salcedo

I'm in the market for a hitch bike rack that can be extended to hold 3-4 bikes. After doing some research online and in local bike shops, I am considering two main contenders, help me determine which one is the best one

1. Thule T2 XT Pro starting at $580
2. 1UP USA heavy duty double rack starting at $529

I also liked the NV 2.0 starting at $629, but my wife doesn't like the orange details and i wasn't that excited about it to begin with. If you want to nominate other products like a Saris or Yakima go for it.

From what I've read on this and other forums, both are very good products that will fit a variety of bikes and do a good job. My guess is that most votes will go for the 1UP, but I would like to hear reasons, not just votes. Here is what I like and don't like about the thule and the 1UP

Thule T2 XT Pro
It is the top of the line product of a well established brand (est. 1942) with a good reputation for high quality. It seems to be durable, high quality, sturdy, stable, adjustable, and easy to use. It comes with integrated locks that are extremely easy to use. These are cable locks and wheel locks which I wouldn't trust to protect my road bike over night. But I think they are good enough to protect my inexpensive commuter if my wife picked me up to go catch a movie, or even to protect my road bike if I can see it through the window while we are having lunch during a road trip.

I don't like that it is big and bulky. The same goes for the extension needed to turn it into a 4-bike rack, which will probably take up a lot of garage space when I'm not using it.

1UP USA Heavy Duty
It is the product with the best online reviews, specially on bike forums. However, it is a relatively new brand and product and there is not a lot of information about it. Reviewers praise it for a sturdy build and high quality. I like that bikes are vertically staggered so that they can be closer to each other. Also the modular design allows for more versatility. I could buy a single rack with two single-bike add-ons that are easy to mount/dismount, or a double rack with two add-ons. Since most of the time I just need the rack for a single bike, this is an important advantage.

I really wish that the 1UP came with some sort of integrated locks for the bike frame. I don't want to have to carry a cable lock inside my car. Also, it seems to be the least flexible in terms of where you can position the bikes. This might not be a big deal due to the vertical staggering.

My greatest concern about the 1UP is really the lack of information. Many reviewers say that it is great, but they dont say why. How it is better than the Thule, for instance? Will it wobble less? Will it last longer? Or is is just an aesthetic thing? I do like the all aluminum industrial look of it.

I'll appreciate any input!!