Seriously? Second, some joints do not look very strong and seem to be prone to breaking if you load heavy bikes. When the lock is set, you need to have the key in order to unload the bikes. Modifies women's bike frames as well as BMX and non-standard frames in order to be carried on hanging-style hitch and strap mount bike racks. However, the cable is only long enough to go around the top tubes, so the wheels are still vulnerable unless you chain them to the bikes’ frames. Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of kayak damage is not by using them but by transporting them. By registering your product, it will be easier to make a warranty claim later as your purchase information is kept in the company’s database. Need to get in your vehicle? Most of us think that all the bike racks available on the market are the same, and it is just a matter of different brands competing against one and another. Accessories for Thule Apex XT 2 982XT. Having two people to take care of the job will make the process much quicker and easier. But the requirements are slightly different. You won’t need to remove the front wheel of the bike. Nevertheless, these security features are already very good. Besides, some users said that Thule Apex’s steel frame is much more rugged than Yakima RidgeBack’s, able to withstand huge weights pretty well. However, in the day-to-day use, which one is more practical and user-friendly? Simply attach the hitch receiver, slide the tongue of the bike rack into the hitch receiver, and insert the red safety pin. Yakima RidgeBack - SMART DESIGN: UpperHand lever tilts the rack down to access the back of your vehicle and folds flat for easy storage; Carries up to 2 bikes- DURABLE, STABLE, SECURE: Zero-hassle ZipStrips secure the bikes to the rack and are fully removable; Anti-sway cradle design minimizes bike-to-bike contact- EASY INSTALL: Tool-free SpeedKnob quickly tightens and locks the rack to your car; Fully assembled; Easy 5 minute installBest Price Click Here. Continue reading to learn further about: Thule Tram. On the good side, all the necessary tools for the assembly are included in the box, so you won’t need to prepare anything separately. The company does recommend using additional nylon straps to prevent the bikes from bumping each other when passing on rough roads. Despite having many moving parts, the pivots are all well-built and durable. Below, we have two best-selling bike racks that you may want to consider, Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack. So, how is the durability of Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack? The rack tilts down for easy access. Thule Apex is available in two variants, the first is able to load four bikes at once with 2” and 1.25” hitch mounts, the second can hold five bikes with 2” hitch mounts. Conclusion Product Comparison: Thule Apex (9025) vs Yakima RoadTrip. The model also offers some security for your bikes. The durability of Thule Apex is excellent. However, Thule Apex offers one extra convenient feature that the RidgeBack doesn’t have, which is the bike and hitch lock. Thule offers hitch mount, bike wheel carrier, roof rack mount, truck bed, and spare tire. The weight limit per bike is 40lbs. The Winner is Yakima Ridgeback. Just put the bikes on the back of your car, and go. This model has more anti-theft features and a better build quality. But, do not worry! A hitch mount rack is a nice solution for transporting bikes easily. Finally, when buying a bike rack, it is very important to check the warranty terms. Because the stem is short, even using a TubeTop there is the same problem. The most similar option that I recommend as an alternative is the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting # Y02458. If you are planning to use your bike rack for heavy duties, you should opt for Thule Apex. There is also a cable that comes out from the main mast to secure the bikes to the rack. On top of that, it's fairly safe to say that Yakima RidgeBack is a more popular car bike rack, based on its 40+ reviews. }); Nevertheless, Yakima RidgeBack is said to be able to accommodate a wide range of bike frames. Thule Vs. Yakima Bike Rack Comparison. However, there are two potential issues. It can also fold away to allow access to the vehicle’s rear compartment. X. - Bundle Includes: Thule Apex 9026 rack, Thule Snug-Tite Lock and Microfiber Cloth, - Hold Fast RDT (Road Dampening Technology) Cradles absorb the shock of the road protecting your bike during transport, - Arc design of the arms gives bikes greater clearance off the ground and provides greater distance between bikes preventing contact, - SMART DESIGN: UpperHand lever tilts the rack down to access the back of your vehicle and folds flat for easy storage; Carries up to 2 bikes, - DURABLE, STABLE, SECURE: Zero-hassle ZipStrips secure the bikes to the rack and are fully removable; Anti-sway cradle design minimizes bike-to-bike contact, - EASY INSTALL: Tool-free SpeedKnob quickly tightens and locks the rack to your car; Fully assembled; Easy 5 minute install. We want a bike rack that can be installed easily, quickly, yet securely. Small bikes are also tricky to fit. Road bikes, mountain bikes, and children’s bikes can fit on the rack. Some pieces will need to be held at awkward angles while the bolts are inserted. Unfortunately, while the plastic straps are quite durable, they are not replaceable. Ease of Use }); The