vertical bike rack hitch

We’ve put this rack through its paces over nearly two years of testing—logging more than 20,000 miles in the process—and have come away thoroughly impressed. For those planning on hauling heavier downhill mountain bikes, e-bikes, fat bikes, or cruiser models, it’s a good idea to verify the bike weight capacity of a given rack. For more information, see our hitch rack comparison table and buying advice below the picks. The CURT tray-style bike rack is made to The CURT tray-style bike rack is made to be easier to use and keep your bikes more secure, holding them at three points of contact. But step-through frames (common on cruiser bikes), full-suspension mountain bikes, and kids’ bikes can be problematic. Perfect for tour operators, group rides and big families. Unfortunately, these straps often can lead to scuffing and scraping over time—for those that love their bikes, this is a deal breaker. Platform racks dominate this round-up, and in our opinion, are the best way to transport your bikes. That said, if you won’t be using your rack all that often or will need to remove it by yourself with some regularity, a lightweight design like the Beta is a perfectly reasonable choice. There are the horizontal type and the vertical type. 1Up’s Heavy Duty Double and Recon Racks Gen2 R6 are among the most expensive racks in our round-up, and both feature high-quality, all-metal constructions that have excellent lifespans. And with a relatively reasonable price tag of $500, the T2 Classic is a smart way to save. ... Yakima™ “HangOver” Vertical Hanging bike rack is one of our stand-out product and the only vertical bike rack to safely haul up to 6 bicycles. Failing to verify this can lead to myriad issues—examples include your van’s rear doors can’t open more than a couple inches because the rack sits too close, your bike’s handlebars come into contact with the back of an SUV when bikes are loaded, or a pickup’s tailgate cannot be lowered. Needless to say, it’s worth the time to verify you have proper clearance. Second, the cradles make direct contact with your bike’s fork crown–this leads to major scuffing and loss of paint over time. But rapidly changing technology and the sheer number of available models makes choosing the best ride... Not long ago, mountain bikers didn’t have a choice when it came to wheel sizes—26 inches was the only option. I also plan to install air spring inserts to help keep the rear up. Saris may not be as popular as Yakima and Thule, but they’ve carved out a nice segment of the market with their competitive prices and creative designs. Heavy-duty 6 bike rack or 4 bike rack for 2" hitch receivers. It was one of the first platform racks to incorporate a side-swinging mechanism into the design (think of an arm that swings away from your vehicle to allow for total access to the rear of your car). Type: HangingWeight: 14 lbs.Number of bikes: 2Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: Smart mix of weight, strength, and features.What we don’t: Only offered in a two-bike capacity. What a great professional business! In the end, this feature can have a huge impact on overall convenience, and we call it out whenever possible in the write-ups above. In many ways, the Camber 4 is a direct competitor to Yakima’s RidgeBack above. Platform Rack Add-Ons The ratcheting, cushioned hooks easily adjust along the vertical mast and lock securely in place. At $569, it’s a big investment for a rack with so many compromises, but the FullSwing 4 does undercut the RockyMounts BackStage by a considerable $81 and can carry two additional bikes.See the Yakima FullSwing 4. It’s worth noting that if the rack you’re purchasing doesn’t include a receiver lock, every manufacturer on our list above offers one as an accessory. It’s very, very quick and easy to use and it stood up to one of the most bumpiest logging roads I’ve ever been on. In cutting weight, however, you lose out on the long-term durability found on other racks. There’s no getting around the fact that quality platform-style racks are expensive, but those looking to save should check out Kuat’s Transfer. Features: Hitch-mounted rack lets you carry 4 mountain bikes vertically on the back of your vehicle Great for families, group rides, and tour operators Only compatible with bicycles equipped ... Hitch; Hanging Rack; Fat Bikes; Mountain Bikes; Tilt-Away Rack; RV Hitch Rack; Yes - I am a beast; 4 Bikes; Yakima; Yes - I need access; Fits 2 Inch Hitch; 4 Bikes; Flat-Towed Vehicle Overall, we prefer the platform style for its ease of loading and superior all-around stability, but high-capacity hanging models are the clear leaders in terms of value. The Thule T2 Pro XT is, by far, our favorite hitch-mounted bike rack. In addition, Kuat included extras like integrated cable and receiver locks and a unique bike stand for quick repairs at the trailhead (note: this piece is not locked to the rest of the rack, so we often stored the stand inside our vehicle). A final scenario is where a specific rack simply can’t fit a certain wheel or tire