1UP USA Unveils Fully Redesigned Recon Upright Hitch Rack

New Recon is 15% Lighter, Easier to maintain, and built to Last.

1UP USA, the Wisconsin-based manufacturer known for setting the quality and performance standard in bicycle transportation, is proud to announce the launch of its fully re-engineered Recon Rack—a vertical hanging hitch rack now available in 4, 5, and 6-bike configurations.

More than just an update, the 2025 Recon represents a full overhaul from the hitch up. Designed and manufactured entirely in Wisconsin, the new Recon was built around the belief that the best gear should be repaired, not replaced — combining lighter weight, modular design, and user-friendly upgrades that serious riders and weekend warriors will appreciate.

“We tasked our world-class engineers with reimagining the Recon to embody the durability, serviceability, and versatility that 1UP customers expect,” said Kurt Barclay, Marketing Director at 1UP USA. “The result is a rack that sets a new benchmark for performance and longevity in vertical bike transport.”

New Highlights of the 2025 Recon:

• 15% Weight Reduction: The 2025 Recon features a combined aluminum and steel construction that cuts unnecessary weight without sacrificing ruggedness. The 4-bike configuration now weighs just 72 lbs, while the 5- and 6-bike models weigh 80 lbs and 84 lbs, respectively.
• Fully Bolt-Together Design: Gone are the welds. The new modular frame is fully serviceable and swappable, ensuring every component can be replaced or repaired, not tossed.
• Wedge-Style Hitch Connection: The newly integrated wedge hitch locks the rack into place, eliminating sway and rattle for a rock-solid ride every time.
• New Aluminum Baskets: The symmetrical baskets are lighter and compatible with a broader range of bikes, including MTB, gravel, and fat tires, without needing adapters.

New Highlights of the 2025 Recon – continued:

• Upgraded Pivot System: A redesigned tilt mechanism with a heavy-duty pin and easy-access lever makes it simpler than ever to access the back of your vehicle, even when fully loaded.
• Now Available in 4, 5, and 6-Bike Options: For the first time, the Recon is available in a 4-bike configuration, offering more flexibility for families and shuttle crews alike. MSRP (subject to final confirmation):
  o 4-bike: $1,100 o 5-bike: $1,300 o 6-bike: $1,500
• APS Side Panel Compatibility: The Recon works seamlessly with 1UP’s APS (Accessory Panel System) Side Panel, allowing users to mount tools, gas, water, and other essentials right to the rack — ideal for trail builders and overlanders.

Specs:

• Weight: Recon 4: 72 lbs // Recon 5: 80 lbs // Recon 6: 87 lbs
• Receiver Size: 2″
• Color: Black
• Road Rating: Pavement, Gravel, Off-road (with support straps)
• Vehicle Rating: Passenger Vehicle
• RV/Travel Trailer Rated: Recon 4: Yes, with support straps. // Recon 5: No // Recon 6: No
• Max Bike Capacity: Recon 4: Up to 4 bikes // Recon 5: Up to 5 bikes // Recon 6: Up to 6 bikes
• Total Weight Capacity: Recon 4: 180 lbs (up to 45 lbs per basket) // Recon 5: 225 lbs (up to 45 lbs per basket) // Recon 6: 270 lbs (up to 45 lbs per basket)
• Weight Capacity Per Basket: 45 lbs per basket.
• Max Wheelbase: 56″
• Wheel/Tire Size: Fits 24”-29” wheels, up to 5” wide tires
• Smooth Pivot: Rack pivots downward for vehicle access
• Compatibility: Compatible with APS Side Panel (Recon Rack) for increased mounting capacity.
• Integrated Anti-Wobble: Yes
• Material: Aluminum and Steel
• Finish: Powder coat finish on baskets and tubing, all other parts anodized
• Shipping Weight: Recon 4 – Hitch Box: 53 lbs, Basket Box: 20 lbs // Recon 5 – Hitch Box: 57 lbs, Basket Box: 24 lbs // Recon 6 – Hitch Box:
• 60 lbs, Basket Box: 28 lbs
• Shipping Dimensions: Hitch Box: 69″ x 11″ x 7″ // Basket Box: 29″ x 9″ x 3″

Like all 1UP products, the new Recon is proudly made in the USA, from design and prototyping to engineering and fabrication.
Whether you’re headed for the backcountry, hauling a whole team’s worth of bikes, or just chasing the weekend, the new Recon delivers a transport solution that’s lighter, tougher, and smarter than ever before.

 

About 1UP USA

Founded in 2001, 1UP USA is a Wisconsin-based manufacturer dedicated to designing and building the world’s toughest, most reliable bicycle racks and accessories. Known for their premium all-metal construction, modular innovation, and industry-defining performance, 1UP racks are proudly engineered, tested, and made in the USA by riders, for riders. Whether you’re chasing singletrack, training for race day, or just enjoying the ride, 1UP USA racks are built to get you — and your bikes — there and back again.