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10 Best Yakima Bike Racks 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Yakima EXO SwingBase Hitch Rack Bundled with EXO GearLocker Rooftop Box, EXO TopShelf Hitch Base Rack Storage, and EXO GearWarrior Basket Mount, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,168
Rack Type
Durability and Build Quality
Ease of Use

Most important from
103 reviews

Rack Type
The system’s versatility truly shines, allowing seamless switching between bike racks, cargo boxes, and other accessories without tools.
Durability and Build Quality
Its robust build quality delivers a solid, reliable feel that users appreciate for heavy-duty use and varied outdoor adventures.
Ease of Use
Swinging the base open to access the trunk or back doors is quick and straightforward, providing practical convenience despite vehicle-specific limitations.
Weight Capacity
The rack’s heavy weight contributes to its strength and load capacity but can make installation challenging and is best handled with two people.
Security Features
Included accessories like the HitchLock, SKS locks, and locking SpeedKnobs offer excellent security and peace of mind when leaving gear unattended.

The Yakima EXO SwingBase Hitch Rack is a versatile hitch-mounted rack designed for users who want flexibility beyond just carrying bikes. It supports up to 100 pounds on the SwingBase and 80 pounds on the TopShelf, so it can handle multiple bikes or other heavy gear. Its compatibility with the EXO cleat system means you can easily attach different accessories like bike racks, cargo boxes, and baskets without tools, making it convenient for those who carry a variety of outdoor equipment.

Security is well covered with included HitchLock, SKS locks, and locking SpeedKnobs, which provide peace of mind when leaving your gear unattended. The build quality is solid yet lightweight, which should hold up well over time and different weather conditions. One downside is that this setup may be more complex and expensive compared to simpler bike racks, and with a universal hitch mount, it might require verifying fit for specific vehicles.

This product is great for outdoor enthusiasts who need a multi-purpose rack system for bikes plus extra cargo, but it could be more than necessary if you only want to transport one or two bikes occasionally.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,168
Rack Type
Durability and Build Quality
Ease of Use

Most important from
103 reviews

Rack Type
The system’s versatility truly shines, allowing seamless switching between bike racks, cargo boxes, and other accessories without tools.
Durability and Build Quality
Its robust build quality delivers a solid, reliable feel that users appreciate for heavy-duty use and varied outdoor adventures.
Ease of Use
Swinging the base open to access the trunk or back doors is quick and straightforward, providing practical convenience despite vehicle-specific limitations.
Weight Capacity
The rack’s heavy weight contributes to its strength and load capacity but can make installation challenging and is best handled with two people.
Security Features
Included accessories like the HitchLock, SKS locks, and locking SpeedKnobs offer excellent security and peace of mind when leaving gear unattended.
#2

Yakima 2-Bike Platform Hitch Rack, Tilting Bike Carrier, StageTwo, 2” - Heavy-Duty Bicycle Storage Equipment and Accessories for Vehicles

Rating
8.8
Bike Capacity
Ease of Use
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
71 reviews

Bike Capacity
The rack handles two e-bikes effortlessly, providing a reliable and secure transport solution without compromise.
Ease of Use
Assembly is generally straightforward, and the rack performs well even on longer trips with varied terrain including gravel roads.
Durability and Build Quality
The build feels heavy but sturdy, instilling confidence that the bikes will stay safe on the road.
Security Features
The locking mechanism is robust but occasionally tricky to operate, with the key sometimes hard to turn.

The Yakima 2-Bike Platform Hitch Rack is a sturdy and versatile option for carrying up to two bikes on a car or SUV with a 2-inch hitch. It works well with a wide range of bikes including e-bikes, mountain, road, hybrid, BMX, kids’, and fat-tire bikes, as long as the wheels are between 16 and 29 inches and tires up to 5 inches wide. However, it doesn’t fit bikes with fenders, which could be a limitation for some users.

The rack is designed with convenience in mind: it tilts in three positions to easily access the trunk and folds flat for storage. Installation and removal are straightforward thanks to a tool-free locking knob. Security is solid, with locks that secure both the bikes to the rack and the rack to your vehicle, offering peace of mind during travel. The build is reliable, supporting up to 70 pounds per bike for road or RV travel, though off-road use reduces this capacity to 42 pounds. The adjustable trays keep bikes separated to prevent damage.

Despite its heavy-duty feel, the rack is reasonably sized (38 x 20 x 13 inches) and foldable, making it practical for storage. If you want a bike rack that balances strength, ease of use, and security, especially for heavier or specialty bikes, this Yakima model is a great fit. Just keep in mind it’s not suitable for bikes with fenders and weighs enough that some might find it a bit cumbersome to handle alone.

Rating
8.8
Bike Capacity
Ease of Use
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
71 reviews

Bike Capacity
The rack handles two e-bikes effortlessly, providing a reliable and secure transport solution without compromise.
Ease of Use
Assembly is generally straightforward, and the rack performs well even on longer trips with varied terrain including gravel roads.
Durability and Build Quality
The build feels heavy but sturdy, instilling confidence that the bikes will stay safe on the road.
Security Features
The locking mechanism is robust but occasionally tricky to operate, with the key sometimes hard to turn.
#3

Yakima 4-Bike Hitch Mount Carrier, Tilt-Away Bike Rack for Car, SUV and Truck, RidgeBack - Heavy-Duty Bicycle Storage Accessories for Vehicles

Rating
8.5
Bike Capacity
Compatibility
Ease of Use

Most important from
1470 reviews

Bike Capacity
The rack holds up well even on long drives, securely accommodating up to 4 bikes.
Compatibility
The tilting mechanism provides significant clearance for trunk access, even on larger vehicles like a Honda Odyssey.
Ease of Use
Installation is incredibly quick, taking about 2 minutes with no tools required, thanks to the SpeedKnob feature.
Security Features
The lock mechanism ensures the rack stays firmly attached to the hitch, making theft a considerable effort.
Durability and Build Quality
The bike rack is rock solid and sturdy, made with strong materials yet light enough for easy installation.

