And finally, the RockyMounts is a little limited in bike compatibility, with a max weight of 40 pounds and tire width of 3 inches. As an example, heres a link to a technical drawing for Kuat's NV 2.0 hitch rack. 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. In addition, the two-bike add-ons that are offered on some platform racks are only compatible with a 2-inch receiver. In the end, all have their merits, but no other bike rack type can match the versatility of a hitch mount.Back to Our Top Hitch Bike Rack Picks Back to Our Hitch Bike Rack Comparison Table. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 1 color. At $800, the T2 Pro certainly isnt cheap, nor is it particularly light at over 50 pounds, but its sturdy, long-lasting design is ideal for committed riders. We think the WestSlope and Transfer hit a nice sweet spot in performance and value, but the RockyMounts build is undeniably basic. Vertical Hanging Racks Kuat. The only boat-rocking standouts are the single-bike version and the aftermarket one-bike add-on. There arent major differences between styles in terms of functionality, although weve found the integrated type is a little easier to use. Out of the box the MonoRail family has the widest carrying capacity of our line up, due to their ability to fit up to a 5" fat bike tire. 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. A perfect blend of modern design and high-performing functionality, the Rockymounts SplitRail LS is a solid car rack for carrying 3 or 4 bikes. The MonoRail comes mostly disassembled in the box so before you attach it to your vehicle and go for a ride you'll need to put it together. 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). If your bike will not fit on your hanging rack due to a heavily angled or swooping top tube, purchasing a separate top tube adapter is your best bet. Like most hitch mount platform racks, the MonoRail takes up a fair amount of space. The final potential bike compatibility pitfall is related to the shape and style of your bikes frame. Colorado-based RockyMounts has been producing quality bike racks since the early 90's. While not necessarily inexpensive, a quality hanging rack like the Yakima RidgeBack 2 comes in at about half the price of a platform model with the same capacity. 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. 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. Further, the rack rusted out quickly (this was in the rainy Pacific Northwest, however). 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. lifetime membership for a one-time fee of $30 Add to cart$499.95 Add to Wish List Both wheel holsters can accommodate anything from smaller kids' bikes to fat bike tires, and wheelbase measurements from 36 to 50 in length. In the past, vertical hanging racks were mostly found on the back of guide service vehicles and/or shuttle rigs, but their high-capacity setups have found a larger audience of late. If you don't want to spend a small fortune on a well-designed, user-friendly, versatile, and secure bike rack, we think this an excellent option to consider. $10.21 shipping. 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. From road bikes to fat tire bikes (up to 4.8 tires) to mountain bikes, the HoldUp EVO was designed to carry a wide range of bike styles - without the need for any adapters. While traversing bumpy roads and uphill inclines, our RockyMounts bike racks will keep your two-wheeled friend secure all the way to your final destination. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 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. I'll second the Saris Superclamp EX2, I've been using one all year and it's great! Weve also been impressed with the Heliums 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. A final scenario is where a specific rack simply cant fit a certain wheel or tire size. The locks are a joke but I haven't seen any that were much better. RockyMounts WestSlope 3 combines a user-friendly tray design and generous three-bike capacity at a reasonable cost. 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 dont: Expensive and a bit heavy. 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. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. In addition to the 2 bike version of the Monorail we tested, they also make a one bike version called the MonoRail Solo which retails for $280. 1 color. If youre going to be close to the maximum weight or a little over, we recommend upgrading to a sturdier modelits not worth the risk of breaking your rack while driving or voiding your warranty. One thing the MonoRail has going for it is its moderate weight. Despite the complaints, the HangTights ability to carry various bike stylesas well as its all-around solid buildearn it a spot on our list Read in-depth reviewSee the Yakima HangTight 4. As long as youre hauling regular road or mountain bikes (the rack maxes out at 40 pounds per bike and 3-inch-wide tires), the Sherpa 2.0 has a lot going for it. Plus, a 1-Bike Add-On is available for a reasonable $159 to provide even more carrying abilities. In addition, the EasyFold is among the simplest to store: the platforms sides fold upwards in half and an integrated handle allows you to carry the rack short distances with one hand. They've been steadily improving their designs and product offerings, and the MonoRail is one of several hitch mount platform racks in their line. Dont expect the same easy loading or wobble-free experience as a platform-style rack, but the FullSwing 4 is a well-built design that should keep most people happy. 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. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. 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. Further, we think Yakima has the best cradle system, which includes ratchet-style straps to securely hold the bikes top tube to the rack. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. It does have padded arms, but those only help so much, and frame scuffs are inevitable. That may work for city, hybrid and road bikes but for lots of newer mtbs that have curved top tubes it will not hold well, this is why you see most dedicated mtb holders clamp at the wheel! Had the Transfer and now the Monorail, out of the 2 imho I think the RM is a lot better rack. You also miss out on niceties like a padded strap to limit scuffs on the rear wheel, plus the simplistic design doesnt allow as much side-to-side adjustability to minimize potential contact between bikes. 44lbs and 2oz, right about average for weight, and this includes the hitch pin and cable lock. This is a similarly user-friendly design to the tilt handle found on the Thule T2 Pro. And a final pitfall of the hanging rack is how it secures bikes to the rack: it holds them in place by rubber or plastic straps that wrap around the frame. I didn't expect to like it this much. It's well made, easy to use, and can fit just about any bike in your stable. As proof, our original T2 Pro XT is still in fantastic shape after four years of extensive use. But its hard to ignore the RidgeBacks track record of reliable performance, which makes it our top hanging hitch rack.See the Yakima RidgeBack 4. 