For many cyclists, especially those with SUVs, vans, or trucks with tailgates, accessing the rear of their vehicle while a bike rack is attached can be a constant source of frustration. Tilting racks offer partial access, but what if you need full, unhindered entry? Enter the RockyMounts BackStage, a pioneering platform hitch rack that offers a complete 180-degree swing-away feature, promising unrestricted access to your vehicle’s rear cargo area without removing the bikes. This review will explore its unique design, performance, and overall value, particularly for those who prioritize convenience and accessibility.
The RockyMounts BackStage isn’t just another bike carrier; it’s a problem-solver. It directly addresses the challenge of rear access while providing a secure and stable platform for transporting your bikes. Let’s see how it holds up under scrutiny.
Key Features and Specifications: The Swing is the Thing
The BackStage is built around its standout swing-away mechanism, but it also incorporates essential features for a modern platform rack:
- Full 180-Degree Swing-Away Function: This is its defining feature. The entire rack, loaded with bikes, can swing out to the passenger side of the vehicle, providing complete, unobstructed access to the trunk, hatch, or tailgate.
- Platform-Style Carrier: Securely holds two bikes on individual trays.
- Bike Securing Mechanism: Uses a common and effective system: a pivoting, padded hook that ratchets down over the front wheel (or frame, though wheel hold is generally preferred and how it’s primarily marketed for frame protection), and a strap for the rear wheel. This design avoids direct contact with the bike frame when securing by the front wheel.
- Weight Capacity: Typically rated to carry two bikes, with each bike weighing up to 60 lbs (approx. 27 kg). This makes it suitable for a wide range of bicycles, including many e-bikes (though it’s always advisable to remove batteries if possible to reduce weight and strain).
- Bike Compatibility:
- Wheel Sizes: Accommodates wheel sizes from 20 inches to 29 inches.
- Tire Widths: Fits tires up to 5 inches wide (often including fat bikes without needing separate adapters, but always verify specific model year details).
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- Wheelbase: Can handle bikes with wheelbases up to 49-50 inches (some sources mention up to 52 inches; verify current specs).
- 2-Inch Hitch Receiver Compatibility Only: Due to the stresses involved with a loaded swing-away mechanism, the BackStage is designed exclusively for 2-inch hitch receivers.
- Anti-Wobble System: Includes a threaded hitch pin or similar mechanism to secure the rack tightly in the hitch receiver, minimizing play and noise.
- Tilt Feature (In Addition to Swing): The rack also offers a standard tilt-away feature (usually 3 positions) for quick, angled access if you don’t need the full swing, or for easier loading of the inner bike.
- Integrated Cable Lock and Locking Hitch Pin: Comes with a cable lock to secure the bikes to the rack and a locking hitch pin to secure the rack to the vehicle, typically keyed alike.
- Construction and Materials: Built with robust steel and aluminum components for strength and durability. The swing mechanism itself is heavy-duty.
- Rack Weight: This is a substantial rack, reflecting its swing mechanism and sturdy build, typically weighing around 73-78 lbs (approx. 33-35 kg).
- Not RV Recommended: Generally, swing-away racks like the BackStage are not recommended for use on RVs or trailers due to the different forces experienced. Always check manufacturer guidelines.
Performance and User Experience: Freedom to Access
The BackStage is all about delivering on the promise of its swing-away design.
The Good Stuff (Pros):
- Unparalleled Rear Vehicle Access: The 180-degree swing is a game-changer. It allows full access to SUV hatches, van doors, and truck tailgates without having to contort yourself or remove bikes. This is invaluable for camping, families with pets, or anyone who frequently needs into their trunk.
- Stable Bike Transport: When locked in the driving position, users report the rack is very stable with minimal bike wobble, thanks to the anti-wobble hitch mechanism and secure bike holding.
- Easy-to-Use Swing Mechanism: The release handle for the swing arm is generally large and accessible. Once released, the rack swings out smoothly, often aided by a support caster wheel on some designs or a well-balanced mechanism. It locks securely in the open position.
- No Frame Contact (when securing by front wheel): The ratcheting arm over the front wheel is ideal for protecting carbon frames or custom paint jobs.
- Good Weight Capacity: The 60 lbs per bike capacity handles most bikes, including many e-bikes.
- Versatile Bike Fit: Accommodates a wide range of tire widths and wheel sizes.
- Integrated Security: The included cable lock and locking hitch pin are convenient.
Points to Consider (Cons):
- Rack Weight and Bulk: This is a heavy and somewhat bulky rack. Installation and removal can be a significant undertaking for one person. Off-vehicle storage also requires considerable space.
- Price Point: Swing-away racks typically command a premium price, and the BackStage is no exception. It’s an investment.
- Potential for Sag/Wear on Swing Mechanism (Long-Term): With any heavily loaded pivoting system, there’s a theoretical long-term potential for wear or slight sag in the swing arm, though robust engineering aims to minimize this. User reviews over extended periods are key here.
- Requires Space to Swing: You need adequate clear space on the passenger side of your vehicle to fully utilize the swing feature (approximately the width of the rack itself). This might be a consideration in tight parking spots or garages.
- Two-Bike Capacity Only: The BackStage is primarily a 2-bike rack, and there isn’t an option to expand it to carry 3 or 4 bikes, likely due to the mechanics and stresses of the swing arm.
- Securing Hook on Frame (if not careful): While designed for wheel clamping, if users aren’t careful or have bikes with very large fenders, there’s a potential to inadvertently place the hook on the frame.
