I use an inexpensive Allen rack that retails for about $99 and have carried up to three old-school steel bikes on it at a time with no problem. I would recommend a 2" receiver for more stability. Though a 1.25" is probably strong enough, they tend to allow a lot of bounce. The only thing I will be changing on my rack is alter the spacers from the current 4-bike configuration to 3-bike with more spacing in between. The bikes are pretty cozy as it stands and the first position is so close to the post that I have to be careful about the bike banging against it.