This innovative, 2-inch receiver hitch mount holds bikes by their wheels--it can carry your bike no matter what its frame style!. Two support arms grasp and securely hold up to three bikes by their wheels, making it easy to load and unload bikes without damaging their finish. Folds down smoothly, allowing easy access to vehicle's tailgate or hatchback. Includes one StrataLock system for full-system theft-resistance: locks bikes to mount and mount to vehicle. Heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant steel construction provides years of use down the road. Folds flat for easy storage.
Submitted by
Glynn
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, Co Date Reviewed: October 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Too many good Front Range trails to pick just one!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Easy to use, fits almost any bike (very handy for my Prophet), very stable, virtually no stress on bike. Easy-to-use security cable, although I would not necessarily tout security as a strength. The provided receiver stabilizing bolt makes it a joy to drive with - it's perfectly secured with no jiggling around.
Weaknesses:
Almost impossible to find. They're discontinued and nearly everyone who's lucky enough to have one is keeping theirs. I searched for almost a year, then finally came across a great deal on Craigslist. I guess if you wanted to nitpick, the rubber wheel straps can be a bit of a bear to stretch over larger tires until you figure out a technique.
Similar Products Used:
Thule Velo Vice roof mount (still use these and love 'em); Thule Sidearm (too bulky, ugly and with questionable security); Performance and Thule rear hitch frame mounts.
Bike Setup:
Like most 4-bike hitch mounts, it works fast and easy for two and can fit three or four bikes if you're careful to properly secure and pad in between each to avoid bikes damaging each other.
Bottom Line:
This is my favorite rack, by far. It just makes so much sense to carry a bike by the rims. Personally, I removed and rarely use the stabilizer bar. If you're hauling two bikes, they can be spaced far enough apart to just hang free, only secured by the wheel straps. Results in almost zero stress to the bikes but with no worries about how securly they're attached. I can't believe Yakima discontinued them. Everyone of my biking friends who sees mine wants one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Junewayskiers
a Weekend Warrior
from Chittenango, NY USA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Road
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Dick's
Strengths:
Easiest rack to use next to throwing the bike(s) into the back of PH under the cap...very messy option.
Weaknesses:
After nine years, we haven't found one yet unless waiting for the wheel to stop rotating to get it on the horizontal post.
Similar Products Used:
Frame style rack, but they are not the best when the frame designs are different.
Bike Setup:
Two, sometimes three road bikes, or our hybrids too.
Bottom Line:
Easy to load although adjusting seats can take a moment. We use foam pipe insulation on the back stays to prevent bikes from really banging each other. Adjust pedals to eliminate interference too. Extra straps to lock the bikes together so they sway together. I anchor the first one on to the upright via the footpeg, and that keeps the swaying to a minimum (did not use any optional anti-sway bars). Although a bit of a load, allows the tailgate to be opened if required. Many fellow riders marvel at the design and ease of putting bikes on/off. Too bad it's no longer made (listening Yakima?) Provided cable lock works great if you run it through the frames of the first two bikes, then wrap the end around the upper tube of the last bike and lock it to itself thereby preventing any way to get any of the bikes off unless the entire vertical portion of the rack is removed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Allentown, PA, USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
this is now out of production,
but for those who may run across one on eBay ...
I noticed the security issue immediately, and
determined a solution for me was to purchase
the Yakima locking cable (I actually ended up
getting both the 6 ft and 9 ft) ... this can
extend the existing cable on the rack, allowing
for thread thru all the bikes and then back to
the hitch pin.
The rack's own cable is just long enough
to be marginally adequate for a single bike
when threaded thru and back to the hitch pin.
Weaknesses:
depending on bike, loading requires more carefulness than I would like. the expense of also getting an extension cable for locking multiple bikes.
Similar Products Used:
ankle biter roof rack
Bottom Line:
Much easier and quicker than lifting them to the roof of my jeep. Use this for short day trips, the roof for longer road trips.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: March 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
Easy to install and remove from vehicle. Not a roof rack, so it's easier to load bikes and you don't worry about cross winds blowing your bikes off the top.
Weaknesses:
Security security security. It's very challenging to get 3 bikes loaded. The stabilizing straps are a joke, I ended up replacing them with bungee cords, which work much better.
Similar Products Used:
Many rooftops
Bottom Line:
If you ever leave bikes on this rack unattended, beware. All a thief has to do is come along with 2 adjustable wrenches, remove the one bolt attaching the rack to the base and boom, they can steal the ENTIRE rack (with your bikes on it)! The base locks to the hitch with a hitch lock, why couldn't something similar have been done with the rack/base connection bolt?! A MAJOR oversight in my opinion. I called Yakima to ask if they had a solution and the response was: "Uhh, yea, you're right, someone could remove the rack in two minutes...". Weak. No rack is 100% theft proof but this is just making it easier for the thiefs. I would recommend having that bolt welded on so it can not be removed. Other than this MAJOR security flaw, it's a pretty good rack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from Reno, NV, USA Date Reviewed: March 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe Rim Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
The Rack Warehouse (Online)
Strengths:
The rack is excelent if you don't want anything touching your frame or have an irregular type frame. The rack holds the bikes by the wheels and can handle any size wheel from 20 inches on up. The rack is fairly light weight. It comes with two locks. One to lock the rack to the hitch and another to lock the bikes to the rack. The rack folds up nicely except the stabilizing bar.
