Atoc Tandem Topper

Summary:
What a wonderful rack. I've used it both on my Pathfinder and my Integra. The tandem easily loads on either vehicle. I have aenough difficulty loading my 1/2 bikes onto the SUV, I wouldn't want to even try putting the tandem up there without the pivoting mechanism on the Tandem Topper.

One look at the Tandem Topper and you can tell it's well built. Some might say overbuilt. The steel is very thick and the welds are long and solid. Puts my Yakima bike racks to shame. My wife even drove into the garage door with it--damaged the roof of the car extensively, ruined the garage door, but didn't even scuff the finish on the rack.

My one complaint is that the accessory Topper Lok (an optional locking skewer) looks well built too, but I find it near impossible to firmly lock. Twice the bike has come loose, once even bending one of the dropouts on the front fork. Someone less forgiving might give a poor rating because of this (a Cannondale front fork is not a small investment), but I will overlook this because Atoc has asked me to send in the Topper Lok to see if it is indeed defective, but I haven't because I didn't want to be inconvenienced and live without the rack this summer. We'll see how their customer service is this winter.

Strengths:
Easy to load tandem
Extender on back removes easily to open trunk/hatchback
When extender on back is off, the rack works well for single bikes too.
Strongly built

Weaknesses:
Topper Lok is finicky and hard to close.

Year / Model Reviewed:
 98 TT-Std (Standard)

Summary:
This was recommended by my Uncle to used to load tandems on his mini-van. Before he used the Tandem Topper, he would stand on a step ladder and have to balance while climbing up the step ladder and load it into the fork mounts.

When he started using the Tandem Topper, it was once end at a time which was much easier.

I have the Tandem Topper mounted on a sedan.

Overall the Tandem Topper make this easier to load and unload a tandem. The bike is mounted securely and I have not had a problem with it at all.

http://www.atoc.com/tandemtopper.html

Strengths:
Lift half the tandem bike's weight by lifting and locking down the front forks while rear tire is still on the ground.

Rear tail section is removable, so it won't interfere with the trunk or hatchback when not carrying a tandem.

With tail section removed, you can still carry single bikes.
Rear tire securely held in pace by wheel strap instead of Yakima clamp on to the frame style.

Handlebar strap to keep fork from moving around.

Weaknesses:
You need to buy a Yakima lock to lock it to the cross bars (supplied bolts are an exact fit).

Similar Products Used:
None