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Sturdy, hitch-mounted rack carries 2 bikes on folding dual arms with anti-sway cradles. ZipStrip ratcheting cradle straps quickly and easily secure your bikes to the rack. Rack tilts for cargo area access. Tool-free installation with locking knob.
Features:
Specs:
Note: This dual-arm rack reduces the need for a bike frame adapter bar (sold separately) to mount a children's, women's, or alternative frame bicycle. However, to mount certain bikes or to keep your bike level on the rack, a bike adapter bar may be required. Most step-through bikes, dual-suspension bikes, and small children's bikes will require a bike adapter bar.
The sturdy, hitch-mounted Yakima Ridgeback lets you transport 2 bikes on the back of your vehicle. The rack has dual arms that offer excellent bike support and anti-sway cradles with ZipStrip ratcheting cradle straps for quick and easy bike loading. The mast tilts away from your vehicle for cargo area access. And installation is tool-free with an integrated anti-rattle device that locks the rack to your vehicle.
The Ridgeback's dual arms offer excellent bike support.
And they fold down flat against the mast for parking clearance and compact storage. To fold them down, pull the grey TriggerFinger control lever on top of the mast. When you're ready to load bikes again, simply lift the arms back up until they lock into place with an audible click.
The RidgeBack has anti-sway cradles that grip your bike frame at 3 different points - twice along the top bar and once along a downward bar, such as a seat post. This third point of contact helps to prevent sway and bike-to-bike contact.
Ratcheting ZipStrips let you quickly and easily secure your bikes in the cradles. These straps require none of the tugging and stretching that conventional straps require. Simply insert the strap into the buckles on the cradle, and push it down until it's snug around your bike frame. The ZipStrips can be removed quickly by pressing the release levers on the sides of each anti-sway cradle.
A layer of TPE padding on each cradle absorbs road shock and minimizes vibrations.
The Ridgeback has an integrated SpeedKnob that allows tool-free installation. The knob controls an anti-rattle wedge on the shank. Simply turn the knob to tighten the bike rack shank in your hitch receiver. This not only secures the rack to your vehicle, but also reduces noise and movement of the rack in your hitch. An included hitch pin is attached to the bike rack shank with a lanyard so you won't lose it.
The rack works with both 1-1/4" and 2" hitches. To use it in a 1-1/4" hitch, simply remove the red adapter and wedge extension with the included Allen key.
The Ridgeback's mast tilts so you won't need to remove the rack for rear hatch clearance. And the UpperHand control lever is conveniently located near the top of the mast, so you won't need to bend over to reach a lever or pin at the base of the rack.
The SpeedKnob includes a Yakima Same Key System (SKS) lock core. This lock prevents a would-be thief from being able to loosen the knob and remove the rack from your hitch. Add a HandCuff cable lock (Y02466 - sold separately) to secure your bikes to the rack.
SKS cores can be swapped out if you own other Yakima products and want to use the same key to lock them all.
The RidgeBack easily folds flat for compact storage. Use the TriggerFinger control lever to fold the arms down. Then use the UpperHand lever to fold up the shank.
The RidgeBack includes 2 built-in, machined-steel bottle openers in case your beverage of choice doesn't have a twist-off cap.
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (185 Customer Reviews)
Sturdy, hitch-mounted rack carries 2 bikes on folding dual arms with anti-sway cradles. ZipStrip ratcheting cradle straps quickly and easily secure your bikes to the rack. Rack tilts for cargo area access. Tool-free installation with locking knob.The rack arrived fully assembled and the additional HandCuff Cable Lock was securely packed in the same carton. The installation of the Cable Lock was very simple (watch the Etrailer video concerning the lock -- made things very clear though the printed instruction were easy enough to follow). Installing the rack on my 2017 Ford Edge was extremely simple (again, watch the Etrailer video). The rack slid easily into the hitch and tightened up very snugly. I have not used the bike rack yet for transport, but it appears very sturdy and the clips holding the bike in place are very secure.
Etrailer customer service was exceptional and I was very surprised to see the cable lock arrive with the rack since I was originally told it was on backorder.
I used this product twice to go back and forth on a 700 mile trip (1400 miles total). My initial impression was that it was sturdy because it was larger than most 2 bike carriers I've seen. The strapping system is convenient and the locking system worked great. The only flaw so far is that one of the locking mechanisms actually broke off. After closer inspection, I realized that the parts are plastic. I'm not sure what actually caused it to break other than the force of hitting a pothole causing the bike to bounce on the rack. Those types of forces should be expected with normal driving however and I expected the locking mechanism to hold up. I was fairly disappointed that it happened given the asking price and the reviews I read prior to my purchase. Other than the locking mechanism on the actual bike rack, I wouldn't put to much faith in the red handled locking pin that inserts into the trailer hitch and insertion bar portion of the bike rack. It is understood that the pin does not go all the way through the insertion bar as the locking mechanism is inside and prevents further advancement. Yakima could probably improve this aspect of the product. I will be contacting Yakima to see if they will replace the broken part. One thing I did notice was that the broken bracket is screwed in and can be removed/replaced fairly easily. I have included pics of the broken bracket and working bracket for comparison. Hope this helps in your decision!
Carried 2 bikes from North Texas to Northern Colorado on the back of a civic coupe, through high winds and mountain passes. This rack is very sturdy. It was a little tough to get out of the hitch receiver the first time, very snug fit. I now need to get a hitch receiver on my Miata so that I can continue to use this rack.
I like my Yakima. the hitch is tight and secure. I never worry about losing it or the bike. I would purchase another one today if I had the need.
