Quick and easy hitch-mounted bike rack carries most bikes, regardless of frame design, suspension or brakes. Frame folds up when not in use. Lockable, with Lockup security accessory.StrongArm™Technology givesThisTray-style 2-bike hitch carrier more bike protection muscleThanThe average bodybuilder.This hitch carrier design is perfect for owners of heavier bikes, or pretty much anyone who wantsThe ultimate in bike-transportation peace of mind. Carries 2 bikes out ofThe box Available in e
Strengths: Damn heavy rack. I use it, and it's extension, to haul around 4 bikes. Super heavy duty. I can install it on my SUV in minutes, and load 4 bikes in the time it takes to write this review. For the money, its hard to find such a heavy duty rack that can transport 4 bikes.
Weaknesses: Well, as much of a plus as a negative is the weight. Its no light weight. Getting it aligned and bolted on can be a little chore. And folding it up and out of the way is a challenge. But a weakness, probably not, but rather just to point out when you buy this thing that it'll be heavy.
Bottom Line:
During a early summer road trip, I used my traditional roof mounted rack and my riding friend used this rack. I was enlightened to hitch mounted racks. I don't keep my rack on my car all the time (my roof rack whistles too much) so easy installation is important to me. Also, my bikes are fairly light, but it seems to take an act of faith to hoist them up onto the roof and in one movement pray the dropouts hit the mounts the first time rather than crashing through the sunroof or denting the roof. I have a big ass tall SUV, so hoisting them up is always an experience.
Then my riding bud shows me that he can install the rack in about a minute, and load 4 bikes on it in no time. On our trip, we had a combination of 26 & 29 MTB's and they all just popped right on the rack. No prayers necessary. They all seemed rock solid on the rack.
So after 15-20 trips to the trailhead, this rack seems t have held up nicely. I've had several neighbors borrow it over the summer as it is just to darn easy to use. I still have my rooftop for an extra cargo thingy, but I just can't imagine using it again for my bikes.
I paid about $800 for the rack and extension from my LBS.
Strengths: Well-built, strong, solid design, easy to use, easy on bike, fits my 29er
Weaknesses: little on the heavy side but no big deal
Bottom Line:
I saw this rack for the first time at Yuba Expeditions in Downieville, CA (the best bike shop in the world). Both of their shuttles are equipped with Hold-Ups front and rear, and I was immediately struck by how well designed they were in holding bikes in a rock-solid manner yet without touching the frame anywhere. I told myself that if I ever spent the cash on a really good bike that this was the rack for me. Needless to say my Prius did not come equipped with a hitch but I found one on Amazon for 130 and installed it myself in 15 minutes. I have used it 3-4 times a week and have had no problems. I'm surprised at some of the other reviews because mine has been bombproof. It is bare none the best rack I have every owned. My GF and my Santa Cruz Tallboy LT both love it, too ... everyone is happy!
Similar Products Used: Yakima and Thule roof racks, Yakima and other trunk racks
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Tallboy LT SPXAM
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mts
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2012
Strengths: The holdup is a very hassle free thing to use. No need to put in the efforts to lift on your bike and put it on the roof. It will take less than a minute to mount the bike so that sums up the ease. The holdup comes with lock as well so that you can stop to have a meal without worrying for your bikes. It carries a treat for you as well, yes it is the bottle opener.
Weaknesses: The things which you should be careful of are that the straps which hold your wheels are vulnerable and you should buy extra and stronger straps to provide security otherwise you may end up missing your bike on the highway! Also the fact that some feedbacks point on the quality of plastic used in the straps so that should not be a worry when you decide to top up your racks with some additional high quality straps.
Strengths: Folds up nice when not in use. Nice design. Fits 29er bikes no problem!
Weaknesses: Poor quality parts, flimsy plastic wears out and wobbles after several months of use.
Bottom Line:
I really like the design of this rack. My last rack was destroyed by a vehicle that rear ended my truck. However, freeway speeds cause the plastic parts to flex from the wind which results in "play" between the parts. One side of my rack is no longer trustworthy for freeway speed driving, the swing arm wobbles. The rivet in one of the wheel straps has also come loose and is about to fall out! I could have the failing parts replaced under warranty but this will just happen again, and again. No thanks!
I've had my Hold-Up for about 2 weeks now and decided to post up a little review. I am coming from a Saris bones, which I loved but I got a new car and didn't want to destroy the bumper like the Bones did. I installed a hitch with the idea of a tray in mind from the start. I was able to get mine through Yakima so I will say I got quite the deal. As for the price, it may be a little expensive for a 2 bike rack, but after seeing some pricing on 1up's, etc. I still think it is a great value.
Unboxing: It was easy. It literally came put together, ready to go in the box. You have to assemble the 2 bars (which already are pre assembled with the fork mount and rear holder attached and tight). Install would take about 10 mins tops. I was kind of worried, I thought it was so easy I must be doing something wrong. I still wanted to look over everything and make sure it was all tight from the manufacture, and it was.
On the hitch: This thing is STURDY. It is a fairly heavy rack with think tubing on the trays and the body. It would be kind of annoying to take on and off the hitch every time. Once tightened down to the hitch it has no play at all, I end up moving the entire car when trying to see if it'll play. Everything is tight and moves on the swivels it is intended to, no other play. Holy smokes this thing folds up small when not in use.
Load up and drive: Loading up the bikes takes seconds. The fork mount works on a swivel that will easily fit 29" wheels. The rear has a nice heavy duty ratchet system with a wheel well for both. My friend and I took a 1hr drive on the hwy 70+mph and the bikes did not move.
Extra: The cable lock that comes with it is a nice feature if you wanna get some post ride food and not worry about your bike, although it is merely a deterrent. I wish they would have included a hitch pin lock but those you can pick up from your LBS for less than $30. It gave me the piece of mind that it won't be stolen off my car.
All in all I am very happy with the quality of this rack. It was a bit expensive to set up, getting a hitch installed on my car for the sole purpose of hauling bikes, but it was worth it. The ease of load up makes it all worth it.
Submitted by
mtbbiker@heart
a Weekend Warrior
from Corona, CA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2010
Strengths: Solid construction, Easy set up, Very quick to load and unload bikes.
Weaknesses: Heavy (49lbs)
Bottom Line:
Once you have your bikes loaded, they do not move. No more bike to bike contact. The only thing I have to do is lower the seats on the bikes so the handle bars don't hit. I also have the hold up plus 2 (which I will review as well). This rack makes easy work of any bike frame or size.
