Bikerumor

Attaquer ALL DAY Cycling Kit Review: Perfect for Tall People

editor@bikerumor.com (Bikerumor.com / Tyler Benedict) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 09:35:00 +0000

The Attaquer ALL DAY line got a complete refresh in May, and this is the second iteration I’ve tested. The first remains in my rotation, and this latest edit is an excellent refinement worthy of the “all day” label.

The TL;DR is this: If you’re tall and you like form-fitting, very comfortable kits with all the right features and nothing unnecessary, buy this. The colors are very nice, too. The long version, with convincing photos, is as follows…

Design Highlights

The fourth one of me was taking the pics.

Beyond just being a very comfortable kit, my favorite thing about Attaquer’s ALL DAY line is that the legs and sleeves are long. I’m 6’2″ with average appendage lengths, and I love that the leg opening sit just above my knees. I also love that the arms cover my entire biceps.

And they stay that way throughout the ride. Some jerseys I have end up with the arms riding up throughout the day, but not these, and they do it solely through good compression from the stretch mesh, which is very breathable.

The legs get a much wider compression band with a small strip of grippy dots at the bottom. None of it is overly tight, so I didn’t look like a sausage, but they work. Everything stays put even if you’re dancing on the pedals…like you’ve got… ants. In your pants.

Couldn’t resist. But seriously. I love it. If you’re tall, stop reading here, buy here, and enjoy your ride.

They also have deep cargo pockets on both legs, which is all but a requirement for me on any ride longer than 90 minutes. These are big enough for an iPhone, a few Clif Bars, and almost anything else you’d want to shove there. Even an action camera.

The bib’s material is Italian, mostly Oeko-Tex certified recycled, with a “proprietary Italian two-piece multi-zone chamois with re-engineered surface fabric” that’s very comfortable. As hot as it’s been this summer, I’ve soaked it in sweat, and it seems to move that moisture out quickly – no problems with swamp butt or chafing at all.

The front of the straps are wide and ultra-soft, so no chafing on the nips, either. The back strap is wider than most, which isn’t as hot as I thought it would be, and it does feel very supportive and keeps the rest of the bibs from shifting around.

The body of the jersey is a bit short compared to the arms, but it lands at just the right spot. I’m exaggerating the reach into the pockets a bit here, but they do sit higher and require a bit more of an elbow-and-shoulder hike to get into them. That said, there are five of them, with two smaller ones on the sides for gels, etc. Reinforced stitch points keep things together even with the open mesh.

The zipper is easy to open and close with one hand, while riding. I do wish there was a tiny zipper garage at the top, as there were a few times when I could feel the top of it poking my neck, but mostly only when standing around… it’s a low collar and this was never an issue while riding.

All the mesh and “seersucker” sleeve/shoulder fabric keep it breezy, and lightweight. Claimed weight is just 128g, and it feels like nothing on.

The colors for this season are muted, plus black (because, of course). I’d probably avoid the eggshell-on-eggshell combo, suggesting that you mix and match some colors from top to bottom, but you do you.

These aren’t cheap – $320 for the bibshorts, and $195 for jerseys. But I still recommend them. My original ALL DAY kit shows no signs of wear even after a few years of use, and I wear it a lot. So, they last, and a truly comfortable all day kit that disappears while riding is kinda priceless.

AttaquerCycling.com

Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 is Here. Will Aero With 58mm Wide Tires Redefine Gravel Racing?

editor@bikerumor.com (Bikerumor.com / Tyler Benedict) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:04:53 +0000

We already got a good up-close preview of the new Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 aero gravel bike at Eurobike. It was fitted there with 55mm tires, already a significant increase since its first generation six years ago. But now that it has officially launched, we see that max tire clearance is a whopping 58mm wide, or 2.3″ in mountain bike tire terms. And it manages that with race-ready geometry and full 2x drivetrain compatibility. Could this bike redefine what gravel bike racers choose on the startline?

2026 Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 fat-tire aero gravel race bike

(Photos/Ridley)

Gravel racing is certainly getting faster. And while some of the courses (like recent Worlds tracks) seem rather tame from a technical perspective, many other events are getting rougher and more demanding. As the competition ratchets up, racers need faster bikes. But they really have to be more technically capable, too.

Ridley’s solution is to combine road race-inspired aerodynamics and drivetrain capability with massive tire clearance that wouldn’t have been out of place on an XC race bike a few years ago. Now riders can easily pick from all the tires out there, optimizing for the conditions of each racecourse. Because literally any gravel tire will fit in this bike. And a lot of XC mountain bike tires, too!

Fat tire aerodynamics & speed

(Photo/Cory Benson)

From a tech perspective, we already hit most of the highlights back in July with our Eurobike sneak peek of the new bike. Ridley took everything they learned about making last year’s Noah Fast 3.0 faster by pushing the limits of the most recent UCI frame design boxes, and applied it to the Kanzo Fast 2.0 with much bigger tire clearance.

Their in-house wind tunnel testing even confirms that with the same wheels & tires, v2.0 is 2W faster than the first-gen for the bike only, and 13W faster with a rider. Then, they tested the new bike with 38mm vs. 55 mm tires. The narrower tires were just 6W more aerodynamic. But Ridley assures that on rough gravel, the lower rolling resistance would more than offset that difference.

Plus, just combine the new 2.0 bike with 55mm tires and a rider vs. the first-gen bike with 38mm tires, and the new setup is clearly more aerodynamic. And will be even faster when rolling resistance comes into play.

What all is new?

The same deep aero headtube extension connecting top & down tubes, and the same dropped seatstay design that spreads wide around the rear tire like the new Noah Fast. Even the same huge connection above the bottom bracket, from the aero downtube to the rear wheel cutout in the seattube. And yet the new bike’s frame is also 150g lighter, presumably making a medium frame ~1040g.

The big tires also necessitated a geometry update to retain agile handling. The new bike gets more bottom bracket drop and revised fork offset to account for the change in height by moving to tires that got taller at the same time they got wider. But surprisingly, Ridley was still able to keep the same 425mm short chainstays.

We originally thought the new bike would return to 2x compatibility, thanks to what looked like a braze-on-style mount for the adjustable Wolf Tooth chainguide. But Ridley confirms that the new Kanzo Fast 2.0 is still 1x-only. And a Classified hub is going to be your only option if you need tighter gearing steps.

The new Kanzo Fast 2.0 also moves away from a D-shaped design to a deep full-aero wing seatpost inherited from the Noah Fast 3.0. But the gravel race bike uses a pair of grub screws from the back to hold the post in place, not an internal wedge-style clamp for a more robust clamp solution.

(Photo/Cory Benson)

And the new frame now also gets internal frame storage, via a nice wide opening very low in the downtube where it doesn’t affect the mounting point for the main downtube bottle cage.

Why such big tires for gravel racing in the first place?

58mm tire clearance is a pretty huge step up from the 42mm of the original Kanzo Fast. But really, that’s more than just a technical update. It’s a fundamental shift in how gravel racing is continuing to evolve. When the first Kanzo Fast debuted in 2020, high-speed gravel racing was still pretty much reserved to smoother gravel roads and road-style peloton racing. There were, of course, already plenty of technically difficult gravel races at the time. And many rough ultra-distance gravel races. But the average speeds on those events were generally a lot lower, and fewer top-level athletes were fighting for those wins.

But now, even the rough gravel races are attracting more talent, more competition, and the speeds are going up. So much so that aerodynamics now plays a much bigger role. Until recently, for this type of racing – think Traka or Unbound as examples – racers have had to pick either a faster aero setup or a more forgiving fat-tire or suspension setup. Either suffer for aerodynamic gains, or sacrifice a few Watts to improve grip, control & comfort. This new Kanzo Fast 2.0 says you don’t need to make that trade-off.

Tech details

Ultra Hi Mod carbon aero gravel frame
massive 58mm / 29 × 2.3” gravel or MTB tire clearance
fully integrated internal cable routing through the headtube
lifetime CeramicSpeed SLT headset bearings
internal frame storage, with two padded tool/spares bags included
recessed toptube bag mounts, plus conventional bottle cage mounts inside the main triangle only
proprietary deep aero seatpost

ONLY 1x drivetrain compatible, but electronic-only
56T max chainring clearance
UDH at the rear; removable braze-on mount up front – swappable for a mini chainguide
12mm thru-axles & flat mount disc brakes
PressFit BB86 bottom bracket
custom-fit Curana full-coverage fenders available aftermarket
4 sizes (XS-L)

2026 Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 – Pricing, options & availability

Ridley offers their new Kanzo Fast 2.0 now in just four frame sizes (XS-L). Although, it really is a much wider fit range than the previous generation, based on frame Reach & Stack.

The new gravel race bike is available in three stock builds, or can be fully customized in their online bike builder tool.

Framesets start from around 4500€, and can even be semi-custom-painted in Ridley’s online custom configurator.

Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 SRAM Rival XPLR

Kanzo Fast 2.0 Red XPLR

Complete bikes start at 5500€ With SRAM Rival Xplr 1×13, standard Forza Skiron CG40 carbon wheels and the older Cirrus Pro cockpit. At 7000€ you get a Force Xplr drivetrain, and upgrade to the 1350g carbon-spoke Skiron RS wheels (27mm internal x 50mm deep) and a new Nimbus Pro cockpit. Or go all-in with the 11,700€ SRAM Red Xplr build with deep DT Swiss GRC 1400 wheels and the Nimbus Pro bar.

Or customize your bike and build online now – with plenty more drivetrain and component options – and pick it up at a local Ridley dealer within 8 weeks.

Ridley-bikes.com

Grab REI Gear Deals in Its Sweeping Labor Day Sale

editor@bikerumor.com (Bikerumor.com / Tyler Benedict) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:51:24 +0000

If you missed some adventures this summer, get a little retail therapy and start planning the next trip. Gear up with REI’s Labor Day sale, running from August 28 to Sept. 7. With thousands of products across every category discounted up to 25%, you can push your gear spending further.

Take the following brands, for example. REI is marking 25% off everything from Sea To Summit; Darn Tough Socks (adults and kids); Keen footwear; Danner footwear; La Sportiva climbing shoes; and 20% off all Thule racks, roof boxes, and accessories, as well as all Yakima racks, roof boxes, and accessories.

Go deeper, and you’ll find 25% off select items from: REI brand clothing and gear; Altra footwear; Kuhl apparel; prAna pants; Osprey packs and duffels; La Sportiva footwear; Gregory packs, storage, and reservoirs; MSR tents, cookware, and water treatment; Jetboil stoves, accessories and cookware; The North Face tents; and Big Agnes tents.

Want to find more savings? REI Co-op members get an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item with code LABORDAY26 (details here). To cap off the Labor Day weekend, REI Outlet is also offering all online shoppers Flash Deals (the first is limited to Aug. 31-Sept. 1) with up to 60% off an exclusive collection. Meanwhile, REI Co-op Members can further stack their 20% off one Outlet item coupon (on top of the Flash Deals).

Other priority offers will benefit REI Co-op Members, though terms and conditions apply to all (learn more at REI.com/coupons):

Earn a $100 REI gift card plus $30 in card rewards once you’re approved for the REI Co-op Mastercard by Sept. 7.
Get REI’s fastest U.S. shipping for free on Aug. 31 orders of $150+.
Save an extra 25% on installation services of any bike parts or accessories purchased at any REI Co-op Shop location from Aug. 28 – Sept. 7.
Earn 5% in card rewards on all purchases (even sales) with the REI Co-op Mastercard (minus any credits or returns).
Not a member? Join today and spend $50 through Sept. 7 to earn $30 (issued as a single-use bonus card) toward a future purchase.

Shop Now

This article is sponsored by REI.

The Best Hitch Bike Racks of 2026

editor@bikerumor.com (Bikerumor.com / Tyler Benedict) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

There are various ways to transport bikes with your vehicle, but hitch bike racks are arguably the best. With so many models and styles to choose from, however, finding the perfect hitch bike rack to meet your needs and budget can be a challenge. At Bikerumor, we’ve tested dozens of the best models on the market to find the best ways to conveniently and safely transport your precious bikes wherever you go.

Whether you’re doing mountain bike shuttles with a big crew, heading out on a casual ride or to a race, or loading up the family for a weekend vacation, we’ve found the best options available in 2026. Our team assessed each model’s ease of use, weight limits, versatility, security features, and assembly to provide you with the details you need to make a more informed purchase decision.

Jump to review

BUY OPTIONS

Check Price at REI

See more picks

Specifications

MSRP: $1,000
Number of Bikes: 2 (up to 4 with add-on)
Receiver Sizes: 1.25" and 2"
Rack Weight: 58 lbs.
Per Bike Weight Capacity: 2": 60 lbs., 1.25": 55 lbs.
Max. Wheelbase: 53" or 1,350 mm
Max. Tire Width: 5"
Wheel Size Compatibility: 20 to 29"
Security: Locking anti-wobble cam and 12 mm steel cable lock

Pros

Super easy to use
Easily and highly adjustable
Very stable on vehicle in 2" size
Secure bike hold
Sturdy cable lock
Improved front wheel hook design

Cons

55 pound (1.25" size) per bike limit excludes some heavier e-bikes
Plastic parts may present eventual durability issues
Expensive
1.25" wobbles slightly on vehicle

The Thule Verse ($1,000) builds off the legacy and popularity of the brand’s T2 Pro XTR and takes it up a notch with a wider range of bike fit and an even more user-friendly design. The new Verse rack includes a number of refinements that make it even better than its predecessor, even while that rack is still available and plenty easy to use.

Like the T2, it secures bikes with a front wheel hook and a ratcheting rear wheel strap. That front wheel hook has been redesigned, however, making it even easier to use when loading and unloading bikes. The large handle is easy to squeeze for release and has a flat top that’s great to push on when securing the front wheel down into its cradle. The sliding ratchet strap has also been updated with a wheel chock that keeps the back of the bike super secure and steady in transit. Additionally, the front wheel cradle is laterally adjustable without tools, so you can shift the bikes as needed to avoid bike-on-bike interference.

Versatility is still the name of the game, with the Verse handling just about every bike you own. The front wheel hooks work with wheels between 20 and 29 inches in diameter and tires up to 5 inches wide. That makes it capable of carrying road bikes, fat bikes, and kids’ bikes, without the need for any adapters. With trays capable of holding bikes with wheelbases as long as 53 inches, there are almost no bikes that won’t fit, as long as they weigh 60 pounds or less (55 pounds in the 1.25″ size). Once loaded, our bikes were impressively stable and never budged in transit although the rack wobbled a tiny bit in the 1.25″ size — the 2″ receiver size was rock solid.

Like the T2 Pro XTR, the Verse’s tilt-release handle is very easy to reach and operate when folding the rack up and down. Likewise, the tool-free AutoAttach handle tightens the anti-wobble cam in the receiver for rack stability and locks it to the vehicle for security. The included 12 mm thick rubber-coated steel cable is a big step up from the integrated locks of Thule’s previous models, and easily loops through both bike frames before locking to the rack.

Ground and vehicle clearance are both great as well, and it is suitable for use on unpaved roads and RVs (with a 40% weight reduction), according to Thule. You can also accessorize the Verse to meet your specific needs. These include removable transport wheels ($50), a folding loading ramp ($100), a bike repair holder ($100), and a light and license plate kit ($280). It is also compatible with a 2-bike add-on ($650), so you can expand its carrying capacity to four.

