RockyMounts SplitRail hitch rack review
The RockyMounts SplitRail can take two bikes and is an expandable system.
Lowdown: RockyMounts SplitRail Hitch Rack
RockyMounts has been around since 1993, but we knew them more for third party bike trays created for other roof systems. That’s why we were pleasantly surprised when the SplitRail arrived. Here was a rack that was absolutely first-rate in packaging, design, and construction. Find out more in our full review below.
Check out the SplitRail in action to see if it’s right for you.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1tD43T21gY
| Weight: 44 pounds | Capacity: 2 bikes standard, expandable to 4 |
| Tire capacity: Up to 3.2” | Material: Chromoly and aluminum |
| Weight limit: 60 pounds per bike | MSRP: $520 |
| Wheelbase limit: Up to 48” |
Rating:  5 out of 5 |
| Color options: Matte black, blue/green (tested), orange/yellow |
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Review: RockyMounts SplitRail Hitch Rack
The most important feature of a bike rack is how easy it allows you to get a bike on and off. In this arena, the new RockyMounts SplitRail gets a prefect score. The bike falls into place with the rear wheel (up to 3.2”) slotted in the rails. The arm is then very easy to swivel, and the locking hook freely moves to press on the front tire. Just note that since the tire is cradled from the inside only, attention has to be taken to press the tire against it and press the arm against the tire close to the fork.
Here’s the rack with two 27.5 bikes mounted.
We also liked the strap for the rear wheel, which has a novel design where it can hook onto itself in the open position to get it out the way during bike mounting. No longer does one have to play the bike wheel limbo, trying to pry open the wheel strap while holding the bike.
The RockyMounts SplitRail release lever has light action for ease of use.
Ease of Use
This rack’s swivel feature is another major plus, especially if you keep the rack on your car all the time. The lever is well placed at the outer edge of the rack’s main beam. With just a little effort the rack folds up and flat. And when there are bikes on the rack and one needs to access the hatch, the rack will swivel close to the ground.
Both the rack and swivel point are sturdy, and there is no play or binding. On rough roads, fully loaded, the rack and the bikes hardly move.
Continue to page 2 for more of our RockyMounts SplitRail hitch rack review »
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