Just received my 1up quick racks. I must say that pics do not do this rack justice! It is simply beautiful. Well engineered. I love looking at it. I also love the super low profile of the rack. With one rack on and folded up, I can still open the hatch. With two racks on and in the midway position i can open the hatch. Everything is as easy as the claims. I was able to install the rack and add on without reading the instructions in less than 3 minutes. The hitch connection is very secure. I think i'll put a lock on it still since i'm not fully sold that the hex key is theft proof and I don't want to take it on and off repeatedly.
Price wise it is a little on the pricey side, especially since i can get a really good discount on yakima and thule products.
I considered the following other racks before purchasing this for my 2010 Touareg TDI:
Kuat NV
Yakima Holdup
Thule T2
Saris Cycle On Pro
The best part is that it is so easy to put on - literally 30 seconds and the rack is mounted.
I'm pretty confident in the anti theft provisions, but then I don't live in an area where people steal stuff in general and racks in particular. Someone here did a thing with a U lock that was very clean and trim.
Looks pretty slick. I like the fact that is is super low profile, and does not block the taillights or license place when unloaded. I got popped for obstructed license plate a couple years ago with my Performance X-Port rack.
Looks pretty slick. I like the fact that is is super low profile, and does not block the taillights or license place when unloaded. I got popped for obstructed license plate a couple years ago with my Performance X-Port rack.
1 up needs to lower their prices if they want to get more into the game IMO.
I tried to convince a few of my friends to pony up for the system so we could share the add-on kits and car pool more but the Thule T2 is already more expensive than most people want to spend. The price point needs to come down closer to the T2.
1up USA 2 bike carrier $300+200 = $500
T2 2 bike carrier $350
Not much in essence but that extra $150 has stopped 3 of my friends from buying the rack.
I am aware the price gets closer with a 4 bike setup but we want to share the add-ons.
I like the rack for sure but not enough over the T2.
im wandering if they would give some kind of discount if you buy the 4 bike set up
as much as i think that its a great product, and probably one of the best platform rack, their prices are way too high
Figured I'd fix your sentence. @ $300 to carry only 1 bike is way out of the market even though they do have a good design. Their web site is a bit clunky as well. If they hooked you up with two carriers for $300 I think they would make more money even if they made no other changes to the system.
Because I can use the modules for either AND both cards simultaneously - hitch and roof - it's cheaper. Besides that, I'm not interested in manhandling and then trying to store a 4 bike Thule or Yak. This one, I can put and take off the care in literally 30 seconds by myself - and so can my wife. So, for that, I was happy to pay a premium on the parts.
I don't think they have any desire to get into a head to head competition with Yak or Thule. I also think they have made themselves a really nice business so far and their customer service is beyond first rate.
If the 1upusa rack is too pricey, the Raxter racks are a very nice alternative.
I'd have to check, but I think they would do ok with the larger tires.
Because I can use the modules for either AND both cards simultaneously - hitch and roof - it's cheaper. Besides that, I'm not interested in manhandling and then trying to store a 4 bike Thule or Yak. This one, I can put and take off the care in literally 30 seconds by myself - and so can my wife. So, for that, I was happy to pay a premium on the parts.
I don't think they have any desire to get into a head to head competition with Yak or Thule. I also think they have made themselves a really nice business so far and their customer service is beyond first rate.
If the 1upusa rack is too pricey, the Raxter racks are a very nice alternative.
I'd have to check, but I think they would do ok with the larger tires.
People keep talking about the "cost" of the 1up rack and I wonder how often they have more than one bike on their rack? I know I have never *needed* to carry another bike since my partner doesn't ride and I usually ride alone. If my wider ever changes her mind then I'll buy an add on then. I had a roof rack and I only had a single tray on that, too. Doing the math, a complete roof setup was over $500 for a single bike setup. Doesn't seem too affordable, comparatively.