Our primary concern with the Verse is the plastic in its construction, although previous Thule racks we’ve used have proven to be impressively durable. The 60-pound (2″) and 55-pound (1.25″) weight limits should work for most bikes, but those with extra-heavy e-bikes may need to look elsewhere. At $1,000, the Verse is priced at the higher end of the hitch rack market. Still, this is among the most user-friendly and versatile racks we’ve ever tried.

For more info, be sure to check out our in-depth review of the Thule Verse.

Testing the Thule Verse. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Specifications

MSRP: $550
Number of Bikes: 2 (Up to 3 with add-on, 2” receiver only)
Receiver sizes: 1.25” and 2”
Rack Weight: 45 lbs
Per bike weight capacity: 60 lbs
Max wheelbase: 36” up to 50” or 1,270mm
Max tire width: 5”
Wheel size compatibility: 20” to 29”
Security: Locking hitch pin and cable lock included

Pros

Reasonable price
Versatile bike fit
60 lbs weight limit
Easy to use

Cons

Included lock pods are plastic
Sits close to vehicle, hitch extension may be needed with certain vehicles
May not work with all muffler designs

In our opinion, the Rocky Mounts MonoRail ($550) is among the best values you can find for a tray hitch rack. This model performs alongside the more expensive competition despite costing several hundred dollars less. Yes, it still sells for $550, and sure, you could pay a little less for a different model, but we think the MonoRail outperforms the less expensive models we tested. It’s impressively easy to use, highly versatile, and our experience has shown it to be very durable as well.

The MonoRail uses folding front wheel trays with hook-shaped clamp arms that fit everything from 5-inch-wide fat tires to narrow road treads and wheel sizes between 20 and 29 inches. The rear wheel is secured with a ladder strap, and it even comes with extenders to fit those fat bike tires. It has a 60-pound per-bike weight limit, and the trays are intended to fit wheelbases between 36 and 50 inches (1,270mm), so it should be able to handle all but the smallest kids’ bikes or some extra-long mountain bikes. The trays are laterally adjustable as well, so you should be able to avoid bike-on-bike interference, even with drop-bar bikes.

The remote tilt release handle is easy to access to fold the rack up or tilt it down, even with bikes loaded. An included hitch pin lock and cable lock are nice touches to help deter opportunistic bike thieves with lock pods that are keyed alike for convenience. One of our staff has been using this rack for over five years (it has been converted to a BackStage Swing Away), and it is still going strong with only a little rust starting to show. Should you need to expand capacity, Rocky Mounts sells a 1-bike add-on ($220, 2-inch receiver size only) that can bump you up to three bikes.

Given the comparatively lower price of the MonoRail, our complaints about it are surprisingly few. One thing worth mentioning is that the lock pods that come with the hitch and cable lock have plastic bodies that can be easily broken. We’d suggest upgrading to something more robust and maybe consider adding a burly chain lock to keep the bikes extra secure. It also sits pretty close to the rear of the vehicle and may require the use of a hitch extension to avoid handlebar contact on certain styles of vehicles. A select few vehicles with rearward-facing mufflers may also be incompatible due to the potential to melt the plastic with hot exhaust. Thankfully, this issue seems relatively limited.

Beyond that, we feel the Rocky Mounts MonoRail is a great rack that performs above the asking price. Want easy access to the rear of your vehicle? The Rocky Mounts BackStage is essentially the same rack, directly mounted to a swing-away arm.

The Rocky Mounts MonoRail performs alongside the more expensive competition despite costing several hundred dollars less. (photo/Zach Overholt)

Specifications

MSRP: $1,589
Number of Bikes: 2 (up to 4 with add-ons)
Receiver sizes: 1.25” and 2”
Rack Weight: 63 lbs
Per bike weight capacity: 2” receiver: 67 lbs, 1.25” receiver: 60 lbs
Max wheelbase: 53” or 1,346mm
Max tire width: 5”
Wheel size compatibility: 18” to 29” (fender kit available)
Security: Hitch pin lock and 12mm steel cable lock included

Pros

Sleek design
LED brake lights
One touch hydraulic clamp arms
Robust security features
Highly versatile
No frame or rim contact

Cons

Very expensive

Kuat’s premium hitch rack model pulls no punches when it comes to design or price. Yes, it is very expensive, but that price is backed up with top-of-the-line performance and unique features that make it the best tray-style rack we’ve ever used. The Kuat Piston Pro X ($1,589) secures the bikes by the tires only, so there is no frame or even wheel contact on your expensive bikes. The opposing clamp arms are incredibly easy to operate with One Touch hydraulic pistons that make loading and unloading bikes more user-friendly than other similar models. It also has Kuat’s signature tilt-release pedal that can be operated with your foot or hand to fold the rack up or down.

The Piston Pro X is also incredibly versatile, as the clamp arms have tool-free adjustments to fit wheel sizes between 18 and 29 inches and everything from skinny road tires up to 5-inch-wide fat bike treads. It can even handle bikes with fenders when used with the optional fender kit. A maximum wheelbase of 53 inches, or 1,346mm, works with the longest of mountain bikes, and the 67 pounds per-bike weight limit (60 lbs for 1.25″ receiver version, 42 lbs off-road) means that it’s capable of carrying heavy electric bikes, too. Kuat even sells an optional loading ramp so you can roll them into place instead of straining to lift them. One or two bike add-ons are also available, and just as expensive, to increase your carrying capacity to 3 or 4 bikes.

If you get the Piston Pro X delivered to your home, assembly is quite easy. It also comes with some robust security features, including a beefy metal hitch pin lock and a thick, 12mm cable that’s long enough to loop through both the frames and the wheels of two bikes. As an additional safety measure, the anti-wobble cam in the hitch itself requires a security allen key that is housed securely at the end of the rack, so it’s always there when you need it. Integrated LED lights function as both brake lights and turn signals and are impressively bright. Kashima-coated pistons add a touch of bling, the powder-coated finish looks good, and the almost entirely metal construction should help ensure you get your money’s worth. Kuat also sells a license plate mount kit, should you wish to add one.

Like most tray-style hitch racks, it is fairly heavy at 63 pounds. It is also quite wide and bulky, and it takes up a bit of storage space when not in use. The cost of this rack is undoubtedly the most significant barrier to entry, but for those who are willing and able to spring for the Kuat Piston Pro X, we doubt you’ll be disappointed. Don’t need lights or Kashima-coated Pistons? The Piston Pro is essentially the same exact rack without lights and a black coating on the pistons that’ll save you $300. We’ve tested both, so check out our full review of the Piston Pro if you need help deciding.

For a more in-depth look, read our full review of the Kuat Piston Pro X.

Testing the Piston Pro X hitch bike rack. (photo/Zach Overholt)

Specifications

MSRP: $900 – $950 (2-bike)
Number of Bikes: 1 or 2 (up to 4 with add-ons)
Receiver Sizes: 2" and 2.5"
Rack Weight: 64 lbs. (double)
Per Bike Weight Capacity: 100 lbs.
Max. Wheelbase: Up to 58" or 1,470 mm
Max. Tire Width: 5"
Wheel Size Compatibility: 16" to 29"
Security: Up to you

Pros

Super high weight limit
Durable, all-metal construction
Fully rebuildable
No frame contact
Super stable, even off-road

Cons

Expensive
Tilt release handle is awkward
Wheel chock accessory is expensive

The latest version of the 1Up-USA Super-Duty ($1,010 – $1,065 for 2-bike) carries on the burly legacy of one of the toughest racks on the market and builds off it. Somehow, 1Up-USA made this rack even sturdier more versatile, and thankfully, a bit more user-friendly, too. If you’re after a rack that’ll outlast your vehicle, you can take off-road, or to carry your super-heavy e-bikes, look no further.

1Up-USA popularized the opposing dual-clamp arm design many years ago. Numerous brands have since followed suit, but 1Up still carries the “tire-hold” torch. Those dual clamp arms only make contact with the tires, so there’s no chance of scratching your bike’s paint or even scuffing up your rear rim. It’s also incredibly versatile in terms of bike fit. It can hold wheel sizes between 16 and 29 inches, tires up to 5 inches wide, and wheelbases as long as 58 inches (1,470 mm). And with a 100-pound per bike weight limit, there’s virtually no bike it can’t handle.

The previous Super-Duty was a great rack, but it wasn’t the most user-friendly. Thankfully, 1Up finally made the ratcheting arms operable with one hand, so you don’t need to fumble around with them anymore. This fixes one of our biggest complaints about older 1Up models and bumps its ease of use up a notch. Those arms are very secure and hold bikes steadily for the most part. For super heavy bikes or super bumpy roads, however, the optional Wheel Chock ($110 each) provides ultimate stability.

The Super-Duty has a 2-inch receiver size, with the option to upgrade to 2.5 inches for some larger vehicles. Like other 1Up-USA racks, it is built entirely from corrosion-resistant aluminum. Should anything ever break, all of the parts are available, so this thing is fully rebuildable, too. This is the type of rack you hang onto for decades.

Not only can it handle bikes up to 100 pounds each, but it’s also rated for use on RVs and “extreme off-road.” If you’re doing some proper four-wheelin’ to get to your trails or camp spots, this is the rack you want to have. Just get those wheel chocks to keep the front wheel super steady.

Add-ons are also offered to expand capacity to 3 or 4 bikes, with a total rack weight limit of 265 pounds. A loading ramp for heavy bikes, wheel locks, and more are also available to dial it in for your needs.

So what’s not to love? The tilt-release handle isn’t the most convenient and could certainly be improved. And, unless you’re off-roading or carrying very heavy bikes, the Super Duty is probably overkill. For the same durable construction in a less expensive package, the 1Up-USA Heavy Duty handles bikes up to 65 pounds each.

Regardless, the 1Up Super Duty is one of the toughest and most durable racks money can buy. Its all-metal construction will last for years and can handle any bike up to 100 pounds.

For more info, check out our first look review of the 1Up-USA Super Duty.

Putting the updated 1Up-USA Super Duty through its paces. (photo/Ron Frazelle)

Specifications

MSRP: $900
Number of Bikes: 2
Receiver sizes: 2”
Rack Weight: 62.4 lbs
Per bike weight capacity: 60 lbs
Max wheelbase: 50” or 1,270mm
Max tire width: 5”
Wheel size compatibility: 20” to 29”
Security: Hitch pin lock and cable lock included

Pros

Pivots 180 degrees to allow access to back of vehicle
Lighter weight and more affordable than other racks plus swing away extension
User friendly
Versatile bike fit

Cons

Only available in a 2” receiver size
Sits close enough to the vehicle that a hitch extension may be required for handlebar clearance on some vehicles
Not compatible with add-ons

If you’ve got a camper van or simply want wide-open access to the back of your vehicle, we recommend the Rocky Mounts BackStage Swing-Away ($900). While most brands offer pivoting swing-away attachments that can be added to your already expensive rack, Rocky Mounts integrated this awesome feature directly into the design of the BackStage. Not only does this weigh less than a rack plus a pivoting attachment, but it also costs significantly less than most rack plus attachment combinations. This rack uses the same design as their popular, affordable, and versatile MonoRail tray rack, mounted directly to the swing-away arm, and it keeps your bikes much closer to the vehicle.

Loading bikes is easy and intuitive with folding front wheel cradles and clamp arms to secure everything from 5-inch wide fat bike treads down to skinny road bike tires and ladder straps for the rear wheel. It will work with everything from 20 to 29-inch wheel sizes, and the 50-inch, 1,270mm max wheelbase means it works with all but the longest of mountain bikes. A 60-pound per-bike weight limit makes it capable of transporting your heavy e-bikes as well. The well-positioned tilt-release handle makes folding the rack up when not in use or tilting it down a breeze. An included hitch pin lock and cable lock add some peace of mind and security for the rack and bikes it carries.

Swinging the rack out involves loosening a large blue handle and releasing a pin before pushing it off to the side, and it can be done with or without bikes on the rack. Closing it is just as easy, and it feels very secure and wobble-free. Our experience has also shown this rack to be quite durable, as one of our testers has been using the Backstage heavily for the past 5 years, and it is only now showing some signs of rust and corrosion, though it still works perfectly.

We found little not to like about the Rocky Mounts BackStage, but it should be noted that it does sit quite close to the vehicle. Those with Sprinter vans or cabover campers (this isn’t generally an issue for vehicles with sloping rear doors) may find that wide handlebars conflict with the rear of the vehicle and may need to purchase a hitch extension or turn the handlebars of the inner bike when in transit. At 59 pounds, it’s still fairly heavy and bulky, and it isn’t the easiest to move around or store when not in use. Beyond those concerns, we feel the Backstage is a fantastic option for just about anyone, but especially those seeking easy access to the rear of their vehicle.

Rocky Mounts also makes a swing-away version of the GuideRail, called the AfterParty ($1,300). This rack is similar to the Backstage in that it is directly connected to the pivoting attachment, but it holds the bike by the tires only.

The Rocky Mounts BackStage swings out for easy access to the rear of your vehicle. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Specifications

MSRP: $1,069
Number of Bikes: 4 (3, 5, 6, and 7 bike versions available)
Receiver Sizes: 2" only
Rack Weight: 80 lbs.
Per Bike Weight Capacity: 100 lbs. (300 lbs. total)
Max Wheelbase: Not specified
Max Tire Width: 3" (fat tire baskets are available)
Wheel Size Compatibility: 20" to 29"
Security: Locking hitch pin and welded loop for aftermarket locks (optional integrated cable lock system)

Pros

Easy loading
No frame or fork contact
Damper-assisted lowering
Class-leading weight limit
Versatile bike fit – can also carry drop bar bikes
Comes with garage wall mount

Cons

Rubber straps can be a little fiddly at times
Heavy and difficult to carry
Red baskets and crossbars may not be for everyone

The latest MAX racks from VelociRAX build on the solid reputation, versatility, and ease of use the brand is already known for, with a massive boost in weight capacity up to 100 pounds per bike or 300 pounds total. The brand was already producing some of the best vertical hitch racks on the market, but now VelociRAX easily outperforms the competition with weight limits that no one else can touch.

We recently tested and reviewed the 412 MAX, and it proved to be the best vertical rack we’ve ever tried. Beyond the weight limits mentioned above, this rack’s versatility and ease of use also set it apart from the competition. Using the tilt feature, this rack is super easy to load and unload, as you can essentially tip the bikes on their rear wheels and roll them into place. We found this particularly helpful with heavy eMTBs as we didn’t need to struggle to lift them onto the rack. The damper-assisted hinge makes lowering the rack a breeze, even with bikes loaded.

The tire basket design supports bikes with no frame or fork contact, boosting versatility. It works with wheel sizes between 20 and 29 inches and tires up to 3″ wide. And with the aforementioned 100-pound weight limit, it can carry everything from heavy e-bikes, mountain bikes, kids’ bikes, gravel bikes, and even road bikes. VelociRAX also sells fat tire baskets for tires up to 5 inches wide. Heavy-duty rubber straps secure both the front and rear wheels, and we were impressed by the stability of our bikes in transit. The overbuilt rack was also shockingly stable and confidence-inspiring while driving on everything from major highways to bumpy dirt roads.

