Just got my 1up SD (2024) installed so though I’d give a couple first impressions.
I chose 1up because my #1 criteria for a rack was that I could open my tailgate with it on. Obviously I could pay extra for a swing arm but the cost and the added length away from the truck was a deterrent.
I would have got a heavy duty as I don’t ride EMTB and really don’t need the extra capability of the SD, but the new updated swing arm ratchets and the optional wheel chocks were enough to sell me on the SD.
Overall I’m pretty happy with it. It seems bombproof. A couple things I’m less thrilled about:
– although the rack (with no bikes) clears the tailgate in the normal flat position, with the wheel chocks on it doesn’t. (But they do clear the tailgate when the rack is tilted down).
– additionally there is no lock for the wheel chocks, they just slide on and off. So could be a theft concern If someone thought they looked pretty.
– I’m not impressed with 1ups locking options. I bought the wheel locks and the cable lock. The cable lock is a bit clunky compared to something like the velocirax built in cable. The wheel locks are fine, but they aren’t a snug fit on the arm, and overall it feels like an afterthought. The locks are also easy small pieces to lose given they aren’t actually attached or built into anything, and you have to fully remove them every time you take off your bike. I wish everything was combination lock instead of keyed, as you can lose keys and they are already quite sticky and cheap feeling fresh out of the box.
by vanhuette
2 Comments
Regarding the locks, I’ve never really trusted built-in locks, as they all depend on the hitch lock. If you’re stopping for more then a couple minutes, a chain through the bikes and the hitch ears is your best bet, but they’re all just for show at the end of the day.
If you like combo locks, it’s going to generally be the weakest link, but I’d run a combo master on a bigass chain before running a built-in combo lock.
Nice rack. I have a single tray Equipe-D that’s been chugging along for 5-6 years or so. I see snow in the pic so a word of caution for my cold weather friends: take it off when not using it. Aluminum frame + steel bolts + salt + water will eventually seize. A good anti-seize compound will help but enough water will wash that away. 1up sells replacements parts for each component which is nice and the hardware is readily available.