This innovative, unique mount carries any bicycle frame style or size on Yakima roof racks by attaching to the crank arm. Padded jaws grasp crank arm (strongest part of the bike), never touching bike's paint or cables; 2 ratcheting straps hold wheels in full-length tray. Fits Y-frames, bikes with oversize tube frames, full-suspension, dual-suspension or disc brakes, BMX bikes and children's bikes. Eye-level adjustment and reversible locking lever make it the easiest upright bike mount to load and unload from either side of your car. To deter theft, bike locks to mount and mount locks to rack with 2 Yakima SKS Lock Cores and 1 Accessory Lock Housing, each sold separately. Compatible with Yakima RoundBars, WingRiders, many factory roof racks and Thule racks with the use of Yakima Mighty Mounts, sold separately
I have used these since the mid 1990, no problem whatsoever. If properly adjusted, which takes less than 60 seconds, they have securely held my road bike, touring bike, mountain bike, wife's cruiser - I've even had a childrens bike up there - never any problem.
I've used these racks on multiple road trips over 1000 miles - no issues. There is some flex up there in high wind, but no issues. Just be careful at the Starbucks drive thru.
I notice some people complained they had issues with thier bottom brackets. I can assure you its not the rack. I'm a Clydesdale (6'1", 235lbs) rider who loves to get out of his seat, and all my bikes still have their original bottom bracket bearings.
Consider this: the force applied by the sway of a 25lb bike is but a fraction of the force I apply with every stroke when I get out of the saddle to climb a hill. I'd look elsewhere if started developing bottom bracket problems.
For overall ease of use (leave your front wheel on, mount and lock down in less than 1 minute), flexibility and my expereince of reiliability, I can't imagine a better set up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from DC Date Reviewed: September 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Nothing but weak
Similar Products Used:
Thule fork mount rack; Rocky Mounts
Bottom Line:
To call this thing a peice of crap would be isnulting to pieces of crap throughout the mountain biking world. If I could give less than one flaming dog poo, I would.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake Snake
a Weekend Warrior
from yakima WA usa Date Reviewed: June 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
rough ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Heavy duty construction, built to last.
Weaknesses:
Does not fir all cranksets, and is pretty heavy for what it does. These are probably why it is no longer made.
Similar Products Used:
Fork mount and upright Thule racks
Bike Setup:
single speed
Bottom Line:
The ankelbiter is heavy duty, (and heavy), but does not fit all crank arms! As mentioned elsewhere in this review page, Race Face cranks (and other wide arm styles) will not fit without cutting plastic back. THis would then compromise the fit on regular cranks... Over time, the plastic pieces where the clamp/crank rests will get beat up and start to slip. If you are handy with tools and mechanically inclined, you can solve this but yakima could have done better with this product!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Evanston, IL Date Reviewed: May 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
A paved road, silly
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Unique fitting system holds my roadie with big diameter down tube
Weaknesses:
Bike sways on car so badly I'm afraid to use it any longer. Arms are difficult to line up with crank arms, and while one man can do it, I've nearly dropped the bike on myself many times. Locks are prone to freezing up, though Yakima has replaced a couple without any trouble.
Similar Products Used:
Thule roof rack
Bike Setup:
Several road bikes
Bottom Line:
I definitely would not recommend this rack. Yakima has discontinued it, so that says it all for me (BAD DESIGN). I'm certain my bikes have sustained internal damage from the constant and forceful swaying on top of the car. And if you have a sunroof and can observe this, especially in the draft of a tractor-trailer on the highway, you'll cringe! Am switching to a rear hitch rack for ease of loading and better stability and less noise. Needless to say it's not the same brand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, Ky Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Do not have to remove front wheel, bike locks securely to rack
Weaknesses:
Rack does not lock to car, a lot of flex when a bike is attached, a tremendous amount of force is applied to the crank arm which destroys bottom brackets and cranks.
Similar Products Used:
Allen trunk mounted rack and Yakima Copperhead
Bike Setup:
2003 Trek Fuel
Bottom Line:
I originally bought this rack because I wanted one that could mount directly to the factory rack on my car and one that I did not have to taked the front wheel off. After a short time the forces caused to factory rack to delevop a lot of flex, so I had to replace the factory rack with Yakima bars and towers. This helped but did not solve the flex problem. The bikes would still rock back and forth while driving down the road. Hit a bump and it would sound like the entire rack could snap off. Since buying this rack I have been through two BB and a crankset on the bike I had when I purchased the rack. Then in 03 I bought the Fuel and have been though two BB, a crankset, have to get the left arm on the new crankset replaced because it is the intergrated crank and spinnal type and where the spinnal is pressed in the crank has come loose. In all these BB's the left side bearings were toast while the right side were perfectly fine. Guess which side the rack clamped onto, you guessed it, the left.
