With a load capacity of 130 pounds (between two bikes), the EasyFold checks all the boxes for a heavy hauler. The well-sorted design is compatible with both 1.25- and 2-inch receivers (a big plus for swapping between vehicles), very secure with arms that quickly lock over the tires, and light enough to move in and out of a garage without too much effort. The good news is that Kuat provided a replacement with their excellent warranty, but this experience leads us to think its worth upgrading to the burlier NV 2.0 if youll be leaving the rack on the back of your car most of the year.See the Kuat Sherpa 2.0. Further, you get included bike locks, a receiver lock, and its secure strap system is one of the best in the business. Finally, wed be remiss not to mention that the NV is easily one of the better-looking racks available, especially in the Gray Metallic colorway. Our favorite platform-style models are in the 45 to 52-pound range, which can make installing and removing them a challenge. Platform racks are big, bulky, and generally quite heavy. The listings for each design will specify the maximum carrying capability per bike. All that said, for those who will utilize their high carrying capacity, a vertical hanging rack can be a worthwhile investment. 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 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. Our third category is one thats only recently gained serious popularity. Thule has one of the largest bike rack lineups, and their Camber 4 slots in as their mid-range hanging option. Well start with the positives: the NSR 4 is a proven product that securely holds bikes in place, the highly adjustable design ensures the rack will work with a wide variety of vehicle types, and its one of the few models out there that minimally affects ground clearance by keeping the bikes close to the back of your car. And what we like most about the SuperClamp is its minimalist and relatively lightweight build that takes up a surprisingly small amount of space behind your vehicle and is easy to store in your garage. If you want a do-everything rack, we recommend the brands T2 Pro XTR above. All that said, it's hard to overlook the beauty and level of craftsmanship of the 1Up. If youre able to spend up, we recommend the $449 Kuat Transfer v2 2 above, which addresses most of these issues.See the Swagman XC2. As with the Dr.Tray above, Kuats Sherpa 2.0 is a lightweight alternative in the heavy platform rack world. For a bargain-basement $120 (on Amazon at the time of publishing), 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. per bike vs. 37.5 for the Thule) and better track record in terms of long-term durability. In short, releasing a pin allows them to open like an arm, pivoting the entire rack to the side of the vehicle. That said, if you wont 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. A quick check of our list above will show that most of the hanging-style racks have ended up at or near the bottom of our rankings. Second, the cradles make direct contact with your bikes fork crownthis leads to significant scuffing and loss of paint over time. Youll mostly find swing-away racks in the hanging category, including Yakimas FullSwing 4 above, but the aforementioned RockyMounts BackStage platform rack is one notable exception. Where the Yakima has the edge is its higher weight capacity (40 lbs. But for e-bike owners who want an integrated and deployable rampand others who dont want to lift heavy bikes on and off their rackthe Thule EasyFold XT 2 is the best option available. 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. 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. Sitting atop Kuats hitch rack collection is their top-end NV 2.0. The bike nearest the vehicle is quite challenging to load compared to other racks on this list, the release mechanism on the ratcheting arm is difficult to engage, and there are no locks included with your purchase. And while hanging racks often resemble one another in how they workunload the bikes, fold the arms down, and then pull a lever to lower the rackplatform models can vary widely. 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. Type: PlatformWeight: 63 lbs.Number of bikes: 4 (available in a 2-bike version)Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs. 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). And finally, the RockyMounts is a little limited in bike compatibility, with a max weight of 40 pounds and tire width of 3 inches. Our biggest gripe is that no locks are included with the rackat minimum, wed want a hitch lock to secure the WestSlope to our vehicles receiver (the Lock Kit costs an extra $35). For hauling a lot of bikes with relative ease, the HangTight is a great option. Type: HangingWeight: 34 lbs.Number of bikes: 4 (available in a 2-bike version)Weight capacity per bike: 37.5 lbs.What we like: Nice combination of features, bike capacity, and affordable pricing.What we dont: Finicky straps. Tilting racks allow you to open the cargo door on most SUVs, hatchbacks, and trucks, but swing-away designs take access to the next level. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. 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 dont: Not the most user-friendly design and the ratcheting arms scuff bike frames. RockyMounts WestSlope 3 combines a user-friendly tray design and generous three-bike capacity at a reasonable cost. 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. That said, for serious riders, the added weight and cost are well worth the security and ease of use of this style. In addition, the two-bike add-ons that are offered on some platform racks are only compatible with a 2-inch receiver. sportrack hitch bike drive rack 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. The second accessory lock is for the receiver hitch, which typically is found on the hitch pin or integrated into the bottom of the rack. 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. It does have padded arms, but those only help so much, and frame scuffs are inevitable. What are the downsides of the Recon R6? In general, platform-style racks can carry anywhere from one to four bikes (if you invest in an extension), while hanging-style racks range from two to five total bikes. In addition, there are no add-ons available, so two bikes are the max you can carry (a Helium Platform 1-Bike is also offered for $500). Taking the place of the top-selling XT, the XTR adds a set of wheels at the base for easier shuttling to and from a garage, but the rest of the design remains exactly the same (which is a good thing). yakima skewer 9mm locking need steelhead Simply put, this rack does it all. Weve also been impressed with the Heliums sturdy and solid build: even loaded down with two 30+ pound mountain bikes on very bumpy forest service roads, the rack and bikes stayed in place with only minimal movement. per bike for the 2-inch receiver model) and cable locks. If, however, youre looking for the ultimate in rear cargo access, the BackStage should be at the top of your list.See the RockyMounts BackStage. If, however, youre considering a hanging rack, take a close look at the shape of the top tube of your bikes frame. 