Ok, here's the promise of the Totem Pole bike rack:
[*]Easy Assembly with with 3 main components and 3 support bars
[*]Can carry any size or any type of bicycle, and any combination at one time
[*]Load process is as simple as hanging bicycles from wheel rims
[*]Support bars ensure secure mount during transport
[*]Expected load/unload in 1/3 the time it takes with a standard rack
[*]Can load up to six bikes
[*]Compact stow away in vehicle when not in use
[*]Simple optional wall mount adapter kit available for stationary storage of bikes in a compact area

So we had to try it out. Actually, they had a lot more claims but we merged similar ones and only put in the claims we agreed with. So we think the features above are true and the Totem Pole Bike Rack actually delivers on its promise.



How is it so compact?
Six bikes in less space that it takes to transport four? Yes, the key is the bikes are resting on each other with the front tires. The tires by nature offer natural cushion from any damage. The handlebars are at opposite sides and away from each other in an alternating pattern. Furthermore, the bar to hang the front wheels on is sloped upward. This ensures that the handlebars are at a different height from each other, giving them just enough room to avoid interference. The rear wheels of the bikes and cranks are a little more at risk as there's nothing holding them in place and they're free to bang on each other. Special attention needs to be taken to make sure cranks and disk rotors and skewers are not in contact with other frames.


Is Hanging by the wheels safe?
Mountain bike wheels, axles and suspension forks are strong. And although the wheel is not designed to be loaded from the inner rim, folks have been hanging bikes in this manner for ages. A typical bike weighs 30 lbs and that load is quite small compared to the 200 lb. rider who is dropping from a jump. So yes, we think the bike can take being hung from the wheel.

But we may take a couple of exceptions, one is if you have a carbon aero road wheel. These wheels are pricey and not the strongest between on the inside diameter between the spokes. The other exception is if you're driving to the trailhead through a rocky fire road. We think the wheel is better off not subjected to this type of constant impacts.



Disadvantages?
We think the key disadvantage is that the bikes are touching each other. If you have a precious $10,000 road bike, look somewhere else. If you have a color-matched, fancy mountain bike and a long, bumpy ride to the trailhead, then this may not be the best for you. The bikes will inevitably touch each other and wrassle a little bit.

Bottom Line
If you have a family and have to mount a lot of odd shaped bikes in the fastest way possible, this may be a good solution for you. Loading and unloading six bikes while the kids get restless in a minivan is a painful job so hanging them quickly may make you the family hero of the day.

If you have a bunch of burly bikes and like to transport your crew up and down the mountain, this may be a good solution for you.

Video: UpRight Designs shows us how to assemble the rack.


We'll continue to update this review as we use it in more situations.

Product Information:
Price: $349
Website: https://www.uprightdesigns.com/