This is a good rack for occasional use, but when used 3-5 times a week like I do it is too hard on the bike.
I have since replaced it with the Yakima Copperhead which seems much easier on the bike. If I had put 2 and 2 togather and figured out was was causing my BB problems I would have replaced the Anklebiter much sooner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN Date Reviewed: June 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
http://www.rei.com
Strengths:
It's about as solid as they come. The swing arm is solid steel!
Weaknesses:
None that I have found
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Cannondale KV, Specialized SJ
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that this is a solid bike mount. The swing arm is solid and gets the job done. Now it's true that getting your bike loaded is little more work, but once it's on, IT'S ON. I DO recommend having locks for the swing arm. Once it's on your bike it's reassuring to know that that arm is locked in place. Other than that I have no complaints. I like not having to remove the front wheet, that is a nice feature!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, Ohio Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Olentangy River
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Once figured out, the installation is easy, no front wheel removal, stable.
Weaknesses:
not easy to work with if room between car and rack is limited. Watch the height!! Look out tree limbs!!
Bike Setup:
Circa '95 Specialized Hard Rock, all parts still hanging on are original
Bottom Line:
Good for the price. Super quick on and off - get to the trail and start riding!!! If you have a tall vehicle, you better be a strong person. I roll in an Xterra and use the rear tire as a step. I am not sure that Yakim astill sells this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Douglas Taylor
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz, California, USA Date Reviewed: May 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Mailboxes, S.C.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$57.00
Purchased At:
Ebay, (user id: bidnsave)
Strengths:
Eye-level w/locking mechanism. Quick & EZ loading & unloading. (ie >1-minute) Ankle-biting arm is super stiff, w/firm hold on light and heavy bikes alike. Bike rides high for all to see. Ratcheted rim/wheel straps. (Like snowboard bindings :)
Weaknesses:
Bike rides high hitting bugs, low tree limbs, and other things, like parking garages :0 Holding bike in place while raising ankle-biting arm can be difficult and if bike falls over . . . :(
I love checking out nice bikes on the highway and mounting the bike on top of a vehicle gives others the best view.
Roof racks on a raised truck can be a recipe for disaster. Low hanging limbs hit my bike's handlebars making nicks & scratches, if I forget how high the bike is (10'-11'!) I could easily cream it going into a parking garage, and if the bike slips while I am trying to mount it way above my head, its fall will damage itself, the truck, and possibly me. If you forget things easily while driving and don't trust yourself when lifting 40-lbs way above your head, holding it in place w/one hand while messing with a crank + ankle biting arm with the other, stick with trailer-hitch mounted racks.
If your car has a regular height roof BUY THIS PRODUCT, IT WORKS GREAT! The fact that my truck is raised is the only thing that cuases difficulties for me. If you have THULE bars buy the Yakima round or square adapters for $10 and mount this rack, these adapters work great too.
If you are worried about bottom bracket damage, don't worry. While mounted to the ankle biter, the BB has, at the most, a force equivalent to the bikes weight X 1.3' pushing it around. This is less than a third of force you put on the BB riding. Since your usual trails are probably about an hour away from you at the most, then effectively, in terms of bottom bracket wear, it adds 30 minutes of riding equivalent wear to your BB, round-trip. Bottom brackets are the strongest part of a bike, they can take being slammed against logs, cranked on by pro-riders, and landed on after big-drops. Don't let an overblown fear of wear stop you from purchasing this excellent roof-rack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chicken Warrior
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, MD, USA Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Patapsco State Park, MD
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Race Pace
Strengths:
Easy to install, load and adjust to fit any bike I've loaded.
Weaknesses:
Bolts are not Stainless. But that is typical.
Similar Products Used:
Tailgate racks.
Bike Setup:
13 year old Rockhopper, 95% original parts. Gotta love the classics. Car- Ford Focus wagon.
Bottom Line:
Got 2 of them for my roof racks. Then in less than 2 weeks they went from Maryland to Key West, FL and back. No problems.
Have loaded about 15 different bikes, ranging from high end road bikes to K-Mart Dual Suspension Specials. No problems with any cranks not fitting.
