Mountain Bike Carrier Ideas

With the 1 up it looks like you need to remove bikes to open the tailgate. No? That wouldn't work for me. On a trip I need to get to the dog crate easily and don't want to remove bikes every time I stop.

 

This is a great thread I appreciate all the input from you all

 

Another vote for spending the $ on the 1Up rack. I love mine and use it continuously. Easy to put on and off and folds up for storage. Bikes stay secure.

 

I was looking into these but no shipping to Canada

 

Yes, you need to remove the bike closest to the tailgate in order to tilt the rack down and have the tailgate clear. I think most hitch racks are at least that involved unless you fork over big bucks for a swing out hitch from 1UP or another manufacturer.

 

Tray style rack works for me. I like leaving the bed open for other stuff.

This is a Raxter rack, about 10+ years old.

 

PM me! I can get that sorted for you!

 

There’s interest...

I have the Kuat, I like it but do have to add an extra Velcro strap around the front tire - I’ve bounced my fatbike out of it before...


Mike

 

I've used quite a few options depending on circumstances:

Lay it down in the bed if just me and one bike. This is by far the safest option IMO - it's more out of sight laying down, can't run it into low-hanging structures, and should be safe if you're rear ended. Quick and easy, no wheel removal needed (6 ft bed).

Rockymounts rack on front utility rail. I use this if I have too much gear to lay the bike down but not enough it takes up the whole bed. Only issue I've had is my DVO fork has a tapered thru axle so there is some play in the mount. The mount does lock for added security, but I still lock it with a chain too.

Tailgate pad. Rides with 3-5 bikes where we don't need all the room in the bed. Quick and easy. I don't like them in very wet/dusty conditions. Fork legs and stanchions can sometimes rub on the pad causing wear, and they can tip over. I have an old model Dakine without the tie down loops. Risk is damage to bikes if rear-ended. Have had this happen once. It sucked but other driver's insurance replaced all damaged parts no questions asked (Mercury insurance)

Thule T2 with 2-bike extension. Solid rack. I can put the tailgate down with a bike on the nearest tray. Use it when I have a full bed of gear. I don't really like using the 2 bike extension due to its length but it's an option if we have too much gear to use tailgate pad. Risk damage if rear ended.

I have lots of friends with One-up racks. A couple times we've had one come close to backing all the way out of the hitch receiver on rough roads. To secure that rack you tighten a bolt which spreads a pair of wedges against the receiver tube rather than a thru-bolt like Thule. This either comes loose or works its way out on rough roads. For me that makes One-up a no-go unless they've fixed it.

Personally I would never consider roof rack an option. It's not a matter of if but when I'd drive it into my garage or other low clearance structure. Hell no.

Finally I've had a home made wooden rack before. Bikes stand upright. Worked ok but took up a lot of space in the bed. Could easily hold 5 bikes though for local shuttles. You can also stand bikes upright strapped down with tie down straps. Works pretty well too.

OP, each option has pros/cons and circumstances where it will work well or not at all. Consider the situations you'll likely encounter and which options might work in each. You may decide to use several options like I do depending on circumstances. Sometimes you have to make compromises

 

yeah, that’s why I include a Velcro strap with every SideRide Set!

 

I use a bomber strap for when I’m going solo, and I’ve used a sea sucker when I need to carry two but that has only been once. My bed was being use to carry all the food for our trip so that was my only option at the moment.

 

This is why I went with the Thule T2 Pro XT 2 over the Kuat. It's better at dealing with multiple bike types IMHO.

 

Two pieces of scrap carpet. One has soft side to the tailgate. One piece had the soft side to the bikes. Together it's enough padding to protect and lock the bike in. I did about 700 miles like that Thursday and Friday. It's free and easy to remove so you don't have dust build up and scratch the tailgate like permanent pads.

 

Yakima Hangover! I’ve got the 6 bike model, but they’ve also got a 4 bike version.

 

Yakima Swing Daddy (since replaced by the FullSwing model)

 

Wow that sucks about being rear ended with the tailgate pad! Great post of info. I’m with you on the roof rack, scary.

 

It looks like those Bomber straps are $129 is that what you paid?

 

Wow! Thats a lot of money! You get the EVOC (my favorite) tailgate pad for $160.

 

It was a good post. Lots of practical info. One thing about the tailgate pad and getting rear ended. Pretty much any of these solutions will kill your bike if you are rear ended. And, of course, I am in NY where it is only a matter of time until some dumb ass hits me from behind because they were texting and driving.

Did you settle on a decision yet?

 

Dakine Tailgate pad for 3+ bikes
Rocky Mounts Split Rail hitch rack for 1-2 bikes
Bomber Strap for 1 bike or when I'm camping and don't want the hitch to get in the way.