October 17, 2024 - If you’ve ever hoisted a bike onto a rack on the roof of a car, you will immediately understand the inspiration behind the development of the Uplift rack by Quebec-based MOS.
As cars get bigger and bikes get heavier with the popularity of e-bikes, the option to carry your equipment on the roof can become more challenging. But what if your roof rack could lend a hand?
The MOS Uplift story began in 2015 in Quebec City at an event called Start-Up Weekend. The challenge for the assembled would-be entrepreneurs: create a working model of an innovative product and draft a business plan. The concept of a roof rack that could be lowered over the side of the vehicle to facilitate loading gear was a popular one, and a team formed from these humble beginnings.
Refining the idea over the next few years, the company sold the first 60 MOS Racks in 2019. Based on feedback from initial customers, the designers refined the manufacturing process to make it more practical and sustainable.
Renamed the MOS Uplift, the revamped design is stronger, elegant, and easy to use. The hydraulic mechanism allows your bike or other gear to be supported and lowered 24in/61cm over the side of the car while keeping it safely away from the vehicle, thereby making it easier to load and unload your gear.
Following the arrival of our test unit, it was assembled and installed in well under an hour. Note that installation requires that your vehicle is equipped with rooftop crossbars, and it’s recommended to have a second person’s help lifting the rack onto the car.
The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and there are videos available on the company’s website and on YouTube. Alternatively, the rack can be installed at a retailer.
The Uplift can be used on its own or with cradles for kayaks and canoes, or with the addition of bike racks or a cargo box. It took us moments to install a Thule ProRide single bike rail, and the Uplift is wide enough to fit a double rail or two slim single rails.
To bring the rack down to chest height for loading, simply rotate the latches 90 degrees counter-clockwise, then pull the rack away from the car and down to the level of the door handles. We noticed significant resistance to the downward motion when the rack is empty, but when a bike or other cargo is loaded, the extra weight allows the rack to be lowered much more easily.
A standard bicycle is simple to lift onto the rack, but for heavier bikes, such as e-bikes, two people can easily manage. Once the bike is fastened, the hydraulic lift arms make easy work of raising the rack and bike up and into place on top of the car. The latches snap closed automatically to ensure that the bike is held securely.
A driving test confirmed that the rack holds tightly, with no rattle or sway. Upon arrival at the start of the ride, it’s easy to lower the rack, remove the bike, and begin your excursion.
Most vehicles can accommodate two Uplift units, one on each side. The rack is compatible with a wide range of bike rails, watercraft cradles and roof boxes, which need to be purchased separately.
The Uplift is rated for a load of 85lbs/38kg, including the attachments and sports gear.
Be aware that the MOS Uplift adds approximately 24 in/61cm of height above the roof bars, and it requires a clearance of 6in/10cm from the car when lowered. The new design facilitates quick removal of the rack for low-height garages; the nuts can be loosened without tools, and the assembled rack can be easily lifted off the roof for storage — a second person’s assistance is helpful.
The MOS Uplift is intuitive to use and makes it easier to explore new terrain, either solo or with friends.
The Uplift retails for $1,099.95 in Canada and a lock is optional. To find retailers, check compatibility and learn more, visit here.