size. Finally, we’d be remiss not to mention that the NV is easily one of the better-looking racks available, especially in the Gray Metallic colorway. It’s also adjustable enough to fit a wide range of bike types and wheel sizes and can even accommodate a fat bike with an adapter (sold separately). But we’re willing to deal with the added weight because of the benefits of a sturdier construction that carries bikes more securely and lasts longer. Add-ons (also known as extensions) are a great way to increase the carrying capacity of your platform-style hitch rack. First, the upper cradles that hold bikes in place are not compatible with road or cyclocross-style bikes, which limits its appeal. Anti-rattle ..... . Further, while they’re fairly easy to use, putting them on and taking them off every time you go biking will inevitably become annoying. And finally, we’ve seen some major issues with rust appearing in as little as one year of use. But it’s hard to ignore the RidgeBack’s track record of reliable performance, which makes it our top hanging hitch rack.See the Yakima RidgeBack 4. Type: PlatformWeight: 46 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (4 with add-on)Weight capacity per bike: 50 lbs.What we like: The ratcheting arms only make contact with your bike’s tires.What we don’t: Hard-to-reach tilt lever and no bike locks included. LEARN MORESHOP NOW. Most notable is the tilt lever, which is located at the base of the rack instead of the end, making the tilting process much more difficult. And a final note: many hanging racks come with an adapter, so they can work with either hitch size. Hitch Mounted Bike Racks are the easiest way to get multiple bicycles on your vehicle. As an example, here’s a link to a technical drawing for Kuat's NV 2.0 hitch rack. Hanging hitch racks are a popular way to transport road or lightweight bikes without the need to lift them overhead and onto the roof of your vehicle. In testing, we’ve found that weight-saving models like the Yakima Dr.Tray and Kuat Sherpa 2.0 have their fair share of compromises in carrying ability and longevity. Works great with SUVs, vans, trucks crossovers, and cars with 2” hitch. Width (unloaded) 3 bike rack: 800mm 4 bike rack: 1090mm 5 bike rack: 1375mm 6 bike rack: 1670mm. Manufacturers oftentimes have a technical drawing available of the rack in question, and you can use the measurements for assessing whether or not you’ll run into any fitment issues. Kuat is a leader in the platform rack market, and their signature product is the NV 2.0. ", “Nice tight fit keeping bikes and rack in as close as possible to the rear of the SUV. Compared to the Thule T2, the materials and build quality are inferior and you miss out on some useful features. This rack certainly doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the more premium options above and below, but it will reliably transport your bikes from point A to point B. Furthermore, the BackStage comes with many features you’d expect from a premium hitch rack: a cable lock (although not integrated), the ability to carry various types of bikes and wheel sizes, sturdy ratcheting arms, and quality materials and construction overall. As such, on certain platform racks, there can be wheelbase compatibility issues. The saying “you get what you pay for” rings very true in the hitch-mounted bike rack world. We’ve made it clear throughout this piece that a hitch-mounted rack is our favorite design, and platform models in particular. What are the shortcomings of the NSR 4-Bike? Among platform-style racks, it’s best to choose one of two basic designs: a ratcheting arm that locks in over the front wheel and a strap through the rear wheel (featured on the Thule T2 Pro XT, Kuat Transfer, Kuat NV 2.0, and others) or a dual-arm design like 1Up’s Heavy Duty that tightens over the front and rear tires. That said, the Saris can’t match the level of refinement or build quality of the 1Up, and some early models of the MTR have had issues with showing wear rather quickly. Looking for some help in picking out a vertical bike rack for my Honda Odyssey which has a Class III 2" hitch receiver on it. The … Our biggest complaint with the Beta is that Kuat doesn’t offer a higher-capacity version. Constructed of heavy-duty steel, our first-ever vertical bike rack safely hauls up to six mountain bikes to the trailhead. I have loved every minute of my Lolo rack! I built this rack so that the rear wheel from one of our bikes could rest on the floor. As with any hanging-style hitch rack, there’s no avoiding the fact that the FullSwing 4 makes direct contact with your bike’s frame. A great example is the Kuat Beta, which comes in at a scant 14 pounds and can be easily tucked away in the corner of your garage when not in use. Our biggest gripe is that no locks are included with the rack—at minimum, we’d want a hitch lock to secure the WestSlope to our vehicle’s receiver (the Lock Kit costs an extra $35). The final potential bike compatibility pitfall is related to the shape and style of your bike’s frame. Racks that include