hitch vs rack

For years I'd put all my weight into locking the bike in... I think that was the worst thing to do. Regardless it held up all that time. Just last year I spent the $20 or so to replace the track for no other reason than mine looked used.

I can likely count on one hand the amount of times I've folded down the NSR over the years. Barely any of it is visible in my rear view mirror which makes a battering ram easy to forget about.

That paint on the NSR is proving to be difficult to remove.  Will need to source some form of chemical paint remover for the upper tubes.  

Anyone with a powder coater recommendation?

Posted by: shoreboy

I just make sure to hold up the 'ratcheting lever' (not sure of the right word for it) when Im opening them up so they dont hit all the teeth unnecessarily. Then I let them lock into place when im pulling on them to tighten them down once the bikes are on. Not sure if that makes sense or not. Ive had mine for a few years now, and while it doesnt get as much use as my NSR, it has been holding up fine.

Yes, makes sense. I guess after a while you just get a feel for it. Do you other 1up owners have the rack attached with a safety cable? After locking it in seems super solid.

Have read on other forum that you should take it off every once and a while, the ball inside the locking mech can seize up.

I do attach mine with a safety cable. Wraps around the bottom of the rack and thru the tow hook on my car. 1Up supplies that long velcro wrap (at least they did with mine), but I dont think Id trust it to hold the rack if it was going to fly off. The cable and lock also give an extra line of security in case the thieves happen to have their own 1Up rack, and the allen key that they can remove it with. I also decided to get a hitch bar lock like 1Up advertises on their site to block access to the 'allen' key tightening mechanism. You can pick one up at Canadian Tire.

https://www.1upusa.com/product-2hitchbarlock.html

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/master-lock-adjustable-coupler-latch-lock-in-stainless-steel-0409008p.html#srp

Ya ran a 2 1/2" padlock thru the allenkey slot. Funny that a 2" lock was just short by 1/4"
I will put a cable thru the lock and thru the trailer hitch for added piece of mind.

Thx

Posted by: shoreboy

I have had my NSR for ~10 years, and its starting to show a bit of wear. Where are you getting yours sandblasted? It would be on my list of things to do in the off season.

http://bandwmetalcleaners.com Offers blasting in Coquitlam.  Rainbow PC is right there as well for what it's worth.

None of those locks were available when I bought mine... so for 8 years I've been throwing caution to the wind.

That said, I'm seeing a more and more 1ups as the years go by and I suspect I should pick up some locks. Thanks for the CDN link.

Doing the crown prongs would've taken forever.  My advice is to attempt to chemically strip the paint on the entire rack first.  Will likely save time and money when media blasting.  I probably should weld on some anti sway plates between the lower and upper tree like the newer versions have but I'm on a timeline.

Had this guy for 5+ years.  At least 30,000+ kms with two 35lb+ bikes.  Zero issues.  Just starting to fail on me now (mounting bolts are rusting out/seizing - this is after leaving it on my vehicle for multiple Alberta winters).  I will buy another in the spring.  Hard to beat for the price - unless having the clamp on your top tube is a deal breaker for you.  I ride my bikes pretty hard, so a tiny bit of paint scuffing is the least of my concerns.

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5018-825/XTC-2-Bike-XC-Dual-Receiver-Hitch-Rack

I have the Yakima tracks installed on the side rails since my truck has a tonneau cover. The whole Yakima bike rack can be easily installed and removed.

I really like the look of the Recon Rack. 

http://recon-racks.com/