Submitted by
Hammiam
a Cross Country Rider
from Rural Retreat, Va Date Reviewed: November 11, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Looks good. Very sturdy design. Loading and unloading is very easy and fast. Holds complete bike no removing the front wheel. No contact with bike frame or components just tires. No roof top noise from it.
Weaknesses:
Can be hard to load a bike on time of a high vvehicle Red release button doesn't really work as advertised
Similar Products Used:
Yakima SteelHead
Bottom Line:
I really do like this rack I believe that it does work very good. Makes loading and unloading the bikes really easy with very little time. However as stated above the red release button does not really work as advertised and both hands are required leaving no hands to hold the bike. However there is a real easy way to to deal with this. As per what the instructions say you are to loosen the tension wheel before even pressing the red button to lower it the rest of the way. Well what I do is just keep turning the tension wheel until it drops which is very little and works so much easier plus I can keep one hand on the bike. So bottom line this is not an issue.
Others have also mentioned that the plastic covers that have to be snapped back on at the front would not stay on very well. They have one of two issues. There either not getting them completely snapped back on or they broke them while taking them off. When p
utting mine back on once I got them lined up you have to push pretty hard to get them to snap back on. No worries of them coming off.
Other issue mentioned was the bike moving around while driving. Well it does move around some but its really very little some over exaggerate this. It's not enough to bring concern. I have also tried to pull the bike out of the rack after loading it and its not coming out of there so no worries on losing it. However if your tire would go flat while its up there it might come loose. I do believe Yakima could add another ratchet strap to hold the front wheel to rack which would protect against it coming loose if the tire went flat. But the odds of this happening are very slim.
I remember reading somewhere that if you have a wind fairing that you have to mount theses backwards on the rack this is not true the design leaves enough space for even the Q-Towers to pass underneath the highroller. Matter a fact I have mine centered over the Q-Tower.
I am going to address one more issue. Some complain that it doesn't come with a SKS Lock Core. Well that would be nice but do you want to have a bunch of different keys for your rack system or just buy a 6 or 8 pack of SKS locks so that they all match. I think that is why SKS Lock Cores are sold seperately
Bottom line I would highly recommend this rack. I like it so much I am selling all of my Yakima SteelHeads to buy another one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zoo00oom
a Cross Country Rider
from RR, VA, US Date Reviewed: September 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$135.00
Purchased At:
backcountry.com
Strengths:
Not having to take the front wheel off, no frame contact.
Weaknesses:
side to side wobble. (4 chilis overall)
Similar Products Used:
xport frame grabber
Bike Setup:
several different ones
Bottom Line:
I bought this because I like not taking my wheel on and off and I did not like scuffing my frames with other racks.
I like this rack just fine, but I really feel at this price Yakima could have put a lock core in it. It is like buying a car and them asking you if you would like tires to go with it!
Hey Yakima, if you send me a lock core I will up your value rating! (and 4 chilis for that!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tednugent
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern New Jersey Date Reviewed: June 25, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Campmor
Strengths:
Once installed, easy to load & remove. Of course, no need to stash the front wheel somewhere else.
Weaknesses:
Getting the plastic covers back on can be a pain. The release button can be finicky to operate.
Similar Products Used:
Yakima Forklift
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29er
Bottom Line:
Great, user friendly design from Yakima.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
br805ww
a Cross Country Rider
from San Leandro, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 16, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$179.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
The HighRoller is built tough and very user friendly. The bike is stable and only moves a little.
Weaknesses:
There are two plastic covers that to over the bolt mounts (under the front wheel area), if you do not put these covers back on, the front bar that holds the front wheel is misaligned and may not hold your front tire properly. It makes me wonder how long those plastic covers will last?
Mountain bike tires with large lugs sometimes get stuck on the front bar, and you have to pry your tire out in order to remove your bike. Maybe the front tire contact area chould be rounded off to avoid this.
Similar Products Used:
A Yakima Raptor-like product, this was way before the Raptor came out and this was pre 1991 and bought used.
Also the Yakima Steelheads and ATOC Tandem Topper
Bike Setup:
Stock Cannondale F2 with a DLR Lefty
Bottom Line:
This is a very easy to use bike rack.
I have a Cannondale with a Lefty, and the HighRoller is mounted on the left side of the car, putting the bike in the rack is moderately diffcult due to the Lefty shock and it seems taller for some reason (unless I'm shrinking) even for a sedan.
Overall, I love this rack and I bought it because my bike has disc brakes and lack of space to put front wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MTBchick
a Weekend Warrior
from Gilbert, AZ Date Reviewed: March 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Desert Classic at South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
easy on and off, don't have to remove front tire, easy to remove and put on other cars
Weaknesses:
bike wobble (although the bike is solid in place - hasn't fallen off yet)
Bottom Line:
Buy it. I've really enjoyed having the Highroller - it was well worth the investment. I do have problems loading a bike by myself, but that's simply because I don't have the arm strength - my husband has to help me lift the bike.