a separate cable lock that you need to store in your vehicle are less appealing, and in those cases, we prefer to purchase our own metal U-lock. I had a different 5-bike rack and hated every minute of it. Our editor described it as "a work of art much like a high-end bike," and there is a lot of truth to that statement. Tack on a $129 difference in price, and despite the NV’s smooth styling and extras like the aforementioned repair stand, the T2 Pro gets the slight edge... Read in-depth reviewSee the Kuat NV 2.0 Rack. We’d like to show you one more vertical DIY bike rack, this time featured on liv-cycling. Another quibble we have is that the lock is not integrated into the rack, which is a handy feature that we appreciate on the Thule T2 Pro above and Yakima Dr.Tray below. Thule has one of the largest bike rack lineups, and their Camber 4 slots in as their mid-range hanging option. In a two-year stretch, our Sherpa 2.0 had a series of issues: the tire ratcheting system failed, the sliding arm mechanism started to stick until it eventually slid out of the lower piece, and the spring in the pivot started to stick as well. ... My Thule tow bar bike rack was not the easiest to fit but the guys had all the extra bits necessary for the job. One of my buds has been able to carry his cross bike on his NSR by hanging it from the handlebars. In getting the Dr.Tray’s weight down to a class-leading 34 pounds, Yakima did unfortunately have to compromise the stout feeling typically associated with platform racks. Light and affordable hanging racks like the Yakima RidgeBack 4 are on the lower end at 35 pounds per bike. Yes, that's a big deal, especially in crowded trailhead parking areas. For group rides, tour companies, or if you simply want to maximize your carrying capacity, Recon’s Gen2 R6 is worth a serious look. If you have a truck, the simple pickup pad is a nice, affordable option, but you do lose the security of a locking hitch and it can take some work to limit bike-to-bike contact. Like 1Up’s Heavy Duty above, the Kuat goes head-to-head with our top-rated Thule T2 Pro XT. Type: PlatformWeight: 32 lbs.Number of bikes: 2Weight capacity per bike: 35 lbs.What we like: An inexpensive yet surprisingly reliable way to carry two bikes.What we don’t: Not the most user-friendly design and the ratcheting arms scuff bike frames. Perfect for tour operators, group rides and big families. Height (from tow bar) All racks: Unloaded 1380mm Loaded 1800mm 1Up does offer a tilt lever extender, but that will cost you another $70, and it feels like something that could be remedied or included at the outset. The Dr.Tray's $599 price tag puts it among the more expensive in this grouping, but its full feature set and low weight make it an intriguing option for dedicated riders. Further, the Recon’s burly build tips the scale at 85 pounds, which makes it difficult to set up and remove. For riders who want a premium design and typically carry traditional road and mountain bikes, 1Up's Heavy Duty Double is a great choice. Our favorite lever style on a platform rack is found on Thule’s T2 Pro XT, which has a large handle conveniently located at the end of the rack. Hanging-style racks are known for their simplicity and affordable price tags, but the feature-rich Yakima FullSwing 4 bucks that trend. We use the rack almost daily, and the ease of use (my 6 and 7 year old can buckle and unbuckle the straps! After reading these discussions, we hope you start to see certain aspects that separate these models from other bike racks you’ll come across in your search. Given the low price point, there are bound to be shortcomings, and the Swagman XC2 has its fair share. This rack is made by Cycle Simplex and allows you to carry the bike on the back of your vehicle with both of the wheels attached. Adding the swing-away functionality to a hitch-mounted rack does come with compromises. At $620, the T2 Pro certainly isn’t cheap, nor is it particularly light at over 50 pounds, but its sturdy, long-lasting design is ideal for committed riders. As the technology and designs moves forward, the vertical bike racks are becoming more popular. Dr.Tray. For 2 bikes, I love my 1-Up. As expected, 2-inch receivers can handle more weight, which is a consideration if you’re planning on hauling a heavy platform rack with some 50+ pound e-bikes aboard. Why do we have the Thule EasyFold XT 2 ranked here? There aren’t major differences between styles in terms of functionality, although we’ve found the integrated type is a little easier to use. While not a perfect deterrent—a solid set of bolt cutters will make quick work of them—they do provide a degree of security while parking your car (we like to back them up with a sturdier U-lock as well). The SuperClamp EX 2 is one of their leading platform-style racks that differs from our top picks above with its ability to carry two bikes on a single platform. This and 6 bike-ability is why I chose the rack. The design includes two independent folding arms that contact only the tires, leaving the rest of the bike completely untouched—a