Patrick - 04/25/2022This is the third Yakima Ridgeback that I have purchased for three different family members. These bike racks are durable,secure the bikes well and are easy to use. I continue to see cars, SUVs and trucks all over the midwest with Yakima bike racks. They work well with road, trail and hybrid bikes. Look no further and Enjoy the outdoors!
Just installed hitch and carrier and it all went smoothly, the videos were terrific on how to install and use.
Very satisfied. Traveled across country with my bike and no problems. A couple of friends help with the install which was very much straightforward. I would recommend to anyone.
Great rack for lighter bikes I picked up an E bike in and rack no longer suited my needs sold it to my brother as far as I know he’s quite happy with it
The bicycle rack was delivered today. After much trial and error I finally got it together and functioning properly. The instructions are little help and I only achieved success after calling Yakima customer service for assistance. On a purely cosmetic issue, the Yakima decal is already half gone. If I were the manufacturer I would like my name ( logo ) applied more permanently. After all the trials and tribulations, the bike rack is first class. To bad the same can't be said for the instructions.
Bill N - 09/21/2016We used this bike rack on our vacation to Atlantic Beach NC. For 2 senior citizens, we made out pretty well. The bikes had a pleasant ride, no dings, no dents, no spinning tires! We carried them on the back of a GMC pickup with a camper top. The tilt down feature allowed us to open the tailgate completely with the bikes still on the rack. The only thing we would want to improve is the weight. At 32 pounds it was hard for us to mount on the hitch, but we were able to get a young neighbor to help us. It is very well built and I would definitely recommend this rack to our friends.
Good product.... I only use it a few time a year... take bikes from NY to Florida and back.... and a few times locally. I suppose if you were really into biking, get the type that you simply set the bike(s) in the wheel trays and lock them on.... Remember as humans we tend to be lazy even if we may be marathon bikers.
Used this on a Porsche Macan, and a Grand Marquis. My Grand Marquis has the smaller hitch... 1 1/2" ??? I just went to Walmart and got an adapter to 2"... Sorry e-trailer but I was in a hurray. The adapter actually moves the rack a few more inches away from the trunk. Love that because access to the trunk is easier.... but trunk access is not really a problem whether or not you need an adapter.
I like the locks.... also remember to get the adapter bar for ladies bikes.
Folds up nice to put in garage.
The rack has been a great purchase. No problems with the installation or performance. I bicycle two to three times per week and the trails I use are 10 or more miles from my home. I carry both my wife's and my bikes securely.
Michael S - 09/13/2017The rack was very easy to install. Like anything you do for the first time, the next time would be much easier. Could do 5 or 6 in the time that the first install required. The bike lock was also an easy installation. The two make a nice unit.
This was installed in a 2" hitch but can accommodate the smaller receiver as well. This rack holds on to my large frame mountain bike just fine with virtually no sway during the short trips to my local trail.
All features work as advertised, but please note that while the kit comes with a long strap to hold multiple bikes together (to prevent the frame bouncing against each other I assume), the kit does not include a strap to hold the front wheel/fork steady. I improvised one with a short bungee cord.
Shipping from etrailer was fast and communicated well via notifiactions.
I ordered both a Curt class three hitch and Yakima bike rack. The hitch and bike rack came in great condition! However, I'm unsure if my car's frame will be able to handle the weight of my bikes, bike rack, and hitch once I load everything on. The gauge of the steel on the actual frame of my Subaru crosstrek is thinner than that used for the Yakima bike rack. I just talked to Subaru and they weren't able to answer my questions of the frame's weight limitations because I didn't buy their parts. I understand but it stinks not to have a clear answer. We'll see what happens. I may be having to test etrailer's return policy, but I hope not. Crossing my fingers.
Superb product, with lots of well thought out features, swinging ability, integrated lock, etc.
The rack installs easily with good instructions. It is still a little heavy for me to put in my Subaru Crosstrek (I am 68), but it is manageable.
We used this heavier rack since we sometimes put on our electric bikes for short distances. They are at the heavy end of the weight limits, but should work OK. Unlike the last car I had (Subaru forester), we don't want to keep the rack on the car unless we need to use it.
The rack was delivered slower than expected. The web site said it was in stock, but there apparently was an issue with the availability. The customer service team kept me well apprised of the shipment status.
Although fairly heavy and seemingly well designed, the poor finish quality of this product deserves mention. The plastic handles have rough and sharp edges that cut two of my fingers. The logo across the front is a cheap vinyl sticker that was 1/2 pulling off and had to be removed. It was easy to install. I’m hoping it performs better than my first impressions of it.
Well worth the price , best bike rack I have ever used.
This my second one. Got rear ended by a truck. No damage to the car and really no damage to the bike rack but happy to have a new one from the truck owner. Easy to get bike on and off. I am 65 years old and I LOVE THIS BIKE RACK!
Install was as advertised, but more documentation on how to adjust the hitch adjustment for the size. The handcuff lock install was as advertised. Videos were helpful in selling my purchase !
Rack came completely assembled and was easy to connect to the 2 inch Curt hitch. It actually took as long to get the box open than connecting to the hitch. Turning the red knob tightened the rack to remove any play.
2015 Audi A3. Fit perfect in the etrailer hitch.
Excellent experience buying my trailer hitch from etrailer for my bike rack. Shipping was on time and I was able to install it myself after viewing the videos online. Installation took about an hour, if I would of had one more set of hands it would of been easier and faster. Thank you etrailer.
I had no problems with ordering my bike rack from Etrailer. It was delivered in a secured box and on time.
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