My overlanding journey began with long bikepacking trips, so for me, vehicle travel and cycling have always been inextricable. In the past, there were limited options for mounting a bicycle to a vehicle, and many solutions left much to be desired. Fortunately, times are changing, with 1Up USA being at the forefront of the bike rack revolution. The company’s first Super Duty Quick Rack won Expedition Portal’s Editor’s Choice Award in our Hitch Rack Shootout and has now unveiled an updated version based on user feedback. Kurt Barclay, Marketing Director, states: “The result is what we consider the ultimate evolution of the 1Up USA Super Duty Rack.”
The all-new Super Duty has been bolstered for backcountry adventures with thicker side plates and pivot beams and is now compatible with the Wheel Chock (which cradles the front tire and reduces steer tube rotation on rough terrain). In addition, the rack folds up to 90 degrees when not in use and protrudes as little as 8 inches from the hitch, which ensures minimal effect on vehicle departure angle. The Super Duty is suitable for any two-wheeled steed up to 100 pounds and is offered as either a single or double-base rack (can carry up to four bikes) with the ability to add two Add-on Accessories. One-handed operation is now possible thanks to reengineered glide bars and levers, while an adjustable design will accommodate everything from kids’ bicycles to a fat bike with 5-inch tires. The rack is painless to fit and secures to a 2-inch hitch using the company’s proprietary security wrench for stability, no matter the terrain. Buying a 1Up USA rack also provides access to the company’s ecosystem of accessories, such as LED light bars, ramps, locks, EZ Pull Handles, and more.
If mounting your bike to the hitch isn’t an option, fear not, as 1Up has also introduced a Super Duty Roof Rack, which comprises many of the same desirable attributes and is compatible with most crossbars (it also features a t-slot on the bottom of the tray for custom configurations). All 1Up USA racks are backed by a lifetime warranty and because they’re Made-in-the-USA if accidents do occur you can rest assured that a replacement component can be found on the website and easily replaced with standard tools.
I never hold back on spending money on equipment that enriches my life and contributes to a healthier lifestyle, and the 1Up USA Super Duty rack falls firmly in this category. Unlike many generic racks, this system has been engineered from the ground up with overlanders in mind and provides the perfect confluence of durability, functionality, and serviceability. Crucially, it makes loading and unloading seamless, which ensures more time in the saddle and less in the parking lot. Who can put a price on that?
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