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. HighNoon FC Solo 1.25/2in Hitch Rack. 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. There are notable outliers, however, including the innovative 1UP Recon Rack 6, which can accommodate six bikes in a vertical hanging position. As with the Dr.Tray above, Kuats Sherpa 2.0 is a lightweight alternative in the heavy platform rack world. Below we break down our top picks for 2023, from high-end, exquisitely manufactured designs like 1Ups Heavy Duty Double to Kuats budget-oriented and weight-conscious Beta. Other competitors are much taller. Like the RockyMounts BackStage above, the racks calling card is its swing-away feature that provides easy access to the vehicle. By Yakima Yakima HoldUp 2-inch Black Bike Rack. Been looking at the Monorail as well, I am cheap and that seems like the best option plus it has the capability of adding more bikes. 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. It's similar to many of the other racks in this test in terms of its width of 56", but it's compact in comparison for its height of only 26.5". If you want a do-everything rack, we recommend the brands T2 Pro XTR above. For a cheaper but less refined e-bike-ready alternative, check out Yakimas $729 OnRamp.See the Thule EasyFold XT 2. This unique hitch-mounted rack takes a different approach to carrying bikes: its baskets hold the front wheel high while the rest of the bike hangs below. 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. In the end, dedicated cyclists will be better off with the higher-end Thule, but if youre willing to make a few compromises, the Kuat offers a whole lot of bang for your buck.See the Kuat Transfer v2 2. At $49 and $50 for the Yakima and Thule adapters, these are not cheap accessories and should be taken into account as youre choosing a rack style. In short, it can't match the sheer number of useful features included with the Thule T2 Pro above. Once the hitch pin is tight you can secure it to the vehicle with the included hitch pin lock. And as with the RidgeBack above, a top tube adapter is necessary if youll be hauling bikes with irregularly shaped top tubes (which unfortunately is most full-suspension bikes nowadays). Its expanding wedge attachment system makes for a wobble-free connection, the 60-pound weight capacity means you can haul nearly all bike styles (including many electric models), and you get ample clearance from your vehicle and between bikes. 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. GearLab is reader-supported. 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. The listings for each design will specify the maximum carrying capability per bike. Type: PlatformWeight: 46 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (4 with add-on)Weight capacity per bike: 50 lbs.What we like: Premium all-metal build; ratcheting arms only make contact with your bikes tires.What we dont: Hard-to-reach tilt lever and no bike locks included. 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. Platform-style hitch racks also are among the most expensive options on the market, with prices of leading designs like the Thule T2 Pro XTR and 1Up Heavy Duty Double clearing $600. All standard wheel sizes are no problem. 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. What the Helium is lacking, however, is versatility. 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). It wont impact most folks, but larger mountain bikers on big, modern downhill-oriented models will want to verify this piece of information. Carbon fiber bikes are dream machines for many riders and come with premium price tags, so its no surprise that a common question is how to transport them safely. 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. A versatile hitch-mount rack that provides a high price to performance ratio, Sits slightly closer to vehicle than some. Featuring moveable tray platforms, an easy-to-use tilt-down lever that resembles the one on Thules T2 Pro above, and a total weight that undercuts our top picks by 10 to 15 pounds, the rack has a lot going for it. 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. Jun 26, 2018 Saris racks are US made. 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. Free shipping. The reason is simple: theyre unable to accommodate irregularly-shaped bike framesincluding many full-suspension mountain bikes, kids bikes, and step-through bikeswithout purchasing a top tube adapter. You first loop the cable through the frame and then use the hitch lock to lock the bike onto the rack. Assembling this bike rack is fairly easy and will take you less than 5 . $55.00. NV Base 2.0 2 Bike Add On. Yakima HoldUp 2 Bike Rack $ 569.00. Theres no getting around the fact that quality platform-style racks are expensive, but those looking to save should check out Kuats Transfer v2. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, its yet another reason we prefer the platform rack style. I'm happy with my Kuat Transfer 3 rack. Read our full review below for all the details! All that said, for those who will utilize their high carrying capacity, a vertical hanging rack can be a worthwhile investment. 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. The MonoRail is very well suited for everyday use. As stated above, these wheel size and tire width issues wont be a problem for a lot of ridersits often easier to store a small kids bike inside the vehicle, for examplebut its a good thing to have in mind as youre narrowing your rack search. The tilt release handle is simple and well designed, adding to the user-friendliness of the Monorail. And as mentioned above, all of the components on the Thule are extremely well-made, which makes the investment worth it over time. This limitation is what pushes the Beta down our list, but among two-bike hanging racks, we think the Beta has a best-in-class mix of weight, build quality, and functionality.See the Kuat Beta 2.0. We much prefer the lighter weight racks anytime we have to move them by hand as they are far less cumbersome than heavier models like the Thule T2 Pro at 51 lbs, or the Kuat NV 2.0 which weighs a whopping 57 lbs 10 oz. Attractively priced at $449 and weighing a reasonable 37 pounds, theres a whole lot to like about the Transfer v2. Furthermore, it undercuts the similarly designed 1UP Recon Rack by a significant margin. 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). Certain wheel or tire size a high price to performance ratio, Sits slightly closer to vehicle than.... 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