Anyhow, I agree with the poster above that 1up USA seems to have established their niche and aren't too interested in competing directly with the big manufacturers.
It's not necessary. It takes less than 30 seconds to add or remove an extra module . We store them as separate pieces and use what we need when we need it. That's 30 seconds from the wall (or back to) in the garage to mounted on the car.
Nope other than being a customer. I found them on the internet and purchased one full price. For what it's worth, I can get Thule and Yakima stuff on pro discount and decided to buy 1UpUSA instead for which I get no discount. I simply feel it is the, bar none, the best rack out there - and it ought to be since it is the most expensive.
And for the record I can remove the Thule T2 in 30 seconds as well once I have the wrench in my hand.
It's not necessary. It takes less than 30 seconds to add or remove an extra module . We store them as separate pieces and use what we need when we need it. That's 30 seconds from the wall (or back to) in the garage to mounted on the car.
Nope other than being a customer. I found them on the internet and purchased one full price. For what it's worth, I can get Thule and Yakima stuff on pro discount and decided to buy 1UpUSA instead for which I get no discount. I simply feel it is the, bar none, the best rack out there - and it ought to be since it is the most expensive.
Then you are a better man than I, Gunga Din.
I also find storing the racks like the T2 and equivalent Yak to be a pain. Way too heavy. Way too awkward to manage.
OK thanks for the info. I agree storing the T2 can be a pain if you haven't the space. I have a good place for mine so it's not an issue atm.
My rack is on for 6mos of the year and stored the rest. I do like the modularity of the 1up rack for sure as I usually need a 3rd space not really a 4th. The cost increase isn't really huge per se but trying to convince my biking buddies to get the double so we can share add-ons has been futile and cannot commit to a 4 bike setup atm. Most people I know balk at the cost of the T2. Especially when you consider the added cost of the hitch itself if you don't already have one.
I personally hope that 1up is not trying to stay in a small niche and can find a way to bring the costs down.
@racerwad...
99% of my use of my rack is with 2 people. And I usually need space for 3. Also, Do not forget that some folks need to purchase a hitch itself and will cost an extra $135-200.
OK thanks for the info. I agree storing the T2 can be a pain if you haven't the space. I have a good place for mine so it's not an issue atm.
My rack is on for 6mos of the year and stored the rest. I do like the modularity of the 1up rack for sure as I usually need a 3rd space not really a 4th. The cost increase isn't really huge per se but trying to convince my biking buddies to get the double so we can share add-ons has been futile and cannot commit to a 4 bike setup atm. Most people I know balk at the cost of the T2. Especially when you consider the added cost of the hitch itself if you don't already have one.
I personally hope that 1up is not trying to stay in a small niche and can find a way to bring the costs down.
@racerwad...
99% of my use of my rack is with 2 people. And I usually need space for 3. Also, Do not forget that some folks need to purchase a hitch itself and will cost an extra $135-200.
For me, I really value the easy on/off and easy storage. I only put my rack on for when I use it and it gets taken off as soon as we are done. If I left mine on for 6 months, I might feel differently.
I do like having as many trays as I need when I need them.
When doing an endurance race I may take three bikes with me to have backups available. Even for XC races I may have two bikes for two different classes, including SS. But 90% of the time you are correct, one bike is all I carry.
crux and wormvine- You two need a lesson in economics. Plenty of people are buying their racks. If you don't feel that the product is worth the cost then don't buy it, that's how it works. Spend $150 less on your Yak/Thule, and then buy another one in a few years when the plastic is cracking and the bolts are all rusted.
There isn't a single piece of plastic on the thing. I had yakima roof racks on my Jeep, and after a couple years in Oregon most of the exposed metal is rusted. The 1up is aluminum and stainless. In addition to attaching to car quickly, the bikes mount super duper fast. When I get to the lot I take my bike off and throw a leg over and I'm on the trail. When I get back in the cold rain, I don't stand there messing with wheels and straps, just throw it on the rack and I'm out before my friends have even managed to weave the strap between the spokes. Its probably half the weight of the Yakima, with the option of running one bike which is nice for me because most of the time its me and the dog. You can very easily take it off, fold it up, and stick it in the trunk so some f@cktard doesn't hit it. However, I had left mine on and someone did hit it and 1up is sending me the replacement part for free.
