Sportworks Bob Ratchet Bike Rack
By Jon Sharp

If you've lived in a major metropolitan area (one with a bus system), chance are that you've seen a Sportworks Quick-load bike rack. Most buses that have bike racks use Sportworks. Why do buses use these racks? For one, they are fast to load/unload the bike. Almost everyone can load a bike in less than 10 seconds, and many in as little as 7 seconds. Another reason is their durability. These racks are designed to last as long as the buses they're mounted to.

As it turns out, Sportworks also makes a consumer series including hitch-mount and roof-top carriers. Like their made-for-buses brothers, these consumer models specialize in quick-loading. All their models carry the bikes upright and accommodate a wide range of bicycles. By stabilizing the front wheel, Sportworks not only can secure the entire bike, but can virtually secure all bikes that have two wheels.

Reviewed here is the Bob Ratchet roof-top upright bike rack. The rack's namesack comes from the ratcheting hook-like arm that holds the front wheel in place. There is a small metal loop that the front wheel backs into. When the ratcheting arm swings up over the front of the front wheel and secures it against the small loop. A typical wheel strap secures the rear wheel in place. To release the swing arm--and, consequently, the bicycle--all that is required is the simple press of a release button on the swing arm to disengage the ratchet.

As might be expected from a company that has produced so many bicycle racks, the Bob Ratchet works flawlessly. We found that we could load a bike in a matter of seconds with ease. While mounted, the bike was stable and secure. It fit a wide range of bicycles without any adjustment. The only thing missing, that other racks might have, is a built-in lock to secure it. Of course, most built-in locking systems are only to protect against the casual thief, and aren't meant to provide any real security.

Summary: The Sportworks Bob Ratchet is an excellent rack. It is so versatile in its ability to accommodate virtually any sized bicycle, and do so quickly and easily. It works as designed and exceeded our expectations. For $110, it is priced right in line with other racks. We heartily recommend this rack to anyone and everyone looking for a roof-top upright bike rack. If you prefer hitch-mounts, take a look at their line of hitch-mount bike racks.

Jon Sharp is a contributing editor for GearReview.com specializing in mountain biking.

For more information, contact:
Sportworks Northwest, Inc.
15540 Wood-Red Rd NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
Phone: 1-888-661-0555
www.sportworks.com
customerservice@sportworks.com