The Yakima Sidewinder Tandem Bike Mount is a convenient one person tandem loading system with an easy swing out skewer arm. The Sidewinder firmly holds all tandem frame shapes more securely than a wheel-tray design, and easily holds any 9mm tandem fork using a stainless steel locking long-throw shewer with single side adjustability. Protects bottom mounted cables with unique padded boom cradle and quick release ratcheting straps, and is designed to clear hatches and flip up rear doors on most ve
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Worcester, MA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001
Strengths: Very Sturdy. Bike is stable in the mount.
Weaknesses: Pricey
Bottom Line:
The tandem rack was what led me to Yakima in the first place. The Thule system for tandems at the time was OK, but much more expensive. I have used this rack for about 7 years with no issues.
It is advertised as a rack that one person can use to put the tandem on. I would argue that this person needs some upper body strength though. I have used it mainly on a Caravan. I am 5'11" and it is a bit of a stretch. On a smaller vehicle it would be easier.
The main thing to look for is a rack that will not damage the bike. The front uses a traditional fork mount and the back has a small 12" tray that the bottom tube between the cranks sits in. This seems to be pretty good. I do occasionally get the crank-to-crank chain hung up on the strap buckles though. This is annoying but not terrible.
I have no major complaints. Tandems are a difficult item to carry in any case.
I noticed on Yakima's web site that the price is up to $335 which seems kind of high. But it still less than Thule's.