Problems / Modifications -Swaying, but that was the factory roof racks warping. -Replaced bolts with stainless steel bolts. -Not vertical, but that was again the factory roof racks being arched.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
BicycleSouth -LBS
Strengths:
solid, quick-loading, looks cool
Weaknesses:
Installation - THE SCREWS ARE STILL TOO SHORT, YAKIMA!! Not insurmountable, if you use tips below. Will not securely clasp crank w/o LockCore, sold separately
Similar Products Used:
trunk
Bike Setup:
Trek 6700, MightyMounts, Jeep Grand Cherokee
Bottom Line:
AnkleBiter Deuce is a great rack, once you get past installation. The rack closes around the anklebiter 'arm' with a clam-like assembly. The screws are supposed to go through the 'lips' of the clam, if you will, securing it to the MightyMount, and closing the clamshell in the process. Of course, the screw is too friggin short to do this, and all the squeezing, pushing, and turning in the world will only increase your blood pressure and the artistry of your cursing. (Yakima, really, is it that difficult to make the screw 1 cm longer so its compatible with the mount you recommend for this product???) Anyway, use a C-clamp to tighten the clam mouth, then insert screws and tighten. You have no idea the anguish I just saved you. Please send $19.95. In a review below, the dude says his bike flew off the rack. This would not have happened if he'd used the included wheel clamps. Also, the Biter must be adjusted around the crank with nanometric precision for it to hold. Similar to a seatpost, turn the clamp until you can just barely close the red part. From that point, there is nothing to hold it shut except inertia and the mountain bike gods. You have to use a Yakima LockCore. You only need one, but of course, they only come in packs of 2 or more. I am using a velcro strap to cinch it shut until my LockCore gets here. Everyone says this is good for full suspension bikes, but as with any roof rack, I would not enjoy heaving a 45 lb monster on the roof. I'm able to get my hardtail up there w/ no prob by stepping up on the back seat of the Jeep. But then, I have to pedal myself up hills since I don't have a personal valet following me around. Hardtails rule!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY, USA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
solid design, bombproof hardware
Weaknesses:
core get's a little stuck after not using it all winter.
Bike Setup:
1997 Pathfinder, trek STP
Bottom Line:
Been using this thing for 2, almost 3 years now.. and have never had a fall or break out of the rack. Rock solid, i leave it on there all year round. Having a carbon fiber bike makes it a pinch to lift up on to the roof. I'd say the only thing that i never thought about was the stress on the crank arm causing premature wearing on the BB.. I'll have to investigate this further.. but in the mean time.. i enjoy not having to take a tire off the front.. which is the first reason i bought this rack.. rock on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chewy
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Lower Ladies
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Strengths:
You don't have to remove the front wheel. It is easy to load, once you have done it a couple of times. Grabs the crank arm instead of the frame or fork, a real benefit if you have a dually or QR20 fork.
Weaknesses:
It doesn't grab all of the new super wide crank arms, but there is a solution with a few alterations.
Similar Products Used:
Yakima Cobra, Yakima Copperhead, Thule junk
Bike Setup:
Norco VPS Shore, Monster T's
Bottom Line:
I read a lot of complaints in previous reviews, lots of crying about problems, but no offers of solutions. This rack is made for people who have QR20 hubs, that can't use a fork mount, and monocoque frames that can't attach anything to the downtube. What else is out there, Thule offers no solution. My bike weighs 45lbs, it's hard to lift it to the roof, but once it is up there the clamp is easy to use. If you have a SUV (stupid useless vehicle), it is going to be hard to load a bike on to your roof no matter what rack you have, stop chirping and buy a car, what do you need that monster truck for anyway, to drive to the grocery store? As for the wide crank issue, the guys at Rack Attack solved that problem for me, a little shaving of some plastic and a slightly longer bolt fixed it for me. A little inovation goes a long way. If your bike is crooked on the roof, adjust the rack properly and get it straight. If you can't put the rack together, go back to night school and get you high school equivelancy, then read the instructions. Nobody said life was suposed to be easy. If you can't lock the Anklebiter to your rack, buy a Yakima Accesory Lock Housing, that's what they make them for. MUST I ALWAYS BABYSIT THE SIMPLE MINDED!
Easy on and off, sturdy arm, don't have to take front tire off.
Weaknesses:
The tire rachets seem to be a little on the flimsy side but they do the job. even on 1300 mile trips.
