-Takes only seconds to load and captures the bikes firmly by the wheels and not the frame. It will not damage your bike or vehicle.
-Works on all bikes and wheel sizes, even long wheel base recumbents. Longer trays available for no extra cost.
-Rack folds up to 36"X12"X10" for easy storage - fits in your trunk
-Comes fully assembled and ready to install on vehicle
-Automatic hole finder - no bolt, pin or clip to insert in receiver
-Anti-theft system - prevents theft of rack from vehicle
-Boltless system takes all play and wobble out of the rack in the receiver
-One rack fits both 2" and 1 ¼" receiver sizes with 1 ¼" adaptor provided
-No bungee cords, plastic rings or rubber ties required
-Light weight, durable anodized Aluminum with stainless steel hardware - No Rust
-CNC machined Aluminum construction
-The unique design allows you to add or remove 3rd, 4th or 5th trays as needed.
-Bikes can be offset to avoid bikes colliding with one another
-You can carry up to 5 bikes on 2" receiver
-Carry up to 3 bikes on 1 ¼" receivers
-Additional single bike trays available for only $139 each and can be added to the existing rack
-Inclined design allows for more ground clearance - less chance of hitting speed bumps, etc.
-Adjustable fold-up angle allows the rack to fold up to 90 degrees or as low as 65 degrees to allow room for spare tires, bumpers, etc.
-Tilts down for trunk/hatch access with quick release latch
-Lifetime warranty, 60 day money-back guarantee
-Manufactured and assembled in the USA!
Submitted by
Chuck
a Downhiller
from St. Charles , Mo
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2007
Strengths: Made of 6063 T6 Aluminum, Stainless Steel Anti-Vibration Hardware. Holds up to 4 bikes, No removal of tire, unloads in 1 minute.
Weaknesses: none that I am aware of.
Bottom Line:
I have hauled this over some very ruff roads and it is extremely sturdy, it's the best mounting and easiest release bike rack I have had. No hassle to get your bike out , no tire to take off or put on. Priced good for 1 bike mount at $104.00 2 bikes at $199.95. The serious mountain bike riders that hit the trails and for the week end warriors this is the bike rack for you. Check this bike rack out at, Sierra Coast. See scbikeracks.com
Strengths: - very easy loading and unloading of bikes - made of aluminum so no rusting and it's fairly light - folds up nice and compact for easy storage - can easily be used with 1.25" or 2" hitch receivers - doesn't touch bike frame and will hold ANY bike with 2 wheels - can carry up to 5 bikes with additional trays - tilts down to get access to rear door on hatchbacks and SUV's when bikes are loaded - lifetime warranty! - excellent customer service (see below for details)
Weaknesses: - has some "wobble" to it at highway speeds using a 1.25" hitch receiver (not nearly as bad with a 2" receiver)
Bottom Line:
I've been using this rack now for 3 seaons. It's by far the best rack I've seen or used. Alot of thought has gone into it. It's very easy to load and unload bikes and takes no more than 10-15 seconds per bike. It can hold up to 5 bikes with the purchase of additional trays, and will hold any bike with 2 wheels. I can easily carry both my XC and big DH bikes with no problems. It works well with a 1.25" hitch receiver, but works best with a 2" receiver as this eliminates much of the "wobble" at highway speeds.
Just recently I noticed some cracks starting to form in the 2 rear wheel trays. Sent a quick email off to 1UpUSA, and they sent me out 2 replacement trays with no questions asked. They didn't even ask me for pictures or anything. It took a little long to get to me as I live in Canada, however about 2 weeks later the new trays arrived as promised. Now that's customer service! I would recommend this rack to anyone.
Strengths: Best built rack Lightest rack Quickest to put bike on and off
Weaknesses: $$$
Bottom Line:
This rack goes on and off the car in 2 minutes and folds up to put in trunk. All aluminum so weight is very light. Does not touch body of car. Holds bike by wheels and doesn't touch frame of bike. You are able to take off tray for second bike since I'm just hauling one bike. Very stable at high speeds, I have it on my sports car.Looked at all the racks out there and this one made the most sense to me. Expensive but worth it if you want the best. Can only buy online so you can't see in person until it arrives. I wasn't disapointed.
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2006
Strengths: Very solid construction. Well designed. Expandable. Doesn't rust.
