The RockyMounts AfterParty is hands down the best swing away bike rack I’ve ever used, allowing unrestricted access to the back of your SUV, pickup truck, or van
Author: Erik Nilson / Last Updated: December 15, 2023
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RockyMounts AfterParty Bike Rack
Price: $1,099.95 MSRP
Type: Hitch, Platform, Swing Away
Hitch Size: 2 inches
Bike Capacity: 2
Wheel Size(s): 20 inches to 29 inches
Max Load: 60 lbs. per bike
E-Bike Rated: Yes
RV Rated: No
Integrated Lock(s): Yes, 2
Weight: 60 lbs.
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
Pros:
– Loading and unloading bikes is extremely quick and easy.
– Swing-away feature allows for complete access to the back of your vehicle.
– High-quality materials used throughout.
Cons:
– Heavy and expensive.
– Takes up a lot of space when stored.
The Bottom Line
The RockyMounts AfterParty stands out as the best swing-away bike rack I’ve ever used, and it might just be one of the smoothest operating models I’ve tested. Loading and unloading bikes is a breeze, thanks to its seamless design, and the all-metal build is burly and robust. It expertly carries a wide range of bike styles, and the swing-away feature is quick and easy to use, allowing full access to the back of a SUV, pickup truck, or van. Honestly, I have very little to complain about regarding the RockyMounts AfterParty.
Not the rack you’re looking for? See our detailed list of the year’s best bike racks or best tailgate bike pads.
RockyMounts AfterParty Performance
Overall Ease of Use
The RockyMounts AfterParty is extremely easy to use. The ratcheting arms that hold the tires in place are smooth and easy to adjust, never once getting caught or stuck during testing. The tilt lever is smartly located at the outermost part of the rack and is always easily within reach, even when loaded with bikes. And the star of the show, the swing-away feature, is effortless to deploy and easily allows full access to the back of your SUV, van, camper, or pickup truck. In summary, the RockyMounts AfterParty really impresses with its exceptional overall ease of use.
Unboxing and Assembly
As funny as it may sound, I was seriously impressed while unboxing the RockyMounts AfterParty. Despite the rack’s intricate design and large size once assembled, the box was relatively small and the pieces were all packed tightly together and separated by dense foam. Overall, RockyMounts did a great job and the rack arrived completely unscathed (despite its 83 pound shipping weight).
As for assembling the AfterParty, the rack went together without a hitch (see what I did there). Each part fit together nicely, all bolt holes lined up as they should, and the instructions were clear. Even though the swing-away design is inherently more complicated than other styles, the rack was easier to assemble than others, like the Yakima StageTwo which I reviewed earlier this year. All told, it took me approximately 30 minutes to unbox and assemble the RockyMounts AfterParty, all while capturing some photos in the process.
Loading and Unloading Bikes
Loading and unloading bikes with the RockyMounts AfterParty bike rack is a pleasure. In fact, it’s one of the smoothest operating racks I’ve used in this regard. The ratcheting arms never get hung up–something that I regularly experience with the 1UP USA Heavy Duty Double–and the locking mechanism emits a reassuring click once locked into place. The release levers are also very easy to use, and if you pull them out, they disengage completely and allow uninhibited adjustments throughout the range of the arms. The dual ratcheting arm design also allows for a ton of bike offset adjustment, eliminating any bike-to-bike interference issues. One final bonus is that the arms fold all the way to the ground, which makes it easy to roll heavy e-bikes up and onto the rack–there’s no need to lift the entire bike at once.
RockyMounts AfterParty Weight Capacity
The RockyMounts AfterParty is rated to carry two 60-pound bikes, which is in line with other popular hitch racks—both the RockyMounts BackStage and Thule T2 Pro XTR are also able to carry two 60-pound bikes. However, if you have extremely heavy e-bikes then the Yakima StageTwo may be worth considering as it’s rated to carry two 70-pound bikes (see our in-depth review of the StageTwo). Throughout my testing, I had zero issues or complaints while carrying two heavy full-suspension mountain bikes down dirt roads.
Will my Bike Fit on the RockyMounts AfterParty?
Bike compatibility is a major strong suit for the RockyMounts AfterParty—it accommodates 19mm road bike tires to 3-inch-wide mountain bike tires, with wheel diameters from 20 to 29 inches. I personally tested the AfterParty with 20-inch kids’ bikes, carbon fiber gravel bikes, as well as electric and analog full-suspension mountain bikes, experiencing no issues whatsoever. Additionally, the AfterParty can carry bikes with wheelbases up to 55 inches, which is important for tall riders with especially long bikes.
