Yakima bike racks are a premium brand of bicycle rack that features a lot of different styles and designs to suit the needs of all types of cyclists. They have a wide variety of options, including hitch-mounted, roof-mounted and trunk-mounted racks. Their products are made from high quality materials to ensure durability and safety.
Things to keep in mind buying a Yakima bike rack:
- Weight of bikes is a super important factor. Yakima hitch racks can carry heavy bikes (35-40 lb and more), whereas trunk and roof Yakima are not suitable for this purpose,
- Bikes types is another thing to consider. If you need to carry specific bike types (women’s, kid’s, e-bikes, bmx, etc.) then you have to check the compatibility since not all Yakima racks are capable of it,
- Roof Yakima racks require crossbars and hitch Yakima racks require a trailer hitch to be installed. Trunk Yakima racks are getting installed directly on your car and require nothing (you only need to check the compatibility with a particular car model),
- For expensive and carbon frame bikes you’d better buy no contact frame Yakima rack as it won’t scratch your bikes,
- If you need to carry more than 4 bikes, roof and hitch Yakima racks are the only choice. For 3 bikes and less, Yakima trunk racks will get the job done.
Best hitch Yakima racks
Yakima hitch bike racks are the best in terms of overall quality. They are very sturdy, won’t damage your car or bikes, and are easy to load bikes. The only downside is that they are expensive.
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Yakima HoldUp EVO (2+2) – Zero frame contact universal hitch rack
- Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
- Max bike weight: 50 lb (22.7 kg)
- Total load capacity: 100 lb (45.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 51 lb (23 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ versions (class 2-4)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
- No frame contact
This bike rack is made from aluminum and plastic, and has a receiver hitch (either 1.25″ or 2″). You’ll need a receiver hitch to use this rack, but it fits most bikes up to 50 lb each, and can carry up to 2 bikes or 4 bikes with an adapter. It secures the bikes at wheels so it has no frame contact system.
Key Takeaways
- Very well-made premium bike rack that is worth the money spent,
- Both rack and bikes on the rack are very sturdy, very easy to install and load bikes on,
- Easy trunk access with bikes mounted,
- Excellent choice if you are planning to use it rather often,
- This bike rack is truly universal in terms of diversity of bikes it can carry,
- It is especially good for expensive bikes because of zero frame contact.
PROS
- Premium materials
- Super straightforward installation
- Easy to mount bikes
- No wobbling (both rack and bikes)
- Can carry most bikes (fat-tire, e-bikes, women’s and so on)
- Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
- Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks
- Enough clearance between bikes
- No frame contact mounting system
- Can’t damage your car
- Comes in two hitch sizes (1.25″ and 2″)
- Very compact when not in use
CONS
- A bit pricey
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes (up to 50 lb)
- To carry more than 2 bikes you have to buy an add-on
Yakima Dr.Tray (2) – Awesome hitch rack for not too heavy bikes
- Max number of bikes: 2
- Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
- Total load capacity: 80 lb (36.3 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 26” to 29” (66 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 41 lb (18.6 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ (class 2)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
- No frame contact
Yakima Dr.Tray is a hitch-mounted bike rack that can carry up to 2 bikes with a weight of 40 lbs per bike. The rack is made from aluminum and plastic and requires a hitch receiver to install. It’s perfect for carrying fat-tire bikes and is easy to load and unload.
Key Takeaways
- Very robust and high quality materials make this rack a very good choice,
- Rack itself and bikes on it will be secured very sturdy,
- The installation process is very straightforward and takes less then 10 minutes,
- Perfect choice for those who need to transport bikes rather often,
- This bike rack is amazing for fat-tire and expensive bikes due to great spacing between bikes (18″) so they will fit and won’t be hitting each other. However, keep in mind that this rack is not designed for really heavy bikes, up to 40 lb each bike only.