Bike Setup:
Giant AC2, MRP, North Shore DH cranks, Hayes, Azonic A Frames
Bottom Line:
If you are tired of taking your front wheel off or have disk brakes this is the bike rack for you. It's strong and easy to use
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Alderfer / 3 Sisters in Evergreen
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
-- No taking the front wheel off. -- Beefy arm that holds the bike.
Weaknesses:
-- Wheel tie downs are flimsy. The old ones work better. -- Does not lock to the roof (on a factory rack)
Similar Products Used:
None. This is my first rack after using a home made rack for many years!
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll 900SL 2001 Model. Disc Brakes
Bottom Line:
At first, I was not impressed at all. The bike wobbled horribly and I was seriously concerned about the relaibility of this rack. I bought the 29H mightymounts to work with the factory rack on my 2002 SE Pathfinder. After tinkering with the rack for a few days, I finally trimmed the little 1/4" tab off the mightymounts where the screw clamps onto the factory rack. WOW...that made a huge difference in the stability of the bike. My bike no longer wobbles like it did before. It seems that the weak point in the system is now the factory rack on the Pathfinder...which is actually pretty strong for a factory rack! I'm now impressed with the stability.
When you use Mightymounts, the ability to lock the rack onto your roof goes away. I use cable locks anyway, so it's not a huge deal for me.
I had no problem fitting a Truvativ Stylo or Shimano Deore crank in the jaw. The only complaint that I have are the wheel tie downs. They are a newer ratchet type tie down that seem to strip themselves if you try to really crank them down. With this rack you don't really need to crank the wheels down much, but I like to have peace of mind that everything is tight. I used some of the older clamps from Yakima and they work just fine.
I recommend this product to anyone. Before you buy it, make sure your crank will fit...it's a pretty universal clamp, but I'm sure there are some cranks the clamp will not work with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john su
a Cross Country Rider
from brookline, ma Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
fells, bluehills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
rei
Strengths:
solid construction, only solution for beefy framed full susp bikes, works well with my spec fsr xc pro w/truvativ crank
Weaknesses:
just like the upright type, slightly more difficult to load/unload bikes compared to fork mount
this is for the anklebiter duece. crank interface seems bullet proof with 2 points of engagement to ensure a good hold.
this also was a great way for me to mount my bikes and still get free access to my hatch (using on subaru factory racks). the standard yakima lockjaws can barely get its "jaws" around my frame and actually toppled over once while driving on a twisty road... hopefully this anklebiter duece will hold up better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Duncan
a Weekend Warrior
from South Carolina Date Reviewed: March 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
DuPont Forest, NC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$56.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Easy to install bicycle. Holds any size and type of frame since it attaches at the crank arm. Doesn't scratch paint since it doesn't touch it. No muddy wheel to worry about.
Weaknesses:
Some factory racks will have trouble with this rack if they're too close to the roof of the car.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Moab, Specialized
Bottom Line:
Very good product. I have a Ford Focus wagon and it works very well. I'm sure it would be much harder to attach bicycle on a SUV since it would be much higher. I am using the factory rack and had to use about 5 washers on each mount to increase the clearance between the rack mechanics and the roof of the vehicle. Without the washers the rack was only a quarter inch from the paint on the car. I'm sure it would have damaged the vehicle once the bicycle was installed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Medford, Oregon Date Reviewed: February 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wagner Creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Sims Cycles
Strengths:
Yakima name. Easy to use (most of the time). Not having to remove front wheel. Won't scratch paint. Innovative concept & design.
Weaknesses:
Over-sized cranks can be a nightmare to fasten. 99 model (first year, I believe) had design flaws. Can be difficult to load bike on SUV's because of the height.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Specialized, Schwinn
Bottom Line:
Great product because of Yakima's name and reliability. Not having to remove your muddy front wheel and throw it in the back seat after a winter ride is a huge plus.
