Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer
installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Rating: 
6 reviews
Code: SR26249
Retail:$329.99
Price:$296.99
Shipping Weight: 59 pounds
Shipping SpecialThis rack sports a spring-loaded release handle that tilts bikes forward and allows easy rear vehicle access. Wheel mount cradles and telescoping tubes offer safe and reliable transport. It also collapses and folds up for easy storage.
Features:
Specs:
The Softride Versa features a tilting design that allows easy rear vehicle access. A spring-loaded, quick-release handle dips bikes forward. Wheel hoops firmly secure bikes during transit and tilting, keeping them snug in their wheel mount cradles with sturdy rubber straps.
Telescoping side tubes adjust side to side to accommodate children's and adults' bikes. Since the carrier grabs bikes by the wheels instead of the frame, it can transport almost any style of alternative bike.
The tubes also collapse into each other to conserve space for storage, and the entire rack folds up when not in use. A safety reflector at the end of the main bar provides nighttime visibility.
The Versa carries two bikes weighing up to 50 pounds each. It includes a threaded, anti-rattle, locking hitch bolt to secure the rack inside the receiver tube and an integrated cable lock to protect bikes from theft. A powder coated steel main bar and anodized aluminum cross bars defend against corrosion and rust.
Video of Softride Versa Tilting and Folding 2 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer
installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today we are going to show you the Softride Versa part number SR26249. Some of the features of this bike rack include unique tilting design which allows easy rear vehicle access. Easy access spring loaded quick release handle which shifts bikes away from the vehicle. The entire rack folds up for storage. It also has wheel mounted cradles which keeps bikes snug using sturdy rubber straps. Telescoping side tubes adjust side to side to accommodate children and adults bikes. Threaded anti-rattle and hitch bolt and lock included to secure the rack inside the receiver tube. Integrated cable protects bike from theft. Pad lock sold separately. It fits on 1 1/ 4 inch and two inch hitches. I am going to show you how to do this right now. 00:48
First we will start off by pulling out the bushing. Now it might not be loose at first but you can use a screwdriver to pry it out and it will be loose enough to just pull right out. In this instance it looks like it is going to come right out. Now we are going to the nut plate and attach the shank to finish converting it. Make sure you align the holes with the ones on the bottom of the shank. Now you will take the 1 1/ 4 inch shank, align it with the thread holes on the bottom of the two inch shank and screw in the bolts. Now that we are finished it is ready for our 1 1/ 4 hitch for Class II hitches only. But we are going to go ahead and put it on a two inch hitch for demonstration purposes. 01:32
First we are going to show you the two hitch panel holes so you can adjust the bike rack accordingly. Putting the bike rack in the hitch you align the hole. You take the anti-sway bolt and screw it in the hole. See instructions for exactly what size wrench but use a wrench to tighten it down. Along with the anti-sway bolt comes a lock that just slides right over it. Upon a closer look you see it comes with a cover to protect the key hole from rusting or anybody messing with it. Now moving on to the tilting and folding features of the bike rack. You just pull the lever here and you can fold it up. You see the little pin here will catch the hole which will keep it from falling back down or moving anywhere. You can also tilt it all the way down. This you can actually tilt it downwards with bikes on it. 02:31
Now I am going to show you the wheel mounted cradle. As you can see they fold up for easy travel if there are no bikes on it at all. But when you are ready to put a bike on it you will need to unfold them like so. Now on to another interesting feature. These bars actually are telescoping by untightening the bolt. After untightening the bolt you can spread the bars apart to adjust for a kids or adults bikes. And now we are going to show you how to put the bike on the rack. As you can see the wheels fit right in the wheel mounts and then take the rubber straps here and just run them through the spokes of the tire making sure the rubber strap goes over the wheel frame so that you can secure the tire. And now we will show you another security feature of this bike rack is the cable lock. You will pull it out here and run it through the frame of your bike. With a pad lock, which is sold separately you can attach right here like so and it is securely around your bike. And that is it for part number SR26249.
Replacement parts available for this product
Average Customer Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars (6 Customer Reviews)
by: Lance D09/16/2011
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After much homework, and reading various reviews....I decided to purchase a Softride Versa Access 2 bike rack, 1-1/4" hitch mount. After installing it on my vehicle, and assessing the quality....in a word....POOR. In fact, it was SO poor....as much as I hated to, I elected to put it back in the box, pay for shipping, and ship it back to the great folks at eTrailer.com. The issues: #1. One of the trays were assembled crooked (see photos). And no....this was not damaged in shipping. When I placed the bike in this tray, it would barely stay upright. #2. With my road bike attached to the tray.....the tray attachment points were wobbly. #3. To remove the bike, you must lengthen the tray, by pulling on each end simultaneously to extend it. Not only a cumbersome maneuver, but the materials which slid against one another were not smooth.......making the task doubly difficult. #4. The spring pin which locks the rack vertically, and allows the rack to tilt.....that pin didn't have an appropriate ring on it to pull with. #5. And finally....the instructions failed to give a proper torque on the most important bolts in the entire assembly.....the bolts which connect the 1-1/4" tongue to the rack ! Sorry guys...for the price, I was very disappointed. But, with that said, the fine folks at eTrailer.com were superb to work with in resolving the issue. So, I'm very grateful for the excellent service ! Best Regards, Lance D Marietta, GA24111
by: ToNYC06/07/2010
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Great w/ a few precautions I find the other review hard to believe. The rubber straps holds the bike down against bouncing. I only strap the heavier rear wheel. Sturdier velcro straps are sold by softride or at Homedepot. NOTE: make sure the racks are "centered" (extended evenly on each side) for a balance load. Otherwise, the plastic rack retainers will crack. Happened to me but Softride mailed replacements under warranty. I used black tape to mark the fit. Also, better to tighten the racks down first BEFORE loading the bikes. Very compact when folded. 3 years of use w/ sub-30 lb. bikes. So far so good 3105
by: Wayne06/04/2009
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Good product, except.......... I love this bike rack. The tilting feature is really handy. THERE IS ONE PROBLEM: The straps that hold the bikes on to the rack are a very cheap rubber. The very first time I used my rack, all four of the rubber straps broke and I only hauled the bikes 5 miles. I am surprised Softride put such cheap straps on a $300 bike rack. Now I'm trying to get Softride to replace the straps but I haven't been successful in contacting the company.1946
by: Christie I.02/08/2012
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The rack looks sturdy and easy to use. Can't wait to try it this weekend,31332
by: antmakka06/20/2011
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Good quality product which is fairly easy to assemble. I needed a 2nd torque wrench due to the wide torque requirements on the bolts but overall I'm very happy with this product.17295
by: Paul B.05/10/2011
Is this review helpful?
Very nice 2 bike rack. Easy install. Rack plus 2" hitch extender and it now clears my larger Jeep spare tire. Pivots easily, bike is secure. Much better than a spare tire mount rack. I prefer a wheel rack vs hanging from the carbon frame. Quick ship by etrailer as well. Bought from them before and have had good service each time.13159
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