RockyMounts Backstage Swing Away Bike Rack Review

Here is RockyMounts Backstage Swing Away Bike Rack Full Review

If you’re looking for a bike rack that can handle any type of bike and give you full access to your vehicle’s rear cargo area, you might want to check out the RockyMounts Backstage Swing Away rack.

This is a platform hitch rack that swings out 180 degrees, allowing you to open your trunk, tailgate, or door without removing the bike.

In this blog post, I’ll review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this innovative rack and help you decide if it’s worth the investment. Read on to find out more about the RockyMounts Backstage Swing Away bike rack.

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Comparison of the RockyMounts BackStage Swing Bike Rack Away with Other Racks

Product	Benefits	Drawbacks
RockyMounts BackStage Swing Away	– Allows full access to rear cargo area without removing bikes or tilting rack – Can handle e-bikes and fat bikes – Secures both the rack and the bikes to the vehicle	– Heavy and difficult to install or remove – Pricey – Limited handlebar clearance with some vehicles – Not compatible with fender equipped bicycles
Thule T2 Pro XTR	– Allows hatch access when no bikes are loaded – Can handle e-bikes and fat bikes – Easy to install and remove from the hitch receiver – Convenient for opening bottles	– Heavy and affects fuel consumption and handling – Pricey – Limited tray clearance with some vehicles or bike combinations
RockyMounts MonoRail	– Allows full access to the rear cargo area without removing bikes or tilting rack – Allows hatch access when no bikes are loaded or when bikes are tilted down – Easy to operate the pivot, tilt, or fold functions with one hand or foot	– Slightly heavy and affects fuel consumption and handling – Sits slightly closer to the vehicle than some other racks – Requires some assembly before use – Does not have a swing-away feature
Kuat Pivot 2 + Kuat Sherpa 2.0	– Allows full access to rear cargo area without removing bikes or tilting rack – Allows hatch access when no bikes are loaded or when bikes are tilted down – Easy to operate the pivot, tilt, or fold functions with one hand or foot	– Expensive for the pivot accessory and the rack combined- Not compatible with fat bikes or e-bikes, as it has a lower weight capacity and narrower tire cradles- Requires two separate purchases for the pivot accessory and the rack

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Features of the Rockymounts Backstage Swing Away Bike Rack

Design

The BackStage has a simple and sturdy design that makes it easy to use and durable. Some of the features that stand out are:

1. The remote tilt lever allows for 30 degrees of tilt down and folds flat against the vehicle. This makes it convenient to load and unload bikes and access the rear cargo area without swinging out the rack.
2. The chromoly steel and aluminum construction resists scratches and corrosion. The rack has a black powder coat finish that gives it a sleek look.
3. The fail-safes that prevent accidental swinging open or closed. The rack has a spring-loaded pin that locks it in place when swung out, and a safety latch that secures it when swung in2.
4. The locking hitch pin and cable lock are keyed alike. This provides an extra layer of security for both the rack and the bikes.

However, the design also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of:

1. The heavy weight of 59 lbs makes it unwieldy for smaller users. The rack is not easy to install or remove by yourself, and you may need a helper or a hitch lift2.
2. The limited handlebar clearance in some vehicles. The rack may not fit well with vehicles that have spare tires, rear spoilers, or low bumpers2.
3. The incompatibility with bikes that have fenders attached. The front wheel clamps do not work well with fenders, and you may need to remove them before using the rack.

Performance

The BackStage performs well in terms of carrying and securing bikes of different sizes and weights. Some of the aspects that we liked are:

1. The 60 lbs per bike payload can accommodate 2 e-bikes. The rack can handle up to 120 lbs of total weight, which is more than most platform hitch racks.
2. The front wheel clamps avoid frame contact and fit 20″ to 29″ wheels, tires up to 5.0″ wide, and wheelbases from 36″ to 50″. The clamps are easy to adjust and hold the bikes firmly without damaging the paint or components.
3. The robust and stable hold of the bikes even on rough roads. The rack does not wobble or sway when driving, and the bikes do not bounce or rub against each other.

However, the performance also has some limitations that you should consider:

1. The fiddly and obstructive hitch pin can make installation and removal difficult. The pin is hard to align and insert, and it blocks access to the swing away lever2.
2. The inability to add additional trays for more bikes. The rack can only carry 2 bikes, and there is no option to expand it with extra trays.

Versatility

The BackStage is versatile in terms of fitting different vehicles and providing access to the rear cargo area. Some of the benefits that we found are:

1. The 180-degree swing-away feature works with trucks, SUVs, vans, and RVs. This is the main selling point of the rack, as it allows you to open your tailgate, hatch, or door fully without removing your bike.
2. The compatibility with 2″ hitches only. This means that the rack can fit most vehicles that have a standard hitch receiver.
3. The ease and speed of loading and unloading bikes with the low loading height and simple clamps. The rack does not require any tools or straps to secure the bikes, and you can load or unload them in minutes.

Security

The BackStage is secure in terms of preventing theft and damage to the bikes and the vehicle. Some of the features that we appreciated are:

1. The locking hitch pin and cable lock deter thieves. The pin locks the rack to the hitch receiver, and the cable lock loops around the bikes and attaches to the rack1.
2. The front wheel clamps that protect the frame from scratches and dents. The clamps do not touch the frame at all, which preserves the integrity of your bikes13.
3. The fail-safes that prevent accidental swinging open or closed. The rack has a spring-loaded pin that locks it in place when swung out, and a safety latch that secures it when swung in. This prevents the rack from hitting the vehicle or the bikes in case of a sudden stop or turn.

Pros and Cons of the Rockymounts Backstage Swing Away Rack

The swing-away platform hitch rack Away has many advantages over other hitch racks on the market. Here are some of the pros of this rack:

1. It provides unparalleled access to the rear of your vehicle, thanks to its swing-away feature.
2. It is versatile and can fit a wide range of bikes, including e-bikes, fat bikes, and mountain bikes.
3. It is durable and sturdy, made of chromoly steel and aluminum.
4. It is easy to load and unload your bikes, thanks to its low loading height and front wheel attachment.
5. It has a remote tilt lever that lets you tilt or fold the rack with one hand.

However, there are also some drawbacks of this rack that you should be aware of. Here are some of the cons of this rack:

1. It is heavy and bulky, weighing 59 lbs and measuring 63″ x 30″ x 14″ when folded.
2. It has limited tray clearance, which may cause handlebar interference with some vehicles or bike combinations.
3. It is not compatible with bikes that have fenders attached.
4. It requires some assembly and installation, which may take some time and effort.

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RockyMounts BackStage Swing Away Platform Bike Rack- Video Review

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Conclusion: Are the Rockymounts Backstage Swing Away Worth It?

The Rockymounts Backstage Swing Away is for bike transport, offering a unique solution for accessing the rear of your vehicle without removing your bike. It is a versatile, durable, and easy-to-use bike rack that can accommodate most types of bikes. However, it is also a heavy, bulky, and expensive bike rack that may not suit everyone’s needs or budget.

If you value convenience and accessibility overweight cost, then the swing-away platform hitch rack Away may be worth it for you. If you are looking for a lighter, cheaper, or simpler bike rack that still offers good performance and security, then you may want to consider other options on the market.

We hope this review has helped you learn more about the swing away platform hitch rack Away bike rack and make an informed decision. If you have any questions or comments about this rack or any other bike racks, feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!