish it had a bike cable lock provision like Yakimas. Only used it for less than a month, but so far so good and no complaints.
Bottom Line:
This is the bike rack to own, get one!!! I have a Yak rack that hooks up to my hitch, and it weighs a frigging ton; and I own a 5-door SUV, and with the Yak, I have to put the rack down to access my hatchback. With 1UP, I can open my hatchback now without messing with my rack. You won't regret it. It is so easy to use, and it is a thing of beauty!
Submitted by
matdv
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2011
Strengths: Easy to install, not too heavy which will not put too much weight on my small car especially when the bikes are on.
Seems really durable and it seems well built too.
Weaknesses: The one where one has to pull on the side in order to slide the 2 pieces where the bike wheels sit, it's the red handles on both ends...spring itself is thin and very easy to pull up and down.
Since these are the ones that help hold the tires in place then this mechanism is very crucial and will often be moved a lot.
There's an easy chance that this is the immediate component to go bad.
Also if it rains and it gets wet, it has to be certain to completely dry it up fast so that it won't eventually get rusty to avoid it going brittle.
I think this part should be thicker and be more hidden to avoid sun and rain directly making it weak, instead of exposed or accidental objects blocking and breaking it.
And for better hold support, dual springs instead of just single holding it down and which will be often moved to put and remove bikes.
Also...not sure if it's a weakness for the choice of the only locking mechanism to lock the rack to the hitch.
It's good having the need to tighten it and with the ball bearing but after some time or possible oil getting to it, a strong pull might pull it out eventually.
I think there should be a secondary that since the hitch itself has the 2 holes on both ends, the rack should then have it too and a metal piece to securely lock it in place.
Bottom Line:
Other than that, so far it's perfect...well hopefully nothing else will be observed again other than whats mentioned above.
Only main drawback is that it's really expensive. It should be a little more affordable or at least a little less than paying $500 (in order to put 2 bikes), maybe more will and can save up and purchase it and not hesitate and take the chance of purchasing it.
Submitted by
tncraigf
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2011
Strengths: Great design and functionality!
Weaknesses: NONE
Bottom Line:
This is one of those products that the first instant you use it, you know it is outstanding. I was very skeptical until I got it on the car and got my bike in it, and then I instantly knew that it is as close to a perfect rack as I've seen. I held off on getting the 2nd tray until I tried it out, and the day I got the single tray in the mail and on the car I ordered an add on kit.
I have the hitch on a Volkswagen Golf in a 1 1/4" receiver and there is absolutely no movement in the hitch. The rack definitely holds a 29er with no issue- I'm running 2.2s up front and 2.0 in the back.
It's more expensive because it's better. Well done 1UpUSA.
Similar Products Used: Saris Thelma, Saris T Bones, Kuat
Bike Setup: Specialized Camber Carbon Expert 29
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Jamie
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2011
Strengths: Simple installation, expansion for multiple bikes
Weaknesses: When configured for multiple bikes slightly on the heavy side. Access to catch to tip for trunk access is difficult and heavy with bikes installed to lift back up.
Bottom Line:
Outstnding design and manufacture. Great support from website and timely supply.
Submitted by
Sling Boy
a Cross Country Rider
from Salem, OR
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2011
Strengths: Modular**you can have 2,3 or 4 trays attached**
Rattle Proof
Strong and beautiful. Looks like a sculpture on the back of my car
The rack never touches anything other than the tires
Mounting the rack on your hitch takes 15 seconds
Mounting a bike on a tray takes 15 seconds
Main hitch rack with 2 trays folds to fit easily in your trunk
Each additional tray also folds and can fit in your trunk
Weaknesses: The spring bar that allows you to tilt the rack up or down is very stiff
The internal lock mount for the hitch is awesome and keeps the first two trays almost theft proof, but the 3rd and 4th trays could be removed in nothing flat with a pipe wrench. Not sure if they would be covered by the manufacturers theft/replacement policy
Bottom Line:
I was tired of the beating that my bike frames took from my old hitch rack and other bikes on the rack. Loading bikes always took forever and they always seemed to rub on each other. The bike tires would hang below the hitch (even further when using a frame extender bar) and touch the ground on occasion.
This rack requires no assembly if you just purchase the heavy duty 2in rack that comes with 2 trays ($529 and includes shipping). And adding an additional tray ($199ea (includes shipping)) takes about 30 seconds.
I seriously considered another 4 bike hitch rack that does an equally good job keeping the bikes from touching. But when I called to ask for more detail regarding their warranty I found that it covered the rack for 2 years and was voided if you went off road. Are you kidding me! A mountain bike rack designed by mountain bikers for mountain bikers that you can't take off road.
This rack is warrantied for life and they will replace it if it is ever stolen while locked to your hitch.
No one matches 1upUSA's faith in their rack from a strength an security standpoint.
This rack is worth every penny. This is the last hitch mounted rack that you will ever have to buy.