PROS
- Highest quality materials
- Very easy and tool-free installation
- The whole construction is very robust
- Can carry fat-tire bikes out of the box
- Tilt function for easy trunk access
- Locks included
- Unprecedented spacing between bikes (18″)
- Zero frame contact (won’t damage bikes)
- No risks of damaging your car
- Folds up when not in use
- Won’t affect mileage much
CONS
- High-priced
- Rather low load capacity (40 lb each bike)
- Only 1.25″ hitch receiver version
Yakima FullSwing (4) – Premium hanging hitch rack
- Max number of bikes: 4
- Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
- Total load capacity: 150 lb (68 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 56 lb (25.4 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 2″
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
The Full Swing is the perfect rack for anyone wanting to transport their bikes. With a weight capacity of 150 lbs, this rack can handle any bike. The Full Swing is made from aluminum and plastic which makes it lightweight and durable. The Full Swing requires a 2″ hitch receiver, with a maximum weight limit of 4 bikes at 40 lbs each.
Key Takeaways
- This rack is rather pricey but it has innovative features and really well made,
- The rack itself is very sturdy though bikes will be wobbling a bit,
- Easy to load bikes and access the trunk with bikes mounted,
- This bike rack can carry most bikes (except for heaviest models), but I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes because it will inevitably live scratches or even small dents.
PROS
- High quality materials
- Easy to assemble and install
- The rack itself is very robust
- Can carry fat-tire bikes
- Easy trunk access with bikes mounted
- Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks included
- Can’t damage your car
- Great aerodynamics (little mileage reduction)
- Compact when not in use (folds up)
CONS
- Quite expensive even though it is a premium brand
- Bikes will be wobbling (tie them up)
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes
- Some mountain, women’s and kids’ bikes will require an adapter (sold separately)
- No clearance between bikes (will be hitting each other)
- Fits only 2″ receivers
Best roof Yakima racks
Yakima roof bike racks are a good way to carry your bikes on your car. They are very sturdy so bikes do not wobble, also, they don’t block the trunk access and they don’t obscure the license plate. However, they are not easy to load bikes on, and they are quite expensive given that you need to buy crossbars as well.
Yakima HighRoad – Best roof rack overall (especially for fat-tire bikes)
- Type of mount: wheel
- Max bike weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 26” to 29” (66 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4″
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Crossbar spread: between 18″ and 36″
- Empty rack weight: 18 lb (8.2 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- No frame contact
You want a bike rack that’s tough and will last. You want Yakima HighRoad. This rack is made from alloy steel and is designed to be tough, but also lightweight. It can carry bikes up to 45 pounds and will keep your bike secure with no frame contact. It’s easy to install with crossbars and will fit most types of bikes.
Key Takeaways
- Definitely worth the money because of premium quality and useful features,
- No wobbling at all as the whole construction is extremely sturdy,
- Lifting a bike up might be challenging or impossible for some people,
- This bike rack is highly recommended for expensive bikes because of no frame contact. As a result, your bikes won’t get scratches,
- The best choice for fat-tire bikes (in comparison with other roof racks).
PROS
- Premium quality overall
- Straightforward installation
- Both rack and bike are very robust
- Can carry quite heavy bikes
- Can carry most bikes (including fat-tire)
- Does not block trunk access
- Does not cover license frame and taillights
- Locks are included
- Won’t scratch your bikes (no frame mounting)
- Won’t damage your car
- Universal (compatible with most crossbars)
- You don’t have to remove the wheel
CONS
- The whole system is expensive (since it requires crossbars)
- Keep in mind that loading a bike requires some muscles
- 10-20% mileage reduction
Yakima FrontLoader – Premium roof rack that fits most crossbars
- Type of mount: wheel
- Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Crossbar spread: between 16″ and 42″
- Empty rack weight: 13 lb (5.9 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes (sold separately)
- No frame contact
Easily carry your bike with Yakima’s FrontLoader! This carrier is made from durable, lightweight alloy steel and can be installed on any car with crossbars. It can carry up to 40 lbs without any frame contact, and it doesn’t require any tools to install. Enjoy an easy-to-use, convenient way to transport your bike!
Key Takeaways
- Really premium roof rack that worth every penny,
- A bike will be very sturdy (no wobbling at all),
- You need some muscle to get your bike lifted up to the roof of your car,
- Fits most bike types (even most fat-tire bikes),
- An excellent choice to carry expensive bikes because of zero frame contact mounting.