In the grand scheme of money I have spent on this hobby, this rack is well worth the extra $150. I bet if I factor in the 10 minutes/trip I save using this rack... at an average engineering consulting fee I make that $150 back in less than 6 months. No question.
As far as functionality goes, how is this rack better than the Kuat NV? Is the 1up hitch mount aluminum or steel?
...
I think it's awesome that you feel compelled to bash others via some internet message board - don't take out your hum-drum Oregon weather frustrations on the rest of the world.
That being said, it is pretty clear that 1up has a nice product but it is also pretty clear they are asking a premium price for what it is (utilitarian).To your point about economics, if they made more racks, the consumer would see a cheaper price (i.e., economies of scale); but to suggest that other racks don't last a year is ludicrous. Also, there are other companies that use aluminum, which, btw, can also oxidize (you must know that as an engineering CONSULTANT though).
How far apart are the trays? With my T2, I like keeping them really far apart (and slightly un-centered) to avoid the handlebar-seat clash. That's why I don't like the others that have a fixed distance. I like the 1UP but raising lowering the adjustable posts (at base; not just the seat) is a pain. The trays are not at the same height- maybe that helps some?
When I tried one last year, it did not fit my 29er well at all- was too low down on the wheel. A little upward lifting force would let the bike release from the rack. Have they lengthened the arms or anything?
Those are Kenda Nevegal 2.2 29ers in my pics. It says 2.2 but they're fatter than my Rampage 2.35. There is room to spare on each side. The bike seems pretty solid in there to me... granted I have not really yanked on it to try and break it loose. I have a hard time imagining the bike coming out of them under any reasonable transportation scenario.
People keep talking about the "cost" of the 1up rack and I wonder how often they have more than one bike on their rack? I know I have never *needed* to carry another bike since my partner doesn't ride and I usually ride alone. If my wider ever changes her mind then I'll buy an add on then. I had a roof rack and I only had a single tray on that, too. Doing the math, a complete roof setup was over $500 for a single bike setup. Doesn't seem too affordable, comparatively.
Anyhow, I agree with the poster above that 1up USA seems to have established their niche and aren't too interested in competing directly with the big manufacturers.
I hardly ever transport FEWER than 3 bikes, sometimes up to 5 in my vehicle. So for me, I'm looking at $300 for the base, and then another $600 for 3 more add-ons. I'm sorry, but that's just not worth $900. Yes its slick, easy to use, no plastic, etc., but I'd rather spend the extra $$ on bike parts or gear. A T2 rack with the 2 bike add-on is almost $300 cheaper.
I hardly ever transport FEWER than 3 bikes, sometimes up to 5 in my vehicle. So for me, I'm looking at $300 for the base, and then another $600 for 3 more add-ons. I'm sorry, but that's just not worth $900. Yes its slick, easy to use, no plastic, etc., but I'd rather spend the extra $$ on bike parts or gear. A T2 rack with the 2 bike add-on is almost $300 cheaper.
And difficult to put on and take off easily. For us, that would mean it wouldn't get used. There is no way my wife can put on the T2 for 4 bikes by herself. I believe that weighs near 80lbs.
So, what is cheaper? The rack that that costs more that gets used all the time or the cheaper one that never gets used because of it's size and weight?
It's not worth it to you.
Which one would you buy if money were not an issue at all?
Well, that's a question I'd LOVE to have to answer. But until money is not an issue, I'll stick with my statement above.
Like I said, it is a slick rack with lots of positives. I just don't see a 4 bike version of it being worth $900.
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