Bike Setup: I usually carry 4 bikes including 2 29er's and 2 downhill 26er's
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
9ersRule
a Cross Country Rider
from Salem, OR
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2011
Strengths: Modular**you can have 2,3 or 4 trays attached**
Rattle Proof
Strong and beautiful. Looks like a sculpture on the back of my car
The rack never touches anything other than the tires
Mounting the rack on your hitch takes 15 seconds
Mounting a bike on a tray takes 15 seconds
Main hitch rack with 2 trays folds to fit easily in your trunk
Each additional tray also folds and can fit in your trunk
Weaknesses: The spring bar that allows you to tilt the rack up or down is very stiff
The internal lock mount for the hitch is awesome and keeps the first two trays almost theft proof, but the 3rd and 4th trays could be removed in nothing flat with a pipe wrench. Not sure if they would be covered by the manufacturers theft/replacement policy
Bottom Line:
I was tired of the beating that my bike frames took from my old hitch rack and other bikes on the rack. Loading bikes always took forever and they always seemed to rub on each other. The bike tires would hang below the hitch (even further when using a frame extender bar) and touch the ground on occasion.
This rack requires no assembly if you just purchase the heavy duty 2in rack that comes with 2 trays ($529 and includes shipping). And adding an additional tray ($199ea (includes shipping)) takes about 30 seconds.
I seriously considered another 4 bike hitch rack that does an equally good job keeping the bikes from touching. But when I called to ask for more detail regarding their warranty I found that it covered the rack for 2 years and was voided if you went off road. Are you kidding me! A mountain bike rack designed by mountain bikers for mountain bikers that you can't take off road.
This rack is warrantied for life and they will replace it if it is ever stolen while locked to your hitch.
No one matches 1upUSA's faith in their rack from a strength an security standpoint.
This rack is worth every penny. This is the last hitch mounted rack that you will ever have to buy.
Bike Setup: I usually carry 4 bikes including 2 29er's and 2 downhill 26er's
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Oldcop
a Weekend Warrior
from Quartz Hill, Ca
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2011
Strengths: Very easy to install on vehicle and easy to install a bike on the rack. Light weight.
Weaknesses: Only holds one bike and it's another two hundred dollars to add another bike holder.
Bottom Line:
This bike rack is incredible!! It is like all of the other reviews said. Sturdy construction, looks great, and couldn't be easier to install or to mount the bike. I just used it on a 1600 mile round trip from the Los Angeles area to Bend, Oregon. The rack did not rattle and the bike was steady and I averaged between 75-80 mph. I takes literally 10 seconds to install the rack on the car and about the same to install or remove the bike. It is worth every penny!!
The only negative is the high cost to add on another bike holder.
Submitted by
Senor StrongBad
a Weekend Warrior
from Spartanburg
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2011
Strengths: Easy to use, set-up store, install
Weaknesses: non sot far
Bottom Line:
This rack is so easy to mount a bike on. All my wheels and tires fit from 1.95 26er, 2.3 26er to 2.2 29er.
It is so stinkin easy to install and store. It folds up smaller than anything else out there. It does not look as fancy as the rest but works better then them all.
It takes a couple times to get use to putting a bike on a taking it off. But once you get it it is so easy. I use it 2-3 times a week with both 26ers and 29ers.
I like how you can shift the bikes side to side to accompany different handlebar set ups and eliminate wheels sticking out from the side of the car.
It is a little pricy but worth every penny. It will nto put a scratch on our bike like so many other racks do. I will be getting the new roof racks as well to accmidate some of my 4 and 5 buddy road trips.
I highly recomend this product if you can afford it. If you have spent thousands of $ on your bikes you might as well spend hundred on a great rack.
Also it is the only rack I could find that held the bikes by the wheels only and could fit 1 1/4" and 2" recievers while being able to carry 3 bikes.
Submitted by
jrfirestone
a Weekend Warrior
from Sylacauga, AL
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2011
Strengths: Rugged, high quality, precision machined material, perfectly engineered innovative design. Superb fit and finish, World Class craftsmanship, Made in USA!
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
When I opened the sturdy box I was immediately struck by the rugged, compact design. Upon installing and deploying the rack I thought "now here's a product from a cycling enthusiast who owns a machine shop"! Easy to set up, install and move between vehicles. Fits tight in receiver, holds firmly by tires so no bikes "flopping around back there"! If you value quality and are unafraid to pay for the best, look no further. Simply put, "simply the best"!
Similar Products Used: any brand Chinese built crap, you name it
Bike Setup: mine: Motobecane Fantom Pro 29'er, also vintage Vitus road, wifeys: Orbea Onix TLT
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
i.a.n.
a Cross Country Rider
from Alameda, CA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2011
Strengths: Elegant, durable, incredibly easy to use.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Buy this rack, pure and simple. There is no other rack on the market that can compete with the quality of build and ease of use. Plenty of racks do as advertised - hold a bike in place. But no other racks I've seen are as elegant, sturdy, and well built as the 1Up Quick Rack.
Installation is so simple a child could do it without reading the instructions. The rack comes completely assembled and folds up when not in use such that it can easily fit in the smallest of trunks.
