INNO Velo Gripper Review

Let’s face it, owning a truck is great. It’s an invigorating and satisfying feeling cruising down the highway with all your gear strapped in the back. While trucks might be built to carry loads, they are not great for transporting your bike without using a rack. Sure, you can chuck your bike in the back, strap it down and hope for the best. But, I know from personal experience, there’s a good chance you’re going to end up with scratched paintwork. That’s where the INNO Velo Gripper comes in handy.

A roof rack is not an option when driving a truck, and you’re probably not going to want to use a hitch-mounted rack either. Not only will it stop you using your hitch for anything else, but it is also a more expensive option than using the available space in the truck bed. That’s what’s so great about the INNO truck bed bike mount system, it’s cost-effective and takes up very little space. That means it’s always with you and ready to use.

INNO is a US-based company that has been in business for over 30 years. It specializes in car and truck carrying systems and they strive to provide the most innovative systems possible, making it easy for you to shift anything. In short, you’re getting a top-notch reputation and quality tested product! Let’s take a closer look at the truck bed bike mount system you should be buying.

INNO Truck Bed Bike Mount System

The first thing to note is that there are two variants of the INNO Velo Gripper – the standard version and the C-channel version. The mounts look slightly different but the real difference is in which trucks they fit.

A C-channel truck mount is designed to fit into the tracks on the truck bed, you’ll find these on trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra. The clamp drops into the track and tightens against it, securing locking itself into position. In contrast the standard  INNO Velo Gripper slots over the lip of your truck bed. Once tightened it’s as effective as the C-channel mount.

However, both types have the same basic specs:

The Positives

• Multiple Bikes & Compatibility

The Velo Gripper clamps straight onto the frame or even the forks of your bike. This means it doesn’t matter what style of bike you have, these clamps will work. This is aided by the fact that the clamps can be moved along the side of your truck bed. In addition, you can add a second set of clamps to the other side of your truck to carry an extra bike.

• Size & Weight

It takes two clamps to hold a bike in position. Each clamp is very small, allowing you to leave them I position without affecting the loading room on your truck, or you can remove them and store them in your glove box. It doesn’t matter where you are, or what you’re doing, you’ll always have a way to transport a bike, that’s convenience.

• D-Ring Strapping System

Each clamp has a D-ring built into it. This can be used to slide a cable lock through, securing the bike to the clamp. However, it can also be used to put ratchet straps through, allowing you to secure a load in the back of your truck, whether your bike is being carried or not. That’s a pretty useful addition.

• Easy Fit

It’s hard to find an easier-to-fit bike rack system. The clamps either slot over the side of your truck bed, or slide into the C-channel. You then tighten them and use the attached ratchet mounts to affix your bike into position. Once tightened it won’t move during transit. You don’t even have to drill anything in order to secure your bike.

What’s really good is that you don’t even need to climb into your truck to fit these clamps, they can be done in minutes from the outside of the truck bed. All you need to do is loosen the clamp, put it in position over the edge of your truck bed (or in the C-channel), and then tighten the knob. That’s it! You can easily move the position to fit a different sized bike too.

Check out this video to see how simple fitting really is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AJmW2Jgvcw

• Padding

These clamps affix around your frame, ideally on the forks. Of course, this risks damage during transit, which is why the clamps have thick rubber padding on them. It is very effective at protecting your bike, ensuring it arrives in the same condition as when you left.

• Keeps Truck bed Free

The clamps are small which means the only space used in your truck bed is that taken by the bike. In short, the INNO Velo Gripper will allow you to use the space in your truck or carry a bike even when you’re carrying other gear. That makes it an effective companion for anyone who uses their truck bed.

• Impressive Warranty

It can be said that INNO has one of the best warranties in the industry. You’ll get a limited lifetime warranty when you purchase the INNO Velo Gripper. This is valid for as long as you own the rack. It covers any defects on the product that is due to manufacturing issues, not user wear and tear. If any issue is the fault of INNO they’ll replace the bike clamp with another, a system of comparable value, or refund your money. Of course, you’ll need to hang onto your original receipt.

Negative Points

• Cost Difference

It’s fair to say the C-channel Velo Gripper is less likely to move in transit because part of the clamp is inside the channel on the back of your truck. However, it’s disappointing to note that the C-channel system is significantly more expensive than the standard option.

• Security

The clamps simply fasten to your truck bed. Although they have D-rings that allow you to add a cable lock, this isn’t supplied. More importantly, the cable lock will only secure your bike to the clamps. The clamps themselves are easy to remove which means your bike has minimal security. You may not think of this as an issue but you’re almost certain to leave your bike on your truck at least once… and it only takes one time.

• 2 Bike Limit

The INNO Velo Gripper is simple to use and an elegant solution to carrying bikes. This is especially true as your truck bed space is still largely available. However, the clamps affix to the side of your truck and there are no extensions available to allow you to add a second bike to the first. That means you’ll need two sets of clamps, one on each side of your truck and you’ll still only be able to carry two bikes. It’s disappointing when there is so much space available.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to carry just one or two bikes and you need your hitch then the INNO Velo Gripper is one of the best choices you’re going to make. It’s cost-effective, easy to use, and will always be with you. That means you can help out a friend in need.  It will also allow you to carry things in your truck at the same time as your bike.

However, before you rush to purchase one, consider how many bikes you normally carry and how often you leave the truck unattended, with the bikes attached. The sight of a cable lock may keep an opportunist away, but it won’t stop a professional bike thief. That means you’re going to need to devise your own way of locking the clamp to the truck, ensuring the safety of your bike.

The bottom line is that this is an exceptionally practical bike mount system. With a few small tweaks, or a little caution, it could be the only bike rack you need, and at a cost significantly less than many of the other options on the market. If you’ve got a truck and need to move your bike, it’s worth investing in the INNO Velo Gripper.