We had initial difficulties in removing the bike because the red button wouldn't release. But after reading the other reviews, I realized we needed to release the tension on the arm. Works fine now.
We've also removed and installed the rack on other vehicles (when letting people borrow the rack), and it's very easy to remove and install - only takes a few minutes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
muddyBiker774
a Cross Country Rider
from Worcester, MA Date Reviewed: October 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Miller's Pond, Lyme, CT
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Easy on, easy off - 20 seconds. Made well, looks great, doesn't stick out past the front fairing, double ratchet on rear wheel strap. Solid rack. Doesn't touch anything but the wheels.
Weaknesses:
The bike sways some, which concerned me at first, but after 6 months, this is not an issue.
Similar Products Used:
Thule Side Arm (considered it - see below).
Bike Setup:
2007 Santa Cruz Blur LT, X9-AM build kit with DirtyDogMtb rotors - way nicer than the avids (check 'em out at dirtydogmtb.com).
Bottom Line:
I considered both the Thule Side Arm and the Yakima High Roller. Both are decent racks - you can't go wrong with either, but I liked the High Roller better. I actually found it easier to use than the Side Arm for the following reasons:
side arm has a lot of resistance as you're trying to get it to just the right angle over your wheel; they don't tell you this when you're buying it, but the side arm has to make contact with both your tire AND THE FORK - this interfered with the cable guide on my Fox Float 32 RLC fork; the side arm sticks out over your front windshield; when no bike on it, the side arm sticks up higher than the high roller; the thule product was generally made like crap compared to the yakima (out of the box, the thule paint was already bubbling on the mounting bracket, plus overall feel was cheap);
The only thing that the side arm did better than the high roller, was hold the bike without the slight sway of the high roller - however, all the other benefits I just stated about the high roller easily outweighed the side arm for me.
I recommend the high roller - no problem releasing the bike - you put the fingers of your right hand on the wheel to steady the bike, you use your thumb of your right hand to pull the support against the tire to take the pressure off while you loosen the knob with your left hand - push the button with your left hand and let go of the support with your thumb - easy.
I don't understand everyone's concern over the built in cable lock - the only thing I use it for is to lock the high roller to the bar when I'm not using it. I've actually considered cutting it off the rack. When the bike's up there, I use two cable locks I bought for that purpose.
I give it a 4 for value 'cause it's not cheap but I think it's made well. Overall I'd give it a 5 but the slight sway brings it to a 4. I recommend REI over RackAttack. REI sells both yakima and thule and their return policy is no hassle. RackAttack personell did not convey trustworthyness to me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: April 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
On Line
Strengths:
Built like a tank and literally takes less than 30 seconds to throw your bike up and completely fasten it in place. Holds the bike tight and secure with no worries about it shaking loose during travel. Also has good security to give you a little piece of mind.
To eliminate the red knob issues you simply lift up slightly on the swing arm that holds the tire and the button pushes in freely. It is the dead weight of the swing arm that keeps the button from pushing in freely.
FRONT WHEEL STAYS ON!!!
Weaknesses:
It is a large geometry rack and is not exactly sleek from a wind resistance stand point. When not loaded with a bike it is a large looking rack sitting on your ride. The ease of use and performance greatly outweigh the size issue but something to be aware of when considering this rack
Bike Setup:
07 Kona Dawg Primo
Bottom Line:
Great rack, loads in less than a minute and you dont have to remove your front wheel.
Build very well and solid design.
Little pricey but you get what you pay for with this one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverhead Date Reviewed: February 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Rack Attack
Strengths:
strength, ease of operation, looks
Weaknesses:
silly red button. just unscrew til the arm falls which takes 5 seconds. lil pricey.
Similar Products Used:
Saris Bones
Bike Setup:
Fisher blah blah blah
Bottom Line:
Super easy to put the bike up, super easy to take the bike down and very solid. Works for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Weekend Warrior
from Killeen, Texas Date Reviewed: January 31, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Austin Canoe and Kayak
Strengths:
The mechanism is far and above beyond the King Cobra. The Cobra's tightening knob loosens itself easily. The high roller simply stays put. The Cobra when trying to loosen the bike from the hoop will take a bite of your finger if not careful The highroller just takes a little tap to the tire. In sum, it does its job and is easy to use. It is the product that the King Cobra should have been all along.
Weaknesses:
After a year of use I haven't identified any. At first, due to the streamlined look, and bike wobble' I thought maybe it wasn't as sturdy as other options. That has proven false. It's rock steady.