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. Type: PlatformWeight: 37 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (3 w/add-on)Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: Great price for a versatile platform-style rack.What we dont: Design is a bit less sturdy and feature-rich than premium alternatives. Add-ons (also known as extensions) are a great way to increase the carrying capacity of your platform-style hitch rack. storage platinum mount wheel quantity It wont impact most folks, but larger mountain bikers on big, modern downhill-oriented models will want to verify this piece of information. One of the more technical considerations of the hitch rack puzzle is the clearance between the rack, your bikes, and the vehicle. For a cheaper but less refined e-bike-ready alternative, check out Yakimas $699 OnRamp.See the Thule EasyFold XT 2. To start, platform racks like the Kuat NV 2.0, Thule T2, Yakima Dr.Tray, and 1Up are not impacted by this because they only come in contact with the bikes tires or wheels. Vertical Hanging Racks 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. And were happy to see that the Beta hasnt skimped on too many features: the rack tilts for rear vehicle access, its arms fold down when not in use, and it has same wobble-free hitch attachment mechanism thats found on Kuats premium offerings. 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. Mountain bikes have come a long way in recent years, with trends like 29-inch wheelsand more recently, 27.5-inch wheelsblazing the trail for bikes that are better and more Sweden-based Thule is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of car racks and bike accessories, and the T2 Pro XTR is their core hitch-mounted offering. If youre searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted racks are the way to go. Not surprisingly, the Thule comes with a steep $800 price tag. 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. 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). And theres less side-to-side adjustability to limit potential contact between bike frames. 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. When the RockyMounts BackStage was released, the rack created quite a stir in the industry. The easiest way to check clearance is to do an actual test fit, but thats often not an option. 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). This rack certainly doesnt 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. 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. 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 dont: Very expensive. Our favorite bike locks are those that are integrated into the rack, which makes it very convenient to quickly deploy them when needed. Once you have this number you can compare it against the max wheelbase spec for the rack you're interested in purchasing. In short, if you plan to use your rack a lot or keep it on your vehicle even in the rainy seasons, its well worth paying for a premium design. jeepgladiatorforum If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and youre tempted to skimp on the helmet, dont. Moreover, there is very little space between the bikes when theyre loaded, which can lead to rubbing and damage to the paint. In terms of design, think of the Sherpa 2.0 as a pared-down version of Kuats other racks, while still retaining a good number of the design features that make this brand so popular. In addition, these racks are the most gentle on bikes because they typically only come in contact with the tire or wheel (and not the painted frame). In addition, the tilt lever is hidden away and essentially unreachable if you have bikes already loaded up (its far easier to access without bikes). Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. In reading our reviews of the products above, its clear that we put a priority on the design and ease of use of a racks tilting function. westslope rockymounts Type: PlatformWeight: 43 lbs.Number of bikes: 3 (available in a 2-bike version)Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: Great price for a solid three-bike tray design.What we dont: Low on features. 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 edgeRead in-depth reviewSee the Kuat NV 2.0 Rack. Moreover, theres no option to add an extension to the XT 2, which means that two bikes are your hard ceiling and youll need to buy another rack if you want to carry more. Type: PlatformWeight: 32 lbs.Number of bikes: 2Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: Lighter than most other platform-style racks.What we dont: Long-term durability concerns. In many ways, the Camber 4 is a direct competitor to Yakimas RidgeBack above. In addition, the bikes are closer together than on a platform rack and are more prone to swaying and coming into contact with one another while driving. Type: Vertical 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 dont: Outdated and less versatile compared with the 1UP Recon Rack above. We think the WestSlope and Transfer hit a nice sweet spot in performance and value, but the RockyMounts build is undeniably basic. Type: PlatformWeight: 63 lbs.Number of bikes: 2Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: Built-in swing feature provides easy access to the rear of your vehicle.What we dont: Its the heaviest two-bike rack on this list. Along with sturdy materials and a very intuitive instruction manual (a rarity on the market), theres a lot to like with the mid-range WestSlope. Finally, the focus on trimming weight means the rack has more of a tendency to wobble on bumpy roads, although the bike attachment system is reliable in general. On the other hand, racks like the $120 Swagman XC2 that use a lot of plastic or cheap, thin metal, will be prone to rusting out or breaking down over time. One of the main reasons to get a hanging-style rack is for occasional family outings, and a four- or five-bike model is often ideal for those trips. Bike racks in general have very similar feature sets, and one common upgrade that you see on mid-range and premium designs are locks. 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. Type: PlatformWeight: 34 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (3 with EZ+1 add-on)Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: Pretty light and the ability to carry three bikes with the add-on.What we dont: Doesnt feel as durable or stout as other racks. The extra design complexity and materials do add weight and costRockyMounts BackStage is 10 to 20 pounds heavier than a non-swing-away alternativebut are worth it for those that prioritize the feature. 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. Considering even a budget-friendly design is often $200 or more, this is a sensible addition. In cutting weight, however, you lose out on the long-term durability found on other racks. Hitch racks is a competitive space, but what really sets the T2 Pro XTR apart from the field is material quality and the sheer number of features it offers. 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.

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