rockymounts monorail vs yakima holduprockymounts monorail vs yakima holdup

There are a wide range of options to choose from, but hitch racks fall into two basic categories: platform models are the most expensive but offer excellent stability and convenience, while hanging racks maximize carrying capacity in a compact package. RockyMounts MonoRail Review A versatile hitch-mount rack that provides a high price to performance ratio $500 at REI Price: $540 List Manufacturer: RockyMounts By Jeremy Benson Apr 29, 2019 78 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #3 of 17 Ease of EveryDay Use - 20% 8.0 Ease of Removal and Storage - 20% 7.0 Versatility - 20% 9.0 Security - 20% 8.0 A cable lock is also included to secure the bikes to the rack. The clamp arms are sturdy and articulate with just enough tension that they stay where you put them but don't move around on their own. In getting the Dr.Trays weight down to an impressive 34 pounds, Yakima did unfortunately have to compromise the stout feeling typically associated with platform racks. 1 color. The MonoRail is similarly easy to remove and store as most of the other hitch mount platform racks in this test. Given the low price point, there are bound to be shortcomings, and the Swagman XC2 has its fair share. The RockyMounts BackStage is 10 to 20 pounds heavier than most other platform-style racks, and therefore you will not want to remove it from your vehicle very often (or without help). That being said, the two-bike version is among the most expensive on the market at a hefty $805.See the 1Up USA Heavy Duty Double. As the name indicates, tilting racks can be leaned over by pulling a lever that moves the rack far enough down to allow you to open the rear hatch or tailgate of your vehicle. Without a doubt, their Heavy Duty Double's sleek aluminum build and attention to detail are a cut above the rest. What do you give up by saving with the Kuat? The single-bike version uses the exact same burly folding chassis as this two-bike version and goes for $280. 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. And as mentioned above, all of the components on the Thule are extremely well-made, which makes the investment worth it over time. If, however, youre considering a hanging rack, take a close look at the shape of the top tube of your bikes frame. They also make a Hitch Extension, $50, for 2" receivers that extends 8" and comes with a bolt and hitch pin lock. 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). Simply put, this rack does it all. No sponsored content. Plus, the optional 2-Bike Add-On (for another $550) doubles its capacity. Type: Vertical hangingWeight: 104 lbs.Number of bikes: 6 (available in 5-bike version)Weight capacity per bike: 45 lbs.What we like: The most secure and easiest way to carry six bikes.What we dont: Very heavy and very expensive. Only problem with the 2-timer is that it holds via the frame instead of wheels. Perhaps best of all, the low 32-pound weight is easy to remove and install, and the small footprint takes up minimal space when off your vehicle. $380.00. 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. 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. Like the RockyMounts BackStage above, the racks calling card is its swing-away feature that provides easy access to the vehicle. $299.00. In addition, its important to point out that the rack has a relatively low weight capacity per bike: At 37.5 pounds, its less than its primary competitors (like Recon Racks and NSR), which can be a problem for those hauling downhill rigs or e-bikes. 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. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. For riders who want a premium design and typically carry traditional road and mountain bikes, 1Up's Heavy Duty Double is a great choice. And compared with traditional hanging models, you dont have to worry about issues with a bikes top tube. British Columbia-based Swagman lacks the brand recognition of Thule or Yakima, but their XC2 model is a smart choice for recreational riders on a budget. 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). The ramps are quick to deploy, do a nice job guiding the bikes up and down, and store easily on the rack while driving. The listings for each design will specify the maximum carrying capability per bike. The MonoRail doesn't weigh nearly as much as those competitors but it's far from the lightest platform rack in the test. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. It tips the scales at 44lbs 2oz, putting it right around average for the hitch mount platform racks we tested. For those planning on hauling heavier downhill mountain bikes, e-bikes, fat bikes, or cruiser models, its a good idea to verify the bike weight capacity of a given rack. Yakima. Its worth noting that 1Up has recently expanded their line with the Equip-D rack, which addresses many of our complaints with the Heavy Duty, including an easier access tilt bar and compatibility with fat tires. 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. Otherwise, we feel good about the overall durability of the MonoRail but it can't match the bombproof all-metal construction of the 1Up USA, or the sturdy design of the Kuat NV 2.0. The rack features a sweet hand lever on the top and also a foot lever that's easy to access when you want to tilt the loaded rack down to access the rear vehicle hatch. The ladder straps that secure the rear wheels are also easy to use by simply pulling tension on them, they don't have a ratcheting feature like some racks. Type: HangingWeight: 35 lbs.Number of bikes: 4 (available in 2- and 5-bike versions)Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: Proven, affordable way to haul 4 bikes.What we dont: Bikes are very close together when loaded; needs an adapter to carry step-through bikes. On the other hand, racks like the $145 Swagman XC2 that use a lot of plastic or cheap, thin metal, will be prone to rusting out or breaking down over time. It does have padded arms, but those only help so much, and frame scuffs are inevitable. 15-20 minutes later and you're ready to go. Type: PlatformWeight: 63 lbs.Number of bikes: 4 (available in a 2-bike version)Weight capacity per bike: 60 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. It's quite user-friendly and loading bikes is simple and easy thanks to its low loading height and intuitive design. Compared to the Thule T2 and Kuats own NV 2.0 below, the materials and level of refinement are a step down. 