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Good bike rack to purchase?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Michael8282, Mar 11, 2021.

  1. Mar 11, 2021 at 12:24 PM
    #1
    Michael8282

    Michael8282 [OP] New Member

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    I am looking for a hitch rack to carry up to 2 bikes only. I know Thule is a great brand. Anybody know which is the best model to get? Any experiences? It seems like there are a bunch. I have a ‘21 Off-road Premium.

    Also, I hope this is the correct sub-forum for this question lol. I apologize if not.
     
    j4unner likes this.
  2. Mar 11, 2021 at 12:37 PM
    #2
    j4unner

    j4unner shootz brah..

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    I have the Thule Apex XT 4. (Comes in 2 as well). Works great. Has tilt for access to the back. No tools needed to install. Easy to remove and put on. I usually take if off and store it on the garage and put put it on when needed when I ride MTB. Built in security lock as well. I was debating between Thule or Yakima. Hope this helps.

    https://www.rei.com/product/152007/thule-apex-xt-4-bike-hitch-rack?sku=1520070001&store=83&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|21700000001700551_1520070001|92700058213513919|BA|71700000074422037&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI57bF14up7wIVszytBh0oEglEEAYYASABEgJ0VfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

    https://youtu.be/EdAK4nfzk0E

    Apex XT 4.jpg
     
    Michael8282[OP] likes this.
  3. Mar 11, 2021 at 1:06 PM
    #3
    ShakyDog

    ShakyDog New Member

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  4. Mar 11, 2021 at 1:26 PM
    #4
    YetiMtnBkr

    YetiMtnBkr New Member

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    1Up makes a great tray rack for mountain bikes! All aluminum, no plastic. Very strong simplistic design!
     
    Treggit, Belfastboy, Diezel and 5 others like this.
  5. Mar 11, 2021 at 1:29 PM
    #5
    edgesalon

    edgesalon New Member

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  6. Mar 11, 2021 at 2:02 PM
    #6
    Michael8282

    Michael8282 [OP] New Member

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    These are great, thank you guys.
     
  7. Mar 11, 2021 at 8:17 PM
    #7
    SmurFJ

    SmurFJ New Member

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    I've got a Yakima Hold Up and love it. Quality is top notch and the built in locks are a nice touch
     
    Michael8282[OP] likes this.
  8. Mar 13, 2021 at 6:28 PM
    #8
    spdrcer26

    spdrcer26 New Member

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    I have the rule T2 flat bike carrier. It holds 2 bikes but you can buy an extension to hold 4. Very solid and doesn’t scratch up the frame on bikes like the frame mount style.

    F5FB5E8B-5F87-4A9C-B599-D590C5B4CD47.jpg
     
    mtnbiker67 likes this.
  9. Mar 14, 2021 at 4:59 AM
    #9
    Agent_Outside

    Agent_Outside A Guy A Girl and A Trail

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    86B2935D-6EA0-4F48-A363-8F4426D8DD17.jpg Thule XTR T2, 1UP, Kuat, Rocky Mounts, etc.


    there’s lots of good options, but definitely go with a tray style we’re it sits on its tires, do not buy that first one shown where it hangs from the frame.
     
    mrmike7189 and YetiMtnBkr like this.
  10. Mar 14, 2021 at 5:47 AM
    #10
    Diezel

    Diezel New Member

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    I would highly recommend 1up. A bit pricey but a high quality rack that should last a very long time. Very easy to use too!!

    6EA3F297-D0D2-46A3-809E-9A8127F7B8FD.jpg
    9D3F65EC-9DEA-450B-B8EC-7DC6B225A791.jpg
     
  11. Mar 14, 2021 at 7:47 AM
    #11
    Michael8282

    Michael8282 [OP] New Member

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    Looking at the site now. This actually looks great. Is there much of a difference between “super duty” and “heavy duty”??
     
  12. Mar 14, 2021 at 8:07 AM
    #12
    Antmart26

    Antmart26 New Member

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    Decision may be impacted by the type of bikes - dually; hardtail; electric; wheel size and most important- geometry. I had a thule apex and based on the geometry of my bike (Kona Big Honzo) it was an absolute pain to load. Not the racks fault, just not the most compatible frame. Switched to a saris SuperClamp and its worked out much better. Light, low profile, very easy and fast to mount the bikes. Also no frame contact. Only drawback is that the rack isn't tool-less install. That said it only takes about 5 minutes to mount. Minimal road sway. It also comes with integrated dual locks which are functional but again depending on the type of bike, the cables are kind of short. Also made in the USA. I have three seasons on it (including winter riding) and its held up great. Whatever you decide, consider bringing your bike in to see how easy it is to mount on a display rack if possible.
     
    Michael8282[OP] and Moon Landing like this.
  13. Mar 14, 2021 at 8:43 AM
    #13
    Diezel

    Diezel New Member

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    I don’t believe there is a huge difference between them but I purchased the Super Duty. At that price...I figured spend a few bucks extra & get the higher weight capacity since I would have 4 bikes. Both are quality options. Very easy to use & bikes do NOT make contact or rub against each other during transport. That was a huge deal for me! These bikes are expensive nowadays!! Also great while we go off road due to the stair step design.
     
