Bikes Blog
First Look: New and Improved 1UP USA 2024 Tremendous Obligation Double Hitch Rack
Jun
After I spoke to the 1UP USA crew on the Sea Otter Traditional this final April, we talked about racks, bikes, and even off-roading. For those who wish to go off-roading and take their mountain bikes with them, new 2″ Tremendous Obligation is completely suited to the duty. It was constructed for excessive off-roading from the drafting board, and it has some new options which can be value trying out.
First Impressions
My rapid impression once I noticed the Tremendous Obligation up shut was that it was very beefy. However, it’s rated for “excessive off-roading”, so naturally, it’s beefed up the place it must be. I don’t rock crawl in my Jeep, however the way in which the Tremendous Obligation is constructed, it seems prefer it may take it with out a drawback.
The rack is constructed from corrosion-resistant aluminum, which is used for everything of the construct. I didn’t see any plastic getting used. As standard, the rack helps bicycles with none contact with the body or fork, utilizing the load arms on the bike tires.
The brand new Tremendous Obligation has an adjustable tray size for bikes with a wheelbase as much as 58″. It additionally has extra spacing between the trays which provides additional room for broad downtubes and flat pedals.
Neat New Options
Non-compulsory Wheel Chock
One in all my pet peeves with some tray-style racks is the continual motion of the entrance wheel via the steerer tube, even when the bike is “locked and loaded”. This phenomenon worsens because the bike will get heavier or the street will get rougher. These situations are the place the Wheel Chock is available in.
The Wheel Chock was designed to scale back the quantity of steerer tube rotation you get making the bike extra steady whereas on the rack. 1UP states that the wheel chocks are required for bikes over 75lbs, or intense off-roading. Nonetheless, anybody can use them beneath any circumstance in the event that they’d favor a extra steady bike connection.
There are two completely different sizes of the Wheel Chock, Normal (matches tires as much as 3″ broad) and Fats Tire (matches tires from 3″ to five″). They’re all aluminum and are bought individually for $110 every. Which means when you have a two bike rack and wished Wheel Chocks on each, it could be $220. Additionally, the Chocks are particular to wheel dimension so if you wish to run each commonplace and fats bikes on the identical rack with Chocks, you’d want to purchase two units.
True One-Handed Operation
A welcome addition to the 2024 SD Rack is the addition of true one-handed operation of the rack. there are two methods to actuate the arms of the rack. If you wish to use two palms to open the rack, simply press the crimson button, raise the arm, load the bike, and modify it to acquainted ratcheting as you shut the arms onto your tires.
In case you’d like to make use of one hand on the rack and one to carry your bike, merely press the crimson button whereas lifting the button housing. This eliminates the ratcheting facet and you’ll transfer the arm in any course you see match. Releasing one hand to do no matter.
To re-engage the ratcheting, merely press the button housing again down.
Extra Choices
Wheel Lock
I’m certain most of us lock our bikes to the rack when stopping for a pre-ride Cliff bar, or post-ride brew. And a few built-in locks are higher than others. I might say that the 1Up USA Wheel Lock 1/4 Flip (lengthy), is extra of a deterrent than a full-blown lock. I like that it doesn’t are available contact with the bike in any approach – when you have a motorcycle rack with an built-in cable lock, it’s not a good suggestion to drive with it locked since it might rub via the paint in your bikes (or worse).
However, once I cease for longer durations with my bike on the Jeep, I often have it in sight. So, I’m very comfy with this degree of protection. 1UP USA states that almost all customers run one lock per bike, although in greater crime areas, two isn’t a foul thought. The locks are $24 every, however for those who purchase a couple of, you’ll get a 15% low cost.
For added safety, 1UP USA does supply greater ranges of safety with the Chain Lock and Cable Lock.
EZ Pull Deal with
This selection is a should for any 1UP USA proprietor. The EZ Pull Deal with is a straightforward addition that retains you from having to achieve beneath the rack to raise or decrease the rack to entry the rear of your car. In comparison with earlier generations, the deal with has a greater design with out the flexibility to pinch your fingers. The EZ Pull is available in sizes for two,3, or 4-bike capability racks and is an extra $99.
Set up
The meeting of the rack was very straightforward, and easy. It may be performed with out even studying the instructions, though full and easy-to-follow instructions are included.
I’ve a Jeep Wrangler and I would like a swing adapter of some type to have the ability to entry the rear of the car. For that, I’m utilizing the Rig’d Provide RambleSwing, you will have learn my evaluate of that right here. It’s an impressive product and blends completely with the Tremendous Obligation Rack.
One of many highlights of utilizing 1UP Racks is their proprietary, built-in anti-wobble nook expander ball. The simplicity of it and the convenience of use and set up make it higher than most methods I’ve tried. It comes with two proprietary safety wrenches, one I preserve in my store, and one within the Jeep.
Additionally, the precise hitch bar has a 3″ lengthy slot machined into the facet of it. Which means that you’ve as much as three inches of fore and aft adjustability when utilizing the included hitch bar lock.
In Use
As examined, the 1UP USA Tremendous Obligation two bike rack with all of the equipment would run $1,259.80 with free floor transport – the rack begins at $900 for the 2 bike model. It is a premium rack, with a value to match.
I’ve been up and down the mountain with it since putting in the Tremendous Obligation two weeks in the past. It’s straightforward to make use of, and the brand new options are a really welcome addition to the rack. I’ve but to take it off-road however might be doing so quickly.
When driving with a motorcycle on the rack, even in sstrong wind, the bike didn’t transfer. The Wheel Chock makes an enormous and really noticeable distinction to the entrance wheel motion. When utilizing the chock, entrance wheel motion was not even noticeable from the motive force seat. It’s simply unlucky that it’s a $220 choice for a two bike rack.
To date, mountain bikes load on and off with ease, and the Wheel Chock is the proper dimension to carry 2.6″ tires. I might be mounting the Salsa Moraine eMTB for a visit. That bike weighs within the neighborhood of 53lbs. However, with the Tremendous Obligation’s tray weight capability at 100 lbs per tray, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Wanting ahead to reporting again in a couple of months with my opinion after placing some critical mileage on the rack. Keep tuned right here for the main points.