Once mounted my 29er jiggles a little, but it's not going anywhere (26ers are even more snug). And adding or removing additional racks is childsplay. I love the modular design so I can carry up to three bikes, but remove all but one rack if I only plan to carry my own bike. I keep the rack on the car full-time, but when not in use it tilts up and tucks neatly into the bumper, sticking out a mere 7-8 inches.
The simple, but effective bolt designed to keep the rack in place is essentially impossible to steal without the special allen tool which 1Up provides, so I feel completely secure in leaving the rack on the car at all times. And securing the bike to the rack with a chain and lock is the same as locking it to the car.
Yes, it's a few bucks more than some other hitch racks on the market, but if you've spent upwards of $5,000 for a bike do you really want to sweat a few bucks for a rack? The 1Up Quick Rack is worth every penny and I would buy it again in a heart beat over any other rack on the market.
Submitted by
Jory
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2011
Strengths: Looks like NASA engineered and built this thing. Perfect in every way. Sometimes I like to go out behind my vehicle and just stare at the machining on this marvelously functional piece of work. Simple to use, simple to install, solid and rugged.
Weaknesses: NONE
Bottom Line:
Everyone knows what a great product this rack is. I would also give it 5 chilis on value. Yeah, it's a bit spendy - but worth every penny.
I want to talk about 1Up's Customer Service. TOP NOTCH. In a life filled with crappy, careless and subpar customer service experiences. These guys reset my hope in retailers.
I boneheadedly backed my 3 week old hitch into a tree. Well, I contacted the crew at 1Up to determine my options and sent it in - these guys reparied my hitch and mailed back to me within 24 hours at a reasonable cost.
Submitted by
gf99
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2011
Strengths: Ease of installation and removal, ease of loading/unloading bikes, ease of attaching/removing the add-on. Does not block access to trunk/hatch, folds up neatly against bumper when not in use. Lightweight.
Weaknesses: No built-in way to secure bikes (must use a separate cable lock). The mechanism to tilt rack away from the car is in an awkward location, especially with bikes loaded.
Bottom Line:
Easiest to install, remove, and use of any rack I have owned. Looks better on car than other racks. Flexible modular design - I transport just one bike 95% of the time, so the ability to quickly add/remove the 2nd bike add-on is nice. For suggested improvements, see "Weaknesses".
Similar Products Used: roof racks, hitch racks with cradles/straps
Bike Setup: Bikes: Surly Karate Monkey, Titus Locomoto, IF Crown Jewel
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Mark Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Sterling Heights Michigan
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2011
Strengths: Well built, stable, all aluminum very light to take on and off the vehicle. Removal takes all but 1 minute.
Weaknesses: none found
Bottom Line:
Very stable platform, no swaying, tight fit in the receiver hitch, easy setup, lightweight. Has option for one bike up to three. I have an 07 Toy Rav4, this is the only hitch platform rack that I am able to open the rear door entirely with the rack in the down position with no bike on the back. Hitch completely folds up and clears the rear tire with no receiver extension. i load and unload my bike in 10 seconds. Would buy again in a heartbeat. Hats off to 1up USA.
Submitted by
dhchampion
a Racer
from Los Angeles, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2011
Strengths: Solid, well engineered, easiest to use/install bike rack, EVER! I will never, ever buy any other bike rack, as it will be a waste of money and time. Some people mention price is high, but compared to a similar 2 bike Yakima hold-up (or Thule), you pay ONLY $40-50 more for a 2-bike 1upUSA modular rack that is a superior, made in the USA engineered work of art that holds your bike rock solid (no cheapo rubber or plastic tie-downs). I have to keep emphasizing how it is so easy to use and install. I believe a 1 year old baby can unbox the rack and install it on the car and load the bike in under a minute...NO EXAGGERATION!
Weaknesses: Only comes in silver or black (which both look much more refined and higher quality than even the most expensive Yakima/Thule hitch racks I have seen). Nothing really...just nitpicking.
Bottom Line:
Forget the price difference to any other rack on the market. Bar none, this rack is the greatest value I have seen in a long time. The rack holds the bike rock solid, you don't have to mess with hooks, straps, etc...that easily break or become lost. The rack folds out of the way in a cinch. The engineering and build quality needs to be seen to be believed. I hope 1upUSA never compromises their build, and I hope they keep churning out these types of products, which rivals anything produced on planet earth. Moreover, I hope more people discover their products so that more people can appreciate and buy them. I have had mine for less than a month and I've had more stares, questions, and nods of approval than any bike rack I've ever had (or vehicle add-on for that matter).
Favorite Trail: Any singletrack with rocks and roots
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At: 1upUSA
Similar Products Used: Yakima, Thule
Bike Setup: Rocky Mountain ETSX
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
newsjeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2011
Strengths: Well made, sturdy, relatively light weight. Rock solid on hitch.
Weaknesses: None that I can find
Bottom Line:
I just purchased one of their newest models, the 2" only hitch rack with 2 bike platform. I have installed it on 2 different vehicles and it is rock solid when the hitch bolt is tightened. I can't wait to get some bikes on it. It can also take 1 or two more bike carrier add ons. It seems like a great product and should last for many years! I also like how it folds so small.