Weaknesses: Price. Heavy (but lighter than a comparable steel rack)
Bottom Line:
Very happy with this rack. The construction is solid and it holds the bike very securely. Its easy to load and has a built in lock. Takes downhill bikes with big tires without a problem. Expands to hold 3 bikes on a class 1 hitch. Doesnt rust and looks great.
It hurts to spend so much on a rack, but quality does not come cheap. And I cant see them being able to manufacture this rack for any less.
BTW, I just checked the 1upUSA sight, and couldn't find the rack listed anywhere. Is it still available?
Strengths: Simpel, bullet-proof, corrosion-free construction, ease of use, adjustibility, grips bikes by the tires only, folds compact, light (compared to comparable steel racks)
Weaknesses: None. I really gave this some thought, and I literally can't think of anything.
Bottom Line:
I owe it to 1UpUSA to add my review. Their rack is the simply best one out there and their customer service is outstanding.
I leave my rack on my Honda Element all the time because I ride at least three days a week and often four. A rack should be able to withstand the same exposure as the car it's mounted on, yet every steel rack I've had has rusted...except this one. I've driven thousands of miles with this rack and haven't had any problems. It has outlived all previous racks and still looks great. I have a two inch receiver and the rack doesn't sway any more than any other hitch rack I've used, especially any of those "frame hanger" styles.
Putting the bikes behind the vehicle improves gas mileage versus roof mounting and you don't have to take off front wheels. When you get to the trail head, your bike is off in seconds and ready to go.
It's lighter than any comparable steel rack and I like the counter-intuitive way the rack's knobs work. It might deter the casual crook because he can't figure out how to get your bike loose and give up!
The bottom line is this rack costs a little more than comparable racks, but you'll have it for a lot longer and without any headaches. Get one!
Strengths: Super easy to load/unload bikes, oozes quality, easy to attach/detach from vehicle, folds small enough to store in a car trunk. It was shipped very quickly and came fully assembled.
Weaknesses: Allows bikes to sway and bounce like a belly dancer. I have the 1.25" receiver versus the 2" receiver, but the sway isn't coming from the hitch attachment--the integrated bolt locks that solid. The way the bikes mount to the rack in combination with the fore-aft play in the support arms and the up-down play in the wheel trays will set a bike into motion with the smallest of inputs. The wind turbulence on my car at highway speeds is more than enough to keep a bike constantly moving. In fact, a mild breeze when parked will set the bikes to jiggling. I guess you could ask why it bugs me, since it still hold the bikes. Partly it's because all that jiggling could cause paint damage if you're running a cable lock through the bikes while on a road trip. Mostly though, it just offends my sensibilities.
Bottom Line:
If it weren't for the considerable bike movement, I'd rate this rack nearly perfect, given its many strengths. I gotta withhold a flamin' turd for the play, though. That said, I wouldn't hesistate to recommend it and couldn't locate an alternative that matched its strengths.
Similar Products Used: SportWorks Transport -- held bikes with no perceptable movement. Sure can't fold it up and put it in a mid-sized car trunk, though.
Bike Setup: several
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, WI USA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2006
Strengths: Good looking, very industrial appearance. Good quality materials. Adjustable to almost any wheelbase and size. If you can handle the weight, size and price buy it.
Weaknesses: Awkward and hard to manage. Difficult to install/store. *****PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE A HANDICAP***************** Adds considerably (even when folded up) to length of vehicle. My van wouldn' fit into the garage. Small adjuster knobs work well but are a hassle to spin and spin and spin...... Well made and expensive.
Strengths: Lightweight, very compact, beautiful finish, solid/durable, simple to attach and detach from hitch, quick loading of bikes, bikes lock in solid.
Weaknesses: Gets pricey as you add additional trays to carry 3, 4 or 5 bikes. No integrated lock like some of the Thules have. A bike with a flat tire could cause the need to use a rag as a cushion or something soft to lock the tire in place so the rim is not damaged.
Bottom Line:
I looked at a Saris and various "frame hangers" like Thule's Hitching Post models...but couldn't find the Thule Sportrack at any store (though it could be special ordered). I read pros and cons of racks here and on RoadBikeReview forums. In the end, I decided since 1UpUSA gives a 60 day moneyback guarantee, I'd try them first (the reviews here also reassured me). I liked the idea of a carrier that does not touch the frame.
