Building My Own 1UP Rack EZ Lever

We have had this 1UP rack for a couple of years now and while there are things I do like about it, there are some things that annoy me. The lever mechanism location is one of them. It's in a bad location and 1UP even sells an EZ lever extension kit to fix this problem however it's pretty pricey and I still think the ergonomics of the EZ lever could be better. This is my take on the EZ lever extension that allows you to easily rotate the rack one handed.

[@eriksdodges853]

Man i wish you would do a small run of these, I'd pay you tonight for one! Job well done!!!

[@WrldExplorer]

I just received my EZ Pull today and having a bad back, it’s amazing. I’ll never be able to make my own but it was nice watching someone skillful in making their own.

[@itr0863]

i just got my heavy duty 1up yesterday. i love it, its a beast, but i already thought of getting the ez pull lol. i can't make my own either, but at least i can run to home depot just to see if i come up with any ideas haha.

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Thanks. Yes, it does make a difference and my wife appreciates it as well.

[@sophiethewestie]

Very Nice! Unfortunately, I don't have the skills or resources to make something like that. You're absolutely right about 1Up should have included this given how expensive the rack is. Someone out here with access to a CNC machine would make a killing selling a cheaper alternative to 1Up's $100 Ez-Pull

[@geoffkeah1489]

Pretty amazing skills, man. Wish I had the shop knowledge and know how you do!

[@donyvette3496]

I just received my 1UP SuperDuty Double (Feb 2023). Mine has the same release config as yours (before you added your DIY EZ PULL). So, contrary to your claim in some of the replies you've made to others, I don't believe 1UP has addressed this major annoyance and safety issue (except for the pricey EZ Pull accessory option). Your solution is quite nice and helps also resolve the annoying racking/jamming of release lever in addition to solving the ergomics of ungainly long reach underneath. I can only imagine how absolutely ugly it must be if config'd w 4 trays fully loaded. Downright dangerous to try and blindly reach under for release bar and at same time unweight the rack enough to overcome bar/notch friction. Your design can be readily tweaked if more trays are added. NICE! Thank you for taking the time to share your vision! I share your opinion regarding 1UP's non-inclusion of this basic ergonomic element. It should come as standard and NOT be an extra-expense option.

[@frankeversley5541]

Awesome! You are very skilled mechanically!

[@jonkaz1975]

U got skills! Shoulda just built your own rack! How much would you charge for a four bike ez pull? You’re right, 1up really should have included this feature in the base sale.

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Thanks, appreciate it. Just saw that 1 up has corrected it on their new racks.

[@noldia]

I defiantly like your configuration better!

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Thanks, it's still working perfect.

[@CoOutdoors95]

Could I contact you directly to see if there's any way possible i could convince you to build me one for a price? I got the EZ pull handle and it still needs 2 hands to utilize. I think your design is substantially better for simplicity's sake, durability, no wobble and most importantly to activate the rack adjustment with ONE HAND. If possible please let me know the easiest way to connect with you; if it's a DM on a different platform or a different site? Thanks!

[@E2tge]

GREAT WORK WISH I HAD ONE for my 1up!

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Thanks much.

[@bolseg1]

And you need to or buy the wheel locks which , it should be included for the price. And mine came with a one full locks out of four. Thank you sir!

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

I totally agree

[@franciscot4552]

Great Video! I also thought about making my own. Do you happen to have specs that I can copy this one. I have a friend who does metal work that can help me with this. Any help is much appreciated! Thanks

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

It would be hard to give you exact dimensions but I can give you a list of material I used: 1/2” round tubing 3/4” Conduit for handle 2” angle and 1” flat bar for the mount to the actual rack release lever Large nuts drilled out, 1” flat bar and 1/2” square tubing for the new lever support arm. I first tried making it out of aluminum but the aluminum was not stiff enough and would cause the release lever to bind. I did have to drill two holes in the rack release lever and two in the outer rack tray, not sure if you are okay with that? Some people may be worried about structural integrity of the release bar but I think it will be fine. Time will tell if I’m right, lol. Thanks for watching.

