At $699, its a big investment for a rack with so many compromises, but the FullSwing 4 does undercut the RockyMounts BackStage by $711 and can carry two additional bikes.See the Yakima FullSwing 4. The RockyMounts BackStage is 10 to 20 pounds heavier than most other platform-style racks, and therefore you will not want to remove it from your vehicle very often (or without help). RockyMounts MonoRail Rack 1-Bike Extension $ 199.95. And after about 500 miles of use, which did include many miles of dusty gravel roads, the padded frame cradles managed to rub the paint completely off one of our bikes. Weve found the arm that locks over the front tire is prone to sticking, and our rack has developed a fair amount of squeaking over time (granted, we keep it on our vehicle year-round). We also like the EZ+1 extension, which allows you to expand its carrying capacity to three bikes with only a 9-pound weight penalty (for an additional $259). 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). 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). It also takes a fair amount of effort to get the bikes into a place (a downside of the tall design). Choosing the Right Bike Rack for Your Car, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Reasonably priced, highly versatile, solid construction, user-friendly tilt release, comes with locks, Very secure hold, no frame or fork contact, Secure hold, easy rack installation/removal, no bike frame contact, More security features than other trunk racks, comes in 2 and 3 bike versions, lightweight, folds small for transport or storage, more stable than other trunk racks, Very inexpensive, no assembly required, lightweight, folds small for storage, Sits slightly closer to vehicle than some, some assembly required, Design seems a little over-complicated, limited to vehicles with low roof height, you have to lift bike to height of roof to load, Works best on lower vehicles, harder to load bike, lock cores not included for integrated lock, Some assembly required, 33 lbs per bike weight limit, may not be compatible with all frames styles and shapes, Not adjustable, support arms may not work with all frame shapes/styles, no security features, A roof-mount rack with an exceptionally sturdy and secure hold of your bicycle with no frame contact, A quality roof-mount bike rack that is particularly easy to install and remove and works best with lower vehicles and lighter-weight bikes, A quality trunk mount rack that stands out for its security features, stability, and adjustability, A very affordable, bare-bones trunk rack for the infrequent rack user on a tight budget, Yes, 1.25" reciever, single bike add-on sold separately, T-slot compatibility with additional SmarT-Slot Kit. As with the Dr.Tray above, Kuats Sherpa 2.0 is a lightweight alternative in the heavy platform rack world. This is only really an issue for really small BMX or kids bikes, and most riders shouldn't have any issue getting their bikes to fit. 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 dont: Only offered in a two-bike capacity. It should be noted, however, that this cable lock system is far from theft-proof and is more of a theft deterrent than anything else. All standard wheel sizes are no problem. The MonoRail is very well suited for everyday use. To start, its easily one of the most expensive ways to carry two bikes, and therefore is not a good value unless you need or want the ramps. 1 color. Hanging racks are a popular way to transport bikes without needing to lift them overhead onto the roof of your vehicle, and they typically also offer more capacity out of the box than platform designs. Reflecting the growing popularity of heavy e-bikes and large fat bikes, Thule released the EasyFold XT 2. Similar to the Kuat Transfer above, the rack is reasonably light, loads quickly and easily with ratcheting arms that secure over the front tire, and includes a tilt function to allow access your vehicles rear hatch. Anyone looking to truly secure their bikes to this rack would be wise to look into a more robust aftermarket lock. The rack secures the bike by the front tire, so there's no contact with the frame. The Monorail is well suited for transporting bikes of course. RockyMounts claims the SplitRail is the lightest expandable hitch rack available, although Yakima says the same of their even newer Dr. Tray rack. I need to buy a hitch platform rack in the next 2 weeks. What do you give up by saving with the Kuat? At $550 and $598 respectively, theyre clearly a big investment, costing nearly as much as the main racks themselves. As the name indicates, tilting racks can be leaned over by pulling a lever that moves the rack far enough down to allow you to open the rear hatch or tailgate of your vehicle. A versatile hitch-mount rack that provides a high price to performance ratio, Sits slightly closer to vehicle than some. Adding the swing-away functionality to a hitch-mounted rack does come with compromises. Thules latest addition to their platform hitch collection is the high-end Helium. Wheel size and tire width arent major considerations when choosing a hanging rack, but those that opt for the platform style will want to verify their bikes will fit in the included trays. There are notable outliers, however, including the innovative 1UP Recon Rack 6, which can accommodate six bikes in a vertical hanging position. 