So, I'm now a 1 Up USA Hitch Rack Convert (story w/photos)

I can add on to this rack as well. I bought an extra tray in case I'm bringing a friend along.

 

Man sorry about your car, glad its sorted out. As for the rack, is there a way to lock it onto the car? Do people leave those on at night and at trailheads or put them back inside?

 

I have to say the body shop that fixed your car did an awesome job. Thanks for sharing. The sound must have been awful.

 

damn, that looked nasty.

my next car is definitely going to have a tow hitch.

 

It doesn't "lock on" per se, but it is attached to the hitch reciever by virtue of a proprietary allen bolt. The Allen wrench is effectively your key. It won't come off with a regular Allen wrench, so it's essentially "theft proof." Here's what the manufacturer says on the website: "We are so confident that our security system will prevent rack theft that if your Quik-Rack is stolen off your vehicle we will replace it for FREE! "

 

Yep pretty secure... but if I am somewhere I don't like I run a lock through the rack and hitch for protection ...almost more visual...because with out that special allen wrench...it's going nowhere.

 

FYI the security hex key isn't proprietary. you can find them pretty easily.

 

Dude, as the owner of a 335i (and occasional roof rack user) I felt sick to my stomach looking at the damage to your car. I'm glad you were able to get it fixed. I noticed that your car has the folding rear seat option (as does mine). I use it all the time to transport my bike securely inside the car. I only used the roof rack when I'm bringing along someone else.

 

Thanks, yeah I had a low, sinking feeling too. Turns out they had to order the new roof from Germany because BMW didn't stock them here. It took 53 days to get it all fixed.

And I ordinarily would just fold the seat because it fits so nicely, but I have a child seat in the back so it's kind of a pain to put in and out all the time.

 

Oh oh...... don't come take my rack from me... I'm loving it #-o

 

why is there no pics of the damaged bikes, and if you dont mind, was this covered by your insurance?

 

That Fn blows. Good thing you trooped the vaca and got in some riding. At least no one was Hurt ( besides your pocket book and feelings.). On the bright side you upgraded to a 1 up and they rock. I love the hell out of mine, as stated best bike accessory I have ever bought. Also when it comes to keeping it attached I use a small cable and lock connecting it to the tow hitch. I bought the vinyl coated cable from HD and made loop ends With the hardware they sell. At first I thought it was overkill, but damn thieves will take anything they can swipe so a little extra protection gives me piece of mind.

 

Was it the Ripley?! I hope it wasn't the Ripley...how's the Ripley?

 

Lol. Here's a few.

Mine is the rumblefish.


If you look close where my water bottle braze-ons, you can see that my frame took a bit of hit.



My buddies Camber took a hit on the brake.



My other buddy's Camber took damage to the fork, and the internals needed to be replaced.

Insurance took care of two friends bikes. Mine was not covered, as it is personal property covered by my homeowner's insurance. It's still rideable, I just went out and bought a new saddle and kept on going.

 

The reason it did that much damage was because BMW roof racks bolt onto the roof with the integrated bungs on the roof. It makes them very secure (unlike the rain gutter clamp on style) which can be good or bad depending on if you hit things. I always cringe about forgetting that I've got bikes on the roof of my car.

Glad it worked out for you.

 

Nice bike rack I've seen a couple of those on the road. Looks like a fine rack. I use the platform XPORT rack from performance bike purchased on sale for around $125. It's been a near perfect hitch rack.

 

The XPORT is a great rack for the money!!

 

Is that Kashima coating on that strut?

No one has mentioned it, so I will - watch your back! The same spaciness that allowed you to run headlong into the overpass can come into play backing up with bikes on PLUS you have the added bonus of the bikes being vulnerable to equally zoned-out people behind you. I've been running rear-mounted bikes for years and have been fortunate enough to not have either of those things happen. My buddy had his Yeti/Thule T2 combo wiped out by a cute girl who didn't remember to brake before plowing into him. In the end, he upgraded from a 2007 575 to a 2013 SB-66c. He did not get the girl (mostly because his wife wouldn't allow it).

 

anyone have the 2 version and some pics ??

 

http://www.1upusa.com/bicycleracks.html