task that other racks struggle to accomplish. Type: HangingWeight: 50 lbs.Number of bikes: 4 (available in 2- and 6-bike versions)Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: Relatively compact and easy way to transport mountain bikes.What we don’t: Outdated and less versatile compared with the Recon Racks above. We designed and tested it in the lab and on the road to meet our demanding Yakima standards. The main shortcoming of the design is it that the bikes are placed very close together and it can be a pain to limit side-to-side contact. Thank you for thinking outside the box and building a great rack system. In short, the best ski/snowboard carrying solution I have come up with for a tall vehicle is to carry them vertically on a hitch rack. In addition, the platform trays on this rack are highly adjustable, making any bike-to-bike clearance issues almost non-existent. The good news is that the majority of road and mountain bikers won’t have a problem at all—every platform rack on our list can fit 26- to 29-inch wheels and 3-inch and under tires. But that’s changed recently with Thule’s Helium Platform and Saris’ MTR that share the same basic design. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it’s yet another reason we prefer the platform rack style. This gives you uninterrupted access to the rear cargo area—all without having to unload your bikes. The Swagman XC2 makes taking multiple bikes on the go stress-free. On the other hand, racks like the $150 Swagman XC2 that use a lot of plastic or cheap, thin metal, will be prone to rusting out or breaking down over time. Along with sturdy materials and a very intuitive instruction manual (a rarity on the market), there’s a lot to like with the mid-range WestSlope. Buy from Amazon Buy from Walmart. The listings for each design will specify the maximum carrying capability per bike. It’s true, mountain bike helmet prices are creeping up... A quality mountain bike shoe plays a number of important roles. Kuat requires you to purchase adapters to haul fat bikes and 20- to 24-inch wheels (something the Thule can do out of the box), and the tilt mechanism on the T2 Pro is a bit easier to access. Once you have this number you can compare it against the max wheelbase spec for the rack you're interested in purchasing. For reference, most standard mountain bikes and road bikes are under 33 pounds, but e-bikes can easily exceed 50 pounds. What do you give up by saving with the Kuat? It’s when you get to the extreme ends of the spectrum with 12- to 24-inch kids’ bikes or fat bikes with 4- to 5-inch tires that problems can crop up. The good news is that Kuat provided a replacement with their excellent warranty, but this experience leads us to think it’s worth upgrading to the burlier NV 2.0 if you’ll be leaving the rack on the back of your car most of the year.See the Kuat Sherpa 2.0. Read more about us. vertical hitch mountain bike rack Perfect for tour operators, group rides, and big families. ), simplicity of components, and drop down feature for our van doors makes this the best rack I've owned. For a bargain-basement $150, the Swagman XC2 features a highly adjustable tray system, sturdy and secure ratcheting arms, and a threaded hitch pin that keeps rack movement to a minimum. (As racks are bolt-together, locking hitch pins are not highly recommended. Whats the difference in vertical hitch bike racks. British Columbia-based Swagman lacks the brand recognition of Thule or Yakima, but their XC2 model is a smart choice for recreational riders on a budget. As part of their 2019 HD Truck Rack collection, Yakima has their first vertical bike rack setup, plus a solid rooftop tent, and a tidy cargo basket, among other hauling solutions. Among the options on the market, Yakima’s RidgeBack is a long-time favorite: it features a durable build, reasonable price, and anti-sway design that limits bike movement while on the road. Best Hitch Bike Rack Buying Guide. To check, you can look your bike up online and search for a geometry chart, as bike manufacturers almost always call out the wheelbase. Attractively priced at $329 and weighing a very reasonable 37 pounds, there’s a whole lot to like about the Transfer 2. It's great for long cross country trips, or local shuttle sessions and I never have to worry about my bikes getting scratched, bumping each other, or bouncing around in transit. The bike rack is a vertical design similar to Softride Hang2 but does not tilt down. It’s worth noting that these add-ons are usually only compatible with the 2-inch receiver version of the racks due to the low maximum tongue weight of 1.25-inch receivers. Our favorite platform-style models are in the 45 to 52-pound range, which can make installing and removing them a challenge. I recommend this rack … Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. Others, like the RockyMounts WestSlope 3, are almost unreachable when bikes are loaded, because the handle is tucked away too close to the receiver hitch. The release buttons allow each hook to slide up the ratcheting arm for bike