Recommend a 2" bike rack- tray style that secures to the wheels only.

[mstateglfr]

I have a Thule T2 tray style rack right now, along with the 2 bike extension. It's probably 9 seasons old now, so doesn't hinge as smoothly is it should, but it's still usable for years to come.
With that said, the bar that secures the front wheel rubs fork blades and that is less than ideal. I cover that part of the fork a few times a year since the cover tape runs away.*

For those who own and use racks that only touch the wheels and no part of the frame or fork- what do you have?

I know of 1up. I know of a couple amazon branded options.
I will probably just buy a 2 bike carrier, whatever I get.
Something that is quality but doesn't require me to sell plasma monthlyjust to afford it would be great.

[username]

1UPs are frustratingly expensive, but they work exceptionally well and last forever. When we've needed customer support, they've been there. Again, the cost is high, but the product is very good.

[trener1]

I have the 1up, it works as advertised, I had a couple of the cheap Amazon brand before, they aren't worth it.
Slightly cheaper then 1up, the Rocky Mounts have a really good reputation.

[Bob Ross]

I'm about to buy my first hitch-mounted bike rack, and I've pretty much decided on the Küat Sherpa 2.0.

Since I don't own it yet I can't confirm it won't touch the fork blades when deployed thusly, but fwiw: According to the user's guide you can mount a bike with the front tire arms up to 1" away from the fork ...if you also use the Front Tire Safety Strap (which secures the wheel to the tray at the bottom).

[AngryScientist]

Example of the Amazon product? Just curious?

I am a Kuat fan. Unless you really abuse them, if you buy a good rack, it can last a lifetime, so while the cost does sting, it should be a one and done purchase.

[Baron Blubba]

I like my Kuat Sherpa.

[kppolich]

1up. MUSA, stable, fool proof, easy to install and remove, low profile, literally every part is replaceable.

[hoj]

1up for me, no question. It has been worth every penny. Such a great rack.

[old fat man]

If you can make a Thule rack last 9+ years:

• A 1Up will outlive you
• You must treat the Thule well

[2000m2]

We’ve had our Kuat a few months now and it’s been flawless. They’re probably on sale right now or find a nice used one near you on Craigslist/FB marketplace to save a few bucks.

I should add that I got the Kuat because it doesn’t touch the bike frames at all.

[username]

We used to have a Kuat, which was also a great rack. We prefer the 1UP because it's lighter, more serviceable, and seemingly more durable. I say "seemingly" because we never had any issues with our Kuat, so maybe it would have been bombproof as well.

[C40_guy]

I have a Rocky Mount for my fat tire bike, and I'm pretty happy with it. RM doesn't seem to get a lot of love here; not sure why!

[Andy sti]

Originally Posted by old fat man

If you can make a Thule rack last 9+ years:

• A 1Up will outlive you
• You must treat the Thule well

So untrue. My Thule T2 is over 15 years old and lives outside year round. It works perfectly.

[Mikej]

1up - MUSA and I can always arrange the bikes to fit.

[vespasianus]

Originally Posted by kppolich

1up. MUSA, stable, fool proof, easy to install and remove, low profile, literally every part is replaceable.

This. You can rebuild it if there is ever any issue. I got rear ended the rack took the brunt of the damage. But was easily able to rebuild by buying some of the parts. They are expensive but I have not found anything better. To me, there is no other choice.