All VelociRAX come with a locking hitch pin to secure the rack to the vehicle. There’s also a welded metal loop to secure the bikes to the rack with aftermarket locks. The brand sells an integrated cable lock that hides inside the upper crossbar and is ready to deploy when needed. We tried it, and it works well. Additionally, the rack comes with a garage wall mount, allowing for easier storage when not in use. On the wall mount, the rack doubles as bike storage. Another unique feature is the ability to convert it into a ski/snowboard rack for use in the winter with the SkiRAX attachments (sold separately).

Our primary complaint applies to all vertical racks. This thing is heavy and bulky, but at least it’s easier to store with the included garage wall mount. It works best on larger SUVs and trucks. Another minor complaint is that it only comes in red.

The VelociRAX MAX racks come in 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7-bike versions, so you can load up the family or shuttle with the whole crew. The 412 MAX retails for $1,069, and prices increase slightly with the number of bikes. Still, we feel all of the VelociRAX MAX racks are a solid value given the versatility, user-friendliness, and class-leading weight limits.

Vertical racks are a great choice for many riders, and the VelociRAX is the best we’ve tried. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Specifications

MSRP: $1,300
Number of Bikes: 2
Receiver Sizes: 2"
Rack Weight: 56 lbs.
Per Bike Weight Capacity: 80 lbs.
Max. Wheelbase: 53" or 1,350 mm (up to 55" with long straps)
Max. Tire Width: 5"
Wheel Size Compatibility: 20 to 29"
Security: Locking anti-wobble cam and ratcheting straps

Pros

High weight limit
Very versatile bike fit – including bikes with fenders
Tilt function is easy to operate – folds flat against the vehicle
Comes with transport wheels to roll it
Sturdy and secure bike hold – 3 points of contact
Works with loading ramp for heavy bikes

Cons

More involved loading/bike attachment process
No add-ons to increase capacity
Expensive

The Thule Vero ($1,300) is one of the brand’s latest models, entering its hitch rack lineup as a cross between the performance-focused Verse and the highly adaptable Epos. The Vero blends the tray-based stability of the former with the flexible attachment system of the latter. After testing the Vero for weeks, it’s clear that versatility is the name of the game. This rack is designed to carry just about anything with two wheels, and it especially shines when tasked with transporting heavy or awkward setups that may be difficult to haul with more traditional tray racks.

Like the Epos, the Vero uses telescoping support arms paired with front and rear-wheel straps for three points of attachment. The telescoping arms have articulating heads and a ratcheting strap to attach to either the frame or the rear wheel. While this system isn’t quite as quick or streamlined as many of the other on this list, it is incredibly versatile. The Vero can accommodate wheel sizes from 20 to 32 inches, tires up to 5 inches wide, and bikes weighing up to 80 pounds per tray. That makes it particularly appealing for riders with heavier electric bikes or mixed-bike households where no two bikes are remotely alike. Fenders? Check. Fat tires? Check. Heavyweight e-bike? Check. All of the above? Also check.

In use, the Vero feels thoughtfully designed and undeniably sturdy. Thule’s tool-free anti-wobble system makes installation straightforward, and the rack folds up cleanly when not in use. Integrated wheels help offset some of the rack’s substantial weight when moving it around off the vehicle, and the tilt mechanism provides easy rear vehicle access, even with bikes loaded. On the road, we found the Vero to be impressively stable, with very little to no noticeable movement, even while hauling bulky e-bikes. Additionally, the anti-wobble cam handle locks the rack to the vehicle, while the straps on top of the support arms lock up the bikes.

Our biggest takeaway from testing was just how adaptable the Vero really is. It handled bikes that many racks struggle with, including heavy step-through e-bikes, bikes with full fenders, and even compact cargo-style bikes with smaller wheels. For riders who frequently transport unusual or heavy bikes, that flexibility is the Vero’s greatest strength. Just be advised, you’ll probably want to buy the loading ramp accessory ($120). It can also carry your fancy road or mountain bikes without touching your frame as long as you attach the support arm to the rear wheel.

That said, the Vero’s versatility comes with a few compromises. With three points of attachment, loading bikes takes a bit more time and effort compared to faster clamp-arm systems like the Thule Verse or premium racks like the Kuat Piston Pro X. And at $1,300 — plus extra for accessories like the loading ramp — it firmly occupies the premium end of the market.

Still, for riders seeking a solution for transporting any and every bike in their garage, the Thule Vero is one of the most versatile hitch racks currently available.

Fat tires, fenders, and 75 pounds. The Vero carries the Rad Power RadRumer Max with ease. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Specifications

MSRP: $699
Number of Bikes: 4
Receiver Sizes: 2" only
Rack Weight: 56 lbs
Per Bike Weight Capacity: 40 lbs (150 lbs max)
Max Wheelbase: N/A
Max Tire Width: N/A
Wheel Size Compatibility: N/A
Security: Locking SpeedKnob and integrated cable lock

Pros

Swing-away feature
Carries up to 4 bikes
Padded bike cradles
Zip strips are user-friendly
Tool-free installation and removal

Cons

Holds bike by the frame
Bike on bike contact is difficult to avoid
Design is inherently less stable than other styles of hitch racks
40 lbs per bike weight limit

Top tube hanging racks like the Yakima FullSwing ($699) aren’t our first choice for transporting our bikes, but they do make sense for many users. Sure, they have inherent limitations due to their design, but they are a relatively cost-effective way to transport four bikes for those who don’t obsess over the paint on their frames. These types of racks are geared toward families loading up for weekend trips, not for racers loading up carbon bikes.

The FullSwing can carry up to 4 bikes, and it holds them by the top tube of the frame on its support arms with padded cradles. Curved ladder straps called Zip Strips secure the bikes over the top tube, and each bike position also has an anti-sway attachment for the seat tube. This attachment style is user-friendly, and we found it to be quite secure. One very nice feature of the FullSwing is that the entire rack can pivot out and away from the back of the vehicle for easy access, even with bikes loaded. The support arms can be folded down when not in use, and it takes up less space than other styles of hitch racks.

It has a 40-pound per bike weight limit and a max weight capacity of 150 pounds. It won’t carry your heavy e-bikes, but it should be able to handle most standard non-electric bikes that have traditional frame shapes. Bikes with curved top tubes or full suspension bikes with complex designs can also fit, but may require the use of the Yakima TopTube adapter ($49). The rack can be installed and removed without tools, and the locking SpeedKnob secures the rack to the vehicle, while a thin cable lock extends out of the mast to lock the bikes.

Due to the fact that this rack secures the bike by the frame, it could possibly damage your frame’s paint. It is very difficult to avoid bike-on-bike contact with multiple bikes loaded, and it can also be fairly puzzling, but totally doable, to load 4 bikes onto the rack. The top tube hang design is inherently less stable, and the bikes tend to bounce and sway more than other styles of hitch racks.

Limitations of top tube hanging racks aside, the Yakima FullSwing is a solid option for families, less frequent rack users, and those less concerned with the finish of their bikes. The swing-away feature adds a high level of convenience and easy vehicle access. Don’t need the swing-away feature? The Yakima FullTilt 5 ($499) is essentially the same rack with a tilt feature and 5-bike capacity, and it’ll save you a couple hundred bucks.

Testing the Yakima FullSwing with multiple fat bikes. (photo/Zach Overholt)

More Hitch Bike Racks To Haul Your Rides

Specifications

MSRP: $900
Number of Bikes: 2 (up to 4 with add-on, 2” version only)
Receiver Sizes: 1.25” and 2”
Rack Weight: 52 lbs
Per Bike Weight Capacity: 60lbs
Max Wheelbase: 50” or 1,270mm
Max Tire Width: 5”
Wheel Size Compatibility: 20” to 29”
Security: Integrated locking hitch knob and cable locks

Pros

Easy to install and remove
Easy to load bike
User friendly tilt release
Included locks for rack and bikes
Transport wheels to roll rack

Cons

Moderately expensive
Bulky – takes up a lot of storage space

Thule has been making T2 models for many years, and the T2 Pro XTR ($900) is the latest iteration that sits near the top of their line of hitch-mount tray racks. This model has been around for years and has recently undergone only minor updates to its tried-and-true design, enhancing its user-friendliness. While the new Thule Verse is our favorite rack from the brand, it costs $150 more.

With a rock-solid tool-free mounting system that locks the rack onto your hitch and prevents it from wobbling, installing and removing it is quick and easy. Bonus points for the built-in wheels to help you roll it in and out of your garage when not in use, as it is fairly heavy. The tilt-release handle is large and easy to reach, so you can fold the rack up or down easily with one hand while you balance a bike in the other.

Loading bikes is quick and easy with large front tire trays with front wheel hooks and a ratcheting strap for the rear wheel, plus it holds them in place securely without any frame contact. Features like side-to-side tray adjustments, extra space between bikes, 5″ tire capacity, 20-29″ wheel compatibility, a 50″ max wheelbase length, and a 60-pound per-bike weight limit mean it will work with almost anything you ride.

The tool-free AutoAttach knob that makes installation and removal so easy also locks the rack to the vehicle. Integrated cable locks slide out of the front wheel clamps and can be looped around the bike frame to deter theft of your precious bicycles. It comes in both 2” and 1.25” receiver sizes, and a T2 Pro XT 2-bike add-on ($500) can increase your carrying capacity to 4 bikes.

Our biggest gripe with this rack is one that it shares with most other hitch-mount tray racks. Its bulky size makes it a little burdensome to store when not in use. The integrated bike locks work well enough, but that’s one area that could use a little improvement, and we’d always add an additional lock if leaving bikes unattended or out of sight for an extended period (as we would with any other rack). Otherwise, we feel you can’t go wrong with the durable, versatile, and user-friendly Thule T2 Pro XTR.

Specifications

MSRP: $1,200
Number of Bikes: 2 (1 and 3-bike options, plus add-ons available))
Receiver sizes: 2”
Rack Weight: 78 lbs
Per bike weight capacity: 200 lbs
Max wheelbase: 53” or 1,350mm
Max tire width: 5”
Wheel size compatibility: 20” to 29” (Fits 32" but requires additional front wheel strap)
Security: Hitch pin lock and cable locks included

Pros

Modular design can change with your needs
Huge bike fit range
One handed arm operation
Stable in transport
100 lbs weight limit
Tool-free wheel size adjustment

Cons

Heavier weight
Non-tiered platform doesn't have as much ground clearance

The Saris MHS (Modular Hitch System) rack has been around for a few years now, and it continues to bring something unique to the market with its modular design. This tray-style rack holds bikes with no frame contact using dual wheel arms, and it is intuitive and user-friendly to operate. What stands out most about the MHS, however, is the ability to easily add and remove bike trays and swap them out with other products in the MHS ecosystem as your needs change.

Saris sells the MHS in numerous configurations with bases made to fit 1, 2, or 3 bike trays. Each of these can add an additional bike tray to expand capacity. We tested the MHS 3-Bike several years ago and recently revisited the MHS 2-Bike rack ($1,200). The MHS 2-Bike comes as a complete rack system with the 2-Bike Base plus two bike trays. The assembly isn’t difficult, per se, but it does take a bit of time. We went from the box to a functional rack in a little over an hour.

The MHS bike trays use a dual-wheel-clamp design that sandwiches the bike by its wheels and only makes contact with the tires. A small wheel chock adds stability to the front wheel, and the arms can be adjusted for wheel size with a tool-free system. The wheel arms have a convenient, user-friendly release handle that allows for one-handed operation, a nice touch. Each tray has a 100-pound weight limit, fits wheelbases up to 53” long, 20” to 29” wheel diameters, and tires up to 5” wide. Saris also provides a rear wheel strap to secure it to the tray if needed.

The MHS 2- and 3-Bike Bases come in the 2” receiver size only, and the MHS 1 works with 1.25” and 2”. It uses a threaded hitch pin that tightens an anti-wobble cam to stabilize the rack and locks on with a metal hitch-pin lock. Each tray also has a lock system with two cables that extend out from the middle and lock together, keyed alike with the hitch pin. A tilt-release handle at the end of the rack is easy to reach when tilting the rack through its several tilt positions.

Loading bikes on the MHS is very easy with the dual-wheel-clamp design. Saris sells a compatible loading ramp ($190) for heavy e-bikes if you don’t want to lift them into place. It carried everything from lightweight XC bikes to 50+ pound eMTBs with ease and was impressively stable in transit. Our main complaint is that the flat, non-tiered platform doesn’t provide as much ground clearance as some other models. It’s also a little heavier than most 2-bike racks at 78 pounds, making it a little tougher to move around off the vehicle.

Beyond that, its modular design is unique, and it’s easy to add an extra tray ($450) to any of the bases. Not only that, but you can switch the trays for a cargo basket ($400) for road trips and still carry a bike depending on your setup. Saris also sells an LED light kit, plus replacements for all of the wear parts on the rack. Overall, it’s a sturdy, user-friendly hitch rack that’s adaptable to changing needs.

You can learn more in our in-depth review of the Saris MHS.

Specifications

MSRP: 2-bike: $549
Number of Bikes: 2 (up to 4 with add-ons)
Receiver sizes: 1.25” and 2”
Rack Weight: 37 lbs (2” version)
Per bike weight capacity: 2” receiver: 60 lbs, 1.25” receiver: 40 lbs
Max wheelbase: 50” or 1,270mm
Max tire width: Up to 5” with Phat Bike Kit ($15)
Wheel size compatibility: 18” to 29”
Security: Tamper-resistant hitch cam and semi-integrated cable lock included

Pros

Light weight
Reasonable price
Versatile bike fit
60 lbs per bike weight limit
Included security features

Cons

Tilt-release lever can be awkward to operate with bikes loaded
Less refined than more expensive competition
More involved assembly
No lateral bike adjustability

Coming at half the price, or less than half, of our top-rated models, the Kuat Transfer V2 2-Bike ($549) is a more affordable way to transport your bikes. Using a simpler design and overall construction, this rack saves you money while still handling virtually any type of bike you could own. It may not be quite as elegant or refined as more expensive options, but it performs similarly and holds bikes securely with no frame contact. The front wheel clamp only makes contact with the front tire and accommodates wheel sizes between 18 and 29 inches and tires up to 5 inches wide (with the optional Phat Bike Kit), while the rear wheel is secured with a simple ladder strap. It can handle wheelbases up to 50 inches, or 1,270mm, so it’ll fit most bikes except super-long mountain bikes.

Weighing in at a diminutive 37 pounds, the Transfer is lighter than most other tray-style racks, making it easier to install, remove, and move around when not in use. Still, it has an impressive 60 lbs per bike weight limit. The 2-inch receiver size can also be chassis-mounted to an RV, although the weight rating drops to 40 pounds per bike (2-bike version only, no add-ons). It also comes with a cable lock to secure your bikes to the rack, as well as an anti-wobble cam that requires a security allen key to adjust. These security features may not be infallible, but they certainly do a lot to deter theft of both the rack and the bicycles you carry.