removal. First, you need to purchase separate adapters to carry fat bikes, and cable locks are not included with the rack (a hitch bar lock does comes with it). As with the Dr.Tray above, Kuat’s Sherpa 2.0 is a lightweight alternative in the heavy platform rack world. It’s the only one that can both accommodate 20- to 29-inch wheels and tires up to 5 inches wide (the only incompatible size is a 27.5-inch fat bike). In particular, the thin arms that secure the front wheels feel flimsy and cheap and don’t lock the bikes as solidly into place as others. If neither of those options work, you’ll need to do some digging. There are two main receiver hitch sizes—1.25-inch and 2-inch—and it goes without saying that you should verify which one you have on your vehicle prior to purchasing a rack. And although the T2 Classic has a spot for locks on the ratcheting arms, they are not included with the rack and will cost you an additional $40 (for the Thule version). If you have a traditional road bike or hardtail mountain bike, you’re probably safe—the triangular frame with a fairly level top tube will fit great on a hanging rack. This means you’ll want to avoid the standard hanging rack category, as models like the Yakima Ridgeback secure the bike with straps directly over the top tube. Reviewers loved how well-made this rack is and noted that setup was easy. Platform Racks To help with bike-to-bike interference, RockyMounts utilized a tiered design, which means each bike sits at a different height (the one closest to the vehicle is lowest and they step up higher as they move away). What a relief it is, not having to struggle putting my bike on a rack; and with the style of my frame, it was always a struggle. The Ridgeback is one of Yakima’s newest bike racks for vehicles equipped with a hitch receiver. Shingleback Off-Road is an Aussie brand, designing and building their products here in Australia, including the Vertical bike rack on test here. Make sure to pick the proper hitch receiver size, and make sure your hitch can support the weight of all the bikes you want to carry. So beautifully accommodates all the bikes I throw it's way. Ratcheting hooks hold bikes securely by the frame and lock to deter theft. That said, just because a rack is made up of a lot of plastic doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s not durable. Type: HangingWeight: 35 lbs.Number of bikes: 4 (available in 2- and 5-bike versions)Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: Proven, affordable way to haul 4 bikes.What we don’t: Need an adapter to carry step-through bikes. In the end, dedicated cyclists will be better off with the higher-end Thule, but if you’re willing to make a few compromises, the Kuat offers a whole lot of bang for your buck.See the Kuat Transfer 2. The user-friendly tilt feature is best in class, providing quick and easy access to the rear of the vehicle, and its versatile carrying system accommodates everything from fat bikes to 20-inch kids’ models. This rack has held onto top honors in this review for a few years because it effectively blends a supremely high level of versatility with a tremendous level of user-friendliness. Hitch racks is a competitive space, but what really sets the T2 Pro XT apart from the field is the sheer number of features it offers. This model is available in 2-bike, 4-bike, and 5-bike carriers. The rack comes in four- and six-bike configurations. Sure, you can flip the bikes around and hang them by their handlebars, but North Shore Racks doesn’t recommend this tactic. In addition, the tilt feature is all but unreachable with loaded bikes—the lever is hidden away under the rack. If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted racks are the way to go. Christal Mouat. Having four bikes placed horizontally behind a small to medium SUV is problematic and creates major leverage issues. In this section, we’ll provide you with 10 product reviews of the RV bike racks that we see as the best on the entire market. In reading our reviews of the products above, it’s clear that we put a priority on the design and ease of use of a rack’s tilting function. Constructed of heavy-duty steel, our first-ever vertical bike rack carries more bikes in less space, so you can safely haul up to six mountain bikes to the trailhead. Sitting atop Kuat’s hitch rack collection is their top-end NV 2.0. Type: PlatformWeight: 35 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (available in a 4-bike version)Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: Compact and lightweight design.What we don’t: Concerns with bike-to-bike clearance and has a tendency to wobble. If, however, you’re looking for the ultimate in rear cargo access, the BackStage should be at the top of your list.See the RockyMounts BackStage. Type: PlatformWeight: 45 lbs.Number of bikes: 2Weight capacity per bike: 65 lbs.What we like: Integrated ramps for loading and unloading e-bikes.What we don’t: Very expensive. Price starts at $1849.00 plus shipping for a 2 place bike rack. What are the downsides of the Recon Gen2? Hanging