Hitch Rack Suggestions? Single bike on a small hatchback.

[Likes2ridefar]

Originally Posted by nspace

I will probably look into one of the upper end Kuat's like the piston pro, but I'm still going to look at other options—just haven't had the time to go to deep. I do think this rack is probably much stronger as a single bike rack than it has been for my needs.

I just wasn't really impressed with many aspects of the 1up, its just not a very refined product, it feels like a prototype that someone made in their garage with a surplus of flat bar aluminum.

• lack of hitch pin is annoying, the velcro stap as secondary security feels really cheap and an afterthought
• the tilt mechanism is annoying as hell to use. You need two hands to properly compress the lever on both sides. It's awkward with one bike, let along multiple. So then you need to buy more handle accessories—which are also annoying to setup if you are configuring the rack into different configurations
• the fat bike spacer kit is a PITA to install—all of these spacers came from the factory with sharp metal swarf hanging off it
• the teeth on the glide plates wear a lot after not even a full season
• little details, like a mixture of metric and imperial fasters feels kinda parts bin?
• the method of installing additional trays, while simple, the keyhole design is just another one of those not very refined parts—you really need to unweight the rack with one hand while trying to loosen the bolts (with not a lot of room to turn the hex wrench)—the ergonomic aspects of removing them is just annoying
• uncomfortable amount of bouncing with 3 bikes (all of which are less than half the weight limit of the trays)

I have heard mixed things about post-sale support. When I responded to another customer on an Instagram post, who said they weren't thrilled with theirs saying my experience was also lukewarm—they deleted the posts instead of responding and learning from it—which definitely eroded some trust with me.

Must not be an equip d because I don’t experience any of this though I’ve not used the fat bike kit. It takes a hitch pin in both 2 and 1.25, I have both, and never had a tooth break after heavy usage over four years now. I frequently change from 1 to 2 bikes. Super simple tilt with the handle. One multi tool that does it all aside from wheel adjust which is just a simple ratchet.

[old fat man]

The 2 inch version is significantly more stable and addresses the lack of locking pin issue. I switched mine from 1.25 to 2 when I got new car and it's waaaay more stable.

I'd call it a more industrial style. Being serviceable, easy to fold for storage, and expandable as needed makes the 1up a perfect choice for me.