Inno Velo Gripper Bed Bike Rack Review

I've had the Inno Velo Gripper for a few months now so I thought it would be good to share my opinion.

First off, here's what I wanted. I wanted something low profile that would hold my MTB in place w/out removal of the front wheel. I also wanted something that would hold my bike in the bed of my truck mainly to give my fresh new carbon Yeti a little more protection. The tailgate pads are an option and seem to be popular however, something about the frame and front fork bouncing around on the tail gate (even with a pad) just didn't sit right with me. I had a buddy of mine who claimed his hydraulic brakes on his bike got a little wonky after transporting his bike this way (his cables ran down the front tube where it rested on the padded tailgate). So, I went hunting for an alternative solution. Enter the Inno Velo Gripper...






Tailgate does need to be down to fit my particular bike (it has a pretty long wheelbase) and your rear camera/parking sensors are useless but it keeps my bike secure in the bed w/out removing the front wheel. Also, the only points of contact are the right leg of the front fork and my right crank arm. Easy, simple, secure, awesome!

Best thing about these is that they mount up super quick to the rail system and can be removed in a heart beat if I want to run my truck through an automated car wash. Though the bike can be secured by a cable attached to one of the bed d-rings, the rack mounts themselves would also need to be secure. I don't sweat it too much as I only have these installed if I'm riding. It's so super quick and easy to install them, I tend to leave them off unless I need them. Just stores away in one of the many compartments in my cab.

So far so good and they're also pretty cheap. I believe I got them for a total of $77. Inno is a good company (originates in Japan I believe?). I've owned other car rack components of theirs and they are made of good quality.

Any questions, please ask!

Oh, Inno also makes the standard version as well as the C-channel version (pictured above). So pretty much any truck can utilize these. Just get the right one. For 2nd and 3rd Gen Tacos, use the C-channel version. For 1st gen, use the standard.

 

good looking setup!

 

Thanks! After all the research I was a bit amazed at how easy of a solution I needed to achieve my requirements. Glad at least one company answered the call!

 

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you!!!!

 

That's pretty cool. I also don't like using a tailgate pad as it's rough in the paint. I bought a 1Up rack a few years ago and it's been great but, this is a good option.

 

Awesome, glad I could help! The rear clamp is supposed to wrap around the frame but with today's current MTB frames being wide and odd-shaped, the only option I had was to strap the crank. With the front strap strapped to the fork, the rear crank holds just fine. Never have had any issues with the bike becoming insecure. The system works well.

Agreed, moisture build-up and all that stuff... I also have a carbon bike and even though pads are secure, having my frame vibrate on the tailgate just doesn't feel right to me. It's also a pain to take off the pad for a true car wash. Just not a fan. This solution is great because it's so incredibly simple and removal/installation is seconds and can be stored away very easily. For added security, a bed extender (the one's with the bars) would be a good addition to this setup. I'm not too concerned about my bike falling out the back as the straps hold very well.

 

I've seen these & considered them but being picky I didn't want to see them if they weren't being used, ESPECIALLY on top of the bed rail. Since you say they come off pretty quick I may finally give them a try.

 

Just like any other rail accessory, loosen the clamp and slide off. The top plates are simply held in place by the downward pressure of the device. They lift right off. Very easy removal. Installation takes a tad bit longer for alignment purposes but still very quick.

 

Just picked up a set of these... Very glad I did.

Easy to use, easy to take off and store when not in use, and they hold the bike very sturdy!

Thanks for the review.

 

Looks good! I am tempted to get a couple of sets, as I currently have a conventional hitch rack (Hollywood) that doesn't work too well with some full suspension geometries.

 

Just wondering what the length of the threaded bars are that hold the bike. I read in one of the reviews that someone wrote that they are just long enough. so wondering if anyone had a measurment of them. Thanks

 

Just wondering what the length of the threaded bars are that hold the bike. I read in one of the reviews that someone wrote that they are just long enough. so wondering if anyone had a measurment of them. Thank Bob

 

i bought a bedrail for the front of the bed and attached two fork mounts to carry my road bikes. I also had a pair of old front wheel mounts from a auto roof rack from pre-historic times that I mounted next to the fork mounts. Works like a champ.

 

Thanks for the review OP, just curious if you cross shopped with Rec-Rac? I'm pretty sure they were first to scene with this design have been in my favorites list of things to buy.
Just looking for potential pros/cons

http://www.recrac.com/Rec_Rac_Fold_Rack_for_Toyota_trucks_p/ct-nufr.htm

 

Interesting set-up. I, too, really dislike removing my wheel over and over but also want the security when off-road with the truck. Really would like to find an option that mounts away from a half-rack and RTT setup (away from the bed is fine with me). Stays elevated to maintain departure angles. I also regularly haul 2+ bikes and need to find something sustainable. My swingaway doesn't allow a tailgate pad..

 

@Tacoma17Ham, I can get you these measurements later tonight.

Damn, wish I had seen this. I'd prefer a design that had more flexible hands. I had to trim down some plastic on the hands of the Inno to fit better around my fork. Might take a look at these.

 

I've always used tailgate pads (raceface), but they are a bit of hassle. Not to mention, they typically leave a paint rub spot on the downtube of your bike. Nice Yeti btw

 

@Tacoma17Ham

Size of posts = 6.5" to from where the post starts to where the post connects to the clasp. About 7.5" to where the end of the post is and where the clasp rests on the fork.

Yeah, no bueno on paint rubbing on the bike or vehicle. I spent a pretty penny on both!

Thanks for the like on the Yeti. Love this SB5!