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. The only boat-rocking standouts are the single-bike version and the aftermarket one-bike add-on. Assembling this bike rack is fairly easy and will take you less than 5 . We tested the MonoRail during an especially wet spring in the Sierra Nevada mountains with frequent trips to escape the snow and ride bikes at lower elevations. Wisconsin-based 1Up may not be a household name like Thule or Yakima, but the company has a dedicated following among hardcore cyclists. 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). 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 lock style is similar to that found on the Kuat Sherpa and we feel it is a good system that seems to add the most security. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. With a weight capacity of only 37.5 pounds per bike, you wont be able to haul electric models or some heavier cruisers. Thule T2 Pro XTR ($800) Type: Platform Weight: 52 lbs. The aim is to keep thieves from removing the entire rack from your car. The T2 Pro XT takes up a lot of space when stored, and moving it around on a regular basis is not all that enjoyable since it weighs 51 lbs. 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. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. We experienced zero issues, however, with any of this rack's moving parts despite a fair amount of wet spring drives and leaving it on the back of one tester's truck for several weeks on end. For group rides, shuttling, tour companies, or if you simply want to maximize your carrying capacity, 1UP's Recon Rack 6 is worth a serious look. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for RockyMounts Monorail 1 Bike Add-on for 2 Receiver Only at the best online prices at eBay! 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). 1Up does offer a tilt lever extender, but that will cost you another $70, and it feels like something that could be remedied or included at the outset. $379.95. The good news is that the majority of road and mountain bikers wont have a problem at allevery platform rack on our list can fit 26- to 29-inch wheels and 3-inch and under tires. When the RockyMounts BackStage was released, the rack created quite a stir in the industry. If you have a truck, the simple pickup pad is a nice, affordable option, but you do lose the security of a locking hitch and it can take some work to limit bike-to-bike contact. What are the compromises with the EasyFold's design? 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. 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. In particular, the thin arms that secure the front wheels feel flimsy and cheap and dont lock the bikes as solidly into place as others. This rack costs less and outperforms than many racks that cost more. By Yakima Yakima HoldUp 2-inch Black Bike Rack. But the extensions are convenient to use, easy to install or remove, and come with the security of the platform design. 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. Its simple to operate, and the rack feels almost weightless even with heavy bikes on the trays. The solo also has the added versatility of allowing for both 1.25" and 2" hitches out of the box. 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. Our favorite bike locks are those that are integrated into the rack, which makes it very convenient to quickly deploy them when needed. With a load capacity of 130 pounds (between two bikes), the EasyFold checks all the boxes for a heavy hauler. 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. For each bike, arms secure over the tires (no concerns about frame contact), and wheel straps serve as backup for hauling heavier e-bikes, models with fenders, or if you have bikes with very different wheelbases. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. And a final note: many hanging racks come with an adapter, so they can work with either hitch size. The Kuat also had issue with clearance for the fat bike when loading and the RM is great. 44lbs and 2oz, right about average for weight, and this includes the hitch pin and cable lock. I just used a 20% coupon from REI to get the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 and I am impressed. And finally, weve seen some major issues with rust appearing in as little as one year of use. 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. For the price, the Rocky Mounts Monorail seems to be the best price, next closest is going to be between the Thule X2/Yakima Hold-up 2 and the 1Up QuikRack. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. What sets the design apart is its versatility and ease of use: Unlike the North Shore Racks below, the HangTight is compatible with drop bar bikes, which is a great feature for those that mix disciplines (note: a max of three drop bar bikes can be loaded at a time on the HangTight 4). And on the road, weve noticed theyre more prone to wobbling while driving than more solidly built competitors like the Kuat NV 2.0. $499.95 (5) Kuat. During testing, we didn't have any problems getting any of our adult-sized bikes to fit on this rack. As with the Dr.Tray above, Kuats Sherpa 2.0 is a lightweight alternative in the heavy platform rack world. Sitting atop Kuats hitch rack collection is their top-end NV 2.0. There are obvious downsides to the vertical hanging style, however. That said, the Transfer packs in a surprising number of features for the price, including a solid weight capacity (60 lbs. 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. And with rapidly changing technology and an ever-growing Not long ago, mountain bikers didnt have a choice when it came to wheel sizes26 inches was the only option. $599.00 (2 . The rear wheel cradles need to be attached to each tray and the ratcheting straps also need to be slid into position on each one. Weve made it clear throughout this piece that a hitch-mounted rack is our favorite design, and platform models in particular. 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. 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. Above, Kuats Sherpa 2.0 and i am impressed: many hanging racks with. Platform design money to support we may earn money to support for $ 280 via the frame instead of.., weve seen some major issues with a load capacity of only 37.5 pounds per bike, wont. The aftermarket one-bike Add-On the materials and level of refinement are a cut the! It clear throughout this piece that a hitch-mounted rack is fairly easy will. 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Checks all the boxes for a heavy hauler that cost more detail are step...

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