Similar Products Used:
King Cobra--still resides on the car alongside the high roller.
Bottom Line:
At 140$ and the ease of use and design so much better than the King Cobra, it's a sure bet. Also available many places. Best mount of 6 I've tried. (Trunk mount--Saris and another brand, BOA, yakima that held bike by down tube, K Cobra, steel head mount).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ssorgs
a
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: January 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
backcountry.com ?
Strengths:
Quick & easy, low profile when not in use, 1-handed operation, front wheel tray doesn't extend beyond front bar, clamps wheel not downtube. Advertised with a Maverick!
Weaknesses:
Should be able to lock to rack without bike cable, wheel size stop is crap, expensive. Bike does sway a fair amount but does't seem to be going anywhere.
Really like this rack and it's a big improvement over the King Cobra my friend has. I like that it folds much flatter than KC or Thule Criterium. I like the upright as it's fast and my Maverick with DUC fork has to use an adapter for fork mount (does have quick releases) and it's hard to grab since it's inverted and has stanchion guards. I like that it grabs the wheel, but the wheel size clamp doesn't stay closed -- I've had to zip tie it. Also like that the front wheel doesn't hang over the front bar like the Thule and whole thing is behind my fairing.
The tension dial works just fine, though I find the red button is worthless. You have to unscrew the dial so much for the button to work it's not worth it. I just unscrew until the bars fall and can hold my bike steady with one hand just fine.
Also agree that one more lock core to lock the carrier to the rack would be nice. I don't bother to use the cable for that, but I do use it on my bike. I did replace the wingnut in back with just a nut to make it more of a hassle to remove the carrier.
May not be perfect, but it's the best upright out there by a good amount.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gigs
a Downhiller
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: October 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
3rd Divide
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Mike's Bikes
Strengths:
Solidly holds DH bike without wheel removal. Sturdy design.
Weaknesses:
Same red button issue as the others, but like the last review says, it just requires a little extra turning of the knob. In my opinion the harder it is to remove, then less likely the bike will end up flying off the roof when driving.
My criticism is 2 fold. One they have you buy a core lock for the system. But two, the way it is designed, someone can steal the rack/bike even if you use the cable locking mechanism. The rack can't be locked to the bars and bike at the same time. I live in the city and I have had bikes ripped from the roof rack with the rack attached!
Similar Products Used:
Thule
Bike Setup:
06 VP Free
Bottom Line:
Great system, solid design. Minor removal hassle, but bike stays on 100% of the time. Heh. One flaming chili off due to security being one dimensional - bike or rack but not both.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Skippy
a Weekend Warrior
from Metro Detroit Date Reviewed: July 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Holdridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$152.00
Purchased At:
ORS
Strengths:
Easy to install, easy to use, thick cable to deter theft of your horse (SKS core not included).
Weaknesses:
Front thumbwheel covers don't seem to be very secure, red button doesn't really do much.
Similar Products Used:
Yakima King Cobra
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hard Rock Sport Disc
Bottom Line:
I have a King Cobra for my wife's bike, and for 30 bucks less it does just as well except I hate the wingnuts hoding the bolt brackets to the wheel tray and I hate the tension method. The three redeeming qualities of the HighRoller over the King Cobra are 1) the wheel tray is more robust (plus it looks sharp), 2) the front bolt brackets are integral and aren't held to the wheel tray with wingnuts, and 3) the tension system makes it very easy to tighten down your ride. The instructions say to loosen the tension and push the red knob to release the rear hoop, but I find that the only way I can push the red button is to release the tension to the point where the bar pretty much drops on its own and at that point the button is useless. Not a big deal, but not as advertised. As far as a one person load/unload, I have never had an issue and it's very quick and easy. Lift the bike up and set it near the rear of the wheel tray, roll it forward into the front hoop (the sliding rear wheel tray is a big help here), raise the back hoop, tighten it down with the nice big tension knob (usually only takes me 5-6 turns max), and ratchet strap the back wheel. Reverse to take it down. Just be mindful that your bike might sway once the hoop is dropped and the wheel strap released, but I have yet to have it fall off the roof. It rarely takes me more than 30-45 seconds to accomplish this. Add 15 seconds if I use the cable lock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a
from Tustin, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Weaknesses:
If you have 3 hands, no problem! To remove the bike, you hold the bike with one hand, press the release button with another hand, and lower the support arm with your third hand. According to the instructions, you should be able to press the button momentarily, then lower the support arm without continuing to press the button. It does not work that way. Removing the bike is a two person job, and that is unacceptable.
Bottom Line:
Two possibilities: 1. My unit is defective. 2. Serious design flaw; try something else. I'm a long-time user of Yakima products, and I have always been a proponent - until now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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