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Lolo Racks was founded in 2016 by a small group of keen MTB cyclists from engineering backgrounds.
If you drive a crossover (CUV), SUV, van, or truck, this company has a bike rack for you. Lolo makes rugged bike racks for all vehicles with a 2” hitch.
In this Lolo bike rack review, we’ll show you the Lolo Racks 4-Bike Rack among others. This rugged steel rack holds most bikes without needing adapters and can be converted into a 6-bike carrier.
We’ll also answer some quick-fire FAQs on these robust, USA-made bike racks.
The Best Lolo Bike Racks Reviewed
Below, we review all the racks in the current and forthcoming Lolo range.
Lolo Racks 4-Bike Rack For 2” Hitches
- Rack Type: Hitch mounted
- Bike Capacity: 4
- Weight: 60 lbs (27.21 kg)
- Weight Capacity: 2 x 50 lbs, 2 x 39 lbs (178 lbs / 80.73 kg)
The first thing you’ll notice about a Lolo bike rack is that it holds bikes vertically. This is the case with the Lolo Racks 4-Bike Rack, which holds two 50-pound bikes on its center hooks and two 39-pound bikes on the outer hooks.
Lolo racks are durably made of steel and have a powder-coated finish to protect against scratches and corrosion.
Unlike most hitch-mounted bike racks on the market, this rack holds bikes by their handlebar and rear wheel. Serviceable handlebar pads are included to avoid damage to the bar. The holders are safe with carbon handlebars, too.
This style of rack offers wider bike compatibility than most bike racks. Step-through bikes or kids’ bikes are no problem and don’t need adapters.
Fat bikes will also mount onto a Lolo rack without issue since there is no wheel tray to restrict the width of the tire.
You can upgrade this 4-bike model to a 6-bike rack if you buy additional hooks and crossbars. There’s room to expand if you suddenly have more bikes to carry.
What about the downsides? There are a few platform-style hitch racks with bigger weight capacities. These racks hold bikes up to 50 lbs, and that’s nowhere near the extreme end of e-bike weight.
The Lolo Racks 4-Bike Rack is universally compatible with Class 3 or Class 4 hitch vehicles (CUVs, SUVs, vans, or trucks).
This Lolo bike rack also has a tilting mechanism that lets you tilt the loaded rack partway back to allow hatch or trunk access.
What We Like
- Durable – sturdy steel construction with rust-resistant powder coating.
- Versatile – vertical hanging system accommodates most bikes.
- Tilt – part-way tilting of a loaded rack for vehicle access.
- USA – made in Oregon, Portland by cyclists for cyclists.
What We Don’t Like
- Capacity – Some platform-style hitch racks can carry heavier bikes.
Lolo Racks 6-Bike Rack For 2” Hitches
- Rack Type: Hitch mounted
- Bike Capacity: 6
- Weight: 71 lbs (32.2 kg)
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs / 99.79 kg total
Something to note about the Lolo Racks 6-Bike Rack is that you need this to carry four road bikes. Lolo reckons you won’t be able to carry four road bikes on the 4-bike rack because the handlebars obstruct one another.
Despite the load capacities of different hooks on the racks (i.e., 50 lbs center, 39 lbs outer), the stated max total is 220 lbs. Bear in mind you can also fix mounts for skis and snowboards onto Lolo racks, so the hook capacities are not everything.
This rack offers all the benefits of the 4-bike version. That includes the rugged steel build quality, versatile mode of carrying bikes, and tilting capability.
What We Like
- Durability – rugged steel construction with anti-rust powder coating.
- Versatile – accepts most bikes, including step-through bikes and kids’ bikes.
- Tilt – partway tilting for vehicle access with loaded rack.
What We Don’t Like
- Capacity – some platform-style hitch racks take more weight.
Lolo Racks Rad Lad Bike Rack Kit For Ladders
- Rack Type: Ladder mounted (for vans only)
- Bike Capacity: 2
- Weight Capacity: 50 lbs per bike
A product designed to fit onto the ladders of vans is the Lolo Racks Rad Lad Bike Rack Kit For Ladders. This rack requires a bit of DIY skill for assembly, which goes hand-in-hand with the type of working vehicle it’s aimed at.
