REVIEW: YAKIMA'S SURPRISINGLY GOOD STAGETWO HITCH RACK

Yakima has had a long history of manufacturing bike racks, and leverages that experience in designing its latest tray-style hitch-rack system, the StageTwo. This rack is their premium offering with all the bells and whistles one would expect from a high-end hitch rack capable of carrying two to four bikes.

The StageTwo holds two bikes and is available in both 1.25- and 2-inch hitch sizes in the Anthracite color. The 2-inch size is also offered in a White Vapor color and can be expanded to a four-bike carrier with the addition of a StageTwo +2 add-on kit ($459). Its main support bar and ratcheting arms are steel while the trays are made of aluminum. That main support bar is angled upward to create tiered trays to increase ground clearance while traversing steep driveways or ditches. The trays accommodate wheelbases up to 52 inches long and can be adjusted side to side to improve handlebar and saddle clearance. Wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 29 inches are accommodated, and so are fat bikes with the addition of Yakima's fat bike kit ($29) with its longer rear-wheel straps.

This stout rack can handle eMTBs up to 60 pounds each. It is also one of the few racks we have seen that is officially approved for off-road use. The bike weight limit is reduced to 36 pounds while off-road, but that covers most bikes short of eMTB models. The rack tilts down for trunk access and folds up for storage. A tool-free, wedge-style mounting system is operated with a knurled locking knob and backed up with a quick-release safety pin. The ratcheting arms feature integrated cable locks and have the same lock core as the main mounting system for a one-key-fits-all setup.

We tested the 1.25-inch hitch-size version, and it weighed in at 60 pounds. It's on the heavy side compared to some other racks we have reviewed, but once it's on the vehicle, the stout build pays dividends with excellent stability. Even in strong winds and on rough roads the bikes remain stable and secure compared to other racks we have used. We really appreciate the tray length that supports even long-reach enduro bikes that hang off other racks. Yakima's folding release lever at the end of the rack has light action and is very easy to access and operate.

Assembly is simple, and we appreciate the theft-resistant hardware with a center nub that most thieves won't have tools for. The offset tray mounts are great for full-size vehicles since they virtually eliminate bike interference, but on smaller cars we centered the trays to tuck the bikes in better. Not only does the stadium-style tray arrangement increase ground clearance, but it seemed to reduce bike interference compared to flat racks we have tested. Yes, we still dragged the rack on the main hitch bar a few times, but Yakima wisely added a plastic skid plate to protect the knurled locking knob. We really like the one-key lock system and built-in cable locks. Yakima also includes a sturdy steel loop in the middle of the rack for a secondary add-on lock for an extra layer of security. Overall, Yakima really knocked it out of the park with the StageTwo. It may look understated and basic at a casual glance, but this is a very well-executed rack that is full of smart features and built to last.

• Solid construction

• Superb bike stability

• Easy assembly

• Adjustable trays

• Off-road rated

• A little heavy

STAR RATING: ★★★★½

Weight: 60 pounds

Price: $849

Contact: www.yakima.com