Our complaints about the Kuat Transfer are surprisingly few. Given its lighter weight, less robust build, and some plastic parts, it doesn’t strike as the most durable rack around, yet we have seen them last for several years of regular use. The location of the tilt-release foot lever can also be a little awkward to operate, especially with bikes loaded. You can’t adjust the bikes laterally, so some bike-on-bike interference may be an issue, especially with drop-bar bikes. It also has a bit more involved assembly process than many other models we tested, but thankfully, you only have to do it once (or not at all if you buy it pre-assembled from a shop).

We tested the Transfer V2 2-bike, but it is also available in one-bike ($398) and three-bike ($649) versions. Add the Transfer 1-bike extension ($198) to any of them, and you can get up to four bikes on this model for about the same price as many 2-bike models listed here. Just make sure you buy the 2″ hitch version if you plan on adding the extension.

Specifications

MSRP: $949
Number of Bikes: 2 (up to 4 with add-on)
Receiver sizes: 1.25” and 2”
Rack Weight: 66 lbs
Per bike weight capacity: 70 lbs
Max wheelbase: 52” or 1,320mm
Max tire width: 3.25” (up to 5” with Fat Bike Kit)
Wheel size compatibility: 20” to 29”
Security: Locking SpeedKnob, integrated cable locks, welded lock loop on rack

Pros

Tough, overbuilt feel
70 pound weight limit
Versatile bike fit
Optional loading ramp for heavy bikes
User-friendly features like remote tilt-release handle and SpeedKnob
Two color options

Cons

Fairly expensive
Large, bulky size
Heavy weight
Tilt release handle can stick sometimes

The Yakima StageTwo ($949) is one of the brand’s newest hitch rack models, and it is the best that we’ve ever tested from the brand. This burly rack is not only easy to use and highly versatile, but it has an impressive 70 lbs per-bike weight limit. This rack can handle just about any bike you own, including most heavy e-bikes, and the optional RampUp loading ramp ($119) makes it easy to load them onto the rack. It’s also RV-rated up to 60 lbs per bike and off-road rated to 42 lbs per tray.

While it is relatively heavy at 66 pounds, installing and removing the rack is otherwise very easy thanks to the tool-free SpeedKnob design that tightens the receiver arm in the receiver to eliminate wobbles and lock the rack to the vehicle. The tilt-release handle at the end of the main support arm makes folding the rack up and down a snap, and it can be tilted down and away for access to the back of the vehicle, even with bikes loaded.

The large StrongArm hooks clamp down securely over the front wheel and accommodate wheel sizes between 20 and 29 inches and tires up to 3.25 inches wide, and the Fat Bike Kit makes it possible to carry bikes with tires up to 5 inches in width. The trays are designed to work with wheelbases up to 52 inches, or 1,320mm, with sliding rear tire cradles and ladder straps. For added visibility, Yakima also sells the SafetyMate ($299), a light and license plate kit to add to the StageTwo. We tested it, and it’s fairly easy to install and works quite well.

Not only does the SpeedKnob lock the rack to your vehicle, but the StageTwo also comes with cable locks that extend out of the clamp arms to loop through the frame or fork. Yakima also added a clever welded steel loop to the main support arm so you can attach an additional lock for added security. The trays are slightly tiered for ground and bike clearance, and can be shifted laterally to avoid bike-on-bike interference, though this requires tools and a little time. Need to transport more than 2 bikes? The StageTwo 2-bike add-on ($699) can increase your carrying capacity to 4 bikes (2-inch receiver version only).

The StageTwo’s robust design and high weight capacity make it undeniably big and bulky. This rack is not only relatively heavy, but it is also quite wide and will not disappear in your storage space. It’s also fairly expensive, and extras like the RampUp loading ramp and Fat Bike Kit add to the price. That said, if you’re looking for a rack to transport your heavy e-bikes or you simply want a tough and durable rack for everyday use, the StageTwo is the best Yakima rack we’ve tested.

Specifications

MSRP: 2-bikes w/ lights: $1,500, 2-bike w/o lights: $1,200
Number of Bikes: 2 (3 bike version available)
Receiver sizes: 1.25” and 2”
Rack Weight: 38 lbs
Per bike weight capacity: 75 lbs (140 lbs total)
Max wheelbase: 53” or 1,350mm
Max tire width: 3” (up to 4.7” with XXL Fatbike Wheel Straps)
Wheel size compatibility: 16” to 29”
Security: Locking hitch knob, locking steel reinforced ladder straps on telescoping arms

Pros

75 pound bike weight limit (up to 140 lbs total)
Folds in half, very small footprint and size for storage
Wheels and handles make it very easy to move around when not in use
Works with virtually any bike
Optional lights and license plate kit, loading ramp, high grade lock, and storage cover
Comes in 2 and 3 bike versions

Cons

Expensive
Bike attachment is somewhat fiddly
Lots of plastic parts

We got our hands on the Thule Epos for some testing shortly after it was launched. Essentially an updated and improved version of the EasyFold XT, the Epos aims to carry just about any bike you could own with a high weight limit and unique attachment system while still being exceptionally lightweight and storable thanks to its folding design. The 2-bike version is sold with lights ($1,600) and without lights ($1,300), and it also comes in a 3-bike version without lights ($1,400) or with lights ($1,600).

One of the highlights of the Epos is its impressively lightweight and compact folded dimensions. At a mere 38 pounds (39.4 with lights, license plate holder, and ABUS lock installed) with a folding design, moving it around is quite easy with a carry handle at the top and integrated wheels to roll it. You can carry it like a suitcase, and it takes up very little storage space. An optional rack cover is also available for the tidiest storage experience.

Installing and removing the Epos is quick and easy with Thule’s stinger pin and locking anti-wobble knob design. The adjustable hitch switches between 2 and 1.25-inch sizes, should you need to use it with different size receivers. On the vehicle, the trays fold down and are ready to carry bikes. An optional loading ramp can be purchased for rolling heavyweight e-bikes up into position. It also has a tilt feature for easy access to the rear of the vehicle.

The Epos has a unique telescoping arm design that can clamp your bike on the frame or the rear wheel for no frame contact. The swiveling heads can be aligned perfectly to the clamping surface with long, steel-reinforced, locking, ratcheting ladder straps. Ladder straps on the trays secure the front and rear wheels for three attachment points and a secure hold in transport. An optional High-Grade cable lock made in cooperation with ABUS integrates into the rack for a second layer of bike protection.

Versatility is another highlight, with a high weight limit and a huge range of bike fit. 75 pounds per bike (140 lbs total) means it should handle even the heaviest of e-bikes, and the telescoping arms and long straps can fit just about any frame or bike style (including bikes with fenders). It works with tires up to 3 inches wide (up to 4.7 inches with XXL Fat Bike straps), wheel sizes between 16 and 29 inches, and the 53-inch (1,350mm) max wheelbase length is more than enough for all but some seriously long outliers.

Our main complaint about the Thule Epos is that the loading and bike attachment process is a little more involved than other models, with three ratcheting straps and a telescoping arm. The rack is also made with a lot of plastic parts, which may present some durability issues if handled or treated carelessly. It’s also quite expensive, and optional features like lights, the license plate holder, and the high-grade lock only add to the cost. That said, if storability, a versatile bike fit, and the ability to carry heavy e-bikes are on your list of priorities, it may well be worth the asking price.

Specifications

MSRP: $950
Number of Bikes: 2 (Up to 3 with add-on, 2” receiver size only)
Receiver sizes: 1.25” and 2”
Rack Weight: 49 lbs
Per bike weight capacity: 60 lbs
Max wheelbase: 36” up to 55” or 1,397mm
Max tire width: 3”
Wheel size compatibility: 20” to 29”
Security: Locking hitch pin and 10mm square link chain included

Pros

Holds bikes by tires only, no frame or wheel contact
Great security features
Easier to load than some similar racks
Easily accessible tilt-release handle
Mostly metal construction

Cons

Sits close to the vehicle, some may need to use a hitch extension
Fairly expensive

The GuideRail ($950) is one of the latest models from Rocky Mounts and a departure from the tray racks the brand has been making for years. Similar to the 1Up or Kuat Piston Pro X, this rack secures the bike between two opposing wheel clamps and only makes contact with the tires. It won’t rub on the paint of your frame or fork, or even affect the finish of your rims. It also looks great with a nice black finish and anodized blue touchpoints, and the almost entirely metal construction feels tough and durable. It can carry bikes up to 60 pounds each, and a reasonably priced GuideRail 1-bike add-on ($325) can make it a 3-bike rack (2” receiver only), although the per-bike weight limit drops to 45 pounds each.

This well-designed rack is super easy to use with some slick design elements and security features that set it apart from similar models. The remote tilt release handle is easy to access to fold the rack up, down, or tilt it away from the vehicle. The wheel clamps are easy to operate with large release levers that allow for one-handed adjustment of the arms for easy loading. The clamp arms can fit everything between 19mm road tires up to 3” and wheels between 20” and 29” diameters. The tiered trays have space for bikes with wheelbases up to 55”, 1,397mm, which means they can fit just about any bike, and there’s plenty of room to offset them laterally to avoid bike-on-bike contact.

Not only is the GuideRail easy to use, but it comes with robust security features to keep your rack and bikes safe. It comes with a locking hitch pin as well as a burly 10mm square link chain that can be looped around your bike frames and locked into the main support arm of the rack. This chain lock is much more substantial than most included locks and feels like more than just a theft deterrent.

We have a couple of nitpicky complaints about the GuideRail. While the clamp arms are adjustable for different wheel sizes, they do require tools (included) to do so. It also sits quite close to the rear of the vehicle and may require a hitch extension to keep handlebars from making contact with the back of certain vehicles, like camper vans. It’s competitively priced among similar racks, though at $850, it still isn’t exactly inexpensive. Still, the Rocky Mounts GuideRail is a great option that holds bikes securely while making contact with the tires only, and we’d happily recommend it to anyone. Interested in this rack and want a swing-away feature? Check out the Rocky Mounts AfterParty.

Check out our full review of the Rocky Mounts GuideRail.

Specifications

MSRP: $750
Number of Bikes: 2 (up to 3 with add-on)
Receiver Sizes: 1.25" and 2"
Rack Weight: 60 lbs.
Per Bike Weight Capacity: 2": 66 lbs.
Max. Wheelbase: 52" or 1,320 mm
Max. Tire Width: 4"
Wheel Size Compatibility: 20 to 29"
Security: Locking hitch pin and keyed cable lock (wheel locks sold secparately)

Pros

Hold bikes with no frame contact
More affordable than similar options from other brands
Compatible with 1-bike add-on and LED light kit
Relatively sleek looks
Versatile bike fit
Relatively high weight limit

Cons

Lacks some refinement compared to higher-end competitors
Opening wheel arms requires 2 hands

When the Hollywood Racks CrossTrack ($750) came out recently, it represented a pretty significant step forward for a brand that’s traditionally been known more for affordable, practical racks than performance-oriented design. Hollywood is known for making solid options for RVs, e-bikes, and budget-conscious riders, but until the CrossTrack launched last year, the brand’s racks had limited appeal to riders trying to transport high-end or high-performance bicycles.

The CrossTrack changed that. Using opposing wheel arms that clamp only onto the tires, it completely avoids contact with the frame or rims while delivering a stable, secure hold for everything from lightweight XC bikes to heavy eMTBs. It’s a familiar design inspired by brands like 1Up-USA, and Hollywood’s take comes in at a reasonable price while still offering impressive stability and versatility.

It can carry bikes weighing up to 66 pounds per tray, wheels between 20″ and 29″ in diameter, and tires up to 4″ wide. That means it should be able to handle just about any bike most people own, minus those with fenders or weighing more than 66 pounds.

Assembling the rack is simple enough, and we think most people can tackle on their own. Installing the rack on a vehicle is also quite simple, with an easy-to-use anti-wobble system on the 2-inch version that works effectively. This rack feels impressively solid once tightened down, even carrying two heavy Specialized Levo eMTBs; the CrossTrack remained stable and secure in transit.

Day-to-day usability is generally excellent. The rack folds tightly against the vehicle, the tilt positions are easy to access, and loading bikes is quick once the wheel arms are open. Our biggest gripe is that opening the wheel arms requires two hands, which can feel awkward while balancing a bike. Compared to the slick one-handed systems from brands like Kuat, it feels less refined, though it’s also dramatically less expensive.

The latest update addresses one of the biggest limitations of the original version. By relocating the tilt-release handle, the CrossTrack is now compatible with a 1-bike add-on. Riders can now expand the 1-bike rack to two trays or the 2-bike rack to a 3-bike setup. The add-on sells for $350, and the installation process is straightforward, taking only about 15 minutes to complete. There’s also an LED Light Bar accessory, should you want to add more visibility, and an optional loading ramp to roll heavy bikes into place.

While it may not be the fanciest rack of its type on the market, it is one of the most affordable. Despite one minor complaint, the CrossTrack is otherwise very versatile, sturdy, and relatively user-friendly. Now, with add-on capability, it’s better than the original, too.

Specifications

MSRP: $1,000
Number of Bikes: 2
Receiver Sizes: 2" only
Rack Weight: 66 lbs.
Per Bike Weight Capacity: 80 lbs.
Max. Wheelbase: 53" or 1,350 mm
Max. Tire Width: 5"
Wheel Size Compatibility: 24" to 29"
Security: Locking hitch pin and integrated cable lock

Pros

High weight capacity
Versatile bike fit
Excellent stability of bikes and rack on vehicle
No frame contact

Cons

No 1.25" receiver option
Rear wheel strap is comically long
Lots of plastic parts
Expensive

The Saris Edge ($1,000) is a bold step into the premium end of the hitch bike rack market for the brand. It seems that Saris is trying to gain an edge (pun intended) on the competition with some unique features on this new 2-bike carrier. At that price, however, it’s up against some very stiff and well-established competition.

We’ve tested many bike racks, but most of Saris’ previous models haven’t really stood out from the crowd. The new Edge changes that and is easily the best rack we’ve tried from the brand. It performs incredibly similarly to racks like the Thule Verse or Yakima StageTwo, but with a higher weight limit and a slightly different front wheel hook design.

The Edge is a tray-style rack with large front wheel “hoops” that fit skinny tires up to 5-inch-wide fat bike treads. It has an articulated arm with a wheel hook that stops in a fixed position before ratcheting down on the front tire. Unlike other wheel hooks, this Edge’s fixed position eliminates the chance of it rubbing on your fork, which is a common problem with some other racks. At the other end, the sliding wheel chock and a long ratcheting strap secure the rear wheel on the tray. The wheel chock can also serve as a riser if needed to prevent bike-on-bike contact.

With the ability to adapt to 24 to 29-inch wheel sizes, tires up to 5 inches wide, wheelbases up to 53 inches long, and bikes up to 80 pounds, the Edge intends to carry just about any bike you own. That includes heavyweight e-bikes that many other racks can’t handle. We used it for gravel bikes, mountain bikes, fat bikes, and eMTBs, and it handled all of them with ease. We rattled down rough gravel roads for miles and miles, and were shocked by the stability of the rack and the bikes on it.

A large tilt-release handle on the end of the main support arms makes it easy to tilt the rack up and down, even with bikes loaded. Integrated cable locks slide out of the wheel trays and lock in the middle, while a robust metal hitch pin lock secures the rack to the vehicle. The tool-free anti-wobble system makes it easy to install and remove from the vehicle. Still, this rack weighs 66 pounds, so it isn’t the easiest to move around — but about the same as similar racks.

