After 10-12 years I thought it would be good to replace my Thule Sidearm roof racks. One of the rachets was starting to release on drives and didn't want to have a catastrophic issue.I didn't like Thule's newer design and went with a couple of 1up roof racks to try them out. I also picked up a 1up hitch rack for my wife's car (more on that below). Everyone seems to love 1up and they appear more durable than Yakima or Thule with no plastic parts. However, I'm not impressed. 29er mtn bikes wobble like crazy in the racks. I have them as tight as you can get them and they wobble on smooth highway. We do a lot of bumpy dirt roads and not confident a bike won't fall out.
I called 1up to see if I was missing something and they told me the racks were designed for 26" bikes and they haven't gotten around to updating them yet. Thats crazy - who rides a 26" anymore? They suggested buying a velcro strap for extra security, but said the wobble was normal for 29" wheels and they hadn't heard of a bike falling out.
Anyone have a bike fall out of a 1up rack? I'm thinking about selling these and getting a Rocky Mount Brass Knuckle. The Thule Sidearm was awesome - you can shake the bike and the whole car/truck moves. It's very secure, I would buy more if they still made them. Any other suggestions for roof racks?
I have the rack over the bed of my truck and can watch them wobble in the side mirror:
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I've also been disappointed in the hitch rack. As discussed in the 1Up EZer Pull mod thread, you need 2 hands to pull the lever and move the position of the bike. I also have a very loud creak in one of the trays. I've confirmed the bolts are tight. Really annoying for a brand new, expensive rack. also get the wobble when shaking the bike on the rack. Not a secure as the old Thules.
Is it just me or are these racks over hyped?
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