Electric bicycles, or ebikes, are becoming more common and are making inroads into the outdoorsman market through such companies as QuietKat, whose models sport camouflage finishes and offer features and accessories specifically geared toward hunters. But ebikes differ from standard bicycles in several ways—and one is a much greater overall weight. While the typical mountain bike may weigh 30 lbs., an off-road ebike can easily exceed double that, and standard racks that mount to the vehicle’s towing hitch may not be able to handle the additional load.
Wisconsin-based 1Up USA addresses the needs of all bicyclists with its American-made aluminum racks—some of which are rated for multiple bikes weighing up to 75 lbs. each. One such model is the 2" Super Duty Double fixed two-bike rack. Built using anodized, CNC-machined and extruded components, the 47-lb., platform-style rack is rated for pavement, gravel and off-road use. Rather than relying on a standard hitch pin, its hitch bar secures to the vehicle’s receiver by way of a corner expander ball that removes play between the two. The system is adjustable for engagement depth, and a unique, provided hex wrench requires only one to two turns to fully tighten it. An included locking pin passes through the receiver by way of a slot in the hitch bar.
The rack accommodates bikes with wheelbases up to 54" and wheel sizes from 16" to 29" with tires up to 3.1"-wide, and an optional spacer kit handles even fatter tires. Folding arms pivot inward from the ends of each tray to secure the bikes’ tires without touching their frames, and a rapid tilt/fold mechanism tucks the rack neatly out of the way when not carrying bikes. Contrasting-color aluminum locking levers secure the moving parts.
MSRP is $680. For more information, visit 1up-usa.com.