Interestingly, Saris doesn’t make a compatible loading ramp for a rack that can carry bikes up to 80 pounds. Like the Thule Verse, the Edge also has quite a few plastic parts that could present durability issues over time. Our only other complaint is that there isn’t a 1.25-inch receiver version, nor are there any add-ons to expand capacity.

Lastly, the $1,000 price tag is up there with the most expensive racks on the market. That said, this is the best Saris rack we’ve tried and is a worthy contender for your next bike rack.

For more information, read our full review of the Saris Edge.

Specifications

MSRP: $989 ($898 for the NV Base 2.0)
Number of Bikes: 2 (up to 4 with add-ons, 2” receiver size only)
Receiver sizes: 1.25” and 2”
Rack Weight: 56 lbs
Per bike weight capacity: 60 lbs
Max wheelbase: 50” or 1,270mm
Max tire width: Up to 5” with Phat Bike Kit
Wheel size compatibility: 20” to 29”
Security: Locking hitch pin and integrated cable locks included

Pros

Trail Doc included
Slick looks and durable powder coat finish
Loading ramp accessory available
60 lbs per bike weight limit
Comes in 2 color options

Cons

No lateral tray adjustment (front wheel cradles adjust)
Relatively expensive
Tilt release lever can be hard to reach with bikes loaded

The Kuat NV 2.0 ($989) set a high bar for both its appearance and performance when it hit the market several years back. The slick design and gloss metallic powder coat finish really helped it stand out from the crowd with looks that turned heads. It’s been a mainstay in the Kuat lineup ever since, but it has recently been bumped from the top-of-the-line position by the Piston Pro X and Piston Pro.

Like most quality tray racks, the NV 2.0 is highly versatile and can handle just about any bike you have, up to 60 lbs each. The NV 2.0 carries 2 bikes, and 1-bike and 2-bike add-ons are available to expand capacity up to 3 or 4 (2” receiver size only), although this decreases the per-bike weight limit. The front wheel cradles and hook-shaped front wheel clamps can accommodate any tire size up to 5 inches and wheel sizes between 20 and 29 inches in diameter. The rear wheel strap slides along the tray to fit wheelbases up to 50 inches, or 1,270mm, and they will fit most tires (fat tires require the Phat Bike Kit). If you’ve got heavyweight e-bikes, an optional Access Bike Ramp ($98) is available to roll bikes up into position on the trays.

The rack is fairly heavy at 56 lbs, but it’s easy to install and remove with a knob to add tension to the anti-wobble hitch cam. A locking hitch pin keeps the rack itself secure, while integrated cable locks extend out of the trays and help deter theft of your bikes. The tilt-release lever can be operated with your hands or feet and makes folding the empty rack up or down pretty user-friendly. The NV 2.0 (not the Base version) also comes with the Trail Doc, a mini repair stand that extends out of the rack. This makes maintenance and repairs on a road trip or at the trailhead quick and easy without having to bring along a separate work stand.

Like similar racks, the NV 2.0 is fairly heavy and bulky, making it somewhat inconvenient to store when not in use. The trays are also fixed in position and don’t allow for any lateral adjustment to avoid bike-on-bike interference. The front wheel cradles do adjust slightly to compensate, but some bike combinations may conflict. The NV 2.0’s price is in line with many other high-end racks, but it’s certainly not inexpensive. If you want to save a hundred bucks, the NV Base 2.0 is essentially the same rack with a matte finish minus the Trail Doc.

For a deeper dive, check out our full review of the Kuat NV 2.0.

Specifications

MSRP: $759
Number of Bikes: 2
Receiver sizes: 1.25” and 2”
Rack Weight: 32 lbs
Per bike weight capacity: 40 lbs
Max wheelbase: 47” or 1,194mm
Max tire width: 3”
Wheel size compatibility: 20” to 29” (20” to 24” require adapter)
Security: Hitch pin lock and cable lock included

Pros

Lightweight
Sleek design and looks
Available in 3 color options
Comparatively smaller overall size

Cons

Lower per bike weight limit
Limited wheelbase length
No lateral tray adjustability

Kuat has made a name for itself with slick-looking racks that seem more appropriate on luxury automobiles than most other brands. The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 ($759) is one such model that boasts a beautiful and durable powder coat finish and comes in three color options to match your ride. Additionally, its compact design makes it less obtrusive than other tray-style models with stealthy, fold-out front tire trays and a smaller overall size.

At just 32 pounds, the Sherpa 2.0 is one of the lightest tray racks on the market, making installation and removal a breeze compared to heavier models. Still, it can support two bikes, each weighing up to 40 pounds, and is compatible with wheel sizes ranging from 20 to 29 inches (20-24 inch wheels require the use of the included adapter), as well as tires up to 3 inches wide. Loading bikes is quick and easy with intuitive front wheel clamps and a ladder strap for the rear wheel. Included security features, such as a locking hitch pin and a long cable lock, help deter theft of both the rack and your precious rides.

The Sherpa 2.0 does have some limitations, most notably the 40 lbs per bike weight limit that won’t support heavier electric bikes. Kuat also claims it is limited to bikes with wheelbases no longer than 47 inches, or 1,194mm, meaning that many of today’s modern mountain bikes will be too long. The trays are not adjustable laterally, so some bike-on-bike interference may be hard to avoid, especially with drop-bar bikes. Additionally, the rack’s tilt-release lever position requires you to reach under the bikes to tilt it down when the bikes are loaded.

Regardless, we feel the Sherpa 2.0 is an especially attractive option for those who install and remove their rack frequently, given its impressively low weight. If you transport lighter-weight and smaller bikes primarily and don’t need to carry more than 2 at a time, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is a user-friendly and reliable rack that not only works well but looks good doing it.

Hitch Bike Racks Comparison Chart

Hitch Bike Rack	MSRP	Number of Bikes	Rack Weight	Per Bike Weight Capacity	Hitch Size Options	Security Features
Thule Verse	$1,000	2 (up to 4 with add-ons)	58 lbs.	2″ – 60 lbs, 1.25″ – 55 lbs.	1.25″ and 2″	Locking anti-wobble cam and 12mm steel cable lock
Rocky Mounts MonoRail	$550	2 (up to 3 with add-ons)	45 lbs.	60 lbs.	1.25″ and 2″	Hitch pin lock and cable lock
Kuat Piston Pro X	$1,589	2 (up to 4 with add-ons)	63 lbs.	67 lbs. (2″)	1.25″ and 2″	Hitch pin lock and 12mm steel cable lock
1Up-USA Super Duty	$900-$950	2 (up to 4 with add-ons)	64 lbs.	100 lbs.	2″ and 2.5″	Hitch pin lock
Rocky Mounts BackStage	$900	2	62.4 lbs.	60 lbs.	2″	Hitch pin lock and cable lock
VelociRAX 412 MAX	$1,069 (4-bike)	4 (also 3, 5, 6, and 7 bikes)	80 lbs.	100 lbs. (300 lbs. max)	2″	Hitch pin lock (optional integrated cable lock)
Thule Vero	$1,300	2	56 lbs.	80 lbs.	2″	Locking anti-wobble cam and ratcheting straps
Yakima FullSwing	$699	4	56 lbs.	40 lbs. (150 lbs. max)	2″	Locking SpeedKnob and integrated cable lock
Thule T2 Pro XTR	$900	2 (up to 4 with add-ons)	52 lbs.	60 lbs.	1.25″ and 2″	Locking hitch knob and integrated cable locks
Saris MHS 2-Bike	$1,200	2 (1 and 3 options, add-ons available)	78 lbs.	100 lbs.	2″	Locking hitch pin and integrated cable locks
Kuat Transfer V2	$549	2 (up to 4 with add-ons), one and 3-bike versions available	37 lbs.	60 lbs.	1.25″ and 2″	Tamper-resistant hitch tightener and cable lock
Yakima StageTwo	$949	2 (up to 4 with add-ons)	66 lbs.	70 lbs.	1.25″ and 2″	Locking SpeedKnob and integrated cable locks
Thule Epos 2	$1,300-$1,600	2 ( also comes in 3-bike)	38 lbs.	75 lbs. (140 lbs. max)	1.25″ and 2″	Locking hitch knob and locking straps
Rocky Mounts GuideRail	$950	2 (up to 3 with add-ons)	49 lbs.	60 lbs.	1.25″ and 2″	Hitch pin lock and 10mm square link chain
Hollywood Racks CrossTrack	$750 (2-bike)	2 (up to 3 with add-ons)	58 lbs.	66 lbs.	1.25″ and 2″	Hitch pin lock and 8′ cable lock
Saris Edge	$1,000	2	66 lbs.	80 lbs.	2″	Hitch pin lock and integrated cable locks
Kuat NV 2.0	$989	2 (up to 4 with add-ons)	56 lbs.	60 lbs.	1.25″ and 2″	Hitch pin lock and integrated cable locks
Kuat Sherpa 2.0	$759	2	32 lbs.	40 lbs.	1.25″ and 2″	Hitch pin lock and cable lock

Scroll right to see more specs.

Testing hitch bike racks in the Nevada desert. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Why You Should Trust Us

The team at Bikerumor is obsessed with all things cycling. We ride for work, fun, fitness, training, racing, and commuting. We don’t just write about bikes; they are a driving force in our everyday lives. Like you, we often use our vehicles to transport ourselves and our precious bicycles, and hitch-mounted bike racks are our preferred way to do so.

For well over a decade, we’ve been testing the latest bikes, technologies, components, and accessories, including bike racks. In that time, we’ve gotten our hands on virtually every bike rack on the market, whether for testing and review or personal use. We’re always searching for the best, safest, and most secure way to transport our bikes to the trailhead, for a weekend getaway, or to the next race. In line with keeping bikes safe and secure, we’ve also thoroughly tested and reviewed the best bike locks.

Our editors have been testing cycling gear for years and have developed a keen sense of what makes a great product. Each rack featured here has been thoroughly used and tested by one or several members of our staff to tease out the often subtle performance differences that separate the good from the best. In fact, many of these models are our personal racks that have seen several years of heavy use and abuse. Rest assured, we have our fingers on the pulse, and as new models hit the market, we’ll test those too, and keep this review as up-to-date as possible. We’re committed to helping you find the perfect rack to meet your needs and budget.

Loading up the bikes after a ride onto the Yakima StageTwo. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Buying Advice: How to Choose a Hitch Bike Rack

There are many styles of bike racks on the market, but we feel that hitch-mount racks are the best way to transport your bikes. Hitch racks come in several styles, however, so you’ll need to determine which is the best option for the bikes you own and the vehicle you will use it on. Here we break down the main differences between tray racks, vertical carry racks, and top tube hanging racks, as well as other important things to consider when purchasing a hitch rack.

Types of Hitch Mount Bike Racks

There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of rack. Here, we’ll explain the differences along with the pros and cons associated with each style.

Tray racks support the bike on trays, or platforms, and typically come in 2-bike versions with many providing the option to expand capacity with add-ons. (photo/Steve Graepel)

Tray or Platform Hitch Bike Racks

More often than not, we choose the tray or platform-style rack over the others due to its ease of use and bike attachment methods. The bike’s tires rest on a tray or platform with arms that typically clamp down on the front wheel, while the rear wheel is strapped into place. Some models use arms to capture both the front and rear wheels. Tray racks are the most stable and secure. Some models allow for left-right adjustments so you can avoid handlebar-to-seat interference between bikes. Serious cyclists typically choose tray racks because most designs hold the bike without any frame contact, helping to keep your ride in pristine condition.

PROS: Good tray racks typically hold bikes with no frame contact, so they won’t scratch or rub on the paint. They also tend to have more space between bikes, making it easier to load larger bikes and those with wider tires. They are very versatile and can accommodate a wide range of wheel sizes, tire widths, and bike types. Some have high weight limits, making them suitable for transporting heavy e-bikes. Low loading heights mean you don’t have to lift your bikes that high to get them on the rack.

CONS: Most tray racks can only fit two bikes (some can accommodate up to four with add-ons). They are often quite expensive, and adding a 2-bike extension to a 2-bike rack increases the cost even more. Tray racks are often large and heavy, making storage more challenging if you don’t keep them on your vehicle.

Vertical rack carry bikes vertically, with some holding the bikes by the front wheel, like the VelociRAX 412 MAX seen here. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Vertical Carry Hitch Bike Racks

What was once a very niche style of rack is becoming more common as more brands have started making racks that hang the bikes vertically. Traditionally, vertical carry hitch racks were commonly used for shuttling mountain bikes. Earlier models held bikes by the crown of a suspension fork. More recently, this style of rack has become more versatile. Some new models feature angled wheel baskets/trays that capture the front wheel, while others support them by the handlebar. Vertical carry racks can be some of the easiest to load, although it must be done in a specific order. Most models are offered in several versions with carrying capacities typically varying between 4 and 6 bikes.

PROS: Capable of carrying lots of bikes. Relatively quick and easy to load bikes. Typically, no frame contact.

CONS: Bulky and very heavy. Difficult to move around and store when not in use. Bikes need to be loaded and unloaded in order. Some designs are only capable of carrying mountain bikes with suspension forks. Most only come in a 2” receiver size.

Top Tube Hang racks support bikes by the top tube of the frame on two support arms. Frame contact is guaranteed, and bike-on-bike contact is very hard to avoid. (photo/Zach Overholt)

Top Tube Hanging Hitch Bike Racks

Top tube hanging bike racks typically hold your bike’s frame by supporting the top tube across two arms that extend out from its support beam. You simply slide your bike over those arms, rest it on them, then strap it into place. Better models have cradles and rubber or ratcheting ladder straps, as well as some method of preventing your bikes from swaying back and forth. These racks come in various sizes with carrying capacities ranging between 2 and 5 bikes. At Bikerumor, we own and ride bikes that we care about, so this is our least favorite way to transport bikes due to the inherent downsides of the top tube hang design.

PROS: Less expensive, easier to store (especially if the arms fold down), lighter weight.

CONS: Supports the bikes by the frame and can damage the paint. Bikes often make contact with each other. Non-traditional frame shapes (like step-through frames), really small (kids’) bikes, or full suspension mountain bikes can be hard to fit, properly secure, or require an adapter. Hanging racks are nowhere near as stable or secure as tray racks. Lower weight limits.

Product Considerations

Tray vs. Vertical vs. Top Tube Hang: Which is the best?

Choosing the right style of rack will depend on several factors, including how many and what type of bikes you need to carry, how often you intend to use it, and how much you’re willing to spend. More often than not, we opt for tray racks or vertical hanging racks as they are the easiest to load, most stable and secure, and are less likely to damage the paint on your frame. These tend to be the most expensive options, however, so they may not make financial sense for those on a budget or less frequent rack users. Top tube hanging racks might be a better option for those who only use a bike rack occasionally or are less concerned with the appearance of their bike’s frame.

Most tray racks, like the Thule Epos pictured here, carry two bikes. Many have the option to increase capacity with add-ons. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

How Many Bikes Do You Need To Carry?