PROS
- High quality materials
- Easy to assemble and install
- Secures a bike very sturdily (no wobbling)
- Can carry most bike types under 40 lb
- Does not block trunk access
- Does not cover license plate and taillights
- Locks included
- No frame mounting (won’t damage your bikes)
- Won’t scratch your car
- Universal (fits most crossbars)
CONS
- Rather expensive since it requires crossbars
- Not that easy to load a bike on
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes
- 10-20% mileage reduction
Yakima ForkLift – Premium roof rack for not heavy bikes
- Type of mount: fork
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Crossbar spread: between 16″ and 42″
- Empty rack weight: 7 lb (3.2 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes (sold separately)
- No frame contact
Yakima ForkLift is a bike rack for your car that will allow you to transport your bike without any hassle. This rack is made from alloy steel and can easily fit most bikes that are under 35 lb. The bike will be mounted by the fork and secured by the front wheel skewer.
Key Takeaways
- This is a really light and well made fork-mounted rack,
- The whole construction is super sturdy (zero wobbling),
- You have to be ready to remove the front wheel each time you would like to transport a bike,
- This bike rack is designed to carry rather lightweight bikes (up to 35 lb). Except for this limitation, it can fit basically all bikes,
- The rack is amazing for carrying expensive or carbon frame bikes since no frame contact ensures no scratches.
PROS
- Premium quality overall
- Easy to assemble and install
- Your bike will be super sturdy
- Most bikes will fit
- Easy trunk access
- Won’t obscure license plate and taillights
- No frame contact mounting ensures no scratches
- Negligible risk of damaging your car
- Universal since it fits most crossbars
CONS
- The whole system is expensive (requires crossbars)
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- The front wheel must be removed each road trip
- Expect 10-20% mileage reduction
Best trunk Yakima racks
Yakima trunk bike racks are an affordable alternative to other more expensive rack types. They are easy to install, fit most bikes and can carry up to three bikes. However, they can damage your car and bikes if not installed correctly and they can’t carry heavy bikes.
Yakima FullBack (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack for a reasonable price
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 23 lb (10.4 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 4
Yakima FullBack is the solution for you! It is a smart, easy and affordable way to carry your bike. The product is made from alloy steel and plastic, so it does not require anything else (neither a trailer hitch nor crossbars). There are 2 and 3-bike versions available, and bikes are mounted by the frame.
Key Takeaways
- Very well made truly premium trunk rack,
- The rack itself is very sturdy though bikes will wobble a bit,
- Fairly easy to use overall though keep in mind that accessing your trunk won’t be easy,
- Universal in term of bike types it can carry (for women’s and kid’s bikes you have to buy an adapter),
- This rack is not good for carrying expensive and carbon frame bikes (will leave scratches at the very least).
PROS
- Affordable given that it is a premium brand
- Goes assembled, easy to install
- The rack is sturdy
- Can carry most bikes (including fat-tire)
- Does not require anything to be installed
- Low mileage reduction
- Compact when not in use
CONS
- Some wobbling is inevitable (true for all trunk racks)
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- You won’t be able to open the trunk
- Very easy to steal
- No clearance between bikes
- Can scratch your car (all trunk racks have this problem)
Yakima HalfBack (2 or 3) – Premium quality but quite affordable
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 22 lb (10 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 4
Yakima HalfBack is a bike rack that installs directly to your car, without any need for crossbars or a trailer hitch. It can carry two bikes up to 35 pounds each and has a patented locking system that secures the bike by the frame. The HalfBack is made from steel and plastic and is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to avoid expensive crossbars or a trailer hitch.
Key Takeaways
- Worth every penny due to really high quality and affordable price,
- Super sturdy once installed (rather uncharacteristic for trunk racks),
- Fairly easy to use overall, but you have to remove bikes each time you would like to open the trunk,
- This rack is recommended for carrying lightweight bikes of most designs and shapes,
- Not suitable for carrying expensive bikes since bikes will inevitably scratch each other.
PROS
- Good price for a premium rack
- Goes assembled, fairly easy to install
- The rack is sturdy
- Relatively easy to load bikes on
- Most bikes will fit including fat-tire (kid’s and women’s bikes require an adapter)
- Does not require anything to be installed
- Negligible mileage reduction
- Folds up when not in use
CONS
- Bikes will wobble a bit (any trunk rack has this problem)
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Can’t access the trunk with bikes loaded
- Very easy to steal
- Bikes will scratch each other
- Some risk of scratching your car (true for all trunk racks)