Best hitch rack for a 1.25'' hitch

[colorisnt]

Hey all!

My boyfriend and I are looking to upgrade our existing hitch rack which sits on the back of my little dependable Kia Soul. We're training for a century and the trailhead we usually use for long trail rides (our favorite training rides right now) is closed so we have to drive to get to a trail head, which means my 5 year old crappy $75.00 rack just isn't coping well with it. The thing got me to and from home many times and up to Canada and back but if I am to do that drive again and regularly transport two bikes, I need something new!

Here's what I'd really like:
-2-3 bikes (2 is great, 3 max)
-NOT a platform style because it will block the view of my license plate
-fits my 1.25'' hitch
-folds down to let me access my hatch
-less than $250.00 because of my grad school budget

Any recommendations? I'm going to go by the LBS soon and look at some things. My Dad has an excellent Swagman platform rack for his car/the camper but it won't work for my car. We just wanted some feedback from you ladies since I suggested I post on here and ask some more knowledgeable people!

[FlyingScot]

Check out http://www.etrailers.com They have a good selection of hitch racks. I have the Sportrack 3 bike version. It's heavy but I really like it.

[colorisnt]

Thanks. Will look into it

[hulagirl]

I LOVE my 1UP USA rack. It is just a hair outside your budget but it's totally worth it. I went with it for a few reasons:
1. I live in Hawaii and I've watched folks have the straps or locks or arms snap off in their hands due to the sun exposure we have here.
2. I have seen racks rust out or corrode so bad that they are worthless or locked in place.
3. Folks buy the 2 or 4 bike rack thinking it will be what they need and then find they only use it for 1 bike.

The 1UP USA is built solid, it folds down easily and is easily removed from the hitch, folded and stored in your trunk or house. It's made in the USA, no plastic or rubber parts and it's expandable up to 4 bikes I think! We has used ours for carbon fiber tri bikes with 23c tires all the way up to cargo bikes with Big Apple tires. It's a great rack!

Denise

[colorisnt]

Thanks. I may look into something like that in the future when I have a different car. Unfortunately, the platform racks are my fave but would permanently cover my rear plate (leading me to be pulled over a lot, I'd bet). So, I can't go with those. The rubber parts are the worst if you have them out in the sun a lot. We don't get as much sun exposure but they are the first thing I check on the rack before I load up right now.

We almost always have two bikes as well but it's nice that you can have only one and have it work as planned. Cool racks!

I have ordered a Kuat that should be here in a couple of days after spending some time at the LBS. I liked the weight of the rack and the easy setup and moving of the rack. It was slightly more expensive than a couple of the others they had but I think it is worth it! I think I will buy some back up rubber pieces to have in the glove box in the future, too. I also bought the locking pin that was optional. I look forward to having a good rack again!