Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

by: Thomas 03/20/2024

This two bike rack has been great for the occasional bike ride outside of our home area. I like the sturdy construction, but beware that it is a little heavier than it looks (I’m retired and a bit older so maybe not as strong). Easy to fit into the factory trailer hitch on our 5 passenger SUV and no problem securing the bikes for transport. My only complaint is, the stick on Yakima Graphic started coming apart the day we got it. Sorry, no free advertising for Yakima.1750596

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!233829

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Back of our Jeep with 2 bike for 7000 miles, no issue at all, would definitely recommend it to anyone with a trailer hitch1393662

Edward

9/6/2023

Still using the bike rack, no issues, it still 100.

Mike L.

10/26/2023

@Edward Awesome, glad to hear that!

Heavy duty. Well made and designed. Easy to install and load. Just arrived so I’ll let you know about the durability.1765688

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by: Sara09/13/2018

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.564726

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Great service! 1748915

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.431800

Although the first one I received had damage-Eric was awesome at helping me get it all straightened out and shipped me a new rack. he was super helpful and very quick at taking care of the problem/very professional! I will continue to use etrailers for all my bike needs.1532834

by: Michael S.09/13/2016

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. 294226

Michael S.

9/13/2017

No functionality problems but the Yakima emblem came off

Just installed hitch and carrier and it all went smoothly, the videos were terrific on how to install and use.377053

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For my URAL Motorcycle. Heavy to fits perfect and small frame Specialized Vado down tube water bottle cage just clears the rack mount.1554415

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.227058

Bill N.

9/21/2016

It works just fine. A good bike carrier.

by: Patrick 04/23/2021

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.1020442

Patrick

4/25/2022

Very happy. when my bike is on the rack, I know it is secure and I dont worry about losing it.

by: Edward03/27/2018

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.489667

by: Edgar10/17/2018

We 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. 575098

The Yakima RidgeBack 2 is an excellent bike carrier. Simple and intuitive to install with good looks and easy functionality - this is simply what I have come to expect from Yakima. The unit is reasonably priced compared to the competition. This is the third Yakima bike rack system that I have owned.

Purchasing the product from etrailer was so easy and much cheaper because the bike shops wanted me to pay shipping. This is my first experience with etrailer and it was a good one.150751

by: Marty 12/30/2021

This 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!1234417

by: John S08/02/2016

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. 278231

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.1280934

Very easy to install.only gripe I have I paid $XXX.00, 2 weeks later went on sale for $XXX.00.called they said can't help it.1594488

by: Robert02/26/2018

Only complaint like others have noted is the Yakima logo is a sticker that easily peels off. Other than that, it's strong, sturdy, and easy to load my bikes. I've used it about 6 times over the past year with no problems. I'm very satisfied with my purchase.479057

The RidgeBack 2 is easy to install and easy to use. The quick-release ratchet straps hold my bikes securely in the cradles, the rack is very sturdy and the tilt-away feature works great to access my hatchback. I'd agree with other reviewers that Yakima would be wise to paint the logo rather than use a stencil that peels off at the lightest touch. Not a problem for me, but it doesn't help Yakima advertising. Overall, an excellent product so far. I've only had it for a little over a week but have driven a couple hundred miles over highways, rural roads and dirt/gravel paths. To date, it's solid.295891

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.



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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.

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by: Charlie04/24/2017

This rack has been outstanding! Very stable and although it is a tad on the heavy side (not necessarily a bad thing) it is relatively easy to install and remove when needed. The ratchet straps are very effective and easy to use. I would highly recommend this bike rack! .............. By the way, ETrailer.com is an outstanding company to deal with as well! They are very good at what they do!371453