Weaknesses:
The main weekness is the stabilizing bar. It does not fold out of the way when the rack is collapsed (for traveling without bikes) It sticks straight out 16 inches at knee height. Also, the rubber wheel hook straps can be difficult to close over large tires.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 90
Bottom Line:
This is a great rack for the money. The rack retails for $300. I found it online at the Rack Warehouse (www.rackwarehouse.com) on sale for $199.
The rack holds 3 bikes by the wheel rims, however, the bikes are very close together. They will bang against each other if you are not carefull even with using the stabilizing bar and straps. Also, with three bikes staggered on the rack, the handle bars and the seats of the three bikes can interfere with each other. I have to remove the seat post and seat on the middle bike to make it work. Not a big deal with a quick release on the seat post. With two bikes on the rack, and leaving the center position empty, the bikes don't even get close to each other.
The main weakness of the rack is the fact that the stabilizing bar does not retract. I replaced the 2 bolts that attach the stabilizing bar to the rack with wing nuts and lock washers for easier removal.
The rack can be lowered for entry into the back of a van or SUV. It can be done solo with no bikes on the rack but will require 2 people with two or three bikes on the rack due to the weight of the bikes. One person to remove the pin while the other lowers the bikes gently.
Great value on sale and is well made. Lost one chili in overall rating for the non-folding stabilizing bar.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lidarman
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
undisclosed in Colorado
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
220
Strengths:
Holds almost any frame. I would have said any frame but a buddy has a Girvin fork with the reversed stanchions and there was an intereference. Except for tandems, it would be hard to find a modern bike that won't work. It's great too for ppl with 20mm front axles.
Weaknesses:
Awkward to lower rack with bikes when one wants to open the tailgate. Straps can get cracked and old after a while and need to be replaced.
Similar Products Used:
fork mount top carrier
Bottom Line:
I have roof top fork mount carries and unless I have to carry more than three bikes, I use the rear carrier. Its faster than taking off the front wheel and I dont have to deal with the front wheel in the truck or mounting it on the wheel mounts; plus its a lot easier to reach than putting bikes on top for those with SUVs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Davis, CA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Pauley Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
VERY stable, even at 80+ mph on the freeway Holds bikes with strange frame designs (my Motolite, for instance) Doesn't scratch bike's finish Integrated lock (car to rack and rack to bikes).
Weaknesses:
Somewhat cumbersome to get bikes on and off the rack
Similar Products Used:
Trunk racks, roof racks
Bottom Line:
I am REALLY happy with this rack. I got it because I needed a hitch rack for my 4Runner (I didn't want to have to lift bikes up for a roof rack) and needed something which accomodated odd frame designs without using one of those lame add-on top tube adapters. This rack and the Sportworks racks seemed to fit the bill, and I just couldn't muster the extra cash for the Sportworks racks. But I'm really pleased with this rack so far. It holds three bikes extremely well at freeway speeds. It fits my Motolite (a v-style frame) great. It's got integrated locks, which is really convenient. It swings down for access to the back of the car, though you can't really do that if you've got three bikes on, it works ok with two bikes on.
The only drawback is that it takes a while to get the bikes on and off because you have to take on and off the straps for the tires and the hooks for the lower wheels. In all, it probably means that it takes the same time as a trunk rack or a roof rack would, but it's not as quick and easy as the Sportsworks racks. Oh well. It's a lot cheaper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a
from Greeley CO USA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Compact; folds for storage; holds 3 bikes (any frame type, any size) by the rims; built-in cable lock; hinges down so you can open your liftgate without removing the rack or bikes.
Seems well-made, but only time will tell.
Weaknesses:
Includes a funky threaded hitch pin, with a clip and a lock. I would prefer a standard hitch pin with a better lock.
Stabilizer bar does not fold (and is right at groin height on our RV - I put some red & white reflective tape on it); cable lock ok but not the best; plastic hooks snap on stabilizer bar with nylon straps to keep bikes from swaying - pain to use. I used cargo straps with a hook on each end and quick-release buckle in the middle instead.
Bike Setup:
One FS, one HT, one ladies "comfort bike" fit just fine. Tried a child's bike on it just to see, it fit just fine also.
I had to use a 12" hitch extension so the rack would clear the spare tire on our RV, it fits my Merc Mountaineer (same as Ford Explorer) just fine.
Bottom Line:
Good choice if you have a 2" receiver hitch, holds most any bike frame type from 20" up. Would recommend a better cable lock if you have to leave the bikes on the rack unattended. Not the rack for the typical family of 2 adults and 2 children, but works well for 2 or three bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck D
a Weekend Warrior
from Tallahassee, FL USA Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Very rigid and made of high quality materials
Weaknesses:
no added tow hitch
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
All stock Cannondale SuperV 400
Bottom Line:
This is THE bike rack to have if you have a 2" tow hitch. It fits 3 bikes held by the wheels. No scratching of frames, and you can carry everything from WalMart's finest to the old Schwinn. It is very sturdy, bikes travel well over uneven road surfaces (as long as you engage the bike's brake, I tie the brake on otherwise the bikes will roll slightly within the rack) and this thing carries 3 bikes with ease. Sopposedly, you can still get at your hatch by letting the bike rack fold down. I have not tested this. A great value if purchased at a closeout or found on Ebay...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 299.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