[@JFoxTN]

Receiving my rack tomorrow and will be making an extension release. Will your design allow you rotate the rack all the way down or will your handle hit the ground? Thanks for sharing your idea and workmanship. 1st class!

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

The rack handle I made does not hit the ground when rack is tilted down. Now if a four bike setup is used it probably would.

[@JFoxTN]

Ok thanks. Your design inspired me to make an extension somewhat similar so thanks for that too! @@PedalPowerAdventures

[@EIH7703]

Wow men ! Do you have some manual, design, guide .! I’m tried to Made one

[@patrickgibson2792]

This is very cool. If I could make this out of 2 x 4 lumber I would be all over it.

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Thanks a lot. Appreciate it.

[@stevenpasqua5113]

I am a fabricator and just ordered my 1 up rack today. I already have plans in making my own easy pole ever but was curious if you needed to make the mechanism spring loaded or does it come like that?

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Awesome you are gonna make your own EZ Lever! I did not need to add an additional spring, the spring already on lock mechanism is strong enough.

[@slowlaneAZ]

And how much can I pay you to make one?

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

I am unable to make any additional ones at the moment, thanks for asking though.

[@GeraldGeronimo]

Yours is better!

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Thanks, it has been working perfectly so far.

[@donyvette3496]

Say, I noticed nice short black nubs added to your 4 red-annodized bike bar releases. Did you make those? If so, any hints at supplies you utilized? My 1UP (SuperDuty Double) just has the red-annodized bars only. Your version looks more ergo!

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Those came with the older versions of the rack. They removed them on the newer versions.

[@donyvette3496]

@@PedalPowerAdventures Thank you! After watching a few other vids, I concluded that must have been the case. Appreciate your explanation. I wish the levers still had those knobs as it's slightly better ergo on the fingers, IMHO🤷.

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

@@donyvette3496 I totally agree, we have a friend that just got a 1up and the older version with the knobs is better.

[@cherylmcleod5845]

Have you added any feature to fulfill the function of the lock at the end of the gold bar? This is great for tilting the rack, but I still have to reach in there to twist that lock into place.

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

I never use that function that prevents the rack from tilting, so it's not really an issue for me.

[@cherylmcleod5845]

​​​@@PedalPowerAdventures Thank you for your swift response! Thank you for sharing that video. The handle is marvelous, and you are an excellent videographer & editor I kind of thought that many people weren't using that lock, but there is a pretty strong warning on the EZPull listing. With 2 bikes on the rack, they won't be damaged even if it slips into the lowered position, and I haven't found any examples of that bar popping out on its own. However, the risk is higher on a rack with 4 bikes. I won't need the rack until I trade in my van in a couple months, but when I get my 4-Bike 1UP SDD, I plan on securing the EZPull handle (factory or DIY) to that black bracket with a strap or a couple strong, Nite-Ize twist ties. I assume the legs on the handle are stiff enoughl so, that, if the handle is secured, they won't allow the black locking position bar to jump out of position. I am hoping that my strap will perform the same function as that twist lock nut.

[@edensgardenshed9622]

They can’t include it with the rack because of all the variations you can have. Each has a different EZ pull. And some can save some money and go without.

[@BorderFlyer]

I like the functionality of yours vs the 1 up accessory I have. If it were more stream lined, as in sits in the frame allowing for full clearance would be even more amazing.

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Thanks. Their new racks seemed to have corrected the flaw.

[@joncam3045]

can you sell me one of those?

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Sorry, I am not making any more of them at this time.

[@bobstranzenbach4700]

Most of us can’t do what you just did.

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Thanks. I have always liked tinkering around in the garage making things.

[@yuglobalcitizen2246]

Build it and sell it. Half price of wat 1up charges. People will buy

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Thanks. It does still take and supplies. Probably not as worth while to “mass produce.”