
The 1 1/4 bike carrier is a popular choice for carrying four bicycles safely, and for good reason. It's designed to hold a maximum of four bikes, making it perfect for families or groups of friends who want to transport their bikes together.
One of the key benefits of the 1 1/4 bike carrier is its sturdy construction, which ensures that your bikes are securely held in place during transport. This is especially important if you're planning to drive on bumpy roads or take sharp turns.
The 1 1/4 bike carrier is also relatively easy to install, taking only a few minutes to set up on most vehicles. This makes it a great option for those who want to get out and ride without a lot of fuss.
Overall, the 1 1/4 bike carrier is a reliable and convenient way to transport your bikes, and is a great choice for anyone who loves cycling.
Discover more: Rad Power Cargo Bike
Vehicle Compatibility

Before you buy a 1 1/4 bike carrier, make sure it's compatible with your vehicle.
Check your hitch to be sure what type you have, as not all 1 1/4" receiver hitches are the Class 2 type.
A Class 1 hitch typically has a lower tongue weight rating of 200 lbs and towing rate of 2,000 lbs.
Class 2 hitches, on the other hand, have a higher tongue weight rating of 350 lbs and towing rating of 3,500 lbs.
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Installation and Use
To install the 1 1/4 bike carrier, you'll need to attach it to your vehicle's roof rack using the provided mounting hardware. This typically involves screwing the carrier's arms into place, making sure they're securely locked.
The carrier's weight capacity is 35 pounds per bike, so be mindful of the total weight of your bikes when loading them onto the carrier. This will ensure a safe and stable ride.
Before loading your bikes, make sure the carrier's arms are fully extended and the bikes are properly secured with the straps. This will prevent any damage to your bikes or the carrier during transport.
For more insights, see: Blue Carrier 1
Specifications

The specifications of the bike rack are pretty straightforward, but it's essential to understand them before installation. The rack can hold two bikes, with a maximum weight of 80 pounds per bike.
You'll need to ensure that your vehicle has a Class 2 1 1/4" or 2" hitch, as Class 1 hitches won't work. If your hitch is one of these types, you're good to go.
The rack can accommodate bikes with a wheelbase of up to 60 inches and tires up to 5 inches wide. This should cover most standard bike sizes, but it's always a good idea to double-check your bike's dimensions.
The rack features extra heavy-duty wheel holders with ratchet straps and rim protectors, making it perfect for carrying heavier bikes. It also has an internally reinforced frame and external brace for added stability.
To secure the rack to your vehicle, you'll need a keyed alike locking hitch pin, which is included. This will give you peace of mind when parking your bike.

Here's a quick rundown of the rack's key features:
- Keyed alike locking hitch pin
- 8' security cable
- Locking frame hooks
- Locking threaded 1/2-13 hitch pin
The rack itself weighs 58 pounds, so make sure you have someone to help you lift it into place. And don't worry about storage – the rack folds flat against your car when not in use.
Carrying Four Bicycles on a Hitch
Carrying four bicycles on a hitch requires careful consideration of the carrying capacity of your hitch. The recommended carrying capacity for a 1 1/4" class-1 hitch is 200 lb.
To determine if a 1 1/4" hitch can handle four bicycles, you need to calculate the total weight of the bikes and the rack. Four mountain bikes weighing 120 lb each and a 4-bike rack weighing 80 lb would exceed the recommended carrying capacity, leaving no margin of safety.
If your car's chassis seems like it won't handle a 2" class-3 hitch, you can consider using a 1 1/4" hitch with a hitch adapter. A hitch adapter, such as the one from Harbor Freight (model 65023), can plug into a 1-1/4 receiver and give you a 2" receiver.

However, using a hitch adapter may introduce additional rattles as the adapter moves around inside the receiver when driving on a bumpy road. If this noise bothers you, you can try jamming a wooden shim between the moving parts to stop the rattle.
To ensure a stable and sway-free setup, consider strapping a hitch-mounted bike rack to roof rails. This can help reduce the torque on the hitch and provide a more stable ride.
Here are some reliable ways to carry four bicycles on a hatchback:
- Use a 2" class-3 hitch, if possible
- Consider using a hitch adapter for a 1 1/4" hitch
- Strap a hitch-mounted bike rack to roof rails to reduce torque on the hitch
Remember to consult your vehicle's manual and stay within the rated towing capacity to ensure a safe and reliable setup.
Hold Up (2009-2012)
The Hold Up (2009-2012) is a reliable hitch carrier that offers top-notch bike protection. It's designed to carry 2 bikes out of the box, making it a great option for those who need to transport multiple bikes at once.
This hitch carrier is available in either 2” or 1¼” (class 2 or 3) hitch receiver models, giving you flexibility when it comes to choosing the right size for your vehicle. The spring-loaded pin allows it to tilt down for easy rear-of-vehicle access and fold up when not in use.

The Hold Up is also known for its ability to hold the widest range of bike styles, shapes, and sizes. This makes it a great option for those who own a variety of bikes or have bikes with unique features.
To give you an added sense of security, the Hold Up comes with a 6’ SKS security cable. This is a great feature to have, especially if you plan on leaving your bikes unattended for extended periods of time.
Here are some key features of the Hold Up (2009-2012):
- Carries 2 bikes out of the box
- Available in either 2” or 1¼” (class 2 or 3) hitch receiver models
- Spring-loaded pin allows it to tilt down for easy rear-of-vehicle access and fold up when not in use
- Holds the widest range of bike styles, shapes, and sizes
- Best-in-class wheel straps
- 6’ SKS security cable included
- Integrated bottle opener (beverage not included)
Sources
- https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/94228/is-it-possible-to-carry-four-bicycles-on-a-1-1-4-hitch
- https://yakima.com/products/holdup-1-1-4-2009-2012
- https://surcoinc.com/bike-rack-3-bike-1-1-4-receiver-mount/
- https://racknroad.com/p/bike-racks/bike-hitch/rockymounts-monorail-1-1-4-hitch-rack/
- https://bike.com/products/hollywood-racks-sport-rider-for-electric-bikes-1-1-4-hitch
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