Due to an unfortunate event, I'll soon be in the market for a new rack for my wife's car.
It has to be a hitch rack, and not touch the frame. It only has to carry two bikes.
I'd prefer to NOT use a Thule or Yakima as I feel they are overpriced.
So, what say you?

https://www.1up-usa.com/product/2in-...ble-bike-rack/

Can be expanded to 4 bikes if you really want. I really like mine.

Expensive? Yes. Overpriced? Not at all. IMO. YMMV

there are others, but I'm not at the bike shop to look it up... they sell the lower cost ones ..
search the internet for other names, & I might recall from seeing it...

Mentioned above supports from below, under the bike wheels

the lower cost type, Im thinking of, SUN LITE (J&B Importers )

have an arm sticking out, under the top tube to hang the frame from..

(and they also carry a temporary top tube substitute for step thru frames)...



...

I have a Hollywood Racks platform rack for my SUVs that I've been using for years with no issues. Hollywood Racks don't cost as much as Yakima or Thule. The Sport Rider 2 model is $275... not bad.

This. The only thing the rack touches is your tires.

Saris

I'm considering the Saris Freedom EX 2 for when I switch to hitch. Retails for $350. 27Lbs. Tilts when loaded to allow access to cargo area. Universal hitch fitting. Locking hitch pin. Integrated locking cable.

I bought one of these about a year ago and could not be more pleased. Works great, very sturdy, and reasonably priced:

Kuat Transfer 2 Bike Hitch Rack | Jenson USA

Best Rack - 1up USA Quik Rack. Made of aluminum, folds in half. Really, really, really expensive though:
https://www.1up-usa.com/product/quik-rack-single/

Cheapest - Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack. It almost doesn't touch the frame, but it does a little. It's a "hold by the wheel" style rack.
https://www.amazon.com/Swagman-Cross...dp/B0001VO1YY/

I have one of these with Hollywood branding on it. About as basic as-it-gets, but works pretty well on a wide variety of bike shapes and sizes. Bought it off CL for $35.

I used to think that all the people who won't use a hitch rack because 'What if you get rear-ended?' were a bunch of worrywarts, but then we got tagged last weekend. No bikes were on, but we were on our way to pick one up. I partly blame the fact that it's a black rack on the back of a black SUV, so ninja mode.
The main beam is bent a couple of degrees up from vertical, but otherwise OK. Made a mess of that guy's grille, though....

I've used this for several years: https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-...an/S63360.html

I can open my trunk without having to lean the rack away from the car. Very light and secure. Takes five minutes to put it on the car.

Good to see these suggestions as I'll be looking for one soon myself. I mentioned that the Saris Freedom caught my eye, but now I'm leaning towards the Swagman Chinook 2. Meets all my needs, and is cheaper ($265). Tilts, secures by wheel buckets and frame. Locks, folds up discrete enough. Can be reduced to one bike.

I got lightly rear ended last fall WITH a bike on the rack. Saved my bumper from needing work! There are a few scrapes on the rack, nothing to worry me. I generally put my bike in the car though when it's just me or one other person, and one bike. Two bikes requires the rack.

Makes me glad I have a full size p/u truck to haul my bike in.
Jon

I like my Kuat.

I would recommend the Yakima RidgeBack Hitch Bike Rack since it's versatile

+1 They also make a good workstand when needed Why would try the find the cheapest rack to haul a valuable bike?
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Affordable, light and made in the U.S.

Saris Freedom under $300

(Removed Image since I had misread the original stipulation from OP)

but that holds the bike by the frame.

thule
yakima
saris
1up
kuat

take your pick of brand- those are the most common quality brands i see. Eliminate the top 2 because of your perception.
to be clear, the bottom 2 are usually more expensive and still just hold the bike in place.

the saris freedom superclamp 2, which is no longer available and sonwhats being sold is leftover stock, wpuld be my pick if i didnt get yakima or thule. Its light. Its also not inexpensive.

my thule T2 was $350 at REI. Tough to find a better price for quality. It was between that and a yakima for the same price, but i wanted the ability to expand to 4 bikes.

good luck

I looked at different models last winter, and this one is at the top of my list. (I haven't purchased any rack so far.) I want to get one that's reasonably lightweight to remove, and doesn't hold by the bike frame.

Kuat Sherpa 2.0

The OP stipulated affordable 2 bike hitch receiver, OOPS, he did stipulated not on the frame............oh well....I did hit the affordable part.

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. Looks like I'm in a "fast, good, cheap; pick two' situation.

I saw a thread post a few weeks ago for a product called "Quik Rack". The website is poorly done & reeks of fake/scam. However, after watching the video & the inventor's upgrades, I've begun to have doubts about the fakeness. Does anybody know if this guy is for real? Has anyone purchased one of these racks? The video makes it appear that he's the guy who invented the 1Up & that this Quik Rack is the next iteration. I'm a fan of 1Up & will be needing another rack for our 2nd vehicle soon.

I'm also looking for a hitch mount, and planning a visit to RockyMount in Boulder CO. Anyone have comments on these versus other brands?