I felt I was overpaying for their rack by about $100 or so, but once I got it and tried it...I knew I had made the right choice. No plastic, no steel and no rust. The aluminum alone is probably worth the extra bucks. This thing folds up practically flush against my truck when attached and carrying no bikes. It literally takes seconds to attach/detach, and using a wrench supplied, a half turn to lock it in (the lock actually forces apart the two pieces of aluminum that fit into the hitch so that it can't be removed and fits very snug)...a great idea. No alignment issues of any kind. See their website for detailed photos of this...it works just as they describe.
Loading bikes is effortless...set a bike in the trays, push on the arm against the back tire and turn a knob until it tightens down...probably 10 seconds. Bikes are held by front and rear wheels so no extra lashing of the front wheel or handlebars is necessary...bikes don't hit each other. The arm on the front tire only needs set one time...locking down the bike after that is all done by the rear tire side.
When off the vehicle, I can fold it and set it in the back of my SUV or garage floor...I don't believe the Saris model folds and is larger in comparison...not sure about the Sportrack. Some have complained about a rocking motion...while it does rock a little, it's not a concern. In fact, I think it might help absorb normal road bumps (potholes) that would otherwise go directly to the bike. I am using a 2 inch hitch receiver...this could be more of a problem with the 1 1/4 inch adapter they offer.
After trying one other rack, which I returned, I found this website and bought this rack based on the opinions of you great people. I love this rack! I am so glad I got it. Though expensive, I feel it was the right choice. The screws that tighten the rack to the bike tires are a little obnoxious, but overall this thing is awesome! I have paid really close attention to the sway that some have mentioned, and feel it is negligible, though I admit I drive mostly on paved streets. My bikes are for off-road, so my 4runner doesn't see much action there. If you don't want your rack to rust, get this one. You won't be disappointed. After seeing a couple of Sportracks in town, I feel I made the right choice with 1upusa. Sportrack would be my second choice, Saris third.
Submitted by
Wilhelm
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2005
Strengths: Simple, fast loading, w/o taking off wheels, easy and fast to put on and take off car, beautifully built, looks like industrial art.
Weaknesses: Sways a little
Bottom Line:
I bought this rack because I was tired of fussing with a trunk rack on my Toyota Prius, and I didn't want to mess up my sweet 47mpg fuel economy with a roof rack! I knew I wanted a hitch mount rack so I could put it on and take it off quickly and easily. I had of course seen 1-Up products on this site, and visited them on-line. Their product seemed very well engineered, and very well made right here in the good old USA. They cut me a 10% discount because I bought 2 bike holders and one of their trainers (to be reviewed latter). Installation is a snap: slide the rack into the receiver until it clicks, and tighten one keyed security bolt. This secures the rack to the car, making it tamper proof. To lock the bikes to the rack, I use a cable lock. Loading the bikes is just as easy. Open the arms, put the bike in, close the arms, and tighten the knob. A worm drive screw pulls the arm into the tire, holding it in and down. It seems too easy, and I was skeptical that it would be secure, but it is. I have mounted carbon rimmed road bikes (I called Zipp, and they said it was fine for their rims), 29" wheel Mt. Bikes, dual suspension bikes, large bikes, small bikes, 1 bike 2 bike 3 bike 4... Starting to sound like Dr. Suess... Suffice to say, the rack fits them all quickly and easily. Owners with funky frames take note: since the rack holds by the wheels, frame design is irrelevant in holding the bike. Owners of VERY long wheelbase bikes might not be able to fit their bikes. My 20" Salsa with 29" wheels fits snugly with the arms fully open. I don't know if a 22" framed 29"er would fit. Regarding the sway, bikes will move a little, but no more than with a rook rack using an upright holder (where you don't clamp by the fork) like the Yakima Ankle Biter. I have taken 2 bikes on this rack across the Dragon, a notorious mountain road with over 300 curves in 12 miles, and they made the trip fine. If the bikes touch at all, the handlebars and the seats touch, so I haven't had any damage from rubbing bikes. Finally, one suggestion when mounting multiple bikes: put all the bikes on the rack before tightening the locking knob. This lets you move the bikes around a little while loading.
Similar Products Used: Yakima roof racks, various trunk racks.