Build Quality and Durability
The RockyMounts AfterParty is a very high-quality bike rack, and is made out of thick and robust metal throughout. Over the past several months, I’ve used and abused the rack extensively, subjecting it to rough forest service roads, snowy mountain passes, and around-town jaunts. Even after enduring thousands of hard miles, the AfterParty continues to operate just as smoothly as the day I pulled it out of the box. In fact, it’s one of the highest quality racks I’ve tested in quite some time.
Vehicle Access
The RockyMounts AfterParty stands out as the best swing away bike rack currently on the market, providing class-leading access to the rear of your vehicle. Within about 60 seconds, the rack can be fully swung away, allowing complete access to the back of your SUV, pickup truck, or van. Additionally, the rack can be folded down just like most other hitch racks. If your priority is ultimate rear vehicle access, then the RockyMounts AfterParty is the ideal choice for you. See our swing-away video below.
Removing and Storing the RockyMounts AfterParty
If there is one downside to the AfterParty, it comes in the form of removing and storing the rack. Essentially, it boils down to its swing-away design, which adds extra bulk and weight–the AfterParty weighs about 11 more pounds than non-swing-away version, the RockyMounts GuideRail. Additionally, the swing feature adds all that extra weight to one side of the rack, so when it’s time to remove, it becomes a bit lopsided to carry. I don’t fault the rack for being a bit of a dog to remove and store, it’s simply the nature of swing-away models and the AfterParty isn’t any worse than others I’ve tried in the past.
How Much Does the RockyMounts AfterParty Weigh?
The RockyMounts AfterParty weighs 60 pounds, placing it in the ballpark of most other hitch-mounted bike racks. Which given its swing-away design, is pretty impressive. The AfterParty outweighs popular non-swing-away hitch racks like the Thule T2 Pro XTR (52 pounds) and Kuat NV 2.0 (52 pounds) by about eight pounds, however, it manages to undercut the very-heavy-duty Yakima StageTwo (66 pounds). All things considered, the RockyMounts AfterParty falls right in line with what I’d expect for a premium swing-away rack.
Key Features of the RockyMounts AfterParty
Swing Away
If you’re reading an in-depth review of the RockyMounts AfterParty, then there’s a really good chance you want to know about the defining swing-away feature. To put it simply, it’s amazing. In about 60 seconds you can unscrew the lever, pull the pin, and effortlessly swing the rack completely out of the way. No matter if it’s loaded down with two heavy e-bikes or folded up and empty, the swing-away feature performs exceptionally well in both scenarios.
Ratcheting Arms
Continuing the theme of excellence, the dual ratcheting arms of the AfterParty are the best I’ve used, and that includes the commendable 1UP USA models. The action of the AfterParty’s arms is super smooth, never getting stuck or caught throughout their range, and the release lever is easy to use. Moreover, the V-shaped wheel blocks do a great job of holding the tire in place. Finally, the arms fold all the way to the ground and make it easy to roll heavy bikes up and onto the rack. Essentially, the RockyMounts AfterParty addresses and improves upon all the minor issues I have with the 1UP USA Heavy Duty Double–a rack I’ve used and abused for over 5 years. Bravo RockyMounts, bravo.
Tilt Lever
The AfterParty’s tilt lever is smartly located at the furthest point of the rack, which allows easy access whether it’s loaded with bikes or tilted in the upright position. It’s also very easy to engage, is made entirely out of metal, and the blue anodizing simply looks cool. One minor critique is that the edges of the handle feel a tad sharp, but that’s a very picky observation.
Chain Lock
I’ve never tested a bike rack where I’d trust the included locks for more than about 5 minutes–which is just enough time to grab a gas station snack or taco truck meal. However, that changed when I got my hands on the AfterParty. RockyMounts include a heavy-duty 10mm thick square link chain with the AfterParty, which inspires a ton of confidence when leaving my bike(s) unattended. The chain locks directly into the rack and conveniently uses the same key as the anti-sway hitch pin.