It may seem obvious, but the number of bikes you intend to carry when shopping for a bike rack. Many racks can be purchased in varying sizes/carrying capacities, or extensions can be added to handle more bikes.

Most tray racks come with space for two bikes, although some are offered in single or three-bike configurations. Many manufacturers offer add-ons for tray racks (depending on the model) that can expand capacity by one or two bikes. Tray rack add-ons can add significantly to the cost of your rack system.

Vertical hanging racks are typically offered in several sizes, usually between 4 and 6 bikes. While the upfront cost of vertical hanging racks is substantial, it ends up being one of the most cost-effective ways to transport 4 to 6 bikes (some brands go up to 7) other than a tailgate pad.

Top tube hanging racks are offered in various sizes, ranging from 2 to 5 bikes.

With a 100-pound per bike weight limit, the Saris MHS easily handles two eMTBs. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

How Much Do Your Bikes Weigh?

The advent of and proliferation of electric bikes has made weight capacity a common concern for those looking into a new bike rack purchase. Not all racks are created equal in this regard, so weight limits should be considered based on the bikes you intend to carry. With many e-MTBs and electric bikes weighing in the neighborhood of 50 to 60 lbs, and sometimes more, rack manufacturers have been designing racks to handle this new breed of bicycles.

If you are planning to transport heavy e-bikes, it is important to get a rack that meets or exceeds the weight of your bikes for safety. The most burly rack we’ve tested to date is the 1Up-USA Super Duty, with a 100-pound per bike weight limit. The Saris MHS 2-Bike matches that with its 100-pounds-per-tray rating. The Saris Edge is up there at 80 pounds per bike, followed closely by the Thule Epos at 75 pounds, and the Yakima StageTwo at 70 pounds.

It should be noted that some racks are rated for RV and off-road use. The 1Up-USA Super Duty, for example, is a super burly rack that is claimed to be rated for “extreme off-road” use. Its durable all-metal construction confirms this, and it is our recommendation for those venturing down the roughest roads (or off-roads). That said, most racks can handle light off-pavement use on smooth gravel or dirt, but you’ll want to take care to avoid very rough surfaces. Many can also be used with RVs, but the weight limits typically drop slightly in those applications.

Loading Heavy Bikes

Heavyweight electric bikes are more difficult to load, so some manufacturers have responded with rack designs and accessories to help make it easier. Lifting a 60-pound bike up and into position on a tray rack can be awkward and may even be impossible for those with limited strength or mobility. Many brands now offer loading ramps that can be purchased to allow users to roll bikes up onto the trays of certain racks. A select few racks even come with this accessory included, like the Yakima OnRamp. Other racks, like the Thule Epos, Yakima StageTwo, and the Kuat Piston Pro X, are compatible with aftermarket ramps, and the racks themselves have high weight limits to handle those heavyweight rigs.

Loading ramps are becoming more common. Some racks come with them, while others have compatible ramps offered as an aftermarket purchase. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Bike Attachment Considerations

Depending on the type of bikes you have and how much you care about your frame’s finish, the way a rack secures the bike may be an important consideration. Modern carbon fiber and aluminum bikes can be very expensive, so the last thing most people want to do is damage the paint or frame material while transporting their precious rides. For this reason, top tube hanging racks should generally be avoided by those with expensive carbon bikes since they carry bikes by the frame. Limited space between bikes also makes bike-on-bike contact difficult to avoid.

Tray racks like those from 1Up-USA have dual clamp arms that only make contact with your tires. (photo/Fred Stamm)

Tray Racks

Most tray racks, but not all, avoid frame contact by securing the bike with either a front wheel clamp and rear wheel ladder strap, or with dual clamp arms that sandwich the bike from both ends. Front wheel clamping models such as the Thule T2 Pro XTR, Rocky Mounts MonoRail, Thule Verse, Saris Edge, Kuat NV 2.0, and Yakima StageTwo have hook-shaped ratcheting arms that lock the front wheel down and a strap that holds the rear wheel tight against the tray. These models avoid frame contact, but it should be noted that the front wheel hook can potentially make contact with the fork and leave abrasion marks over time, and the rear wheel strap can leave some minor scuffing on your rear rim.

Dual clamp models like the 1Up-USA Super Duty, Kuat Piston Pro X, Rocky Mounts GuideRail, and Saris MHS 2-Bike hold bikes by the tires, making it easy to avoid any unwanted frame, fork, or even rim contact.

Vertical Carry Racks

Vertical carry racks vary in the way they hold bikes, with options that support bikes by the fork’s crown, front wheel, or handlebars. Models with front wheel baskets/cradles, like the VelociRAX, make the least amount of contact with the bike as they generally only contact the front tire and have straps that hold the rear wheels in place. Racks that carry bikes by the fork crown, like the North Shore Racks, have padded cradles that make direct contact with both the crown of your suspension fork and the bottom of the head tube and have the potential to cause abrasion marks in those areas.

Vertical racks that support bikes by the handlebars are a little more versatile than the fork-carry models, but they also have the potential to cause minor abrasion damage to your handlebar’s finish.

If you need to carry lots of bikes, the vertical carry style could be the way to go. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

What Kind of Bikes Do You Have?

Along with the number and weight of the bikes you need to transport is the type of bikes you have. While hitch racks are highly versatile in terms of bike fit, not all will work with every bike. Some racks are designed to work with virtually any bike out there and can support a huge range of wheel sizes, tire widths, and wheelbase lengths, while others are more limited. It is important to consider these factors when searching for the rack that best suits your needs and the bikes you’ll be transporting.

The nature of tray rack designs means they are among the most versatile in terms of bike fit. Most work with varying wheel sizes and tires ranging from skinny road bikes to mountain bike treads. Many models can fit up to 5-inch wide fatties, although some require fat bike kits. A limiting factor for some tray racks is wheelbase length, so choose wisely if you have a super-long downhill or enduro bike.

Vertical carry racks vary in their versatility depending on how they support the bike. Some models hold the bike by the crown of the fork and only work with mountain bikes with suspension forks. Models that use front wheel baskets or hang the bike by the handlebars work with a greater variety of bikes, including those with rigid forks or drop handlebars.

Top tube hanging racks are the least versatile due to the way in which they support the bikes. Adult-size frames with straight top tubes work the best. Curved tubes, small frames, or full suspension bikes may be difficult or impossible to position properly over the support arms. Most brands make adapters to carry non-compatible frames.

Hitch receivers come in either 1.25″ or 2″ (pictured). Getting a rack that fits your receiver is an important piece of the rack puzzle. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

What Size Is Your Hitch Receiver?

When ordering a bike rack, it is critical to get one that matches the size of the receiver on your vehicle. Many vehicles, but certainly not all, come with hitch receivers installed, so be sure to double-check the size. It will be either the larger 2” or the smaller 1.25”. Can’t tell just by looking? Simply measure the width of the receiver opening to find the size.

If you don’t already have one, it is possible to get one installed on most vehicles. Local auto shops or U-Haul locations can typically take care of it for you. In many cases, it is also possible to do it yourself, and trailer hitch kits can typically be found online to fit your year, make, and model of vehicle.

If getting a trailer hitch installed, the 2” size is our recommendation as it is generally stronger and can support more weight. This makes it better for transporting tray racks with add-ons, racks with swing-away attachments, or vertical hanging racks. The 1.25” size also works well enough, but the weight rating is generally a little lower, and some racks are only offered in the 2” size. Adapters are available to go between the two sizes, and some racks even come with adjustable receiver ends that can be switched between them.

Tilt features are fairly standard and allow you to open truck tailgates or the rear doors of wagons, hatchbacks, and SUVs. (photo/Steve Graepel)

Swing Away and Tilt Features

Most quality tray racks have a tilt function so you can fold them up when not in use, flat for transporting bikes, and tilt them down and away to access the rear of the vehicle. Some racks have convenient tilt-release handles or foot pedals and can be tilted down even with bikes on the rack. Others have less user-friendly release mechanisms that require you to reach under or around loaded bikes to tilt the rack. Most vertical and top tube hanging racks also have tilt features for easier access to the rear of the vehicle.

People who have camper vans, cabover campers, or simply want wide open access to the back of the vehicle should consider racks that swing away or adding a swing-away/pivoting attachment to the rack of your choice. This allows the entire rack to pivot out and to the side, making it easier to open large doors or simply enjoy unrestricted access to your trunk (boot), truck bed, or camper.

A select few racks come with this feature built into the design, like the Rocky Mounts Backstage, but most major manufacturers also make swing-away attachments. These attachments are typically only available in the 2” receiver size for racks that also have 2” receiver ends, and they add significantly to the weight and cost of your rack system. One of our favorite attachments is the bombproof RiG’d Supply RambleSwing Pro ($849)

Swing-away racks allow for easier access to the rear of your vehicle. Attachments like the 1Up RakAttach can be added to your existing rack, and the RockyMounts Backstage comes with the pivoting feature as part of the design. (photo/Zach Overholt)

Vehicle Clearance

The clearance between the rack, bikes, and your vehicle is worthy of consideration. Nobody wants to have their rear window broken by their handlebar while in transit, or need to loosen and turn their handlebar every time they load a bike on the inside tray. Some trailer hitches are mounted further underneath the vehicle, making the rack itself sit closer to the rear bumper. Additional factors like the style of vehicle and the design of the bumper and rear door also play a role. Some racks play nice with just about any vehicle, while others can have a tighter fit that can cause contact between handlebars and rear windows or doors. This is most common with tray racks and vehicles with vertical rear doors, like campervans, that can be more problematic in this regard compared to those with sloping rear ends, like station wagons and hatchbacks.

Most rack manufacturers provide technical specs or fit guides on their websites for reference. Comparing your measurements to the rack’s specs should give you an idea of whether or not a rack will fit. Still, that doesn’t always solve the handlebar clearance issue, although that is generally most prevalent with vertical rear doors. In some cases, it may be necessary to get a hitch extension to achieve the proper clearance for your vehicle. Fortunately, most brands offer hitch extensions as an aftermarket accessory, some of which also raise and lower the height of the rack. Vertical hanging racks usually have fewer clearance issues as they typically have an angle adjustment to position them properly to avoid any interference with the rear of the vehicle.

Included security features like locking hitch pins and cable locks are always appreciated. Some racks’ security features are more robust than others, and we always recommend adding a tough aftermarket lock to keep your bikes safe. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Security

Bikes can be very expensive, so keeping them safe is a priority for most users. The last thing anyone wants is to stop for a quick errand and find their bike(s) stolen when they return. Many racks, but not all, come with included security features like cable locks integrated or semi-integrated into their design. While these features are undoubtedly much better than nothing, they are typically little more than a theft deterrent. We always recommend adding a beefy aftermarket lock to your rack for an added layer of security and peace of mind. You can learn more in our review of the best bike locks.

Racks are also fairly expensive, so keeping them safe and secure is also very important. Fortunately, most hitch racks come with hitch pin locks or locking knobs to secure them to the vehicle. Some require the use of special security allen keys to tighten or loosen them on the hitch. Hitch pin locks are fairly inexpensive and a great addition to any rack that doesn’t already come with one.

Most racks, like the Thule T2 Pro XTR pictured here, are delivered in several pieces with some assembly required to get them ready for use. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Assembly

When you purchase a hitch bike rack from a brick-and-mortar retailer, they will typically assemble the rack for you and potentially even help you install it on your vehicle. When you purchase a rack online, it usually arrives at your home in a large box with some assembly required to prepare it for use. The assembly process varies between models, and some are more involved than others, but generally, it isn’t too difficult. Most models come with detailed instructions and the tools needed to complete the steps in the process. Often, you can find an instructional assembly video (or scan a QR code) if you prefer to see it done. We recommend following the instructions exactly for the easiest and most streamlined assembly.

Hitch racks can be big and bulky, so storing them when not in use is certainly a consideration, especially for those short on space. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Storage

While many people will choose to leave their hitch rack on their vehicles at all times, most people will take it off seasonally or when they aren’t planning to use it for an extended period. You’ll need somewhere to keep it, and most hitch racks are fairly bulky and take up a fair amount of space in your garage, shed, or storage location. This is especially true of most vertical hanging and tray models, although a few collapse to a smaller size to make storing them more convenient. Some companies make wall-mountable hitch docks that can hold your rack up off the ground to keep things tidier. Top tube hanging racks tend to be the easiest to store, given their narrower collapsed dimensions.

The Thule Epos is the most compact hitch rack we’ve tested, seen here with the optional storage cover. (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Value

There’s no denying that hitch bike racks are expensive. Prices have been steadily increasing, and the highest-end models now cost well-over $1,000. Unless you’re rolling in disposable income, that’s a tough pill to swallow for most people. Sure, more expensive racks typically have fancy features and high-end finishes, but most people don’t need to spend that much to get a rack that gets the job done.

If you’re on a budget, the user-friendly Rocky Mounts MonoRail ($550) works like its more expensive competition while costing roughly half the price of high-end models. If you’re after the best of the best, the Kuat Piston Pro X ($1,589) can’t be topped for ease of use, versatility, and premium features, but you’re going to pay for it. And, if you want a rack that’ll last forever and easily pay for itself with many years of faithful service, the 1Up-USA Super-Duty ($1,010 to $1,065) and other 1Up models are the most durable by far.

Realistically, the least expensive models we tested work nearly as well as the high-priced options. All of them work better than no rack at all. Of course, the price of some racks goes way up when you need to add capacity. Tray racks get much more expensive when you factor add-ons into the equation. Those needing to carry many bikes at once would be wise to check out the vertical hanging options like the VelociRAX 412 MAX ($1,069). While the upfront cost is fairly high, they cost less than most racks with add-ons for carrying four or more bikes at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a number of reasons to choose a hitch rack over a trunk or roof rack. First, other than touching the hitch receiver, the rack itself doesn’t make contact with your vehicle (unless used incorrectly). Trunk racks can cause damage to your vehicle’s paint while roof bike racks need to be attached to your factory roof bars or require aftermarket bars attached to the vehicle.

Hitch racks also have a low loading height and simpler loading process that makes them more user-friendly. For tray racks, you only need to lift the bike wheels as high as the tray. Roof racks require you to lift your bike to the height of the roof and loading them can be awkward. Trunk racks require you to lift the bikes to the height of the support arms.

Hitch racks are versatile in terms of bike fit, and most can handle a wide variety of wheel sizes, tire widths, frame shapes, and wheelbase lengths. Hitch racks are better for your bikes as they typically keep them from contacting one another or your vehicle when in transit. You also won’t run the risk of accidentally driving into the garage with your bike on the roof of your vehicle and potentially damaging your bike, vehicle, and home all at the same time.

It really depends on your needs. The best rack will be the one that carries the number and type of bikes that you have, fits your vehicle, and fits your budget. Doing lots of mountain bike shuttles or need to transport more than 4 bikes? Look into the vertical carry models. Only carrying one or two bikes at a time? The tray racks are your best bet. Need to haul heavy e-bikes? Check out the racks with a high weight capacity and compatibility with a loading ramp (and get the loading ramp). If you’re short on storage space, pick one that folds down small or isn’t too heavy. There are enough options that you should be able to find one that suits your needs.

