1UP Tandem Hitch Rack
03-27-14, 11:43 PM
#1
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1UP Tandem Hitch Rack
I just wanted to share a couple of pictures of the tandem rack that Rob and the guys at 1up USA built.
I was looking for a hitch mount rack for our tandem as I didn't want to use a roof mount rack with my Escalade. I thought it would be too easy to scratch up the vehicle or the bike as I'm 5'11" and not tall enough to lift the tandem that high ans secure it to the rack.
I did see a thread where someone used an extension plate to put their tandem on a 1up hitch rack but there was a lot of overhang on the driver's side.
I sent 1up an email asking if they would build a rack with a fork mount on one side and their normal mechanism on the other. They replied they would and pictured below is the result.
I used the rack for the first time last weekend at the Phoenix Tour de Cure ride and it worked very well.
When you add the extension plate the rack can no longer fold like a normal 1up rack but I have a couple of ladder hooks in my garage and just store it there.
I was looking for a hitch mount rack for our tandem as I didn't want to use a roof mount rack with my Escalade. I thought it would be too easy to scratch up the vehicle or the bike as I'm 5'11" and not tall enough to lift the tandem that high ans secure it to the rack.
I did see a thread where someone used an extension plate to put their tandem on a 1up hitch rack but there was a lot of overhang on the driver's side.
I sent 1up an email asking if they would build a rack with a fork mount on one side and their normal mechanism on the other. They replied they would and pictured below is the result.
I used the rack for the first time last weekend at the Phoenix Tour de Cure ride and it worked very well.
When you add the extension plate the rack can no longer fold like a normal 1up rack but I have a couple of ladder hooks in my garage and just store it there.
03-28-14, 07:06 AM
#3
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Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
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Personally, I'd go with (and did go with) a Draftmaster.
Looking at 1 UP's prices, and guessing what the up charge would have been for the custom tandem adaptation, it looks like this would be right around the same price as a Draftmaster setup for a single tandem.
The draftmaster also gives you lots of flexibility in configuration.
The draftmaster though has a portion of the bike sticking out above the roof, creating an issue with overhangs.
So it largely appears to be a decision of whether you want the bike sticking out above, or on the sides.
Good to have anothe option available.
Looking at 1 UP's prices, and guessing what the up charge would have been for the custom tandem adaptation, it looks like this would be right around the same price as a Draftmaster setup for a single tandem.
The draftmaster also gives you lots of flexibility in configuration.
The draftmaster though has a portion of the bike sticking out above the roof, creating an issue with overhangs.
So it largely appears to be a decision of whether you want the bike sticking out above, or on the sides.
Good to have anothe option available.
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You could hit a tree and die.
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03-28-14, 04:52 PM
#4
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Location: Tucson, AZ
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Not a fan of bike racks if we can avoid 'em.
If we had a pickup truck, I'd drop the tailgate and put the tandem in the bed, either laying flat on a blanket or standing up kittycorner in the bed.
Bungies/straps can keep it in place.
We carry our tandem inside a Honda Accord station wagon . . .
If we had a pickup truck, I'd drop the tailgate and put the tandem in the bed, either laying flat on a blanket or standing up kittycorner in the bed.
Bungies/straps can keep it in place.
We carry our tandem inside a Honda Accord station wagon . . .
08-21-17, 10:43 AM
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I just wanted to share a couple of pictures of the tandem rack that Rob and the guys at 1up USA built.
I was looking for a hitch mount rack for our tandem as I didn't want to use a roof mount rack with my Escalade. I thought it would be too easy to scratch up the vehicle or the bike as I'm 5'11" and not tall enough to lift the tandem that high ans secure it to the rack.
I did see a thread where someone used an extension plate to put their tandem on a 1up hitch rack but there was a lot of overhang on the driver's side.
I sent 1up an email asking if they would build a rack with a fork mount on one side and their normal mechanism on the other. They replied they would and pictured below is the result.
I used the rack for the first time last weekend at the Phoenix Tour de Cure ride and it worked very well.
When you add the extension plate the rack can no longer fold like a normal 1up rack but I have a couple of ladder hooks in my garage and just store it there.
I was looking for a hitch mount rack for our tandem as I didn't want to use a roof mount rack with my Escalade. I thought it would be too easy to scratch up the vehicle or the bike as I'm 5'11" and not tall enough to lift the tandem that high ans secure it to the rack.
I did see a thread where someone used an extension plate to put their tandem on a 1up hitch rack but there was a lot of overhang on the driver's side.
I sent 1up an email asking if they would build a rack with a fork mount on one side and their normal mechanism on the other. They replied they would and pictured below is the result.
I used the rack for the first time last weekend at the Phoenix Tour de Cure ride and it worked very well.
When you add the extension plate the rack can no longer fold like a normal 1up rack but I have a couple of ladder hooks in my garage and just store it there.
Could you email me a close up picture where the tandem fork mount? Thanks. Send to dragonlord76@gmail.com.
08-23-17, 10:06 PM
#6
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Bikes: Trek 520 total custom build, Cannondale Mountain Tandem, Oryx Mountain Bike
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yeppers on the Draftmaster! I have one as well, and quite enjoy being able to load 3 single Bikes and a tandem.
The 1up rack looks nice but I wouldn't be comfortable hauling my Cannonade tandem across the back. Thule makes a rack similar to the 1up. Didn't like that one either.
The 1up rack looks nice but I wouldn't be comfortable hauling my Cannonade tandem across the back. Thule makes a rack similar to the 1up. Didn't like that one either.
08-24-17, 08:56 AM
#7
Clipless in Coeur d'Alene
I liked the idea of the Draftmaster for our motorhome, but then sold the RV before investing in that rack setup and no other vehicles with a hitch.
Like most tandem racks, the Draftmaster could probably be improved with the addition of a side load support mechanism, especially when carrying mtb tandems and driving off pavement. The 1UP racks also provide more rear clearance than a Draftmaster which is pretty much designed for basic pavement driving and seems to set the rear bike wheel comparatively close to the ground when in travel mode.
Looking at the OP's photos, the 1UP rear tire holder part would be a good candidate for the Draftmaster in lieu of just the ratchet strap that does not provide any side load support.
Like most tandem racks, the Draftmaster could probably be improved with the addition of a side load support mechanism, especially when carrying mtb tandems and driving off pavement. The 1UP racks also provide more rear clearance than a Draftmaster which is pretty much designed for basic pavement driving and seems to set the rear bike wheel comparatively close to the ground when in travel mode.
Looking at the OP's photos, the 1UP rear tire holder part would be a good candidate for the Draftmaster in lieu of just the ratchet strap that does not provide any side load support.