I had a problem with my anklebiter (99 model) with the swing arm locking in place and not rotating properly. I contacted the Yakima reps and they took care of it immediately, no questions asked!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Colo Cyclist
Strengths:
Easy to use, secure, fits funky frames
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
lockjaw
Bike Setup:
K2 Oz-M carbon fiber, RockShox Psylo-SL, Shimano XT hyd discs
Bottom Line:
Been using the rack for a long time (since they first came out) w/o any major complaints, on two different vehicles, including a 4x4, and with multiple bikes. I've even gone off-roading with bikes on top. Bikes go on & come off easily & quickly, and it holds them securely, even if you do something stupid like drive under large low-hanging tree limbs :-O On the 4x4 I have to lift a 30lb bike overhead and climb a 2-step ladder to get the bike up there, and I still think the rack is easy to use! To the folks that are worried about their bottom brackets: think about it -- how much force can a bike on a rack apply to the crank arms compared to the cyclic loads applied by you while riding? The "secret" to eliminating sway is to really crank down the front wing nuts, so that the arm is hard to rotate. Also, adjust the locking clamp so that it is hard to close.
Bottom line is, if you want a roof-top upright mount for funky frames, there is no other choice. Get it set up right, learn to use it, and you'll be happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
seismo
a
from Boston, MA, USA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Cute marketing name.
Weaknesses:
Just about everything you could imagine. Very poor implementation to the solve a difficult problem of fitting a wide range of bike types.
Similar Products Used:
Sportworks Bob Ratchet
Bike Setup:
Bruce Gordon Rock n' Road w/ 700c road and offroad tires
Bottom Line:
I've been a big Yakima fan for over 15 years. I've remained a fan because their designs, use of materials and implementations have always been top notch IMHO. When I needed to replace one of my car top roof racks last year I thought I'd give the Anklebiter a try even though I am carrying a conventional frame (I thought - never know what I might be trying to carry in a couple of years). I liked the notion of not having to remove my wheel, and that the rack didn't touch the frame itself. After trying to use the Anklebiter for almost a year, I gave up in utter frustration as I found actual usability was severely lacking. It's the first Yakima product in over 15 years I've been totally disgusted with, and ended up returning it.
I found the directions confusing and generally unhelpful. Once put together properly, I found it a bit hard to install on the roof due to the very heavy arm and floppy plate assembly in front. More often than not, the crank arm clamp would come off the arm while trying to pry it open far enough to accept the crank arm. So there you are, holding your bike with one hand and trying to reposition the clamp on it's arm and then on the crank arm with the other. Once you get this far, you still have to hold the bike while trying to snap the clamp into its locking collar and then snap the clamp closed. Hopefully, your bike didn't move it's position while doing all of this. I just don't know why Yakima designed the clamp so it comes of the arm so easily. It was much easier to use if a second person could hold the bike while you futzed with the clamp.
Once it's on, it holds the bike fairly well. I did occasionally notice some shifting of the clamping point along the crankarm after driving. From a mechanics standpoint, I felt uncomfortable with the bike being held by the crank arm with nearly the full weight of the bike subjecting the crank/bottom bracket to a prying torque as the bike sways back and forth. It's probably not a big deal, but why take a chance and go to so much pain when there are *much* better choices out there. I've switched to the Sportworks Bob Ratchet. Although it's not perfect, it's a 1000% better approach to the same problem as the Anklebiter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robaire Pullicar
a Weekend Warrior
from U.S. Mil. stationed in Germany Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any single track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
I use this rack on a Ford Taurus Wagon, at Autobahn speeds avg 85MPH, and in the twisty's of the Bavarian Alps at keep up with the BWW in the turns speeds. No movement of my bikes. I have total confidence in this Rack. I only bought it to hold my Super V Lefty. My regular Yakima fork mounts are just as solid. Easy assembly, very detailed Instructions and illustrations.
Weaknesses:
I havent found a weakness yet.
Similar Products Used:
Started with Yakima, never saw a reason to change in 14 years
Bike Setup:
C-dale Super V 700sx
Bottom Line:
This is a solid rack for any bike, but it's perfect for the C-dale Lefty. Yeah, there's more than one way to the 7-eleven but I'll go with the Ankle Biter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagle Mountain Date Reviewed: June 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bennie Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
mad dog cycles
Strengths:
Easy to load/unload your bike. Doesn't mar you frame's paint job. You don't have to remove your front tire (get on the trail quicker).
Weaknesses:
None yet. However, I would like to see how the locking mechanism holds up over time.
Similar Products Used:
Yakima lock jaws. Saris upright and fork mount.
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Moab1(Cromo), Gary Fisher Paragon, Bridgestone MB-3.
Bottom Line:
I am using the AnkleBighter 2, so I can't speak to some of the problems the earlier reviewers had. I havn't seen any of the swaying problems and I drive fast. Loading my bikes is quite easy, and takes less than 20 seconds.