Because of all that testing, plus premium materials, legitimate engineering and design, and more. Here’s the deal: We’ve tested some pre-production racks before and found issues, so these name-brand brands push back the release date and fix the problems. If brands that are experienced in making hitch racks don’t always get it right on the first try, would you trust that no-name online-only brands will? We wouldn’t.

Do you want your bikes to arrive safely at the same destination as you? If yes, then know that all of the brands listed here extensively test their racks for strength, durability, and longevity. They test the coatings and hardware against road salt and other corrosive elements. They go through rigorous tests in the lab and out in the wild. We’ve toured some of their headquarters and seen the testing firsthand. It’s unlikely you’ll put these racks through the same torture, but it’s good to know they can take it.

Of course, you can leave your hitch rack on your car all the time but it depends where you live and how much you use it. Some of us leave our racks on the car year-round without issue. These racks see a lot of rain, cross-country road trips, and bake in the sun, and they’re fine. That said, if you live somewhere it snows a lot in the winter or you’re not using it for months at a time, it’s probably better to take it off and keep it clean and dry rather than subject it to unnecessary abuse.

Most of these racks use an aluminum frame, but the hardware and hitch beam are usually steel. So, use your judgment. If everything else metal is rusting around you from salt air or road spray, you should probably hose it off and store it somewhere dry when not in use.

If you don’t already have a trailer hitch on your car, we recommend going with a 2″ size if possible. Some smaller cars will only find 1-1/4″ hitches available because manufacturers assume you won’t be towing bigger, heavier loads, so they don’t offer 2″ hitches for many compact cars.

If you plan on adding any extensions to your rack and carrying more than two bikes, you’ll need a 2″ hitch to handle that weight. You’ll also need a 2″ hitch if you plan on adding a swing-away adapter or anything else that extends or expands your carrying capacity.

In North America, U-Haul is one of the main places that people go to get a trailer hitch installed. They can do the wiring harness, too, if you need it. Otherwise, you can probably find a local mechanic who will happily install one for you. If you’re the DIY type, kits are available online for nearly every make and model of vehicle that you can install yourself.

The Best Bike Locks of 2026

We tested 13 of the best bike locks on the market to help you find the best options to keep your bikes safe and secure.

24 min read

Buyers Guides

The Best Roof Bike Racks of 2026

Our team tested ten of the best roof bike racks on the market to help you find the right model for transporting your precious rides.

23 min read

32″ Mega Roundup Pt. 1: All the Flat Bar Builds We Could Find at MADE

editor@bikerumor.com (Bikerumor.com / Tyler Benedict) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:05:21 +0000

At the MADE show in 2025, there were a handful of 32″ bikes on display. There weren’t that many, but you could definitely tell what’s coming: the tidal wave of 32″ builds that arrived for the 2026 edition of the show.

We started off the show thinking, let’s do a quick roundup of all the 32″ bikes we can find. It turns out there was nothing quick about it, and after a full day of wheeling giant bikes in and out to take photos, we still didn’t find them all. There ended up being so many that we’ve had to split this roundup into two parts so it doesn’t overwhelm our servers.

Are 32″ bike going to be for everyone? Probably not. But the wide array of bikes on display with the big(ger) wheels seems to point to the fact that 32″ wheels are here to stay…

Quarry Cycling Co.

Quarry Cycling Co. is a relatively new bike company started by Jim Day. We knew Jim from his previous work at Hayes Manitou, so he’s no stranger to the industry, but also apparently pretty damn good at building custom bikes.

If you’re gonna build a 32″ bike and post it on the internet, Rage Bait is a pretty good name. This one is built for a 140mm travel fork, in this case a 170mm travel Fox Podium shortened by 30mm.

The Alder is more of a 32″ XC build, which looks to have been updated compared to the model on the Quarry website (which says it can’t run suspension). The downtube has now been shaped to allow for clearance of a suspension fork crown, and this one gets an amazing paint job for the show.

We especially like the head badge – inside is actual wood that matches the name of the bike. In this case, it’s alder wood. The Stave has wood from a bourbon barrel, etc. We’re not sure about the wood in the Rage Bate badge… maybe a baseball bat?

This bike also provided a great look at the Fox 32″ prototype fork… which more or less looks just like any other fork of theirs, just bigger.

Schwalbe x Naked Bicycles 32″ Single Speed

Schwalbe had this beautiful Naked 32″ in their booth to show off their 32″ tires, of course. The titanium bike had an incredible anodized finish with hundreds of little Schwalbe logos in the anodization. The tires weren’t labeled, but it’s pretty clear that they are 32 x 2.4″ Romy trail tires.

Sour Bikes 32″ MX Full Suspension

One of only a handful of full suspension bikes with 32″ tires at the show, Sour Bikes went the MX route with a smaller rear wheel. This bike, and the Sanitas below, had prototype 32″ forks from Manitou on them, but unlike the Fox, they look very prototype-y. Essentially a fork that’s been cut and then sleeved together to make the lowers longer.

Sanitas Tour Divide 32″

We were told that this Sanitas build was for a father who plans to ride the Tour Divide route with his son. A clean ti build with the Manitou fork prototype, a sliding UDH dropout could allow for single-speed or geared use.

Rob English Prototype 32″ MTB

This is the bike that renowned builder Rob English built for himself to try out the new wheel size. Not only is it beautiful in typical English fashion (just look at that truss fork/stem!), but it also seems to rip. Rob is close to my height (he’s an inch or two taller), so admittedly, I spun it around in the parking lot. It rode so well. I was on the fence about 32″ wheels for me at 5’8″, but this definitely made me want to try it out even more.

Rob claims this build is just 22.9lbs!

Also, check out that GripShift dropper post ‘lever’.

BTCHN 32″ Flat Bar

You may have already seen this BTCHN bike from our preshow coverage, but here it is again with a slightly different build.

Caletti Cycles 32″ MTB

John Caletti always does amazing work, and this 32″ is no different. That dropper battery pack hanging out in space doesn’t look great, but the frame, the anodizing, and other component choices look great.

Moots Prototype 32″ MTB

Moots is another titanium brand testing the 32″ waters. They had both a gravel and MTB, but both were firmly prototypes with no plans for production or details.

Rare Earth Crazy Cloud

For an in depth look at the Rare Earth Crazy Cloud, check out our original coverage here. But this bike was too cool not to include it again.

Slow Southern Steel (Titanium) Adventure Bike

Jesse Turner is known for his brand Slow Southern Steel, or SSS. However, this bike is not steel, it is his first titanium build. Built for a friend named Randy, this was a 32″ take on a single-speed ultra-distance adventure bike. Built with a 60mm offset Black Sheep fork, Jesse, like many builders at the show, mentioned the need for greater fork offsets for the bigger wheels.

And if you’re thinking the vibe of the finish looks familiar, that’s because it was finished by Brian at Rare Earth. No wonder it caught my attention…

Tumbleweed 32″ Touring Prototype

While we’re on the subject of adventure touring, check out Tumbleweed‘s 32″ prototype. Currently, there are no plans for production, but from the looks of it, it would be right at home for any tall adventurer.

Singular Albatross Flat Bar

The Albatros is Singular‘s first bike with 32″ wheels, and it’s built to be run with flat bars or drop bars. Currently, they’re equipped with a Columbus carbon fork, but the brand is working on their own fork to be available soon. The bikes are made to order, but Singular isn’t hiding the fact that the frames are made in China.

Feedback Sports Pneuma CC Floor Pump Review

editor@bikerumor.com (Bikerumor.com / Tyler Benedict) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:01:00 +0000

The Feedback Pneuma CC floor pump is a sleek, extra-long, high-pressure floor pump with a hidden charge tank for seating stubborn tubeless tires, and it’s excellent. Don’t let its compact design and “high pressure” nomenclature fool you, this thing has become my all-around pump for everything from road to gravel to mountain bike.

If you’re looking for one floor pump to do everything, here’s why this is a solid option…

Features & Specs

The Pneuma CC has an upside down design, putting the outer cylinder on top, with an oversized air shaft. The latter is a counterintuitive design for a “high pressure” pump that typically relies on smaller diameter tubes to move a little bit of air at a lot of pressure, but somehow it works.

My hunch is some of that volume is taken up by the secondary charging chamber, because this pump remains easy to cycle up to about 100psi.

One weird aspect of this design is that you can’t just grab it by the handle to pick it up. Do so and it’ll just lift the shaft, making it really tall. The trick is to grab the hose, too. There’s a learning curve, and I promise, you’ll end up extending it as you move it from one tire to the next, but after a few times it becomes muscle memory. Mostly.

The upside is that there’s a really long stroke, so taller riders can move a lot of air per pump if you bring it all the way up. Also, note the hose length…it’s plenty long enough (39.4”/1000mm) to reach a bike high up in a workstand.

The oversized 4″ gauge is super easy to read, with the numbers that matter nowadays larger for easier reference.

Worth noting that, even if you’re still pumping your tires up to 100+ psi (why?), there’s plenty of bandwidth past that for the pressure spikes happening on each downstroke, so you shouldn’t damage the internals even with vigorous pumping.

Also worth noting, pumps are typically designed for “high pressure” or “high volume”. This one is billed as a high-pressure pump, with a gauge to match, but it’s worked really well for me across all of my bikes, including mountain bikes with 29×2.4″ and 2.6″ tires. It’s also accurate at lower (MTB, Gravel) pressures within 0.5psi based on my own checks with a digital pressure gauge.

Another nice touch? The pump head is long, making it easier to press onto and pull off of valve stems.

Why I Like the Pneuma CC

I’ve used a few different “charger” style floor pumps, a category that includes a chamber that can pump up to higher pressures for quickly inflating tubeless tires to help seat them during installation. All of them use a much larger diameter tube, sometimes with an external secondary tube, which takes up a lot of extra space, particularly when traveling with the pump.

The Pneuma CC is minuscule, looks like a standard pump, yet it seated everything I’ve tested it on – road, 50mm gravel tires, and 2.6″ mountain bike tires. That’s impressive considering the tank has to be half the size of other charger pumps.

It’s even more impressive because it has the same upper limit for the charger tank, around 140psi. I easily pumped it up to 140psi in only nine pumps! Compare that to 30 or 40 or more pumps required to fully charge larger pumps, and this one saves a lot of time.

Getting to ~156psi takes only one more pump, but it requires some body weight and real effort. Accomplishing that reveals my only real complaint about this pump – I wish it had an alloy handle, as its plastic handle starts to feel questionable on those last two high-pressure pumps.

The other key difference with the Pneuma is that you switch between pumping and charging and releasing with a simple foot lever. It’s easy to actuate while pumping, so you can go from charging straight to pumping with a flick of your toes. That’s sometimes key for maintaining momentum from the charge to quickly seat tire beads that are hesitant to “pop” onto the rim.

Other fun facts:

It’s rebuildable, with spare parts available from Feedback Sports
There’s a storage spot in the handle for sports ball needles, etc.
It has a three-year warranty
The base is steel for improved strength
The rest is aluminum to save weight
Works with both Presta and Schrader with no adjustments

MSRP is $150, on par with other high-end and charger pumps. I’ve been using this pump since it launched in Summer 2025 and it’s been flawless. I love the slim profile, versatility, and charger function. Given that Feedback’s designs remain constant for years (if it ain’t broke…), I’m confident that should the time come to refresh it, parts will be readily available, too. Highly recommend it.

FeedbackSports.com

Wait, Seriously, a Cycling Shoe Company Perfume? Golden Hour by Quoc & Raer

editor@bikerumor.com (Bikerumor.com / Tyler Benedict) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 11:59:30 +0000

So, Quoc + Raer Golden Hour perfume just popped up in my email inbox. And of course, my immediate response was, WTF? Did I really just read that right? A cycling shoe company is selling me a signature scent to make me think of riding at sunset?

No, it isn’t the first of April. Yes, Quoc really just did launch a totally expensive, “100% natural botanical parfum scent”.

Quoc & Raer Scent create ltd. Golden Hour perfume

(All photos/QUOC)

“Golden Hour is that suspended moment, bottled. A QUOC × Raer special edition — a 100% natural fragrance for the hour after the ride, when the effort ends and the rhythm lingers.”

Yes, this is real. And it kinda makes sense. Just bear with me. Those who have been following along will remember that QUOC shoes began about seventeen years ago in London, founded by Quoc Pham to make modern cycling shoes with traditional leather shoemaking methods. At that same time, Ted Rohn Youn-Ing was the creative director at Books, and founded the vintage Tweed Run ride through the city, meant to celebrate classic steel bikes, retro British style, and of course, tweed in the UK capital. They were fast friends.

from The Tweed Run to today…

Since then, Quoc shoes have evolved to be more performance-oriented, more vegan, and a mainstay of the gravel & adventure crowds. Rohn, on the other hand, moved to Berlin and started Raer, a “contemporary perfume house” specializing in natural, small-batch scents made with rare botanicals.

Pham & Rohn reconnected recently in Berlin. They got to talking about cycling, and that time after the ride, before you snap back into everyday life. And that was the spark to work together again.

Limited edition cycling-inspired perfume

The result is a limited edition fragrance, meant to evoke two feelings.

One, that time just before sunset when the light hits perfectly. And along the same lines, that time just after your ride, when all is right with the world, you haven’t come down from the high of pedalling, and before you snap back into reality.

The fragrance itself is a combination of ingredients from both the East – Pham’s homeland in Vietnam, and West – Rohn originally hailing from Canada. The 100% natural botanical scent comes from a combination of Vietnamese Holy basil, green mandarin, French jasmine, Bulgarian rose, smoky Alaskan cedar, and a hint of pepper.

Raer made only 150 of the 30ml bottles of the Quoc Golden Hour perfume in their Berlin studio. Each selling for 150€, directly from Quoc.

Quoc.cc

Beyond the Bike: Kāma Mat, BougeRV Portable Fridge, and Fender x Teufel Speaker

editor@bikerumor.com (Bikerumor.com / Tyler Benedict) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 01:49:23 +0000

It’s still summer, and the livin’s still easy, as they say. As usual, my summer has been a whirlwind with plenty of writing, riding, a few races, a few weddings, numerous camping trips, and plenty of other things going on to fill the time in between. Life is short, so I’ve been trying to make the most of it and capitalize on the long sunny days, warm nights, and whatever youthful vitality I’ve got left in me.

Of course, I’ve been riding as much as my schedule allows. But I’ve also been on the road quite a bit, for the aforementioned weddings and races, but also just to get out of the Reno heat for a bit to see music and spend time with friends in my former home base of Tahoe. My camper has been on my truck for almost the entire summer. Here are a few products I’ve been using that stand out for use on the road, camping, and even around the house, with or without bikes involved.

Kāma Mat

Kāma is a small brand producing what it refers to as both “surfaces” and “portable outdoor mats for life outside.” The Mondo was the brand’s first product and the largest mat they currently make. They’ve since expanded the lineup to include the mid-sized Palma, the smaller Poco, and teeny tiny Lili. The mats are intended to be highly portable, super durable, and a comfortable spot to stand, sit, relax, do yoga, belay, or whatever else you’re doing outside.

All of Kama’s mats are comprised of semi-rigid, lightly padded panels, which are sewn inside of a super-tough Cordura fabric shell. The closed-cell foam used for the padding is made from 100% post-consumer materials and fabricated in the USA, and the mats are assembled and sewn in Logan, Utah. One of the key features of Kāma’s mats is their “origami-style” folding design, which enables them to fold down into a compact size for storage and transport.