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SUV Compatibility
The RockyMounts BackStage is exceptionally well-suited for many SUV owners due to its primary selling feature:
- Complete Hatch Access: This is where it truly shines for SUVs. Whether you have a top-hinged liftgate, side-hinged tailgate (like some Jeep Wranglers or older SUVs), or barn doors, the BackStage swings completely out of the way, providing far superior access than even the best tilting racks. This is perfect for loading groceries, sports gear, letting pets in and out, or setting up a tailgate camp kitchen.
- Clearance: The rack is designed to offer good ground clearance. When swung open, ensure there’s enough space beside the vehicle.
- Fit with Spare Tires: For SUVs with rear-mounted spare tires, the swing-away design can often provide the necessary clearance that fixed or tilting racks might not, though specific fitment should always be verified.
- Robustness for SUV Use: The sturdy build is capable of handling the demands of being mounted on an SUV, which might see varied road conditions.
In-Depth Look: Performance, Storage, Security, and Durability
Performance:
- Swing Mechanism: The heart of the rack. It typically features a robust pivot point and a secure locking pin system for both closed and open positions. Users generally find it easy to operate, though the weight of loaded bikes means a controlled swing is necessary. Some models may have a small caster wheel at the end of the swing arm to help support the weight when fully open, though many rely on the strength of the pivot.
- Bike Stability: The platform design, wheel clamping arm, and rear wheel strap keep bikes secure. The anti-wobble hitch pin is crucial for overall stability.
- Tilt Function: The additional tilt feature is a nice touch for quick, minor access without needing to swing the entire rack.
Storage:
- On-Vehicle: When not carrying bikes, the rack’s trays can usually be folded up vertically to reduce its profile, though it remains a substantial unit on the back of the vehicle.
- Off-Vehicle: Its weight (73-78 lbs) and somewhat awkward shape (due to the swing arm) make off-vehicle storage challenging. It’s best suited for users who intend to leave it on their vehicle for extended periods or have a dedicated, easily accessible storage spot and the ability to lift it.
Security:
- Integrated Locks: The BackStage includes a cable lock that threads through the bike frames and locks to a point on the rack. A locking hitch pin secures the rack to the vehicle’s hitch. These are typically keyed alike for convenience.
- Swing Arm Security: The mechanism that locks the swing arm in the closed (driving) position is critical and robustly designed, usually involving a heavy-duty pin.
Durability:
- Construction Materials: Built primarily from steel for the main structure and swing arm, providing strength, with some aluminum components. The powder coat finish helps protect against corrosion.
- Pivot Point Integrity: The longevity of the main pivot point for the swing mechanism is a key consideration. RockyMounts generally uses heavy-duty hardware here. Long-term user reviews are valuable for assessing wear.
- Warranty: Check RockyMounts’ warranty terms, as this provides an indication of their confidence in the product’s durability.
Critical Mindset: Weighing the Options
The RockyMounts BackStage occupies a specific niche. Its primary advantage is the full swing-away access.
- Is Full Swing-Away Essential? If you frequently need complete, unobstructed access to your vehicle’s rear, the BackStage is a leading contender. If occasional, angled access via a good tilt function is sufficient, other (often lighter or less expensive) platform racks might be adequate.
- Cost vs. Convenience: The BackStage is priced as a premium rack due to its complex swing mechanism. You’re paying for that specific convenience.
- Weight and Handling: Seriously consider if you are comfortable regularly handling a 70+ lb rack if you plan to remove it often.
- Capacity Needs: If you need to carry more than two bikes, the BackStage isn’t the right choice.
- Comparison to Alternatives:
- Other Swing-Away Racks: There are a few other swing-away platform racks on the market (e.g., Kuat Pivot v2 swing-away arm used with a separate rack like the NV 2.0, Thule Range). Compare features, weight capacities, and price. The BackStage was one of the first fully integrated platform swingers.
- Swing-Away Adapters: These can be paired with various hitch racks, offering swing functionality. However, they add more weight, length, and potentially more points of play compared to an integrated system like the BackStage.
- Premium Tilting Racks: Racks like the Kuat NV 2.0 or Thule T2 Pro XTR offer excellent tilt features that provide good access for many users, but not the full, unobstructed access of the BackStage.
The BackStage is for the user whose primary pain point is rear vehicle access and who is willing to invest in a dedicated, robust solution for two bikes.
Installation and Assembly Insights
- Assembly: The RockyMounts BackStage generally requires more assembly than some simpler platform racks due to its swing mechanism. Users should expect to spend some time (perhaps 1-2 hours) carefully following the instructions. It involves attaching the main mast to the hitch base, then the swing arm, and finally the wheel trays and support arms.
- Hitch Installation: Once assembled, installing it into the 2-inch hitch receiver involves lifting the heavy rack, sliding it in, and securing it with the threaded anti-wobble hitch pin. This pin needs to be tightened securely with a wrench.
- Weight Consideration During Assembly/Installation: Due to its weight, having a second person assist with assembly and initial installation is highly recommended.
The Verdict: The King of Access for Two-Bike Hauling on SUVs
The RockyMounts BackStage confidently delivers on its promise of providing unparalleled, unobstructed access to the rear of your vehicle. For SUV owners, van dwellers, or anyone frustrated by the limitations of traditional tilting racks, its 180-degree swing-away feature is a true game-changer. It’s robustly built, holds bikes securely, and offers a decent weight capacity for two bikes, including many e-bikes.
While its significant weight, two-bike limit, and premium price tag are important considerations, these are often acceptable trade-offs for the specific problem it solves so effectively. If your primary need is full rear access without removing your bikes, and you primarily carry one or two bikes, the RockyMounts BackStage is a top-tier solution that will likely make your cycling adventures significantly more convenient. It’s a specialized tool that excels at its core function.
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