Elite 2.0 Hitch Rack for 2 Bikes, Gray

Review is for the Capstone Elite 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack.PROS:->Heavy Duty - (We carry two 35-lbs 29er Mountain Bikes without issues.)->Uses an actual 2-inch hitch - (Unlike those light duty racks with small hitch and requires a 2-Inch hitch adapter, the hitch on this rack is actually 2-inch square metal and does not need an adapter.)->Anti-Rattle Locking Hitch Pin - (Prevents wobbling, secures and locks rack to hitch.)->Easy to Assemble - (Assembly is straight forward.)->Tilting - (Large accessible lever for tilting rack down with or without bikes.)CONS:->Large/Wide - (Overall width is a little wide in comparison to 2-bike rack offerings from the likes of Yakima, Thule or Kuat. Although not in our case for a 2002 Toyota Highlander, but this rack can extend wider than most compact vehicles - Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, Kia Soul, VW Jetta, Mini or god forbid, a SMART vehicle.)->A little far back - (It's not a big deal with bikes mounted but with no bikes and folded up, the rack extends out enough that especially at parking lots, you need to remember you're now driving a longer vehicle.)->Arm too close to opposing bike - (The arm with the ratcheting hook that secures the front wheel is too close and can touch/scratch the rear triangle of the opposing bike.)->No locking mechanism - (If you want to secure your bike you will need to use your own lock and chain.)If there's one thing a can say about this rack is it's heavy duty. It is well built and uses "real" 2-Inch hitch, rather than an adapter. I see a few folks mostly E-Bikers giving it a low rating. I don't know how heavy E-Bikes are but this rack carries our two 35-Pound 29er mountain bikes without issues - 70lbs total. For anyone with a midsize vehicle and looking for a good quality two-bike rack, value for money this is easily one of the best bike rack anyone can buy.

Great price point and has exceeded my expectations. Good, easy to understand instructions. I can carry two bikes on this rack without any issues. I can see how a bike with fat tires would fit but my bikes have normal tires. The rack is quiet while driving and does not make any rattling or squeaking noises. The anti wobble works. Power coat finish looks durable. We’ll see how it holds up. Overall good build quality, I would recommend this product.

Bought this rack on Prime sale.Forget about the negative reviews. They're either from competitors or lost. The rack came to me delivered with free shipping in two days. It's easy to assemble but it's rather heavy, and it should be, just like my neighbors $700 Kuat rack. In fact this Capstone is designed similar but I think with an improvement to the Kuat, where the release handle is positioned where it should be on the outside, making it easier to get to. Yes it will handle the listed weight whether a standard bike or E-bike. Three positions: Upright, flat for the bikes and leaning position away from the rear hatch. The system works beautifully.The rack comes with a locking mechanism and security cable that wraps around the rack, the bike, then loop to one cable going down to the special bolt that secures the rack to the hitch. (By the way, that hitch bolt is plastic tied to the rack in the box apart from the bag of bolts and things.) Then the locking mechanism that comes with two keys goes on to the pin that goes through the 2 inch hitch on the other side. The bolt is actually an anti-wobble set up and works great. Just don't over tighten when putting this together. It all comes with a strap which ties at the seat post then under the rack in the center making this a very secure set up. (Always use the strap for added safety) I love this rack!Update: It's already been a couple of years and as the photos show, the plastic straps that hold the rear wheel down has literally turned to cracking and dust.Same on the other one. Thus rendering the rack unusable.The main point of frustration is contacting the source of this rack in Colorado, twice, to only be told, in so many words, sorry Charlie, we can't get those parts, and have a nice day.I called up another manufacturer, Quat bike racks and they said every rack they sell, every part is available.At this time because I now have to hunt down and or fabricate the two strap assemblies, I can no longer recommend this rack.