Shoe for scale.

The Mondo mat I have weighs ten pounds and has unfolded dimensions of 91” diagonal, 84” center, 50” wide, and ½” thick — it has a unique geometric shape. It’s large enough for two adults to lie down on, and easily fits 3-4 people sitting. It folds into a 28” long, 12” wide, 5” thick little bundle, which is very impressive given its unfolded size. It comes in numerous colors and retails for $244.

At first, I thought that sounded like a LOT of money for a camping mat, something that I would be stepping on, grinding into the dirt, and generally beating the crap out of. But after the last four years of heavy use and serious abuse — including four trips to Burning Man, two of which got very muddy — I can say that it was money very well spent. Its foldable design makes it easy to strap to my bike, stuff in the side panel of the camper, or carry into an outdoor music venue — or anywhere else.

The folding process has a steep learning curve

Easy to carry

We sit on it at the beach and the river, pull it out for campsite lounging and pre- and post-ride stretching. Heck, I’ve even slept on it. It has seen hundreds of days on the ground under feet and butts. It’s been coated in playa dust (and mud), dragged over rocks, ground into the dirt, had beer, food, and grease spilled on it, and has handled everything we’ve thrown at it. The shell material has zero rips or even any fraying, and all of the stitching is intact. And when it inevitably gets dirty, it hoses (or powerwashes) clean, doesn’t absorb water, and dries pretty quickly.

And that initial $244 investment currently works out to be $61-a-year for something I use all the time. That per-year cost is likely to come down significantly, too, because I’m pretty sure my Kāma mat will still be going strong several years from now. I’m not sure what I expected from a portable folding “surface,” but this thing is awesome. Check them out at kamasurface.co

BougeRV CRH20 21QT 12V Portable Fridge

The BougeRV Portable fridge takes up about half the space of my RTIC cooler in my camper.

BougeRV makes a range of reasonably priced portable fridges, portable A/C units, and solar power products. In the portable fridge market, they’re going up against brands like Dometic, Bluetti, ICECO, and Anker, which are all priced significantly higher. The CRH20 21QT 12V portable fridge is one of the brand’s latest models designed for use on road trips, camping, or everyday use. It works as a freezer or refrigerator/cooler and is compatible with AC, DC, and solar power inputs; plus it has a 240 Wh battery that powers it when it isn’t plugged in and works as a battery bank, too.

Fits twenty-five 12-ounce cans!

It has external dimensions of 18.9” W x 13.46” D x 18.27” H. BougeRV says its capacity is ideal for two people, with the ability to hold twenty-five 12-ounce cans — cans are a typical volume measurement for coolers. It has a small screen with several buttons to control and monitor temperature, plus it works with the BougeRV app to control it from your phone. According to the brand, it has a temperature range of -4° to 68° F — a typical refrigerator is usually around 35° to 40° F. The 240 Wh battery provides up to 30 hours of power (claimed in ECO mode) and has a full suite of plug types for charging other devices. Noise emission is stated at 45 dB or less. It weighs 22.6 pounds.

It’s super easy to use on its own, plus you can monitor and control it from the app.

I’ve got a 1984 Six-Pac cabover camper, which is about as rustic as it gets. Our setup is extremely bare-bones, and it still has the original “icebox,” which works so poorly we just use it for storage. We usually bring our RTIC cooler, which works incredibly well, but it’s quite large and awkward to deal with. So, I figured I’d give a portable fridge/powered cooler a shot to see if it could improve our camp and travel refrigeration. At its current price of $350, it’s not exactly cheap, but compared to its competitors listed above, BougeRV’s products are very competitively priced. For example, the similarly sized Dometic CFX5 25 retails for about double.

The battery is removable if needed, and it has numerous plugs for input and output to charge other devices.

The initial setup was pretty straightforward, and the controls and display are easy to understand and use. It comes with a regular AC plug/adapter and a 9V DC power cord, plus it can be charged via USB-C or solar panels. Plenty of charging options. When it’s plugged in, it runs off external power and charges the battery. The battery takes over when it is not plugged into another power source.

After setting it to my desired temperature, I was surprised by how quickly it cooled, and how quiet it ran. It’s not silent, but it certainly isn’t loud. It probably only took 20 minutes to go from the ambient 85° temperature down to 40°. The 21-quart size doesn’t sound all that big, but it has worked perfectly for my wife and me on our typical 2-night camping trips. At 22.6 lbs empty, it’s kinda heavy, but it’s very manageable to carry given its size and the carry handle. It fits easily behind the seat of my truck, and takes up way less space in the camper than my bulky cooler.

I haven’t used it as a freezer, although you can, but I have been impressed by its refrigeration. For day trips, I cool it down at home and top off the battery with AC power. On the road, I’ll plug it in to the 9V in my truck while I’m driving and let the battery take over when I’m not. Having numerous ways to power it is pretty convenient. I’ve used it to keep post-ride beers cold in my truck for hours under a blazing hot summer sun, and it has kept food and drinks cold overnight numerous times with ease.

To test how long the battery would last, I set it at 40° in MAX mode in my garage, which ranged between 80° and 90°, and it ran for right around 22 hours. In ECO mode, I assume it could’ve gone for quite a bit longer. Outside temperature will play a major role in its cooling duration, of course, but I’ve been pretty impressed every time I’ve used it. And as a bonus, my cheese and other food items never get soggy from melting cooler ice.

The BougeRV CRH20 portable fridge is undoubtedly a bit of a luxury item, but one that’s made a notable impact on my camp and travel refrigeration experience. It’s compact, easy to use, quiet, and most importantly, keeps food and drinks cold whether I’m near a power source or not. It’s been working well for me, and it’s more affordable than the competition, relatively speaking, of course. Check it out at bougerv.com

Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2

The Rockster spends a lot of time on my workbench.

Teufel Audio teamed up with Fender and created the Rockster Go 2. The portable Bluetooth speaker has a bit of a retro look, but in a compact package that you can take anywhere. It has dimensions of 8.3” L x 4.3” H x 2.4” D, and it weighs 1.6 lbs. It has a rectangular-ish shape with a grippy rubber flat bottom. It comes with a USB-C charging cable, a Fender guitar pick, and a hand strap.

It is IP67 rated for dust and waterproofness, and has an impact-resistant design. The brand claims “up to 28 hours of battery life in Eco Mode at medium volume.” The controls are simple to use and understand, and it has been easy to connect with every single time. That is not my experience with all portable speakers, some of which can be very finicky. It lives on my workbench in my garage, but it turns into the camper stereo when I go out on the road.

It’s got a retro speak/amp kinda look.

What has impressed me most about this speaker is the sound. I’m no audiophile, so take this with a grain of salt, but it sounds very crisp and clear to my untrained ears. It’s plenty loud for my needs, and I’d say it has a rich, full-bodied sound. Allegedly, this is because they’ve packed “two aluminum full-range drivers and one passive bass radiator for deep stereo sound.” Compared to my several-year-old JBL Flip 5, I’d say the Rockster’s audio is a slight step above, but I’m splitting hairs. It’s a bit larger than the barrel-shaped JBL, but I prefer the Rockster’s shape and flat bottom for stability.

Regardless, the Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2 is a great little speaker that’s been putting in some work on my workbench and out on the road. It looks pretty cool, the sound is great, and it retails for $130. Check it out at teufelaudio.com

Fox 34 SL – Long Term Review: Lightweight Ripper from XC to Trail

editor@bikerumor.com (Bikerumor.com / Tyler Benedict) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 01:09:58 +0000

Shortly after the launch, I penned a quick review of the Fox 34 SL. It was based on enough rides to form a solid opinion, but by no means had I maxed out my knowledge of it nor put it through the type of long-term riding we all subject our forks to in the real world.

So, I wanted to revisit this fork because it has, and continues to, live up to the hype. There’s a reason why it’s on so many World Cup racer’s XC bikes. It’s extremely light, stiff enough for aggressive riders, and buttery smooth. The combination of new damper and design technologies Fox touted in Prescott deliver, day after day and, now, month after month after month, in all manner of conditions.

I’ll even argue that the mid-tier GRIP SL damper is the right choice here, leaving your real decision between getting the Kashima-coated Factory or black Performance Elite model. Here we go…

The Details, Quickly

Read my full launch story for all of the tech inside this fork. The short of it is this: They completely redesigned the crown, stanchions, and lowers to cut weight while increasing stiffness.

There are recesses and cutouts throughout the arch to save weight. Fortunately they don’t collect nearly as much mud as I thought they might, and that’s not for lack of exposure to it. The crown is similarly shapely and hollow. Combined, the two new shapes resist torsional flex and lateral flex. Even gravity has a hard time flexin’ on ya with this.

Trimmed dropouts and angled bottoms shave a few more grams.

Knobs are in the same places, with an easy to access and turn (even with full-finger gloves) rebound knob on the bottom. I’ll get to the compression knobs below…

It keeps the recommended air pressure setting chart, a nice feature even for seasoned riders. If nothing else, it’s a good starting point, but I recommend getting a silver sharpie and marking your preference on it once you’ve figured it out. Or using the Notes app on your smart phone.

It’s Really Light…and Wide.

Actual weight is 1510g (steerer cut for my bike, w/ star nut & axle – see it on the scale in this Reel). That’s an impressive 420g (0.925lbs) lighter than a 130mm-travel Pike Ultimate. Yes, the Pike has slightly larger 35mm stanchions and is more “trail” oriented, but this illustrates just how light the 34SL is for the category.

I took advantage of this when racing The Rift MTB in 2025, swapping forks and wheels to save two pounds off my Lauf Elja. For a multi-day race with tons of climbing, that’s a big advantage. And considering the fork, no downside, despite the unpredictable nature of Iceland’s volcanic terrain.

And, it clears the 29×2.6″ Goodyear Peak tires that come on the Lauf, thanks to the new design that’s wider and stiffer than the 34 SC (Step Cast) it replaces, at about the same weight.

Appreciate the Simple Things

Normally, I want bells and whistles. But with this fork, I have a new appreciation for the simpler solution. While Fox is sorting out its Live Valve solution for XC, the GRIP SL damper is, IMO, the right choice for racers. And everyone else.

It sits between the base GRIP and top-of-the-line GRIP X dampers available on this fork. The latter offering separate high- and low-speed compression adjustments, which is amazing on longer travel forks. But here, with 120mm and 130mm travel options, it’s overkill. Also, GRIP X has no quick way to lockout the fork, something racers will want.

Also, the GRIP SL is about 100g lighter, and designed specifically for this range of travel. Combined with the now-larger negative air spring, it all adds up to a very plush yet performance-focused feel.

Not because I think you should actually lock it out, that’s silly. But because you can put it in the middle Trail mode with a flick of the switch, giving you a firmer platform for standing and hammering without giving up proper suspension performance.

Honestly, it was only recently I started using this, because I figured I should actually test all the features before wrapping up this review. And, I kinda feel like I’ve been missing out. A little.

Normally, I ride my forks wide open, especially around our local XC trails. But, there are a few times when I’ll admit the super plush performance of the 34 SL can feel a little soft when I’m standing and hammering. Flicking it to Trail mode solves that, yet still lets it absorb the roots and rocks to maintain traction. It’s a little firmer, sure, but I think this is the sweet spot for racers who eschew cumbersome things like remote lockouts. Or can’t afford electronic systems if and when they come to Fox’s XC and light trail products.

Speaking of travel, my recommendation is go with 130mm. The forks use travel-specific air springs, so you need to buy a new air spring to change it, but it’s user changeable (or your shop can do it).

My fork came with at 130mm, and I had every intention of getting the parts, swapping down to 120mm. You know, for science.

But even on a bike like the Ari Signal Peak that’s designed for a 120mm fork, the extra travel makes the bike so much more capable and fun, without adversely affecting the handling in any way I’ve noticed. I’ve ridden the Signal Peak as a 120 before, with a SID, which is fantastic, but I’ll take the extra travel all day long.

The Fox 34 SL has proven itself on everything from Arizona’s dry, rocky deserts to Iceland’s wet, volcanic gravel, muddy fields, and ample river crossings. And everything in between, including my home trails in North Carolina, complete with mud, roots, and hardpacked orange dirt.

And it’s still feeling fresh, smooth, and rock solid. I’ve even put the ultralight Hunt Proven Carbon UD Race wheels back on it, and it tracks true, suggesting it’s stiff enough to direct lighter wheels (though, those wheels are no slouch…carbon spokes and all, they’re laterally stiff) where you point them.

All in all, this is my current favorite fork for almost everything I ride. Fox continues to impress me with both their technology and design considerations, and the 34 SL is an incredibly good showcase for how they bring better performance to a challenging category that demands both light weight and hyper performance.

RideFox.com

Wilde Bikes Brings the Fire with the Pleezer, an Homage to the Iconic Breezer #1

editor@bikerumor.com (Bikerumor.com / Tyler Benedict) — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:20:32 +0000

At this year’s MADE Show, it was the Wilde Bikes booth that really stopped me in my tracks. They were displaying what may be my favorite bike of the show. The Wilde Pleezer is the crew’s take on the iconic Breezer #1, the “world’s first purpose-built modern mountain bike”. Wilde did this one up right! It is a stunning tribute to arguably one of the most important bikes produced in 1977 during the birth of our beloved sport.

As I swim in nostalgia while looking at the Pleezer, I am reminded that restoring vintage mountain bikes has become quite popular lately. So I wasn’t totally surprized by the constant crowd gathering around the Wilde booth during all hours of the show.

But, first, before we go any further about the bike, I’d like to shine the light on the insanely talented frame builder that is responsible for this stunner.

About Brad Wilson

(Photo / Wilde Bikes)

The fabricator’s name is Brad Wilson. Brad works for Wilde as a full-time in-house frame builder. He is stationed in Wilde’s Minneapolis workshop. All of Wilde’s frames that are made in their Minnesota shop are either fillet brazed or lugged, as Brad is a “brazer,” not a “welder”.

Brad learned how to do what he does at Waterford, which he joined right outta high school. He stayed with Waterford until he moved to Minnesota in the mid-2000s. He then went on to build hundreds of frames under the Capricorn label, in business for over a decade.

After Waterford closed, Wilde recruited Brad for their USA-made and custom frame offerings. Wilde says they’ve known Brad for 20 years. So it only made sense to team up and build a new shop in Minneapolis around his talents.

The Wilde Pleezer – Retro 29’er

Retail: $5,800 (Frameset & Bullmoose)

“The Pleezer is our take on the iconic Breezer Series #1 silhouette, and was developed for the MADE 2026 bike show. The one pictured was created for Wilde Co-Owner Andy, who wanted modern componentry with classic aesthetics. The Pleezer is fillet-brazed, with boost spacing, disc brakes, and Andy’s is set up specifically for an AXS wireless drivetrain (though yours can be tailored to your individual desires). It also features a 1” threaded headset, with Wilde-made stub and fillet-brazed bullmoose bars. The design intent was to create an everyday around-town bike.”

Ok, let’s take a look at Brad’s work. Here is a gallery of the Wilde Pleezer.

(Photos / Zach Overholt)

WildeBikes.com