1UP USA Quik-Rack review w/video

The 1UP USA Quik-Rack is amazingly easy to set up and load a bicycle onto. The super convince of this single bike rack, is incredible. The rack can be folded and stored in the garage, in the trunk folded up or even just left in the hitch on the vehicle.  The two arms on the rack simply tighten up around the wheels and your off. No removing the wheels. The only parts that touch the bike are on the wheels. For those with carbon frames or nice paint jobs on their bikes, nothing touches the frame of the bike at all. it comes complete with everything needed to convert the rack from fitting in a 1¼" or 2” inch tow hitch. At least two inches of the rack must be mounted inside the hitch receiver for the expander bolt inside to grab hold of. The rack can be adjusted in a few angles when a bike is either on or off the rack. Need to get access to your hatchback? The rack easily is adjusted to give you access. The 25 pound rack is very solid when mounted in the hitch receiver. Face the bike in either direction and simply place the wheels in the trays. Open the racks arms before placing a bike on the rack, pull the arms closing in on the wheels and the bike is now securely fastened. 

The ratcheting rails can only be opened (red levers) when you lift up and move them out away from the center of the rack. Although this rack is only for one bike, there is the option to add on up to two other racks, making the total rack fit a total of three bikes.  Each bike can weigh up to 50 pounds. There are seven different levels on each opening arm in which the roller can be adjusted, allowing it to fit road or mountain bikes bikes with wheel bases up to 52 inches (axle to axle) and fit bikes with wheel sizes 16 inch to 29 inches. Special attachments can be purchased separately from the company to allow the rack to fit fat bikes. No rubber straps or cords to worry about and all necessary hardware.  It comes with both a ¼” allen key to remove the two inch receiver, if your going to use it on a hitch 1¼” as well as two, 3/4 inch security allen keys (anti-theft security tools) to securely mount the rack to the vehicle. I love this rack when it’s only been myself headed out to meet up with a group road ride or meet up friends on the mountain bike trails. The only problem I have seen is, if I fold the rack up towards my vehicles bumper it slightly blocks my license plate. Obviously not everyone is going to have this issue as plates are mounted at different heights depending upon the vehicle. If I drive without a bike on the rack, I leave the rack down exposing the plate, but fold it up when I park. I love this rack in that once the allen key tightens the mechanism inside the hitch making it very solid. The rack does not wobble or shake what so ever. The rack comes in black or the anodized aluminum like you see here. This rack would be perfect for students who use their vehicles to get in the general area of their school and use a bike then to get to class. With the security hitch as well as the ability to be quickly folded down and stored in the trunk, its a win/win! 


Check them out at the link below 

www.1up-usa.com

CURT Tray-Style Bike Rack Locking Knobs #18090

CURT Tray-Style Bike Rack Locking Knobs #18090

Original knob that comes on the  CURT tray-style racks #18086 and #18084 

This is the original set of knobs the rack comes with but can easily be replaced with locking ones.

These locking knobs #18090,  increase the security of your bicycle while attached to the rack. Two knobs and keys come with the kit. 

The Curt tray-style bike racks, both the #18086 and the #18084 can benefit with added security from using locking knobs #18090. (CURT tray-style hitch-mounted bike rack #18086, which holds up to four bikes or the CURT tray-style hitch-mounted bike rack #18084 which can hold up to two bicycles.)  The set of two locking knobs both use the same key. I have set up my #18086 using a locking knob on the tallest of the two supports that securely hold down the top tube of each bike. With the knobs being used like this, it will be more difficult for a would be thief to push the lower support upwards, high enough to take the smaller bike out, if that makes sense. The locking knobs easily replace the knobs that come on the rack to begin with. With the locking knob installed, simply turn in the key in the lock, after tightening it down. After locking the knob, the knob will still spin, both ways, yet will not loosen. I guess you could spin it all day, but the knob will not loosen up, until the key is inserted once again and the lock is unlocked.  The locking knobs come with two keys.  I like this set up because you don't have to carry a lock and cable and run it through the frame or wheels. The top tube of the bike is locked down, its not going anywhere. 

CURT Bike Rack Support Strap #18050

CURT Bike Rack Support Strap #18050

I didn’t realize but CURT has a bike rack support strap. I wanted to write this blog to also make other CURT rack owners aware of this addition. This strap is easy to use and attach. It comes in two pieces, which through a buckle the size can be adjusted and tightened. The strap end with the metal “L” slips in between your hatchback and body of the vehicle. The length of the strap measures 61 inches long. This strap then runs down the the buckle. The buckle end attaches around your hitch mounted rack. I put mine just under the top tube frame hook, that keeps the top tube of the bike securely in place. This prevents it from eventually slipping off, over the top.  When the two straps are separated in makes it easier to remove the bike closest to the vehicle. The strap can be used on both the CURT #18086 and the #18084. (CURT tray-style hitch-mounted bike rack #18086, which holds up to four bikes or the CURT tray-style hitch-mounted bike rack #18084 which can hold up to two bicycles.)  Using this strap is required if using the hitch mounted 1 1/4” shanked bike rack, and will void the warranty to both the trailer hitch and bike rack.  It is highly recommended however when using the hitch mounted 2” shanked bike rack. The strap adds great support.