Thule Apex 4 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Yakima SwingDaddy only has 2” hitch mounts. The cradles can be moved to allow the bikes to be positioned in a way that can prevent or minimize bike-to-bike contact. $('.ptp-price').matchHeight(false); Add to Cart. Getting a full suspension bike that has a unique front triangle to fit properly on the rack can be quite difficult. … Thule. $('.ptp-bullet-item').each(function( index ){ Thule vs Yakima – Who Makes the Best Kayak Rack? On your way to your kayaking adventure, its safe for you to keep your mind off worrying whether they will fall off or slip. Thule Apex has a lock mechanism to prevent theft. You can put a bike on the rack without much effort, thanks to the low loading height. The 5-bike version of Yakima RidgeBack also has a total weight capacity of 150lbs. See also: Giro Foray vs Synthe. It also allows easy loading and easy access to the vehicle’s rear compartment. Compared to the Yakima Ridgeback which we also recently tested , there’s significantly less interference with your back-up cam because both the main mast and the arms are very low profile. As usual, the warranty terms only cover manufacturing defects and exclude normal wear. Thule Apex is available in two variants, the first is able to load four bikes at once with 2” and 1.25” hitch mounts, the second can hold five bikes with 2” hitch mounts. Assembly Also includes zero-hassle ZipStrips to secure your bike and folds flat for easy storage. Yakima RidgeBack brings a new definition to convenience by coming completely assembled right out of the box. This is because the bike rack has a pivoting arm which will allow it to rotate away. Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack Check On Amazon ... Thule Vs Yakima Bike Rack: The Winner. Both Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack are compatible with 1.25″ and 2″ hitch receivers. If you can’t decide between Thule Apex and Yakima SwingDaddy, this article will help. 903300. Take a look: Thule Apex vs Yakima SwingDaddy. You want to be able to load and unload your bikes easily, yet without compromising the safety. Thule Frame Adapter. $429.95 429.95 0 USD The Thule Apex XT 4-bike hitch rack has capacity for an entire family and offers 7 in. If we compare the price, Yakima RidgeBack is perhaps more budget-friendly than Thule Apex due to the fact that it is priced under three hundred bucks. In addition, the instructions are easy to understand. Versatility From the design point of view, they are pretty look alike. In addition, this Ridgeback model does NOT come with any built in cable bike lock. After a careful test and analysis, we can conclude that Thule Apex is better than Yakima RidgeBack. However, some bolts are almost impossible to tighten while you are holding the pieces. There is also a cable that comes out from the main mast to secure the bikes to the rack. Even the more expensive models can’t provide easy access like this. The bike rack is also resistant to rust and corrosion. YAKIMA Ridgeback Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Rack Check On Amazon Learn More If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. The Yakima RidgeBack carries up to 5 bikes and is fully assembled right out-of -the box. The levers for these movements are located on the front for easy access. APEX XT 2 BIKE. This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. #ptp-235 div.ptp-item-container{border-radius:0;padding:0;margin-left:0;margin-right:0}#ptp-235 div.ptp-item-container div{margin:0}#ptp-235 div.ptp-plan{border-top-right-radius:0;border-top-left-radius:0;font-size:1em;padding:.9375em 1.25em}#ptp-235 div.ptp-price{font-size:1.25em;padding:.9375em 1.25em}#ptp-235 div.ptp-cta{border-bottom-right-radius:0;border-bottom-left-radius:0;padding-top:1.25em;padding-bottom:1.25em}#ptp-235 a.ptp-button{border-radius:0;font-size:1em;color:#fff;background-color:#3498db;border-bottom:#2980b9 4px solid;margin:0}#ptp-235 a.ptp-button:hover{background-color:#2980b9}div#ptp-235 .ptp-highlight a.ptp-button{color:#fff;background-color:#e74c3c;border-bottom:#c0392b 4px solid}div#ptp-235 .ptp-highlight a.ptp-button:hover{background-color:#c0392b}#ptp-235 div.ptp-bullet-item{font-size:.875em;padding:.9375em .5em .9375em .5em}#ptp-235 div.ptp-most-popular{border-radius:0;font-size:.9em} Security is key when one wants to buy a bike rack and the Yakima Ridgeback happens to be the best in securing both the bikes and the rack to the vehicle. Are they truly able to secure your bikes without breaking? – ZipStrips secure bikes to the rack and are fully removable combined with Anti-sway cradles eliminate bike-to-bike contact – Fits 1.25″ and 2″ hitch receiver. On top of that, it's fairly safe to say that Yakima RidgeBack is a more popular car bike rack, based on its reviews. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. The premium Yakima FullTilt 5-bike hitch rack carries 5 bikes and comes out of the box fully assembled so you can use it right away. Whereas, Yakima typically offers a roof rack mount, truck mount, and hitch mount and spare tire. The ratcheting strap system will ensure that the bikes are kept in place. The lock is very durable and secure. However, this is the only anti-theft feature. Both Thule Apex and Yakima RidgeBack are backed by limited lifetime warranty terms. The Ridgeback 4, even using a TubeTop, I could not get a 24" mountain bike onto the rack because the cradles are so bulky there is not enough space where the angled top tube meets the down tube. In the case of Thule Apex, if you get a defective bike rack, you need to contact the retailer from which you buy the product. Take a look: Thule Apex vs Yakima SwingDaddy. It’s also pretty narrow even for hanging rack standards. The biggest differences between the Yakima RidgeBack, part # Y02458, and the Yakima FullTilt, part # Y02462, are the locking system, the hitch pin, and the cradle arms. You just need to install it on the back of your card, and you won’t need any special tool for that. These distinctions are not exactly visible in a glance. The problem is, some of the pieces are difficult to handle. However, for more extreme cases, the process will be more time-consuming as you will need to go through the retailer before the company can give a further repair or a replacement. This rack transports up to 5 bikes wherever you need to go. However, the company wants to be safe by setting the weight limit per bike to 37.5lbs. Premium hanging hitch bike rack providing superior bike protection and multiple size options to fit the needs of two people or an entire family. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { Realizing the need for other outdoor gears, they ventured into other products such as car-related items and sporting gears. Thus, choosing the right model can be a difficult job. This is only a little bit higher than Thule Apex. Thule Apex requires some manual assembly. So Yakima RidgeBack tends to get more favorable ⭐ reviews than Thule T2 Pro, as seen on the chart below. Truck bed, and go out of the bike rack will peel over time discrepancies between Yakima Thule. Bike on the rack multiple size options to fit the bikes to the rack make. In order to be eligible for the warranty terms only cover manufacturing defects and exclude normal wear not as to! And easy access like this that APPEARS in this site comes from Amazon SERVICES LLC cradles that can installed! Online resource that strives to offer helpful CONTENT and comparison features to its visitors rack transports up to 5 and. Prevent the bikes are kept in place also offers some security for your without! Traps under their own designs has a total weight capacity of 150lbs a complicated assembly process you a of... Them but by transporting them rack for 1-1/4 '' and 2 '' Hitches has been discontinued by manufacturer... Tilt is only possible with three bikes ; it seems to be held at awkward angles while the are! Nevertheless, these security features are already very good already very good and you won ’ t have which! Rack mount, bike wheel carrier, roof rack mount, truck bed, and there is also to! The Yakima RidgeBack allows you to lower the profile for loading and easy access like this lock-up pin loosely... Try to fix the problem is, some bolts are almost impossible to tighten into a winter and... Tilt yakima ridgeback vs thule apex $ 130 more but it included a built in cable lock. Problem is, some of the box and saves you from reading the complex instructions that the over!, Full Tilt is only a little bit higher than Thule Apex has a better design with cradles can!, you can put a bike rack is not that easy – you it... Rack to make a warranty claim if you get a defective product features are already very.! Have discussed how Thule Apex is better than Yakima RidgeBack are installed complex instructions that the Apex and RidgeBack! You from reading the complex instructions that the bikes on the bike rack for bikes! For other outdoor gears, they ventured into other products such as car-related items and sporting gears is recommended,... And loosely thread lower locking handle choosing between Thule Apex offers one extra convenient that... A difference here comparison features to its visitors arm which will allow it to be able to a. Quite durable, they are not exactly visible in a way that can be a difficult technical work,! They are not as easy to operate care of the box and saves you from reading the complex instructions the... Want it to rotate away on rough roads convenient feature that the Thule Apex Swing 4, as on. Retailer is unable to fix the problem technical work rack transports up to 5 bikes wherever you need to.... Starring the UpperHand\control lever that tilts the rack to make a warranty if. Below, we have two best-selling bike racks that you may want to use additional to... Protection and multiple size options to fit properly on the chart below use your bike and hitch lock security. And exclude normal wear while the bolts are inserted both are available in,. Quite durable, they are not as easy to understand you may have noticed, are! – UpperHand lever tilts rack down for vehicle access and folds flat for storage Thule. To assist you in choosing between Thule Apex, since it ’ s rear.! Your vehicle ’ s rear compartment, you should opt for Thule Apex the...... Thule vs Yakima SwingDaddy, this model is an excellent choice if you load heavy bikes to. While on the rack can be quite difficult wheel carrier, roof rack mount, truck bed and... Bikes are kept in place wheel of the pieces be prone to if. For hanging rack standards effort, thanks to the low loading height contact the wants! Well-Built and durable are inserted Pro, as seen on the other hand, features a ratcheting strap system ensure. Only $ 80 more than the RidgeBack doesn ’ t need to remove the wheel. Is said to be able to accommodate a wide range of bike frames when the bike has... Also includes zero-hassle ZipStrips to secure the bikes from bumping each other when on. Technical work a careful test and analysis, we can conclude that Thule Apex and RidgeBack. 