As far as set up goes, the first time I had to attach it, it took me about 15 minutes. The second time, it only took me 3.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony A
a Weekend Warrior
from Oak Park Date Reviewed: June 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
R.E.I.
Strengths:
You don't have to go through the hassle of removing the front wheel. I have disc brake bike and I don't look forward to taking the front wheel off if I don't have too.
Weaknesses:
If someone wanted to steal your Anklebiter all they would have to do is remove three of the plastic butterfly nuts. They would have to have their own towers and cross bars if they tried. Also when a bike is not in place the Anklebiter bar that holds the crank tends to rub on the tray when it's locked down. I'll think I'll wrap it in alot of Handle bar tape.
Similar Products Used:
First roof rack I've tried. I was using a RhodeGear Rear spare tire rack and saw some pics of a crushed bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock 2001Schwinn MOAB DISC
Bottom Line:
Practice makes perfect. The first time I tried to mount my bike to the rack it was difficult. But after making a few adjustments and knowing where to hold the bike steady it's been a breeze.
I found no problem of adjusting the rack to different types of bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey
a Cross Country Rider
from Kensington Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Wethersfield Bike shop
Strengths:
easy to use - not sure what everyone is complaining about....it takes me no longer than 15 seconds to mount. Just lift the bike, put the wheels in the groove, then hold the bike with your left arm at the fork, and use your right hand to position the arm paralled with the crank arm.
Weaknesses:
Nothing
Bottom Line:
This thing works great - I can understand why some people have problems mounting the bike, but come on people...its not that difficult. After a few tries, it takes me 15 seconds flat everytime now.
My only concern with this product is the crank BB loosen up because of the forces..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Gravity Gultch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Eccelstone Cycle
Strengths:
Works really well, easy to use!
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
fork up - a pain in the ass
Bike Setup:
Raven
Bottom Line:
This rack system works great! I had no problems setting it up. It took me about 20 minutes, and 2 beers.
I have used it with several different bikes, all with different cranks, and have had equal success with each of them.
It is very easy to put a bike onto - about 30 seconds tops.
I would recommend this rack to anybody. Buy it, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT COME WITH IT, and enjoy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony Bigs
a
from Crooklyn, Ny Date Reviewed: March 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Holds my bike
Weaknesses:
Little rubber thingee shredded. It protects the locking mechanism from scraping the crank.
Similar Products Used:
Lockjaw,
Bike Setup:
a few of them
Bottom Line:
I got my 2001 anklebiter 2 with my new car. 1:it fits my Raceface Turbines fine out of the box. 2: It was easy to set up 3: It holds the bike (Any bike I've tried) just fine. Perhaps the 2 is much better than the 1 was. My subaru Forester is not too tall, so that's not an issue. Bottom line: if you don't use QR's, or dont want to lug some muddy wheel arround, this is the way to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim
a Weekend Warrior
from medford,oregon Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Watershed loop
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Front wheel stays on bike
Weaknesses:
Price, Assembly is a pain! Locking collar never seems to fit quite right. Poor design (bike is top heavy and shifts)
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Jeep Grand Cherokee with Specialized Stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
In my opinion it should take about one minute to either load or unload your bike. I feel like I'm constantly wrestling around up there try to the lock the collar around the crank arm. And if you have a SUV or a truck that's high off the ground you're also doing a balancing act so you break your neck. It also seems like a poor concept. By attaching to the crankarm, which is so low on the bike, the bike seems to move around, and sway quite a bit, I'm always poking my head out of the car to see if my bikes still up there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Good Idea in theory
Weaknesses:
Does not work with all cranksets
Similar Products Used:
3 types of Thule racks...all are superior to Yakima
Bottom Line:
I have 2 styles of Thule's Ultimate Uprights, and one Thule Velo Vise. These are all superior to the AnkleBiter. I bought the AnkleBiter though because of my tall framed Intense Uzzi. But when I changed it to a RaceFace Turbine LP crank, the new crank wouldn't fit the AnkleBiter and a call to Yakima TEch support says no fix is in the works.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Jackson
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: October 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
In theory, a good design.
Weaknesses:
In real life, a waste of money.
Similar Products Used:
Still looking.
Bottom Line:
I wish I had read these reviews before buying the product. In a word, it is junk. The hardware is very difficult to install. The "ankle biter" part of the rack barely fits around the crank. The locking arm is way too short, the pedal gets in the way. The entire structure is weak, the tray is thin and bends easily. Avoid this product!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charile
a Cross Country Rider
from Hell City, AZ Date Reviewed: September 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hawes
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
No have to remove front wheel.