The Rad Lad bike rack is designed to swing out when you open the van door, so it doesn’t need any fancy hinge for clearance.
This is a universal kit, so the DIY mentioned could involve making ad-hoc modifications to make the rack fit. All necessary nuts, bolts, and washers are included.
Each hook on this rack can hold a bike of up to 50 lbs, which includes many e-bikes. As with all Lolo Racks products, the bikes are held by their handlebars. This allows you to put all kinds of bikes on the rack without needing to buy adapters.
What We Like
- Rugged – durable steel construction.
- Price – affordable way to turn a ladder-loaded van into a bike carrier.
- Adjustable – ability to alter the bike position via the lower crossbar.
What We Don’t Like
- Assembly – you may need some DIY skills.
Foot Activated Tilt Bike Racks
- Rack Type: Hitch mounted
- Bike Capacity: 4- & 6-bike models
A new Lolo Racks product is the Foot Activated Tilt Rack. Like the original racks, these are available (or will be) in 4-bike and 6-bike versions.
The benefit of a foot-activated tilt release is that it gives you easy hatch or tailgate access without having to stoop for a lever. Both hands are kept completely free to tilt the bikes to the required angle in a standing position.
The ergonomic benefit described above applies to the new foot-controlled Lolo rack, which has a US-patented design. This design includes a double safety mechanism and allows movement of the rack in a controlled way.
Other than the foot-tilting capability, these racks are identical to other Lolo bike racks. You can assume similar load capacities to the original models. You do pay a little more money for the refined design.
What We Like
- Ergonomic – foot-activated mechanism makes it easy to tilt the rack.
- Sturdy – rugged build quality.
- Safety – double safety mechanism.
What We Don’t Like
- Price – not for anyone on a tight budget.
Lolo Bike Racks FAQs:
How Much Weight Can A Lolo Bike Rack Hold?
Lolo bike racks have a stated maximum load capacity of 220 lbs (99.79 kg). The hooks can hold individual bikes of up to 50 lbs at the center of the rack.
Can You Put A Lolo Bike Rack On Any Car?
No, it needs to be either a Class 3 or Class 4 hitch vehicle (e.g., CUVs, SUVs, vans, or trucks) with a 2” hitch receiver and a minimum 350 lbs tongue weight capacity.
Does A Bike Rack Damage Your Car?
Bike racks should not damage your vehicle if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We have a guide on protecting bikes on racks which might help.
Do Hanging Bike Racks Damage Your Bike?
Not usually, because the cradles or hooks used to hold them are cushioned, as is true with Lolo racks. And the rear wheel is tied down to stop bikes from clashing.
Are Hanging Or Platform Bike Racks Better?
Platform-style hitch racks are probably better than most hanging racks because they can carry almost any bike type and weight. Lolo racks are different and more evenly matched with platform racks for versatility.
Does A Bike Rack Affect Insurance?
It can. Some vehicle insurance policies include bike-rack installation whereas others treat it as a modification. Not informing the insurer could nullify a claim.
Do Bikes Get Stolen From Bike Racks?
Bikes do get stolen from bike racks because bike-rack security is only usually enough to stop casual theft at best. Lolo racks don’t have an integrated bike lock, but there is a port for a U-lock.
Read more: Identify your bike serial number
Conclusion: Are Lolo Racks Any Good?
Lolo bike racks are rugged, durable, and simple. They let you carry several bikes within a small space because of the vertical positioning.
The Lolo Racks 4-Bike Rack is a good place to start if you’re carrying four MTBs or mixed bike types. It can take most bikes, including e-bikes, and you can easily expand it to a 6-bike carrier. A 6-bike version is also available if you’re already group riding.
Van drivers with rear-door ladders can carry bikes at a low cost with the Lolo Racks Rad Lad Bike Rack Kit For Ladders. You may need some DIY know-how to install it, but you still benefit from Lolo Racks’ hallmark ease of use and durability.
You can enjoy a new Foot Activated Tilt Rack with a patented design that makes it easier than ever to tilt the rack and access the rear of your vehicle.
We hope this article provides a useful introduction to Lolo bike racks. Designed and made by a group of keen MTBers, these racks will give you years of reliable service.
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