Yakima SwingDaddy only has 2” hitch mounts. When the lock is set, you need to have the key in order to unload the bikes. $('.ptp-cta').matchHeight(false); $('.ptp-price').matchHeight(false); 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. The bike rack is also resistant to rust and corrosion. Even though both models can lift four bikes simultaneously, Thule Apex allows more versatile usage than Yakima SwingDaddy because it has 1.25” and 2” hitch mounts for different types of bikes. The levers for these movements are located on the front for easy access. You just need to install it on the back of your card, and you won’t need any special tool for that. You want to be able to load and unload your bikes easily, yet without compromising the safety. Having two people to take care of the job will make the process much quicker and easier. These two products have been offering products in different styles. 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. - 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. Thule and Yakima are two pretty famous names in the field of bike racks. Furthermore, Thule Apex is best for regular road bikes. After a careful test and analysis, we can conclude that Thule Apex is better than Yakima RidgeBack. }); Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack 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. Nevertheless, Yakima RidgeBack is said to be able to accommodate a wide range of bike frames. We may expect that the Apex and the RidgeBack over various greatness. That is one plus for the Yakima product. Versatility It also allows easy loading and easy access to the vehicle’s rear compartment. The Winner is Yakima Ridgeback. This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. Thule Vs. Yakima Bike Rack Comparison. – Which model that is easier to set up and use Every single bike being put and locked there can not be taken off by some random stranger passing by. Ease of Use The 5-bike version of Yakima RidgeBack also has a total weight capacity of 150lbs. Only when the retailer is unable to fix the problem that the retailer will contact the company. • Engage lock-up pin and loosely thread lower locking handle. Compared to the Thule Pro XT platform rack (right image below), you’d hardly know the Thule Apex XT is on your car! They both are available in 2-bike, 4-bike, and 5-bike variants. However, choosing the right bike rack is not that easy – you want it to be secure and durable. When the lock is set, you need to have the key in order to unload the bikes. }); bikesboom.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to bikesboom.com (amazon.com, amazonsupply.com, or myhabit.com). – The warranty of Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack $429.95 429.95 0 USD From the design point of view, they are pretty look alike. #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} If you think so, well, let me tell you that actually there are lots of distinctions that make each product more viable than the others. Thule Group’s history of making the active outdoor life simplified, dates way back to 1942. Are they truly able to secure your bikes without breaking? It can also fold away to allow access to the vehicle’s rear compartment. If you can’t decide between Thule Apex and Yakima SwingDaddy, this article will help. You can do the installation process all by yourself. This is only a little bit higher than Thule Apex. However, there are two potential issues. This model has more anti-theft features and a better build quality. The ratcheting strap system will ensure that the bikes are kept in place. Small bikes are also tricky to fit. Security and Durability You may want to use additional chains to secure the bikes’ wheels. It has a better design with cradles that can be re-positioned to accommodate different bike sizes. 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. On top of that, it's fairly safe to say that Yakima RidgeBack is a more popular car bike rack, based on its reviews. 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. X. Need to get in your vehicle? $('.ptp-row-id-'+index).matchHeight(false); There is also a cable that comes out from the main mast to secure the bikes to the rack. However, some bolts are almost impossible to tighten while you are holding the pieces. Some pieces will need to be held at awkward angles while the bolts are inserted. 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. 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. Nevertheless, these security features are already very good. 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. 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. $('.ptp-button').matchHeight(false); This rack transports up to 5 bikes wherever you need to go. 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. 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. An integrated cable lock helps secure bikes to the rack. There is also a cable that comes out from the main mast to secure the bikes to the rack. The durability of Thule Apex is excellent. Because the stem is short, even using a TubeTop there is the same problem. Style. In order to lock the bike rack to the back of your car, you just need to turn the “SpeedKnob” on the front end of the bike rack’s tongue. Thule’s model is typically a hitch mount, a truck bed, roof rack mount, and bike wheel carrier to keep your spare tire. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. I returned this rack and went with the more expensive model, Yakima Full Tilt. We have discussed how Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack are installed. You don’t need to register your product, although it is recommended. Thule Apex has a lock mechanism to prevent theft. But, do not worry! $49.95 49.95 0 USD. In addition, the instructions are easy to understand. The problem is, some of the pieces are difficult to handle. Whereas, Yakima typically offers a roof rack mount, truck mount, and hitch mount and spare tire. Unfortunately, while the plastic straps are quite durable, they are not replaceable. Starring the UpperHand\control lever that tilts the rack to make access to your vehicle a cinch. Thule Apex has a lock mechanism to prevent theft. Yakima RidgeBack, on the other hand, also available in two variants, with two bike mounts and four bike mounts respectively, each has 1.25” and 2” hitch mounts. Both Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack are compatible with 1.25″ and 2″ hitch receivers. $('.ptp-bullet-item').each(function( index ){ So Yakima RidgeBack tends to get more favorable ⭐ reviews than Thule Apex Swing 4, as seen on the chart below. Thule Apex - 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 contactBest Price Click Here The cradles and straps are subject to wear, but these parts can be replaced. Thule Apex XT 4 Premium hanging hitch bike rack providing superior bike protection and multiple size options to fit the needs of two people or an entire family. Yakima RidgeBack has a unique lock mechanism. The rack tilts down for easy access. On your way to your kayaking adventure, its safe for you to keep your mind off worrying whether they will fall off or slip. Second, some joints do not look very strong and seem to be prone to breaking if you load heavy bikes. It also comes fully assembled from the box and saves you from reading the complex instructions that the Thule Vertex 4 comes with. After a careful test and analysis, we can conclude that Thule Apex is better than Yakima RidgeBack. – UpperHand lever tilts rack down for vehicle access and folds it flat for storage. This company started selling fishing traps under their own designs. APEX XT 2 BIKE. First, the decal on the bike rack will peel over time. 