Overview of the Best Hitch Mounted Bike Rack
Are you looking for a convenient and secure multi-bike rack for your outdoor adventures? The Yakima Ridgeback 4 bike hitch rack is exactly what you need! You can carry your bikes with this rack on long road trips without worry of damage to your vehicle or bikes.
It’s simple to attach to your vehicle and does not impede your ability to access rear vehicle storage. Although it is comparatively pricier than other racks, it is well worth the investment. The average 4.5/5 star reviews speak for themselves!
Specifications
The Yakima 4 bike hitch rack is compatible with 1.25” or 2” hitch receivers. It lines up with the holes in the receiver and is then held in place by a safety pin. It is about 4 feet tall and weighs about 50lbs, but has a total weight capacity of 150lbs. Each bike cradle has a maximum of 40lbs each.
The best hitch mounted bike rack ensures quality design. Loading your bikes is effortless as the bike clips are made of durable plastic. Other brands might use rubber that weathers, wears, tears, and is generally a hassle to stretch around your equipment.
Features of the Yakima Bike Rack
Simplicity is key when providing the most reliable and practical features. The Yakima hitch mount bike rack comes in various styles to accommodate up to 5 bikes. An optional TubeTop Crossbar Adapter allows for different styles of bikes to fit on the rack.
Removable ZipStrips and anti-sway cradles prevent bikes from bumping and rubbing one another. Padded arms increase the amount of protection as well.
Do your bikes catch the eyes of envious passerby’s? Don’t worry! The optional bike-lock cable known as the “HandCuff” is available to prevent theft of your bikes.
Pros of the Yakima Hitch Mount Bike Rack
The Yakima hitch bike rack ships ready to install. Absolutely no tools are necessary! The “SpeedKnob” by the receiver tightens the grip on the rack then locks into place. This serves as additional protection against theft.
There is also a lever to tilt the rack down. This allows for vehicle access during use of the rack and for easy storage while not in use. The Yakima bike rack hitch mount sets low to make loading easier and maintain access to low clearance areas like garages.
Why struggle to push all of your bikes on top of the vehicle? Only the best hitch mounted bike rack will save your patience and your back!
Unlike other types of bike racks, the wheels can stay on the bike. This simplifies and reduces the amount of work considerably! Just simply set them on the rack and go!
Cons of the Yakima Hitch Bike Rack
The high quality of the Yakima hitch rack makes it more expensive than other brands. When it’s loaded, these costs will be slightly exacerbated as it makes your vehicle less aerodynamic, decreasing your MPG (miles per gallon). Additionally, it is a little heavier than other racks, which also decreases MPG but it makes your bikes more secure.
Other cons of this product are dependent on your personal situations.
As with most hitch racks, it will be more difficult to see through the rear window. Although there is a tilt-away feature, certain vehicles might still be awkward to open from the rear while the hitch is in use. It depends on the design of your vehicle’s rear hatch.
Do you go for more family outings than with friends? If so, this product might not work as well for children’s’ bikes as it does for yours. Some customers complain that the rack is not properly designed as a “family” bike rack.
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Conclusions
If you spend a lot of time with your friends on active outings, this is the best hitch mounted bike rack for you! You won’t regret dropping the dough once you experience the reliability and convenience of this rack for yourself.
Keep your bikes safe and secure while saving yourself the hassle of installation, storage, and loading. In just a few easy minutes, you’ll be cruising the road to your next adventure destination!
