Last Updated on November 6, 2021
1UP USA Quik Rack Bike Rack – Bike Storage Rack Review & Overview
While it’s great to roll out of your front door for a ride, being able to transport your bikes with your car opens up a vast range of riding destinations. With so many bike carriers on the market, there is a lot to consider before deciding on this purchase. What works best for your car-a hitch mounted bike carrier? A trunk mount? Roof rack? Taking off the front wheel and throwing it in your trunk? Yeah, I’ve done that.
If your search is narrowed down to a hitch-mounted bike rack, a great option is the 1UP USA Quik Rack Single or Heavy Duty Double Bike Rack.
Features
- Fits 1.25″ and 2″ receivers
- Single Quik Rack increases bike capacity to 3 bikes max with additional Add-Ons (sold separately)
- The Double Bike Rack increases bike capacity to 4 bikes max with Add-Ons (sold separately)
- Total carrying capacity of up to 150 lbs. or more depending on the rack (50 lb. per bike spot)
- Fits 16″–29″ wheels, up to 3.1″ wide
- Accommodates up to 54″ wheelbase
- Rapid tilt and folding mechanism for smaller footprint
- Rack arms close to secure tires without touching the frame
- Switch receiver sizes in 10 seconds with provided adapter
- Compatible with the Standard and Super-Duty Add-Ons (sold separately)
- All rack parts anodized, except a powder-coat finish on the trays
Specs:
- Rack weight 23 lb. (Single) 46 lb. (Double)
- Ships in reusable box for easy storage (30″ x 14″ x 8″)
- Colors: black or silver
What I Like about the 1UP USA Quik Rack
The first thing I noticed about the Quik Rack was the ability to transport your bike while not making any contact with the bike frame or the body of your vehicle. When you use trunk-mounted bike racks, you inevitably end up scratching your car (no matter how “scratch proof” they claim to be), which is a huge drawback for me. If you’re transporting your bike while it’s attached at the frame, the potential for scratching your bike is there and you usually have to rely on straps that will eventually give in to wear and tear after decent use. The Quik Rack system only makes contact with your bike tires so there is zero metal-on-metal contact.
It folds compact when not in use, but another great option (and one I highly recommend!) would be to use it to store your bike for safekeeping.
1UP USA sells bike racks that can hold up to 4 bikes, so you aren’t limited to the single bike carrier if you have more friends with bikes, or just more bikes.
If you leave the bike rack on your car in between rides, it folds up towards your vehicle, making it even more compact. If not, adding and removing this carrier is a breeze.
Attaching the Rack to your Car
The rack comes fully assembled and ready to be hitched. This isn’t attached via a standard hitch pin connection, but rather a security expander bolt that turns with a unique hex wrench provided. This method removes all play in the hitch so that there is no movement; you can also control the depth adjustability in the receiver.
The rack is made to accommodate 1.25″ and 2″ inch receivers by adding or removing the adapter on the bike rack. Once the rack is inserted into the receiver, use the hex key to lock in the corner expander ball and you’re ready to load the bike. This process takes no more than 10 seconds.
Loading and Unloading the Bike
There are two swing arms that unlatch via a lever on each side and they fold down while you load the bike. Place the bike on the trays, swing the arms up to rest snuggly on the tires and start your drive to the trailhead. To unload, do those steps in reverse. The bike loading and unloading process takes no more than 15 seconds each.
The tilt feature lets me throw my gear bag in the trunk without dismounting the bike, and I can lock the rack to the car for peace of mind when out shredding the trails or getting the post-ride brew.
It’s that easy. Here are some other things to consider before making a decision on this hitch-mounted bike rack.
Drawbacks
The single most obvious drawback is that in order to have a hitch-mounted bike rack, your vehicle must have a hitch installed. For many who do not have a hitch as a standard option on their car, there would be an added expense of purchasing the hitch and having it installed. Some options for quality hitches are Curt Manufacturing and Draw-tite, making hitches for almost any car, truck or SUV.
Weighing in at 23 pounds, the single rack is not as light as you might think. It’s not a breeze to haul this around when not in use, although it does fold up for easy storage.
1UP USA offers security options to lock the rack to your car, and your bike to the rack, but those are not included and must be purchased separately.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, you’ll want your bike rack to improve your cycling life. A bike rack should be sturdy, easy to use, and provide the peace of mind that your precious cargo won’t end up on the side of the road. The Quik Rack has a rugged yet sleek design, and the simplicity at which you can attach and un-attach your bike is a game-changer. With its outstanding build quality, 1UP USA is producing one of the best racks on the market.
