Merle Nelson
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
@20 racks per day. 
Racks for Hydra
- Thread starter BruceBrown
- Start date
RandomCrap
Member
The QuikrStuff rack indeed fixes a number of niggling issues with the 1-Up. That said, they have had nothing but delays, since before COVID. I was on their wait list along with 1-Up's. The 1-Up site allowed orders the day after QuikrStuff stated that they were still delaying shipping of previous orders, and had no plans to open up ordering at any time soon. So, as the saying goes, good enough is the enemy of perfect. In this case, more like pretty-darn-great is the enemy or possibly-greater.
I'm seeking opinions. I have a bike rack like this:
Is this good enough to transport my Helios from Pushkar's facility to Washington DC (approximately 450 miles)? I'm not likely to transport the bike much after the initial pick up, and I'd prefer not having to buy something new.
Thoughts?
Is this good enough to transport my Helios from Pushkar's facility to Washington DC (approximately 450 miles)? I'm not likely to transport the bike much after the initial pick up, and I'd prefer not having to buy something new.
Thoughts?
BruceBrown
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Kansas City
Personally I would not use a rack like that to transport an ebike let alone one with a carbon fiber frame. The bike will sway on that and I’d be very afraid of damaging it, especially for a 450 mile trip. I’d recommend renting or finding a friend you can borrow a rack from where the bike is supported by the wheels.
smorgasbord
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
I have the 1-Up Super Duty for 2 bikes. The 2 bikes we have are both Luna Apollos - Full Suspension, Carbon Fiber, and, most notably, a big 50" axle to axle wheelbase. With the 1.1 kW battery installed, each bike weighs at least 65 lbs. Removing the battery takes two 5mm hex screws and some fiddly alignment, so I don't bother.
It's not easy getting bikes on OR off:
1) The ramp is a pain and even then only good for the first bike since the second bike hits the first as you roll the second up or down.
2) You have to lift a large wheelbase bike high in order to clear the support arms, even if they're folded all the way out.
3) The easy reach handle accessory is fine, but if you want to be sure the rack doesn't pop out of it's notch, you're still reaching in and under the rack to find that locking hand screw. And didn't do that once and sure enough the rack popped out of its notch. Luckily, it was at low speed. No bike damage, slight rack damage.
4) The locking ratchet handle things are a pain. The toothed rack is aluminum and starts showing noticable wear after two uses.
On the plus side, the rack is reasonably light, has the right layout geometry:
1) Pretty good closeness to the vehicle (too close and bikes hit the vehicle, too far puts too much stress on the hitch itself)
2) Rack goes up diagonally right from the hitch, reducing the chances of it bottoming out.
3) Second bike platform is higher than the first, not only reducing chances of bottoming out, but helping with avoiding bike to bike interference.
4) Platform design means you can position bikes left to right as needed to help with clearance (I didn't need that), and allows you to have chain side of bike either way on rack.
BTW, you'll notice in the QuickrStuff video that she only loads 1 eBike with the ramp. You'll also note that she doesn't center the bike in the rack - matter of fact I'd be worried about that front wheel slightly hanging off the rack. They added a text comment on proper procedure. But, they don't show the ramp being used for a second eBike because it won't work unless you're willing to tilt the bike away from the vehicle a lot.
It's not easy getting bikes on OR off:
1) The ramp is a pain and even then only good for the first bike since the second bike hits the first as you roll the second up or down.
2) You have to lift a large wheelbase bike high in order to clear the support arms, even if they're folded all the way out.
3) The easy reach handle accessory is fine, but if you want to be sure the rack doesn't pop out of it's notch, you're still reaching in and under the rack to find that locking hand screw. And didn't do that once and sure enough the rack popped out of its notch. Luckily, it was at low speed. No bike damage, slight rack damage.
4) The locking ratchet handle things are a pain. The toothed rack is aluminum and starts showing noticable wear after two uses.
On the plus side, the rack is reasonably light, has the right layout geometry:
1) Pretty good closeness to the vehicle (too close and bikes hit the vehicle, too far puts too much stress on the hitch itself)
2) Rack goes up diagonally right from the hitch, reducing the chances of it bottoming out.
3) Second bike platform is higher than the first, not only reducing chances of bottoming out, but helping with avoiding bike to bike interference.
4) Platform design means you can position bikes left to right as needed to help with clearance (I didn't need that), and allows you to have chain side of bike either way on rack.
BTW, you'll notice in the QuickrStuff video that she only loads 1 eBike with the ramp. You'll also note that she doesn't center the bike in the rack - matter of fact I'd be worried about that front wheel slightly hanging off the rack. They added a text comment on proper procedure. But, they don't show the ramp being used for a second eBike because it won't work unless you're willing to tilt the bike away from the vehicle a lot.
RandomCrap
Member
That rack is rated for 70 pounds total between the two bikes. I would not trust it. It's a $99 rack. The 1-Up Super Duty for 2 bikes is $595. There is a reason that they cost that much. For a bike the cost of the Helios, I'd want something more.
Deacon Blues
Well-Known Member
I agree with BruceBrown. I wouldn't use a 'hanging' bike rack for a heavy bike with a carbon frame.
Csubi
Active Member
- Region
- Canada
I just purchased a 6 bike rack from North Shore Racks. https://northshoreracks.com/
It folds down when not in use. Well build and a local company (to me)
This video shows a blue wide framed eBike being loaded with no issues
Still waiting for my Hydra*
It folds down when not in use. Well build and a local company (to me)
This video shows a blue wide framed eBike being loaded with no issues
smorgasbord
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
A Hydra weighs 58 lbs. No way I could lift it that high to get it on that rack.
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