I've used it twice so far and loved it. There is a very little sway/wobble compared to the Sherpa. There is no play at the pivot at all. With the Sherpa, in the stored position, it would still wobble and make a bunch of noise going over speedbumps. Nada with the 1UP. Personally I don't like any bike racks that touches the frame. Those racks that hang can sometimes be tricky with full-suspension bikes. I have a road bike as well and can try it out tomorrow to see how well it grip the tires. None the less, I am still stoked with the purchase and love that I don't have to touch the rack in order to open the hatch..and my dog can easily jump over it too. I also leave mine on year round out in the weather.
I called and talked with the people at 1upUSA and they were very helpful. They said they will fit road bikes just as well as mountain bikes. Also, with the free return and money back if I don't like it in the least is promising. So I just ordered one. However, I the more I read and look at them, the more I like it, So I doubt I will need to use thier return policy.
You will love it! I believe the main rack and the +1 attachment will fit in the hidden compartment of the gen2 trunk...not sure about your model though since you all have the organizer.
WOW!!!! The 1UP rack is awesome. It arrived a couple days after I placed my order and it took a few minutes to figure it out (even how to unfold it from the box). But after I played with it for a bit it is awesome. I put the bike off and on it a few times and it really is a work of art. I will put it to some use a few days next week. It is a huge improvement over my swagman xtc and about half the weight.
Not a Prius owner yet, but have been lurking for some time. The bike question (2 adult, 2 children) is the last "use case" for us that we need to solve. Which hitch did you use for your setup?
I recall being the OP here. I still have my Thule Roof Rack and still thinking about the 1UP. The only issue I have ( 1 UP ) is if you get rear ended, a CRASH, you're screwed. My Bike is a $2K+ Trek 7.7 Hybrid Bike ... My Thule Roof Rack doubles as a Utility Rack - Home Depot materials and a full size Ladder fits up top. I could buy the 1UP and keep my Thule Roof Racks ... Also, the Tail Lights of the Prius seem obstructed by the 1UP .... ? Also, I must remove the front wheel to attach my Bike to my Thule Roof Racks, and my Cannondale Bad Boy 1 with a Lefty Fork, I need an adaptor ( more $ ) ! ! ! ! Comments ?
With that many bikes, I don't see any other option than a roof rack. I know any hitch mount you get put on a prius is going to be a class 1 (1.25") - and most four bike racks will be on a 2" receiver. I went with the 1up, because nearly 99% of the time I am only hauling my one bike (also a Trek...) I still have my swagman 2 bike carrier if I need to haul mine and my wifes. If she gets into it more - I will buy the add on for the 1up. But when the twins get bigger (currently 3), I may have to look into some other options - or just go in my wife's minivan.
kstephens - I have only one Bike, a Trek FX. The Bad Boy 1 ... Maybe in the future. That said, I only transport one Bike. One very good think about the 1UP, is you can leave it on the vehicle as it stows up close to the rear Prius bumper. Also, if you get rear ended ( without Bikes ), you have more cushion therefore absorbing the huge impact of a high speed rear ender. Comments ?
So did you have a hitch installed and what type did you get? I don't want to take chance on a trunk or hatch mounted bike rack ( had a bad experience with a bike falling off last year) I just got my III last week and want to make sure I don't damage it with my bike That being said I want to ride my bike too and need to get to the trails by car so help>>>>>>thanks for the input.
I much prefer a hitch rack over any roof racks. Sure your bike will be screwed if you get rear-ended...but hopefully the other person has insurance...if not...I believe your homeowners insurance should cover it too. The mtb I have in my pictures posted earlier is a $6k bike...soon to be $7.5k with the new wheels I'm getting. I haul it and my $3k road bike with no concern what so ever.
I have a Kuat NV Core and a Draw-Tite 1.25" receiver hitch on my 2011 Prius. The hitch was pretty easy to install and the rack is super simple to use. You can see pics and the Kuat video on my blog but I can't post the link yet - if you want to see it private message me and I will happily share the link. Enjoy!