  14. Mar 14, 2021 at 11:33 AM
    #14
    YetiMtnBkr

    YetiMtnBkr New Member

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    Great set up! I have the 1Up Equip D Double ($729). Definitely want a tray rack for today's mountain bikes. All aluminum, no plastic, super sturdy, no noise or movement, and very simplistic! Four of my co-riders utilizing 1Up racks with no complaints!

    Currently mounted on the back of Subaru Crosstrek in MGM. Soon to be a 4R in MGM. Still undecided on ORP or Pro.
     
    Diezel[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Mar 17, 2021 at 6:58 AM
    #15
    Michael8282

    Michael8282 [OP] New Member

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    So I am heavily leaning towards one of these after doing some research. There are many great options, but this seems like a lifetime purchase. Would just have to make sure any future vehicle has a 2” receiver lol. Actually may go with the slightly older Super Duty like you have as opposed to the Equip-D. I think I simply dig the look a little more. Would def buy the handle attachment they make though.
     
  16. Mar 17, 2021 at 8:11 AM
    #16
    Joekader

    Joekader New Member

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    I have Thule t2 xt pro very strong and tilts is a breeze carried my electric mountain bike and my kids fatboy no shake and has a good lock system
    J
     
  17. Mar 17, 2021 at 10:19 AM
    #17
    Diezel

    Diezel New Member

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    Yes...would highly recommend the handle attachment to tilt rack & wall mount to easily store rack when not in use.
     
  18. Mar 17, 2021 at 10:25 AM
    #18
    Michael8282

    Michael8282 [OP] New Member

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    I realize it does not come with cable, tire, or attachment locks and they have to be purchased separately for this model. But does the rack come with a locking device to the hitch at least? I have been trying to figure that out. I emailed the company and am waiting for a reply.
     
  19. Mar 17, 2021 at 12:25 PM
    #19
    4runner95123

    4runner95123 New Member

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    I have the Yakima 5 bike tilting rack and I love it. Comes with the security cable which is great. This rack locks to the hitch with a key and you tighten to the point where it actually spins freely showing that it is locked.

    355F7818-E94E-4979-988D-6C78B0D352A7.jpg
     
  20. Mar 17, 2021 at 12:32 PM
    #20
    YetiMtnBkr

    YetiMtnBkr New Member

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    The 1Up does come with a locking hitch pin.
     
  21. Mar 17, 2021 at 3:42 PM
    #21
    Diezel

    Diezel New Member

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    It does come with a hitch pin however I also upgraded this to a keyed lock for the hitch & rack. If you order it at the same time then they will all have the same key which was a nice feature.
     
  22. Mar 17, 2021 at 3:56 PM
    #22
    Michael8282

    Michael8282 [OP] New Member

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    So I received a response from them at the same time as you replied to me. This was their response:

    “Yes, both racks will come with a hitch bar lock included.

    If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email or call us.

    Thank you”



    Just so I am clear, you did not receive this included with your purchase? This is what seems like is included going by their site and their reply to me:

    https://www.1up-usa.com/product/hitch-bar-lock-qtr-turn/
     
  23. Mar 17, 2021 at 5:26 PM
    #23
    Diezel

    Diezel New Member

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    my apologies...it did come with a keyed hitch lock. I ordered 2 other locks to secure my add-on racks & those were keyed to match my hitch lock.

    302D7543-C844-4F4A-AF3D-357535EF925B.jpg
     
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  24. Mar 17, 2021 at 6:05 PM
    #24
    Michael8282

    Michael8282 [OP] New Member

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    Roger that, thanks...
     
  25. Mar 17, 2021 at 6:36 PM
    #25
    Michael8282

    Michael8282 [OP] New Member

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    Just placed the order. That was not cheap :confused:
     
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  26. Mar 17, 2021 at 6:40 PM
    #26
    Diezel

    Diezel New Member

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    :spending:
    Definitely not cheap but I think you’ll be happy with it. Top quality rack built to last! Send us some pics once you receive it. Congrats!
     
    Michael8282[OP] likes this.
  27. Mar 17, 2021 at 6:50 PM
    #27
    Joekader

    Joekader New Member

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    Damn I’m glad I picked up mine on Craigslist for half the price you boys have serious money
     
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  28. Mar 17, 2021 at 7:01 PM
    #28
    Michael8282

    Michael8282 [OP] New Member

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    Lol I am certainly not super wealthy or anything. I’ll pay for something if it’s a lifetime purchase and made in America though. I also do not see anybody selling these used anywhere I looked.
     
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  29. Mar 19, 2021 at 1:18 PM
    #29
    Camps

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    Good choice on the 1up. I looked for months for a used one, but they don't come up...which tells you something. They are the best! Took it on a 2 week trip with 2 bikes; flawless and easy to use!
     
    Diezel likes this.
  30. Mar 19, 2021 at 1:35 PM
    #30
    Mohoman

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