3-axis Anti-sway Hitch Pin
The AfterParty features a tried-and-true anti-sway hitch pin to secure the rack to a vehicle. The threaded hitch pin snugs the rack up to one side of the receiver and then locks on the other side, helping to prevent any theft. While the system effectively eliminates rack movement, it’s not as quick, easy, or user-friendly as the tool-free type that’s found on the Thule T2 Pro XTR (see our in-depth review of the Thule T2 Pro XTR). Additionally, you have to keep track of the included wrench when it’s time to remove and store the rack.
Popular Accessories for RockyMounts AfterParty
RockyMounts AfterParty Hitch Extender
As with a number of platform-style hitch racks, interference with tailgates, rear spare tire carriers, or very vertical rear doors (think camper vans) can sometimes be an issue. If you fall into one of these categories, then a hitch extender may be worth considering. RockyMounts offers a couple of versions that integrate seamlessly into the AfterParty. Ordering the hitch extender at the same time as your rack allows for key matching, making it a convenient and preferred choice.
What is RockyMounts Warranty Policy?
RockyMounts offers a limited lifetime warranty on all their products, which is similar to other quality bike rack manufacturers like Yakima and Thule. As always, I recommend you read the fine print for yourself to understand what is and is not covered under the warranty.
Issues with RockyMounts AfterParty
Throughout the testing period, I’m pleased to report that I haven’t encountered a single issue with the RockyMounts AfterParty. The rack has endured a healthy dose of nasty fall weather, including snow, mud, dirt, and loads of rain, and continues to operate just as well as the day I got it. The AfterParty has quickly become one of my favorite bike racks this year and, as such, will continue to see a ton of use. At this point, I feel confident that no issues should arise, but if anything does, I’ll be sure to report back.
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How Does the RockyMounts AfterParty Compare?
Product | |||
Image |  |  |  |
Price MSRP | $1099.95 | $769.95 | $699.95 |
Type | Hitch, Platform, Swing Away | Hitch, Platform, Swing Away | Hitch, Hanging, Swing Away |
Hitch Size | 2" | 2" | 2" |
Bike Capacity | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Wheel Size | 20" - 29" | 20" - 29" | N/A |
Max Tire Width | 3" | 5" | N/A |
Max Load per Bike | 60 lbs. | 60 lbs. | 37.5 lbs. |
E-Bike Compatible | Yes | Yes | No |
RV Rated | No | No | No |
Locks (qty) | Yes (2) | Yes (2) | Yes (3) |
Weight | 60 lbs. | 59 lbs. | 42 lbs. |
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RockyMounts AfterParty vs. RockyMounts BackStage
The closest competitor to the AfterParty is the RockyMounts BackStage. Similar to the AfterParty, the BackStage uses a swing-away feature that moves the rack completely out of the way, providing full access to the back of your vehicle. Other than an upgraded metal lever, the AfterParty and BackStage swing-away features are nearly identical.
However, the two racks differ significantly in how they carry bikes, with the AfterParty being the superior option. Compared to the BackStage’s single arm and rear wheel strap, the AfterParty utilizes dual ratcheting arms that are smoother to operate and are better at eliminating any bike-to-bike interference. Furthermore, the AfterParty can carry bikes with wheelbases up to 55 inches, which is 5 inches longer than the BackStage and is important for extra-large bikes. Lastly, it’s much easier to load heavy bikes on to the AfterParty, which is important for e-bikers. If you’re looking for the best swing-away bike rack, opt for the AfterParty. However, for a couple of hundred bucks less, the less-refined BackStage may appeal to some.
RockyMounts AfterParty vs. Thule Apex XT Swing
Another popular swing-away bike rack option is the Thule Apex XT Swing. Both the AfterParty and Apex XT Swing allow for unencumbered access to the back of your SUV, van, or pickup truck. However, the racks are very different when it’s time to haul bikes. The Thule uses two arms that extend out, from which you hang your bike frame off of. While this style works well with road bikes and hardtail mountain bikes with very basic frame designs, it’s less suitable for full-suspension mountain bikes or small kids’ bikes. Additionally, the rack isn’t rated for heavy e-bikes and has a maximum weight limit of 37.5 pounds per bike. On the flip side, the Thule can carry four bikes, making it the better option for biking families.
In every other aspect, the RockyMounts AfterParty stands out as the superior rack. It’s significantly easier to load and unload, accommodates a wider range of bikes, and it holds them much more securely. It’s also worth noting the RockyMounts doesn’t make any contact with your bike’s frame, which is especially important for riders who want to keep their frames in pristine condition. In the end, the RockyMounts is the better rack overall.
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