Weaknesses:
No hold bike steady. Doesn't clamp well to Carumba DB crank.
Similar Products Used:
Steelhead, Velo Vise, and old Thule rack.
Bike Setup:
Matters Not.
Bottom Line:
After trying this rack system, I felt that there was too small a 'bite' on the crank for the thing to really hold the bike securly. I found adjusting the clamp a pain. Traded in for a set of Steelheads. I like my velo vises best!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benjamin Roelofs
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, Nevada, USA Date Reviewed: August 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Because it holds onto the crank, it doesn't matter what kind of bike you have. I got so sick of taking of my front tire, that this upright is a bonus.
Weaknesses:
The assembly takes a while. Additionally, if you do a sloppy install, the end result suffers greatly. Helpful Hint: READ THE DIRECTIONS!
Bike Setup:
Cannondale SuperV 500
Bottom Line:
I highly recomend this attachment to anyone with an over-sized frame. I, personally, got sick of always removing my tire before and after rides. With the Anklebiter Duece, you don't have to worry about it. Its a little cumbersome when you have to lift the bike up, but its worth it. Seeing as how the crank is one of the strongest parts of your bike, this product has little downside. People complain about the fact that the bikes lean in slightly. If this is the case, readjust where the Anklebiter is grabbing the crank. Seriously, this is a great product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Saipan Date Reviewed: August 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Easy to use - once you hoist the bike up onto the roof.
Weaknesses:
Worried it might not work with the crankset I just ordered. Hard to use on tall SUV's.
Similar Products Used:
various
Bottom Line:
I like this rack but I would not recommed it for SUV's. I have a Montero Sport and it's a b!tch to hoist my bike way up on the roof. Even with the running boards and my 6'3" height it can be a challenge to get the bike up on the roof sometimes - especially when I'm tired after a hard ride. If you have a tall SUV get a back rack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Ormsby
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Looking for one
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Easy to use. Don't have to remove your wheel to attach. Fits any bike I've tried (though not always well).
Weaknesses:
Doesn't fit LX cranks very well (just bought these). Bike appears off-keel, although I'm sure it is sturdy. Bolts for the Mighty Mounts not long enough, and the attaching nuts spin in the plastic molding, so if I want to remove I will have to cut the mighty mounts. Yakima did send me another set though, I have to give them credit for that.
Similar Products Used:
First bike rack
Bike Setup:
Rack: Anklebiters on a factory Subaru Outback rack attached with Mighty Mounts
Bottom Line:
Don't get me wrong, I like this rack. It's very quick to get the bikes on top. I've driven it over Vail Pass in terrible winter weather, with no problems. 80-90 MPH on a windy day not a problem either. Installation w/ Mighty Mounts on the factory rack was not the easiest - not a lot of clearance to work with, and the bolt/nut attachment has caused problems. I bought LX cranks a while back, and unfortunately the Anklebiter does not fit these cranks very well (I've tried), so that my bike is in a permanent lean. I don't believe it's a problem, but it does not look very sturdy. In retrospect, I should have bought the whole crossbar/tower/fork mount setup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Pauley Creek, Downieville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Won't hook onto beefier cranks, bolt isn't long enough. Stresses the bottom bracket.
Bottom Line:
Piece of crap. Don't buy it. Get a copper/steelhead. I have a Z1 Xfly so going with the copperhead... fork mount is raised a bit above the tray so I don't have to make a cutout for my disc brake caliper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando Fl USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Easy loading, don't have to remove front wheel
Weaknesses:
The Red plastic locking mechanism breaks easily.
Similar Products Used:
Steelhead Boa
Bike Setup:
Marin Eldridge Grade
Bottom Line:
Get a Steelhead. Losing your bike just isn't worth it. I saw two break the same day. Yakima exchanged both for Steelheads. They know anklebiters suck so they won't give you any grief replacing it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Newtown Square, PA Date Reviewed: June 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
wissahicken
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
You don't have to take the front wheel off. Price. For my 99 pathfinder this is the rack they recommend to attach to the existing factory rack.
Weaknesses:
I never felt that my bike was completely secure. Swaying side to side. Also the rack pulled my crack arm out of whack and then I rode it, unknowingly, and stripped it all out. Now I might as well upgrade to raceface or an XT. I have only had my bike for less than a year.
