Wondering how the new VelociRAX MAX Bike Rack differs from the original VelociRAX vertical hitch bike rack? We’ll break down the key features that make the VelociRAX MAX Vertical Hitch Bike Rack better. 

Spoiler: You’re gonna love the new VelociRAX MAX Bike Rack. 

What’s New About the VelociRAX MAX Bike Rack vs. our OG VelociRAX

While we love our original rack (it’s a fantastic rack), our new MAX vertical hitch bike rack series is designed for increased strength, longevity, ease of use, and stability. Here are the 4 main differences:

1. Maximized Basket Strength for Heavier Bikes

The VelociRAX MAX is especially designed to carry heavier bikes—making it the ultimate e-bike bike rack. The original VelociRAX vertical bike rack can carry e-bikes, but because of weight limits, users had to remove batteries for heavier e-bikes. The MAX series eliminates this issue.

Original VelociRAX Basket Max Weight: 55 lbs per bike

VelociRAX MAX Basket Max Weight: 100 lbs per bike

Utilizing new redesigned and reinforced beefier hoops, the VelociRAX MAX now almost doubles the basket strength of our original baskets. Our engineers:

• Increased the size of the basket hoops

• Reinforced the hoops with additional supports

• Decreased the total weight of the baskets 

Making the VelociRAX MAX rack lighter than the original rack. More bike weight capacity while decreasing the overall weight of the vertical bike rack = genius.

Related Link: Choosing the Best Bike Rack for E-Bikes: A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide

Can You Put the New MAX Hoops on Your Original VelociRAX? 

Unfortunately, no. The original rack isn’t designed for the heavier capacity. You will need the MAX center post to handle the heavier weight.

And to ensure you don’t push your luck, we don’t sell MAX hoops to customers that only have the original VelociRAX vertical hitch bike rack. We know you’re thinking it, so we will save you from yourselves. 

 

2. Stronger & More Stable Center Post for Longevity

The VelociRAX MAX features an improved center post, allowing the bike rack to carry a maximum weight of 300 lbs, which is 70 lbs more than the original vertical bike rack. We redesigned the center pin to a square wedge to provide tighter contact, which means less motion for the rack and bikes.

Our original rack is solid, but this smarter design reduces movement in your rack even further, giving you added peace of mind when driving.

The MAX center post also features welded bushing on the pivot bolt for enhanced longevity, as opposed to the plastic washers used on the original hitch bike rack. This decreases the amount of play you’ll get between your center post and your hitch receiver—making it sturdier, stronger, and longer lasting.

Original VelociRAX Rack

Max Weight: 230 lbs

Center Pin: Circular pin

Post Stabilizers: plastic washers

VelociRAX MAX Rack 

Max Weight: 300 lbs

Center Pin: Square pin 

Post Stabilizers: Welded bushing

 

3. Bigger Release Lever for Easier Lowering

The VelociRAX MAX release lever is significantly larger, featuring a redesigned ergonomic handle that makes it extremely easy to use—especially when carrying a heavier bike load. Even with 250 lbs of bike weight, you’ll only need one hand to release the rack from its vertical position and let those patented-tech hydraulics do the rest.

Plus, the larger handle is also easier to locate when your vertical bike rack is fully loaded. 

 

4. Beefier Straps for Securing Heavier Bikes

The VelociRAX MAX bike rack straps are thicker and stronger than the original VelociRAX straps. The strap holes are slightly shorter for added security. And there is more rubber between the holes to increase their weight capacity. 

These beefier redesigned straps will hold your bikes more securely and can handle your heavier bikes with ease—again making it an ideal bike rack for e-bikes.

2 Important Features Staying the Same

1. Patented Hydraulic Technology for Lowering Your Rack Safely and Smoothly

The VelociRAX MAX utilizes the same patented hydraulic damper system to ensure your vertical bike rack lowers safely and smoothly, making it easy to load and unload—getting you on and off the trail faster.

VelociRAX’s damper technology features integrated hydraulic dampers that provide controlled, self-lowering resistance for hitch bike racks, ensuring a smooth and safe descent of fully loaded racks. This innovative system eliminates abrupt drops, simplifies loading/unloading, and enhances user convenience, particularly for heavy bikes like e-bikes.

2. Compatible With All Our Amazing Accessories

The VelociRAX MAX bike rack series is compatible with our: 

• Light Bar System: An LED light bar for VelociRAX hitch bike racks, providing enhanced visibility with running lights, brake lights, and turn signals, connecting via a standard 4-prong flat plug.

• Integrated Locking System: A retractable cable lock housed in the top bar of VelociRAX hitch racks, allowing easy bike securing with a 4-digit combination lock to deter theft.

• SkiRAX: An attachment kit that converts VelociRAX hitch racks to carry up to six pairs of skis or snowboards, using rubber straps and bumpers for secure snow season access.

• Fat & Small Tire Baskets: Specialized fat tire baskets accommodate tires up to 5 inches wide, and small tire baskets support 20-inch BMX and kids’ bikes, ensuring compatibility with a diverse range of bike types.
  

• Garage Mount: All VelociRAX MAX racks still come with a free garage bracket to store your rack and bikes in the garage. 

Related Link: Introducing SkiRAX: A Game-Changing Hitch Ski Rack for Your Car

You’re Gonna Want Our New VelociRAX MAX Bike Rack

Whether you’re looking for a new vertical hitch bike rack or thinking about upgrading, our new VelociRAX MAX bike rack series is tough to beat. This rack is made for: 

• Secure bike transport

• Easy load and unload

• Lasting performance

• Maximum adventure without any fuss

Discover our VelociRAX Max Bike Racks and learn more about our commitment to quality, technology, and enabling spontaneous outdoor adventures. Get outside and ride!

Frequently Asked Questions About our New VelociRAX MAX Hitch Bike Rack

Can I use a MAX tire basket on my original bike rack to hold bikes weighing up to 100 pounds? 

No, we currently don’t sell MAX tire baskets to customers with an original rack. The MAX rack’s bike and weight increases are based on the new tire basket, the welded bushing in the center post, and the square pin and pin hole.

Will the original VelociRAX hitch bike rack be phased out over time? 

Yes, the original rack will not be sold after all of our current stock has run out. However, we will have replacement parts available for the current original rack owners.

Will fat and small tire baskets be available for the MAX Rack? 

Yes, both fat and small tire baskets should be available for sale in late August 2025.

Related Link: Five Pro Tips for Spring Bike Rack Maintenance on Your VelociRAX