If you are looking for a reliable and durable bike rack for your car, you might have come across the 1Up brand.
1Up is known for its high-quality aluminum racks that are easy to use and install. But which 1Up rack should you choose?
We will compare two of their most popular models: the Super Duty and the Equip-D. We will look at their features, pros and cons, and help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Quick Comparison
| Feature/Difference | 1Up Super Duty | 1Up Equip-D |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Higher profile framework, narrower base | Lower profile framework, wider base |
| Tire Compatibility | Requires fat tire spacer kit for tires > 3.1″ | Accommodates tires up to 4.5″ wide out of the box |
| Adjustment System | Blue switch (two hands required) | Integrated quick release handle (one-handed operation) |
| Locking Mechanism | Lever locking | Redesigned cam locking (more ergonomic) |
| Color Options | Silver or black | Only available in black |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 75 lbs per tray spot | Up to 50 lbs per tray spot |
| Weight Distribution | Wider center base for better support | Narrower center base |
| Convenience | Less user-friendly adjustment system | Simple and intuitive adjustment system |
| Compatibility | Less compatible with wider tires | Wide base accommodates larger tires without modifications |
| Aesthetic | Rugged silver anodized aluminum finish | Black powder-coated finish (may fade over time) |
What are the main differences between the Super Duty and the Equip-D?
The Super Duty and the Equip-D are both hitch-mounted bike racks that can carry up to four bikes with add-ons.
They both have a unique design that secures the bikes by their tires, without touching the frames or forks.
They both fold up when not in use and tilt down for easy access to the trunk.
However, there are some key differences between the two models that might affect your choice. Here are some of them:
The Equip-D is a newer model that has a lower profile framework and a wider base than the Super Duty. It can accommodate tires up to 4.5 inches wide out of the box, while the Super Duty requires a fat tire spacer kit for tires wider than 3.1 inches.
The Equip-D has an integrated quick release handle that allows you to adjust the rack position with one hand. The Super Duty has a blue switch that requires two hands to operate.
The Equip-D has a redesigned cam locking mechanism that is more ergonomic and easier to use than the Super Duty’s lever locking mechanism.
The Equip-D is only available in black color, while the Super Duty comes in silver or black color. Some users have reported that the black color on the Equip-D fades over time due to sun exposure.
Read Also: 1up USA Bike Rack Problems: A Review
What are the pros and cons of each rack?
Both racks have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and needs. Here are some of them:
Pros of the Super Duty
It has a higher weight capacity than the Equip-D, with each tray spot rated for up to 75 lbs versus 50 lbs for the Equip-D. This means it can handle heavier bikes, such as e-bikes, without any issues.
It has a more balanced weight distribution than the Equip-D, with a wider center base that supports the bikes better. This might make it more stable and secure on rough roads or long trips.
It has a more rugged and raw look than the Equip-D, with its silver anodized aluminum finish. Some users prefer this aesthetic over the black powder-coated finish of the Equip-D.
Cons of the Super Duty
It is more expensive than the Equip-D, with a price difference of $130-$160 between the models and $40 for each add-on. This might be a significant factor for some buyers who are on a budget or want to save money.
It is less convenient than the Equip-D, with a more complicated and less user-friendly adjustment system. The blue switch can be hard to reach and operate, especially when you have multiple bikes on the rack.
It is less compatible than the Equip-D, with a narrower base that limits the tire size it can fit. You need to buy extra accessories to mount fat bikes or plus bikes on the Super Duty.
Pros of the Equip-D
It is more affordable than the Super Duty, with a lower price tag for both the base model and the add-ons. This might make it more appealing for buyers who want to get a good value for their money or who don’t need extra features.
It is more convenient than the Super Duty, with a simpler and more intuitive adjustment system. The quick release handle makes it easy to fold, tilt, or remove the rack with one hand.
It is more compatible than the Super Duty, with a wider base that can fit larger tires without any modifications. You don’t need to buy any extra accessories to mount fat bikes or plus bikes on the Equip-D.
Cons of the Equip-D
It has a lower weight capacity than the Super Duty, with each tray spot rated for up to 50 lbs versus 75 lbs for the Super Duty. This means it might not be able to handle heavier bikes, such as e-bikes, as well as the Super Duty.
It has a less balanced weight distribution than the Super Duty, with a narrower center base that supports the bikes less. This might make it less stable and secure on rough roads or long trips.
It has a less durable and attractive look than the Super Duty, with its black powder-coated finish. Some users have reported that the black color on the Equip-D fades over time due to sun exposure.
Which rack should you choose?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and needs.
There is no clear winner or loser between the two racks, as they both have their strengths and weaknesses.
Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Your Budget
If you want to save money or get a good value for your money, you might prefer the Equip-D over the Super Duty, as it is cheaper and has more built-in features.
Your Bike type
If you have heavier bikes, such as e-bikes, or larger tires, such as fat bikes or plus bikes, you might prefer the Super Duty over the Equip-D, as it has a higher weight capacity and can fit wider tires with a spacer kit.
Your Convenience
If you want a simple and easy-to-use rack that can be adjusted with one hand, you might prefer the Equip-D over the Super Duty, as it has a quick release handle and a redesigned cam locking mechanism.
Your Aesthetic
If you like a rugged and raw look that matches your car or bike, you might prefer the Super Duty over the Equip-D, as it has a silver anodized aluminum finish that does not fade over time.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Both racks are high-quality products that will serve you well for years to come. You can’t go wrong with either one of them.
The best way to decide is to try them out for yourself and see which one suits you better.