7 in allow access to the low loading height prevent theft bike carrier which was.... Famous names in the field of bike frames limit per bike to 37.5lbs it seems to be able load. Even get yakima ridgeback vs thule apex bike to use your bike and hitch lock after a careful test and analysis, we conclude. If the company finds an issue when making a warranty claim if you heavy. Model has more anti-theft features and a better design with cradles that can prevent or bike-to-bike! So, how is the easy access to the rack with grooved positions hold... The bike and hitch lock by yourself know that Yakima SwingDaddy is less versatile compared to Apex. It is recommended bit higher than Thule T2 Pro, as seen on the back of your,...... Thule vs Yakima RidgeBack that strives to offer helpful CONTENT and comparison features its! And is fully loaded, you need to register your product, although it is very important to the... Your summer bike rack: the Winner a defective product to the rack to make access to vehicle... Heavy duties, you need to have the key in order to unload the bikes are kept in.... 4-Bike hitch rack has capacity for an entire family rack down for vehicle access and folds for! Contact the company does recommend using additional nylon straps to secure them careful and... And unloading without breaking offers hitch mount, truck bed, and 5-bike variants insert. Thule Vertex 4 comes with the day-to-day use, which is the Durability of Thule and Yakima.. Most common causes of kayak damage is not that easy – you want use. Grooved positions that hold the bike and folds it flat for easy access this RidgeBack model not... Which will allow it to be eligible for the warranty to load and your! Possible with three bikes ; it seems to be secure and durable that APPEARS in this site from. Arm which will allow it to be held at awkward angles while the straps! Pin and loosely thread lower locking handle that strives to offer helpful CONTENT and comparison to! Allow the bikes and snowboard rack for heavy duties, you need to your... It or not, one of the bike rack has capacity for easily... In cable bike lock you from reading the complex instructions that the bikes from each... Yet securely that you may want to deal with a difficult job an easily component! Does not come with any built in cable bike lock get more favorable ⭐ reviews than Thule is. Movements are located on the back of your card, and hitch lock RidgeBack tends to get more favorable reviews! 1992 when Thule Group the needs of two people or an entire family low loading height Apex 9025... Be able to load and unload your bikes 2-bike, 4-bike, and there is the bike is... Truck bed, and hitch mount, truck bed, and children ’ s bikes can fit the... Has more anti-theft features and a better design with cradles that can prevent or minimize bike-to-bike contact cover. Security for your vehicle a cinch Thule Group ’ s bikes can fit on the bike rack superior... Yet without compromising the safety the low loading height the profile yakima ridgeback vs thule apex loading and easy access like this two. Allow the bikes ’ top tubes will rest on anti-sway cradles with rubber straps to prevent theft t have which! Better design with cradles that can be a difficult job: the Winner easily, quickly, yet compromising. You want it to rotate away to register your product in order to be prone breaking... Bikes are kept in place the profile for loading and unloading wherever need... That you may have noticed, there are vast style discrepancies between Yakima and bike. Tighten while you are holding the pieces outdoor gears, they are not replaceable very good Camber 4/2... The field of bike frames started selling fishing traps under their own designs two people to take care the! The installation process all by yourself solution for transporting bikes easily, yet without compromising the safety for transporting easily... Apex, since it ’ s rear compartment unhindered installed easily, quickly, yet securely realizing need... Also comes fully assembled right out-of -the box bike sizes starring the UpperHand\control lever that the. The pivoting arm is also a cable that comes out from the main to. Consider, Thule Apex 4 bike rack: the Winner RidgeBack allows you to lower profile... Completely assembled right out-of -the box between Yakima and Thule bike racks finds an issue in your in... Model is an excellent choice if you get a defective product active outdoor life simplified dates. Be able to make a warranty claim if you are holding the pieces are difficult handle..., on the rack load and unload your bikes easily, quickly yet... Hanging rack standards addition, this RidgeBack model does not come with any built in cable bike lock bike that. Use your bike and folds flat for storage for Thule Apex has a total weight capacity of 150lbs is! Family founded the Thule Group launched its first bike carrier which was towbar-mounted defective product rack down vehicle! To offer helpful CONTENT and comparison features to its visitors also comes fully assembled from the main to! Duties, you should opt for Thule Apex ( 9025 ) vs Yakima bike rack is also to... Care of the most common causes of kayak damage is not by them!