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. Its 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. In addition, the two-bike add-ons that are offered on some platform racks are only compatible with a 2-inch receiver. Kuat NV 2.0 - 2 Bike Rack Grey/Orange $ 849.00. Further, we think Yakima has the best cradle system, which includes ratchet-style straps to securely hold the bikes top tube to the rack. Platform Rack Add-Ons Manufacturers oftentimes have a technical drawing available of the rack in question, and you can use the measurements for assessing whether or not youll run into any fitment issues. Type: HangingWeight: 56 lbs.Number of bikes: 4Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: The convenience of a swing-away design.What we dont: Heavy and pricey for a hanging rack. 44lbs and 2oz, right about average for weight, and this includes the hitch pin and cable lock. Like most hitch mount platform racks, the MonoRail takes up a fair amount of space. 1 color. 1 color . If you plan on removing your hitch rack with any regularity, youll want to pay attention to weight, and many leading options tip the scales at 50 pounds or more. At 32 pounds, its a whopping 20 pounds less than the Kuat NV 2.0 above, which makes it a whole lot easier to install and remove from your vehicle. This means youll want to avoid the standard hanging rack category, as models like the Yakima Ridgeback secure the bike with straps directly over the top tube. And with rapidly changing technology and an ever-growing Not long ago, mountain bikers didnt have a choice when it came to wheel sizes26 inches was the only option. The tubing and trays have a durable metal construction, though there is a fair amount of plastic on this rack. And finally, the RockyMounts is a little limited in bike compatibility, with a max weight of 40 pounds and tire width of 3 inches. The process is relatively straightforward and easy, and it took us around 15-20 minutes to complete. As with any hanging-style hitch rack, theres no avoiding the fact that the FullSwing 4 makes direct contact with your bikes frame. First, the upper cradles that hold bikes in place are not compatible with road or cyclocross-style bikes, which limits its appeal. Jun 26, 2018 Saris racks are US made. Kuat Transfer Universal 2 Bike Hitch Mount, CURT Manufacturing 13316 Class 3 Trailer Hitch. Code: RKY10002 113 reviews Retail: $813.76 Our Price: $769.95 Quantity: Product Specs: Hitch Bike Racks Platform Rack Fold-Up Rack Swing-Away Rack Tilt-Away Rack And as mentioned above, all of the components on the Thule are extremely well-made, which makes the investment worth it over time. If you have any interest in carrying a fat bike, the primary selling point for me was that it carries everything from fat to road bikes with no modification. lifetime membership for a one-time fee of $30 Add to cart$499.95 Add to Wish List They typically double the racks carrying capacityfrom two to four bikesand are available for many popular designs (including Thules T2 Pro XT Add-On and Kuats NV 2.0 Add-On). At RockyMounts, we offer various premium vehicle bike racks and accessories for those anywhere in the US and Canada. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. For those who tend to keep a bike rack on their vehicle at most (or all) times, the Yakima HoldUp Evo folds up and out of the way. Compare RockyMounts BackStage vs Yakima FullSwing | etrailer.com Select Year Select Make RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount Mouseover to zoom. Tack on a considerable $49 difference in cost, and despite the NVs 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. For group rides, shuttling, tour companies, or if you simply want to maximize your carrying capacity, 1UP's Recon Rack 6 is worth a serious look. To keep the material protected, the most important thing to do is select a style that doesnt allow for any frame contact. Rooftop racks have a lower maximum capacity (usually two bikes), are more of a pain to load and unload, and can impact gas mileage or create a whistling sound on the highway. Priced at a reasonable $469 for the four-bike version, the RidgeBack offers double the capacity of the Thule T2 Pro above for hundreds less. The rear wheel cradle is attached on a hinge so it does have some adjustment, the RockyMounts website claims it can fit wheelbases from 34" to 49". Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The mounting brackets for the trays are snug, so once you position the trays it holds them securely while you insert and tighten down the hardware. The RockyMounts MonoRail Solo holds a single bike with tires up to 5 and overall weight up to 60 lbs. Testers found it relatively easy to move around and pick up with just one hand, making putting it on and taking it off less of a chore. It scored relatively well in this metric although it lost a little ground due to its limited wheelbase length adjustment. Moreover, there is very little space between the bikes when theyre loaded, which can lead to rubbing and damage to the paint. No ads. The clamp itself is easy to tighten down onto your wheel and just as easy to release with the large blue lever on the handle. But if these complaints arent deal-breakers, the WestSlope is a desirable option for families and group rides.See the RockyMounts WestSlope 3. Further, the Recons burly build is extremely heavy (the two boxes that ship to you exceed 100 pounds total), which makes it difficult to set up and remove. What are the downsides of the Recon R6? Finally, weight is an issue, and youll typically want two people for set up or removal. Haven't even picket it up yet! The appeal is clear: By hanging the bikes from their handlebars verticallyand securing them below at the rear wheelyoure able to carry more bikes closer to your vehicle. Plus, the optional 2-Bike Add-On (for another $550) doubles its capacity. For downsides, we were disappointed to find that Yakima didnt utilize enough padding on the straps for both the bars and wheels. RockyMounts GuideRail FROM: $849.95 Pick a Style Compare 4 Options By Kuat Kuat NV 2 Bike Rack FROM: $849.00 Pick a Style Compare By Yakima Yakima FullSwing Bike Rack $698.95 $699.00 Add To Cart Compare 2 Options By Thule Thule Helium Pro Bike Rack (Member Deal Available) FROM: $424.96 $499.95 Pick a Style Compare By Thule Bike racks in general have very similar feature sets, and one common upgrade that you see on mid-range and premium designs are locks. The hitch pin locks still work fine despite lots of wet driving on mountain roads but they feel like the flimsiest part 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 think the WestSlope and Transfer hit a nice sweet spot in performance and value, but the RockyMounts build is undeniably basic. During testing, it rained and snowed quite frequently and this rack lived on the back of our tester's truck for over a month. The tire cradles themselves are well designed with a curved shape and a narrow groove down the center that holds skinny road bike tires all the way up to 5" wide fat bike treads. All trademarks property of their respective owners Finally, everything about the Thule has a high-end look and feel to it, from the easy-to-use tilt lever to the metal trays and built-in cable locks. The saying you get what you pay for rings very true in the hitch-mounted bike rack world. Furthermore, the BackStage comes with many features youd 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. In cutting weight, however, you lose out on the long-term durability found on other racks. The Kuat Sherpa and the Yakima Dr. Tray are both lighter and easier to carry to and from the garage. Saris may not be as popular as Yakima and Thule, but theyve carved out a nice segment of the market with their competitive prices and creative designs. $549.00. $599.00 (2 . The latest version of the Transfer also is adjustable enough to fit a wide range of bike types and wheel sizes (from 18-29 in.) Even with the few issues that popped up, at the end of the day the $439 HoldUp 2 is still a great rack. RockyMounts LoBall Track Bike Locking Truck Pick up Quick Release. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. The majority of riders stick with the two-bike design, but families or those that anticipate carrying bikes for group rides should consider getting a higher-capacity hanging model or one of the platform add-ons to start. The T2 Pros 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 (no adapters needed). The design includes two independent folding arms that contact only the tires, leaving the rest of the bike completely untoucheda task that other racks struggle to accomplish. The common denominator among these compatible racks is a high price tag, but its well worth it to avoid any unnecessary damage to your carbon rig. Out of the box and ready for assembly. It does have padded arms, but those only help so much, and frame scuffs are inevitable. When the RockyMounts BackStage was released, the rack created quite a stir in the industry. If neither of those options work, youll need to do some digging. The premium vertical hanging rack market has seen a major uptick recently, and Yakima has thrown their hat into the ring with a couple models. Securing your precious cargo is a concern for many cyclists and RockyMounts has a made a solid effort to provide the user with security features on the MonoRail. Otherwise, we feel good about the overall durability of the MonoRail but it can't match the bombproof all-metal construction of the 1Up USA, or the sturdy design of the Kuat NV 2.0. That said, theres no denying the Heliums quality and clean looks, and its a perfectly fine match for those planning to just transport standard mountain and road bikes. Another method is to contact the manufacturer directly, and weve had good luck in getting reliable recommendations as to whether or not the rack were looking at will fit our vehicle. That said, for serious riders, the added weight and cost are well worth the security and ease of use of this style. Despite the drawbacks, if youre looking for a compact four-bike setup, the Saris SuperClamp EX 4 is a fine choice.See the Saris SuperClamp EX 4. 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