1up USA Bike Rack Problems: A Review

If you are looking for a bike rack that can carry multiple bikes securely and easily, you might have heard of the 1up USA bike rack.

This rack is designed to fit both 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitch receivers, and can be expanded with add-on trays to hold up to four bikes.

The rack is made of aluminum and has a unique folding mechanism that allows you to access the rear of your vehicle without removing the bikes.

The rack also claims to be compatible with most bike types and sizes, including e-bikes, fat bikes, and kids bikes.

However, before you decide to buy this rack, you should be aware of some potential problems that some users have reported.

Here, we will review some of the common issues that people have faced with the 1up USA bike rack, and offer some tips on how to avoid or fix them.

Table of Contents

Pedal Rubbing

One of the most frequent complaints about the 1up USA bike rack is that the pedals of the bikes can rub against each other or against the vehicle, causing scratches or damage.

This can happen if the bikes are not mounted as far rearward as possible on their trays, or if the bikes have large or platform pedals.

This problem can be more pronounced with e-bikes, as their cranks tend to freewheel more easily than regular bikes.

To prevent pedal rubbing, you should follow these steps:

Make sure you mount each bike as far rearward as possible on its tray, leaving enough space between the bikes and the vehicle.
Use Velcro straps or zip ties to secure the crank arms to the chain stays, so that they don’t rotate while in transit.

If possible, remove the pedals from the bikes before loading them on the rack. You can use a wrench or a pedal tool to do this quickly and easily.
If you have fat bikes or tires wider than 3.1 inches, you will need to buy a Fat Tire Spacer Kit from 1up USA, which will provide more clearance between the trays.

Rack Movement

Another common issue with the 1up USA bike rack is that it can move up and down too much when hitting dips and bumps on the road, especially when carrying heavy or multiple bikes.

This can cause noise, instability, or even damage to the rack or the hitch receiver.

This problem can be caused by several factors, such as:

The hitch receiver being too loose or worn out.

The hitch bolt being too loose or not tightened enough.
The flip mechanism being too loose or not locked properly.

To prevent rack movement, you should follow these steps:

Hitch Size

Make sure you use the correct hitch size for your vehicle and your rack. The 1up USA bike rack comes with a 1.25-inch hitch with an L-shaped adapter to make it a 2-inch hitch. You should remove the adapter if you have a 1.25-inch receiver, or use it if you have a 2-inch receiver.

Hitch Bolt

Make sure you tighten the hitch bolt securely with a wrench or an Allen key. You should also use a locking hitch pin or an anti-theft bolt to prevent theft or tampering.

Flip Mechanism

Make sure you lock the flip mechanism properly by pushing down on the red handle until it clicks into place. You should also check that the black knob on the flip mechanism is tight and not loose.

Anti-Rattle Bracket

If you still experience excessive rack movement, you can use an anti-rattle bracket or a stabilizer device to reduce the play between the rack and the receiver. You can buy these devices online or from your local hardware store.

Rack Failure

A rare but serious problem that some users have reported with the 1up USA bike rack is that it can fail or break while in use, causing the bikes to fall off or damage the vehicle.

This can happen if:

The rack is overloaded beyond its weight capacity.
The rack is used for RV or travel-trailer usage without proper rating.

The rack is damaged by corrosion, impact, or wear and tear.

To prevent rack failure, you should follow these steps:

Weight Capacity

Make sure you do not exceed the weight capacity of your rack and your hitch receiver. The 1up USA bike rack has different models with different weight capacities, ranging from 50 pounds to 75 pounds per bike spot. You should also keep the heaviest bike closest to the vehicle for better balance and stability.

Appropriate Rack Model

Make sure you use the appropriate rack model for your vehicle type. Only the Heavy Duty and Super Duty models are rated for RV and travel-trailer usage, and only with a 2-inch hitch receiver. You should also limit the number of bikes to two when using these models for RV or travel-trailer usage.

Inspect your Rack

Make sure you inspect your rack regularly for any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear and tear. You should also clean and lubricate your rack periodically to prevent rust and dirt buildup. If you notice any cracks, bends, or loose parts on your rack, you should contact 1up USA for repair or replacement.

Conclusion

The 1up USA bike rack is a popular and versatile bike rack that can carry multiple bikes securely and easily.

However, it is not without its flaws, and some users have encountered some problems with it. By following the above tips and advice, you can avoid or fix some of the common issues that people have faced with the 1up USA bike rack, and enjoy a safe and smooth ride with your bikes.