LONG TERM REVIEW: ROCKYMOUNTS GUIDERAIL HITCH RACK 

Tech features:

This rack features a dual-load arm design that can be transfigured to fit bikes with wheel sizes from 20 to 29 inches, tires from 19mm to 3 inches wide, and a wheelbase between 36 and 55 inches. With the base two-bike model, each tray can carry up to 60 pounds with a 120-pound total weight limit. This limit is modified slightly with the addition of a third tray, which changes the total weight limit to 135 pounds with a 45-pound limit per tray.

If you’re looking into purchasing this rack, you’ll be happy to know it’s available for 1.25- and 2-inch, Class II-or-higher hitch receivers, though if you’re looking to add that third tray, you’ll need the 2-inch version.

Included with the rack is a robust 10mm square link chain wrapped in thick fabric, which plugs directly into the rack and is secured with a locking bolt integrated into the rack’s structure. It utilizes a three-axis anti-wobble system, so the bikes aren’t flopping around as you’re driving. It also folds down 30 degrees with a full load for trunk access and folds flat when not in use.

Field test results:

The strength and resilience are evident right out of the box with its full-metal construction, hefty chain, and strong profile. Assembling and mounting the rack was a simple task that was helped along with the detailed instructions and handy assembly tools provided in the box. Mounting the bikes was effortless, and orientating them to avoid each other’s pedals, bars and saddles was easy with the bountiful real estate the trays provided.

When mounted, the bikes didn’t move or sway very much and remained solidly in place for the duration of the journey. Beyond that, the integrated lock system and the chain included are the best we’ve ever seen for a stock rack/lock setup, which provided peace of mind whenever we had to leave the bikes outside of an establishment for any length of time. We also felt that this was a particularly good-looking rack in comparison to others where it doesn’t stand out against the vehicle, but its blue accents are tastefully done, and became the catalyst for many compliments and conversations. Ownership of this rack, however, was not without its faults or flaws, but we feel the benefits outweigh the few struggles we had along the way.

Our main struggle came with the previously praised lock and chain. Though the system is fantastic and works well as a whole, the chain itself is cumbersome and sometimes hard to deal with. It took us a few tries to get it to lock both bikes properly and was sometimes cause for concern when considering wear on the bikes and their sensitive components while driving.

Storage of the chain, while not in use, was also sometimes difficult, as it doesn’t just retract into the body of the rack like many systems do. We either had to store the chain in our vehicle or somehow secure it to the rack and lock it down when not in use. Partially as a result of this, and partially due to our own occasional incompetence, we forgot to properly secure or lock the chain in place, which sometimes resulted in the chain dragging behind the vehicle and wore away the protective sleeve. We always fixed it before it got really bad, but it did result in the sleeve missing from the first half of the chain which made us seek alternative ways of protecting our bikes when locked up while driving. For safety and peace of mind,, though, we wouldn’t replace this chain with anything else and are happy to deal with the inconveniences it offers.

Our only other issues had to do with the release mechanisms on the folding arms that secured the wheels and one set of hardware on the arms themselves. By looking at the release mechanisms, most people (us included) might assume you pull on the tabs to release the tires from the arm’s clutches. This was not the case and, if pulled hard enough, would break off in the hand of the baffled user. Instead of pulling, you simply push the end of the blue tab until the pressure is released, at which point you can pull the tab to allow the mechanism to slide smoothly on the track.

Once known, this function is automatic and mindless, but if not known, you end up with a blue tab in your hand and a mouth full of apologies to the rack owner. Thankfully, these are fairly easy and cheap to replace. Aside from this, we feel like this release mechanism worked wonderfully and, when oiled occasionally, made it very easy to orient the bikes in the trays before flipping the locking mechanism and securing them in place. As for the hardware falling out, this only happened on one arm after months of use and was easily repaired with off-the-shelf hardware from a store. We also checked all other hardware to find none of them were close to the same fate.

When reading all of that, it may seem like a lot to deal with, but keep in mind that this was over a year and a half of constant use. Throughout that time, we were impressed by how the rest of the rack held up to the abuse and were always grateful for the excellent built-in locking system.

In our time using the rack, we threw on the add-on so we could haul a third bike around with us as needed. This installation was simple and easy, and we were happy to see a small chain extension to allow for continued use of the excellent locking system. Our trust in the GuideRail rack and its utilities was unwavering throughout the test period, which is the reason we feel comfortable saying that this is one of the best tray racks we’ve tested to date.

HITS:

• Easy to assemble
• Easy to use
• Excellent locking system
• Fits most bikes
• Folds conveniently
• Looks good

MISSES:

• No chain storage when not in use
• Wheel release is slightly confusing (at first)

STAR RATING: ★★★★1/2

Weight: 49 pounds; 67 pounds with add-on
Price: $850; $300 for add-on
Contact: www.rockymounts.com