Bike Setup: Titus Racer-X, Cannondale R3000, Salsa Dos Niner
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
craig behnke
a
from lakewood, co. usa
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2005
Strengths: highest quality materials, design, construction, fit, ease of use, so many stranghts
Weaknesses: expensive, have to fold it out of way to open rear door on Jeeps, not offered in painted colors, ummm....not many. this thing is AMAZING.
Bottom Line:
Wow! amazing high quality of materials, ingenious desing, superb machined aluminum construction (looks like it's all CNC machined) so darn simple to use, holds the bike like a pit bull without touching any metal, i have used it for only a week and i am amazed how great this rack is. if i was to start from scratch and desing the baddest-azz, high quality, easy to use, durable, bike rack....i bet you it would wind up exactly like this. but I don't have to design and build one....1upUSA already did it. it is expensive but when you see how high quality the whole package is compared to the competition that uses cheaper pressed tube steel parts you will know why the rack costs more AND IS WORTH IT.
from the delivery box to actually using it on your car takes 1 minute, to load a bike takes 10 seconds, to unload takes 10 seconds, to collapse it all down for not carring a bike takes 10 seconds. amazingly simple to use.
This is a rack you buy and keep for 50 years....that is how bulletproof the materials and construction are. 5 conflagrating turds for an AMAZING product, but only 4 turds for value...it is pretty darn expensive.
Strengths: 5 Bikes!! Any size with any width tires. Who can beat that? It is incredibly strong. It is adaptable to however many bikes you choose to take with you (except one - minimum two trays).
Weaknesses: The sway is a little freaky, but they have assured me that it is meant to have some sway. I don't like looking in the rear view and seeing 5 bikes swaying like that. I have put a thousands of miles on though with no problem.
Bottom Line:
This is the best rack that I have owned. I don't like the sway of the rack - just like Mike said (unfortunately he felt the need to say it three times!). I have called 1upUSA and they assured me that there is nothing to worry about. I carry 5 downhill bikes on this thing regularly. Sometimes the trips are hundreds of miles. There has never been any problem at all! I like that my 3" tires fit this rack. There are not too many racks that accept tires that big. It folds up nicely and is easy to use. It has taken me 15 years to find the rack that I intend to stay with. I was lucky enough to get the rack before the price went up. It is salty now, but I would still buy it again even at the new price. Downhillers should definitely look at this rack. Anyone who wants to carry a lot of bikes should as well.
Similar Products Used: Trunk mount, roof mount, and hitch mounts from Yakima and Thule. It seems that I have tried everything. I have now settled on this rack and do not forsee changing again.
Bike Setup: DJ - Azonic DS 1, DH Specialized Big Hit Comp '01, FR - Haro Extreme EX 1, XC GT I-drive LTD & Weyless XP
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John Dries
a Cross Country Rider
from Easton, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2005
Strengths: Strong, well-engineered rack that looks as good as it works. Comes assembled and ready to stick into the receiver. Easy to use and stow. I like that we don't have to remove any wheels to mount the bikes on the rack. Wife's car is silver and this looks like original factory-installed equipment on it.
Weaknesses: Only weakness is the bolt that could be removed w/ a standard wrench. Of course, what would be removed by taking out the bolt couldn't be used w/o a lot of improvisation.
Bottom Line:
If you like good construction and good looks as well as ease of use in a product, this is your rack. It folds up and stows away nicely and will never rust. You can leave this rack on your vehicle for the whole riding season. Untwist the lock and pull the pin to lower into position and load your bikes. Pull pin and twist lock in raised position when not using. There is some swaying of bikes in this rack, but have no doubts or worries about anything rubbing or breaking.
Strengths: 1. Truely inspired Design 2. Unbelievable Quatily of materials 3. Top notch fit and finish 4. This is the easist to use rack I have ever used or seen 5. The bike is more secure in this rack than any I've use or seen. Note: There is a small amount of wobble but I dare you to try to pull a bike off this rack when it is tightened in. 6. It will not rust. 7. It looks great. 8. It only touches the rubber on your tires and not the frame or seat post. 9. It swings up out of the way 10. No time wasted taking wheels on and off
Weaknesses: None The flex is no different than what is seen with other hitch mounted racks and It is a non issue since it has no impact on the function of the rack
Bottom Line:
You will not find a better designed and manufactured bike rack anywhere. This is the new gold standard. It would be a bargin at twice the price.
