Best 2 bike hitch platform rack

Feb 13, 16 22:10

Post #1 of 17 (1761 views)

In the market for a 2 bike hitch platform rack... What's everyone's thoughts on some of the following I'm looking at. I'm only going to use this a handful of times a year, so I'm torn on spending a ton of money...

Thule T2 Classic
Yakima Hold Up 2

Both those seem to be about the same quality and price range. Or, is it really worth the extra $200 or so to get one of the following:

Kuat NV
1Up

Again, will only be using this around 8 times a year more than likely... However, it will be holding roughly $8K in bikes. I'm leaning towards the new designed Thule T2 Classic over the Yakima. I just can't decide if it's really that worth another $200+ to go with the Kuat or 1Up...?

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 22:14

Post #2 of 17 (1757 views)

1up is badass. $8k worth of bikes is worth $200 extra dollars to spend and have an awesome rack. Just my opinion :) I am sure they are all pretty good from what I have read on here, but I absolutely love my 1up rack

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [griffeyfan04] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 23:19

Post #3 of 17 (1740 views)

Kuat Sherpa was what I ended up going with after looking at a few; very happy with it.

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 3:05

Post #4 of 17 (1715 views)

I have an older Yakima Hold Up which I really like.
That said, you can't go wrong with Kuat or 1Up.

However, if you get a chance to look at the Swagman Semi 2.0 . . wow. A little heavy (no more so than the Hold Up) but fantastic features. My LBS had one they had on sale over the winter and I ALMOST bought it anyway. It easily converts from 1 1/2" receiver to 2", tilts down out of the way so you can open the trunk if you have bikes loaded, built in lock/cables, etc. Really really nice bike rack.

Pete Githens
Reading, PA

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 5:59

Post #5 of 17 (1674 views)

Can't speak for the others but I love my kuat nv. I've used every feature, including the repair stand extension while at a race. My brother has the Thule that costs about the same and I prefer mine.

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 6:51

Post #6 of 17 (1660 views)

Definitely recommend the Kuat - worth the extra money? How much were the bikes again?

____________________________________
Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 8:45

Post #7 of 17 (1629 views)

I have the Thule T2, works great. I'm similar to you in usage so didn't want to overspend for the stability and ease which I don't think this does, that's what kept me away from the kuat though it looks pretty. However, looking back the 1-up does seem ideal, I think if u got that you'd be good for life, sometimes I wish I would have just done that.

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 12:47

Post #8 of 17 (1582 views)

1 UP X2!! No pun intended.

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [griffeyfan04] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 15:12

Post #9 of 17 (1547 views)

I have a 1-up rack and it's great. It takes like 5 seconds to put the bike on and lock down both wheels. Very happy with the purchase and it was worth the cost.

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 6:45

Post #10 of 17 (1465 views)

1 upusa. Best out there. No plastic junk. Very easy to use and secure. Also have the option to make it just for 1 bike.

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 7:12

Post #11 of 17 (1454 views)

We have a 4 bike (add ons) 1upusa . . . awesome! You will never regret it.

David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 8:16

Post #12 of 17 (1432 views)

1 up

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 8:16

Post #13 of 17 (1432 views)

Like you, I only rarely require a rack. I was tempted by the 1up but ended up getting a cheap Curt 18084 on Amazon. It's no design beauty, but I've been happy with it and the 1up at multiples of the price seemed like overkill for my purposes.

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 22:48

Post #14 of 17 (1364 views)

Thanks for all the replies. I ended up ordering a 1Up today and bit the bullet. Seemed like there was a lot of positive things to say about them and it's a product that will last. I'll also have peace of mind with our bikes... Thanks again!

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 16, 16 5:27

Post #15 of 17 (1326 views)

estubbart wrote:

Thanks for all the replies. I ended up ordering a 1Up today and bit the bullet. Seemed like there was a lot of positive things to say about them and it's a product that will last. I'll also have peace of mind with our bikes... Thanks again!

You won't regret it. I have one and it is the last bike rack I'll ever need to buy. If you like to buy things once and use it for life (or pretty close) you will be satisfied with it.

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [estubbart] [ In reply to ]

Feb 16, 16 17:17

Post #16 of 17 (1262 views)

Thule T2 all the way.

My girlfriend wanted a new rack so I got her a new rack for her birthday. One that everyone remarks is very appealing.

Jokes aside, I got her the T2 and it has worked awesomely for several years now with lots of on and off the car mounting of MTB's, CX bikes, road bikes, TT bikes.. A friend even has the 4 bike rack that we have used on occasion for stage races.

I saw an updated version at OR last year but it isn't showing on Thule's website. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong here with the T2. Just my opinion.

jake

Get outside!

Re: Best 2 bike hitch platform rack [jakers] [ In reply to ]

Feb 17, 16 2:07

Post #17 of 17 (1212 views)

Have had Thule, Kuat and now 1-up. 1-up is like going to Di2 from a walmart bike with no-name components. 1-up provides flexibility for those who only transport one bike too, but can easily be expanded to 2-4. It's that nice.

Our Partners

transition-DOT-area-AT-slowtwitch-DOT-com

Advertise with us

©1999-2024 Slowtwitch, Inc., and Slowtwitch.com
Reproduction of material from any Slowtwitch.com page
without written permission is strictly prohibited.