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. Advertiser Disclosure. These distinctions are not exactly visible in a glance. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. The FullTilt has fully padded arms with grooved positions that hold the bike cradles in place. Even the more expensive models can’t provide easy access like this. Yakima SwingDaddy has an easy to use single-bolt assembly, making the installation process very quick and simple as long as you can carry the weight for the initial process. One huge advantage that Thule Apex offers is the easy access to the vehicle’s rear compartment. Thule Apex has a simple attachment mechanism. Yakima RidgeBack brings a new definition to convenience by coming completely assembled right out of the box. Realizing the need for other outdoor gears, they ventured into other products such as car-related items and sporting gears. Take a look: Thule Apex vs Yakima SwingDaddy. Product Comparison: Thule Apex (9025) vs Yakima RoadTrip. Loading bikes is mostly a straightforward process, and there is also an anti-swap clamp for each bike to prevent bumping. 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. Just put the bikes on the back of your car, and go. Accessories for Thule Apex XT 2 982XT. Interestingly, Thule Apex and Yakima RidgeBack immediately show a difference here. The bikes’ top tubes will rest on anti-sway cradles with rubber straps to secure them. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { However, in the day-to-day use, which one is more practical and user-friendly? Finally, when buying a bike rack, it is very important to check the warranty terms. At this point in the article, we’ll provide you a comparison of Thule and Yakima when it comes to various features. With the love for outdoors, the Thulin family founded the Thule group. Now we know that Yakima SwingDaddy is less versatile compared to Thule Apex, since it’s compatible with 2-inch receiver. One problem is that the cradles can’t be re-positioned, so it will be very difficult to fit bikes of different sizes and to prevent bike-to-bike contact. © 2020 by BikeIsFun.com is a participant of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca etc ), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), – 1-1/4″ and 2″ hitch mount carrier for transporting up to five bikes, that leans back when unloaded, allowing access to vehicle hatchbacks – Bikes lock to carrier, and carrier to vehicle using the included cable and hitch locks – Integrated auto pin functions as hitch pin, and moves into place with an audible click – Hold Fast cradles absorb the shock of the road protecting your bike during transport and patented No-Sway cages prevent bike to bike contact, – Tool-free locking SpeedKnob for quick installation locks the rack to your vehicle. The company does recommend using additional nylon straps to prevent the bikes from bumping each other when passing on rough roads. The cradles can be moved to allow the bikes to be positioned in a way that can prevent or minimize bike-to-bike contact. – The comparison of their security features and durability 903300. – 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. Also includes zero-hassle ZipStrips to secure your bike and folds flat for easy storage. So Yakima RidgeBack tends to get more favorable ⭐ reviews than Thule T2 Pro, as seen on the chart below. The Yakima RidgeBack carries up to 5 bikes and is fully assembled right out-of -the box. Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of kayak damage is not by using them but by transporting them. However, the levers are not as easy to operate. The Full Tilt is $130 more but it included a built in cable bike lock. The construction is also very robust. In addition, this Ridgeback model does NOT come with any built in cable bike lock. 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. Best 4-Bike Hitch Rack: Yakima RidgeBack 4 We’ve often felt that the best features are the ones you don’t notice, and Yakima’s RidgeBack 4 ($349) is an excellent example of this. Thule Apex requires some manual assembly. In the case of Yakima RidgeBack, you need to register your product in order to be eligible for the warranty. Yakima RidgeBack, on the other hand, also available in two variants, with two bike mounts and four bike mounts respectively, each has 1.25” and 2” hitch mounts. It can be purchased separately for $50. When the lock is set, the SpeedKnob will just spin in its place without loosening, so the bikes can’t be unloaded. The model also offers some security for your bikes. Like Thule Apex, Yakima RidgeBack allows you to lower the profile for loading and unloading. If you are planning to use your bike rack for heavy duties, you should opt for Thule Apex. The pivoting arm is also equipped with a solid lock that will prevent the bike rack from swinging while on the road. You will be also notified if the company finds an issue in your product. Even when the bike rack is fully loaded, you can still open your vehicle’s rear compartment unhindered. 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. of space between bikes to provide superior protection. Simply attach the hitch receiver, slide the tongue of the bike rack into the hitch receiver, and insert the red safety pin. You can put a bike on the rack without much effort, thanks to the low loading height. $('.ptp-plan').matchHeight(false); Thus, choosing the right model can be a difficult job. As you may have noticed, there are vast style discrepancies between Yakima and Thule bike racks. As usual, the warranty terms only cover manufacturing defects and exclude normal wear. The Thule Apex 4 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Both Thule Apex and Yakima RidgeBack are backed by limited lifetime warranty terms. However, Thule Apex offers one extra convenient feature that the RidgeBack doesn’t have, which is the bike and hitch lock. 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. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS IN THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. This is because the bike rack has a pivoting arm which will allow it to rotate away. Seriously? Conclusion THULE | Camber (4/2 Bikes) Price $269.95. Assembly However, this is the only anti-theft feature. 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. The weight limit per bike is 40lbs. Premium hanging hitch bike rack providing superior bike protection and multiple size options to fit the needs of two people or an entire family. It has a two key lock hole that helps curb someone from stealing or … Style. 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. The company wants to be impossible with four or five bikes difficult.! Sporting gears is the easy access to the rack are backed by limited lifetime warranty terms to use bike! A TubeTop there is also equipped with a difficult technical work straightforward,... 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