Similar Products Used:
trunk
Bike Setup:
2000 trek 7000
Bottom Line:
go with the steelhead. safer and more secure. Plus it won't strip out your crank.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Pato
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Solid as a rock once properly setup. Solved the problem I had transporting my bike given that it's a Lefty and removing the front wheel is a HUGE PAIN.
Weaknesses:
Installation/setup is a bit of an undertaking.
Similar Products Used:
Yakima Boa and Steel Head
Bike Setup:
C'dala F200SX (Lefty)
Bottom Line:
I love this thing. Literally takes me 20 seconds to load my bike. The fasteners for the front and rear tires are excellent. Product delivers what it promises.
Re: difficulty accessing screws,bolts etc during installation. I'll agree here - somewhat. Takes a bit of work to get in there and tighten things up but this is by no means impossible and doesn't require and tools beyond some pliers and the tools Yakima supplies.
Re: the mechanism not 'grabbing' the crank securely - the red locking mechanism must be turned clockwise in order to ensure there is enough tension (or whatever) between the mechanism and your crank (I mention this because my bike used to lean back and forth before I figured this one out). Don't let this dissuade you from buying the core locks - nothing like security and peace of mind.
I recommend installing this thing on a full stomach and after a good nights rest....installation takes a bit of patience. Once setup, however, you're set - works like a charm and certainly solved my 'lefty' problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
None.
Weaknesses:
This is one of the worse engineering design jobs ever.
Similar Products Used:
Still looking, obviously no more Yakima products!
Bottom Line:
Everytime you think you've seen the worse engineering design ever, another group of engineers proves you wrong. With the auxillary parts recommended by Yakima on their web site, we tried to install the Anklebiter on a 1999 Subaru Outback Sport.
First, the illustrations in the instructions were created by an artist who was out the day "perspective" was taught. Lowest bidder I assume.
The hardware is of poor quality. For example, bolts are barely long enough, making the wing nuts difficult to tighten. The 14H MightyMounts require that the wing nuts be applied from the bottom rather than the top. Doing that, however, means that one of them has to be forced, with every revolution, under the place where the tray attaches to the ankle biter body. With the too-short bolts, just getting it threaded takes forever. Bloody knuckles are the result.
The back attachment is even worse. In the front, the bolt head sits inside a cutout keeping it from turning as the wing nuts are tightened. In the back, the bolt head slides freely inside a grooved track under the wheel tray. Tightening the wing nut is a chore, there is no way to stop the bolt from turning without grasping the body of the bolt with a pair of plyers. Not easy.
Once installed, the Anklebiter is unstable. Although the front plates and rear attachment were solid, the bike in the wheel tray leans very easily. I tried an expendable old 28lb bike first, no amount of adjustment of the Ankle Biter could solve the leaning problem. In fact, the wheel tray itself isn't even true. I was afraid that too many bumps or highway speeds would risk twisting damage to the bike. There was no way that my $1200 bike was going anywhere near that thing.
I gave the Anklebiter to I guy I work with to try before buying it from me. He got the mounts recommended by Yakima for his rack. Needless to say, no sale. He was angrier than I was. The result is that I paid good money to decorate a landfill.
I wish there was some way to score a zero or less for this hardware.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynchburg, Virginia, USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Blackwater Creek System
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
VERY fast & easy loading & unloading. Its a whole lot easier than having to take the front whel off every time.
Weaknesses:
You've GOT to get a SKS Lock Core for the latch itself, if nowhere else. This is the only way you can be SURE the latch is secure. I've got a nice dent on my Accord where the bike fell the first day I got the rack (the tie straps on the wheels are strong! They held the bike on the car until I could pull over)
Bike Setup:
1999 Giant Iguana
Bottom Line:
The best rack there is!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chip Hewette
a weekend warrior
from Kings Mountain, NC Date Reviewed: January 16, 1999
Bottom Line:
Anklebiter rack for Yakima roof bars is wonderful! Once I realized rack had to be placed far forward on the bars to get things lined up, installation was quick and easy. Rack secures bike at crankarm, and is very beefy. Full length wheel tray makes throwing bike up there fast. Latching is simple, and adjustments for latching are easy. You must be careful to set up latch properly so that crankarm does not wiggle. My 98 Diamondback V-Link 3.2 rides like a King! Price is same as Steelhead, so why buy that rack which you have to take front wheel off? Saw them on sale at REI store in San Diego.
Overall Rating:
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