The Yakima 4-Bike Hitch Mount Carrier, RidgeBack 4, is a versatile bike rack designed to accommodate up to four bikes. It fits both 1.25” and 2” hitch receivers, making it compatible with a range of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and trucks. This feature is great for families or groups who often travel together for biking trips.

The innovative design allows the rack to tilt away for easy trunk access using the UpperHand lever and folds flat for storage, adding convenience to its use. Additionally, the SpeedKnob feature allows for tool-free attachment, making installation quick and easy. Security is a strong point with the Yakima RidgeBack 4. It includes ZipStrips and anti-sway cradles to keep bikes secure during transport. An optional HandCuff locking cable can be added for extra security, giving users peace of mind that their bikes are safe.

Durability-wise, the rack is built with sturdy aluminum and a powder-coated finish, ensuring it can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough use. However, it is notable that the rack does not fold, which could be a limitation for those with limited storage space. The load capacity is 35 pounds per bike, which should be sufficient for most standard bikes, but heavier bikes might be an issue. In summary, the Yakima RidgeBack 4 is a robust and user-friendly option for those needing to transport multiple bikes securely and conveniently. Its strong compatibility, ease of use, and security features make it a solid choice, though the non-folding design and weight limitations should be considered.

Rating
8.5
Bike Capacity
Compatibility
Ease of Use

Most important from
1470 reviews

Bike Capacity
The rack holds up well even on long drives, securely accommodating up to 4 bikes.
Compatibility
The tilting mechanism provides significant clearance for trunk access, even on larger vehicles like a Honda Odyssey.
Ease of Use
Installation is incredibly quick, taking about 2 minutes with no tools required, thanks to the SpeedKnob feature.
Security Features
The lock mechanism ensures the rack stays firmly attached to the hitch, making theft a considerable effort.
Durability and Build Quality
The bike rack is rock solid and sturdy, made with strong materials yet light enough for easy installation.

Buying Guide for the Best Yakima Bike Racks

Choosing the right bike rack is essential for safely and conveniently transporting your bike. The right bike rack will depend on your vehicle type, the number of bikes you need to carry, and how often you plan to use it. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a Yakima bike rack to ensure it meets your needs and preferences.
Rack TypeBike racks come in various types, including hitch-mounted, roof-mounted, trunk-mounted, and spare tire-mounted. The type of rack you choose will depend on your vehicle and how you prefer to load and unload your bike. Hitch-mounted racks are easy to use and can carry multiple bikes, making them ideal for frequent use. Roof-mounted racks keep your rear view clear but require lifting bikes onto the roof. Trunk-mounted racks are more affordable and easy to install but may obstruct access to the trunk. Spare tire-mounted racks are suitable for vehicles with rear-mounted spare tires. Consider your vehicle type and how often you plan to use the rack to determine the best type for you.
Bike CapacityBike capacity refers to the number of bikes a rack can carry. This is important if you need to transport multiple bikes. Racks typically range from carrying one to five bikes. If you often travel with family or friends, a higher capacity rack is beneficial. However, if you usually ride solo, a lower capacity rack may suffice. Consider your usual biking companions and choose a rack that can accommodate the number of bikes you need to transport.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to how well the bike rack fits with your vehicle and bike. This includes the type of hitch receiver on your vehicle, the frame design of your bike, and any additional accessories like fenders or disc brakes. Ensure the rack you choose is compatible with your vehicle's hitch size (usually 1.25 or 2 inches) and can securely hold your bike's frame. Check the manufacturer's specifications to confirm compatibility with your vehicle and bike.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses how simple it is to install, load, and unload the bike rack. Some racks come with tool-free installation and quick-release features, making them more user-friendly. Consider how often you will be mounting and dismounting the rack and bikes. If you plan to use the rack frequently, look for features that simplify the process, such as tilt mechanisms for easy trunk access and adjustable arms for different bike sizes.
Security FeaturesSecurity features are important to prevent theft of your bike and the rack itself. Look for racks with integrated locks for both the bikes and the rack. Some racks offer cable locks that secure the bike to the rack, while others have locking mechanisms that secure the rack to the vehicle. Consider the level of security you need based on where you will be parking and how long your bike will be unattended.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality refer to the materials and construction of the bike rack. A well-built rack made from high-quality materials like steel or aluminum will last longer and provide better protection for your bike. Consider the conditions in which you will be using the rack, such as exposure to weather elements, and choose a rack that can withstand these conditions. A durable rack is a worthwhile investment for long-term use.
Weight CapacityWeight capacity is the maximum weight the rack can support. This is crucial if you have heavier bikes, such as electric bikes or downhill mountain bikes. Check the weight of your bike and ensure the rack can handle it. Racks with higher weight capacities are generally more robust and can support a wider range of bike types. Choose a rack that can comfortably support the weight of your bike(s) to ensure safe transportation.

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