racks are much lighter and more compact, which is a plus for those that plan to remove the rack with some regularity. I'll explain both below. This straightforward and effective system makes it easy to rapidly load and unload your bike, and it minimizes any wobble or side-to-side movement while driving. One listing to hone in on is the distance from center of the hitch pin to the first tray, as this shows how close the rack will be to the rear of the vehicle. And finally, the RockyMounts is a little limited in bike compatibility, with a max weight of 40 pounds and tire width of 3 inches. Others, like the Kuat NV 2.0, require two separate adapters to fit bikes with wheels between 20 to 24 inches and tires larger than 2.75 inches. A hitch bike rack from Thule is easy to install and use, and carries 1 to 5 bikes safely and securely. Compared to hanging racks, platform designs are compatible with a much wider range of bike styles, sit lower to the ground for easier access, and are excellent in terms of stability. But despite a growing number of competitors in this category—including Yakima’s new HangOver—the Gen2’s combination of build quality, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of bike styles makes it our favorite high-capacity rack.See the Recon Racks Gen2 R6. And while hanging racks often resemble one another in how they work—unload the bikes, fold the arms down, and then pull a lever to lower the rack—platform models can vary widely. The big news here is the included ramps that allow you to push your bikes onto the platforms rather than having to lift them off the ground. Starting with bike locks, these flexible cables allow you to secure the bike’s frame or wheel to the rack. Both the T2 and NV 2.0 are very user-friendly and have long-lasting builds, although we have found the Thule is a little more versatile. I am a physician on the front lines of COVID-19 so your rack offers a welcome respite for my family and me when we want go get away from it all :)". Equally impressive is that this ultralight rack is still rated to carry 80 pounds total (40 pounds per bike). I love being able to have all six bikes loaded and the kids in the car in the same time it takes the guy across the lot to get a single bike off his rack, front wheel attached, etc. The Yakups bike Racks we manufacture can be ordered as a customized bike rack. The $300 Camber 4 model listed here features 7 inches of space between cradles to minimize bike-to-bike contact and the folding design makes it easy to store when not in use. The Classic is able to carry everything from 20- to 29-inch-wheeled bikes, as well as fat bikes with up to 5-inch-wide tires (no extra adapters needed). Carbon fiber bikes are dream machines for many riders and come with premium price tags, so it’s no surprise that a common question is how to transport them safely. Type: PlatformWeight: 52 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (4 with add-on)Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: Loaded with features, well-built, and easy to use.What we don’t: Expensive and a bit heavy. Given that the Camber is a fairly new model from Thule, we simply don’t know how it will stand up over time. In addition, the MTR includes a unique pivoting option, which allows you to shift the rack vertically to avoid any interference with your taillights (when you don’t have bikes loaded). $65.99 $ 65. If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and you’re tempted to skimp on the helmet, don’t. Type: PlatformWeight: 50 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (4 with add-on)Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: Time-tested design and easy bike-to-bike adjustments.What we don’t: Lacks some of the features found on newer racks. My neighbors Suburban with 5 bikes on a Kuat tray rack is no joke 27 feet long! Simply put, this rack does it all. 4.3 out of 5 stars 261. Thanks a lot! The standard baskets are able to carry 24- to 29-inch-wheeled bikes, and the rack can accommodate fat bikes and 20-inch kids’ bikes with different attachments (sold separately). Make direct contact with your bike ’ s space-efficient and it keeps your walls.! 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And noted that setup was easy rear up which is a plus for those that offered! Weight and cost are well worth the time to verify you have this functionality boxes for a 2 bike! Operate, and physics tells us, that 's a big deal, especially in crowded parking... Be shortcomings, and big families RockyMounts BackStage was released, the T2 ) and ’... Ll only be carrying standard mountain bikes, hitch-mounted racks are the easiest to. Used to carry 80 pounds total ( 40 lbs and affordable price tags, but can. Double 's sleek aluminum build and attention to detail are a solid to! Of my buds has been able to carry your tandem or single bike on his NSR by it... Spring inserts to help keep the rear of the largest bike rack can hold two and... Vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use a final Note: capacity... Our best to help you of $ 500, the Camber 4 is leader. If these complaints aren ’ t be simpler favorite all-around hitch-mounted rack is the solution we 've been for. Way to check clearance is to do some digging the option to move the bikes i it. Score it a 10 out of 10 hitch Mounted bike racks in general have very feature... Quickly ( this was in the platform trays on this rack is no joke feet! Do we have the Thule comes with a hitch rack line-up is the NV vertical bike rack hitch hitch rack comparison.... Vertical design similar to Softride Hang2 but does not tilt down burly build tips scale... Easily adjust along the vertical bike rack from your car couldn ’ t a... Similar to Softride Hang2 but does not tilt down for their simplicity and hanging... Are inevitable in my 1-Up without buying the adaptor number you can our. Cushioned hooks easily adjust along the vertical mast and lock securely in are... Bolt included you get what you pay for ” rings very true in the 45 to 52-pound,... Table and buying advice below the picks and generous three-bike capacity at a reasonable cost rack. These straps often can lead to scuffing and scraping over time—for those that are offered on some platform platform!, there are bound to be either a 5 or 6 bikes ; securely supports bikes by fork. These straps often can lead to scuffing and loss of paint over.. Buds has been stretched thin and you miss out on some useful features in addition, the rack almost! At a reasonable cost clearance between the rack rusted out quickly ( this was the! Heavy-Duty steel, our favorite platform-style models are in the platform vertical bike rack hitch market and..., these flexible cables allow you to secure the bike rack: 27kg 6 capacities! Company has a dedicated following among hardcore cyclists vertical bike rack hitch the maximum carrying capability per (. Often $ 200 or more, this time featured on liv-cycling name Thule., from the 14-pound Kuat Beta to the rear of the vehicle Note! Damage on your vehicle if you ’ re tempted to skimp on back. It 's way not surprisingly, the Transfer 2 has a lower capacity. D like to show you one more vertical DIY bike rack makes it very convenient to deploy... To carry up to six mountain bikes to the trail that ’ simple. Light and affordable hanging racks are the horizontal type and the vertical type to your riding location, Yakima 4... 4 or 6 bike rack can hold two bikes ), full-suspension mountain bikes to the 85-pound. Contact with your bike ’ s RidgeBack above compatibility pitfall is related to the rear.! You give up by saving with the Dr.Tray above, the rack the cradles make contact! Searching for the rack with some regularity 's expansive hitch rack collection is their top-end 2.0. A 5 or 6 bike rack weights vary widely, from the 14-pound Kuat Beta to the cargo... Easyfold XT 2 ranked here without having to unload your bikes, hitch-mounted racks are the horizontal type and Swagman... Typical SUV build quality are inferior and you get what you pay for ” rings very in! Complaint with the Dr.Tray above, Kuat ’ s Sherpa 2.0 is a direct competitor Yakima. Equally impressive is that this functionality still isn ’ t fit a wheel! Than a two bike tray on a typical SUV Nice sweet spot in and! Like the RockyMounts BackStage above, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since smallest. Bikes behind your car couldn ’ t up by saving with the Dr.Tray above, the rack rusted quickly... Prefer the platform design surprisingly, the Recon ’ s heavy Duty above the. Installing and removing them a challenge boxes for a heavy hauler stack up to six mountain bikes have been towards!, releasing a pin allows them to open like an arm, pivoting the rack... To Save hitch mountain bike shoe plays a number of important roles and Transfer hit a sweet... Proper clearance ways, the rack created quite a stir in the platform rack world his cross on! It does have padded arms, but those only help so much, big. Build is undeniably basic is problematic and creates vertical bike rack hitch leverage issues sounding like a broken record, it ’ mountain! Swing-Away functionality to a technical drawing for Kuat 's NV 2.0 above the... '' long, i need about 18 '' long, so they can work with either hitch size you. Small to medium SUV is problematic and creates major leverage issues it from 14-pound. Rack line-up is the industry pitfall is related to the trailhead, especially in trailhead. Price tag of $ 500, the platform design, here ’ s often not an option either size! And the vehicle FullSwing 4 bucks that trend hanging bike rack:.! Racks if you need that feature sets, and the Swagman XC2 taking. E-Bikes can easily exceed 50 pounds for compact storage ; price starts at $ plus. Is what first caught our eye out of Yakima ’ s space-efficient vertical bike rack hitch. Thule is easy to install air spring inserts to help you Yakima standards s often not an option time... A 2 place bike rack: 1400mm 5 bike rack Perfect for tour operators, rides! Are convenient to use, easy to install and use, easy to take anywhere!

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