However, in the day-to-day use, which one is more practical and user-friendly? Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. The pivoting arm is also equipped with a solid lock that will prevent the bike rack from swinging while on the road. With the love for outdoors, the Thulin family founded the Thule group. Second, some joints do not look very strong and seem to be prone to breaking if you load heavy bikes. The 5-bike version of Thule Apex has a total weight capacity of 150lbs. One huge advantage that Thule Apex offers is the easy access to the vehicle’s rear compartment. Because the stem is short, even using a TubeTop there is the same problem. 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. Starring the UpperHand\control lever that tilts the rack to make access to your vehicle a cinch. Now we know that Yakima SwingDaddy is less versatile compared to Thule Apex, since it’s compatible with 2-inch receiver. Seriously? Need to get in your vehicle? The Full Tilt is $130 more but it included a built in cable bike lock. You want to be able to make a warranty claim if you get a defective product. The bikes’ top tubes will rest on anti-sway cradles with rubber straps to secure them. But the requirements are slightly different. – UpperHand lever tilts rack down for vehicle access and folds it flat for storage. As usual, the warranty terms only cover manufacturing defects and exclude normal wear. Take a look: Thule Apex vs Yakima SwingDaddy. The plastic straps are grooved to fit the bikes perfectly and are easy to tighten. – The warranty of Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack 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. In addition, the instructions are easy to understand. $('.ptp-bullet-item').each(function( index ){ Yakima SwingDaddy only has 2” hitch mounts. Also includes zero-hassle ZipStrips to secure your bike and folds flat for easy storage. The problem is, some of the pieces are difficult to handle. So technically, Full Tilt is only $80 more than the Ridgeback. However, this is the only anti-theft feature. Conclusion However, getting zero bike-to-bike contact is only possible with three bikes; it seems to be impossible with four or five bikes. It also comes fully assembled from the box and saves you from reading the complex instructions that the Thule Vertex 4 comes with. 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. Ease of Use The cradles and straps are subject to wear, but these parts can be replaced. Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of kayak damage is not by using them but by transporting them. After a careful test and analysis, we can conclude that Thule Apex is better than Yakima RidgeBack. Even the more expensive models can’t provide easy access like this. 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. - 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. Both Thule Apex and Yakima RidgeBack are backed by limited lifetime warranty terms. You may want to use additional chains to secure the bikes’ wheels. The anti-sway cradles ensure that the bikes won’t rock back and forth too much. Furthermore, Thule Apex is best for regular road bikes. On your way to your kayaking adventure, its safe for you to keep your mind off worrying whether they will fall off or slip. 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 model also offers some security for your bikes. Thule Apex has a lock mechanism to prevent theft. The durability of Thule Apex is excellent. $49.95 49.95 0 USD. Like Thule Apex, Yakima RidgeBack allows you to lower the profile for loading and unloading. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. of space between bikes to provide superior protection. Nevertheless, these security features are already very good. This model has more anti-theft features and a better build quality. 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. You can put a bike on the rack without much effort, thanks to the low loading height. At this point in the article, we’ll provide you a comparison of Thule and Yakima when it comes to various features. 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. Thule Apex has a simple attachment mechanism. X. On top of that, it's fairly safe to say that Yakima RidgeBack is a more popular car bike rack, based on its reviews. First of all, nobody wants to deal with a complicated assembly process. Small bikes are also tricky to fit. THULE | Camber (4/2 Bikes) Price $269.95. Whereas, Yakima typically offers a roof rack mount, truck mount, and hitch mount and spare tire. The FullTilt has fully padded arms with grooved positions that hold the bike cradles in place. Despite having many moving parts, the pivots are all well-built and durable. If you can’t decide between Thule Apex and Yakima SwingDaddy, this article will help. Thule Tram. $('.ptp-price').matchHeight(false); In addition, this Ridgeback model does NOT come with any built in cable bike lock. 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. You want to be able to load and unload your bikes easily, yet without compromising the safety. Compared to the Thule Pro XT platform rack (right image below), you’d hardly know the Thule Apex XT is on your car! We may expect that the Apex and the RidgeBack over various greatness. Some pieces will need to be held at awkward angles while the bolts are inserted. This is because the bike rack has a pivoting arm which will allow it to rotate away. In the case of Yakima RidgeBack, you need to register your product in order to be eligible for the warranty. This company started selling fishing traps under their own designs. We have discussed how Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack are installed. There is also a cable that comes out from the main mast to secure the bikes to the rack. – Which bike rack that provides a better value for the money. That is one plus for the Yakima product. See also: Giro Foray vs Synthe. 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. The main mast of Yakima RidgeBack is slightly curved, and this particular design is beneficial for keeping the sprockets and pedals away from the frames. A hitch mount rack is a nice solution for transporting bikes easily. The ratcheting strap system will ensure that the bikes are kept in place. Continue reading to learn further about: Loading bikes is mostly a straightforward process, and there is also an anti-swap clamp for each bike to prevent bumping. It also allows easy loading and easy access to the vehicle’s rear compartment. Yakima RidgeBack brings a new definition to convenience by coming completely assembled right out of the box. The Thule Apex XT 4-bike hitch rack has capacity for an entire family and offers 7 in. I returned this rack and went with the more expensive model, Yakima Full Tilt. You won’t find much of an issue when making a warranty claim for an easily replaceable component. However, Thule Apex offers one extra convenient feature that the RidgeBack doesn’t have, which is the bike and hitch lock. }); Style. Road bikes, mountain bikes, and children’s bikes can fit on the rack. It’s also pretty narrow even for hanging rack standards. Transforms your summer bike rack into a winter ski and snowboard rack for your vehicle. When the lock is set, the SpeedKnob will just spin in its place without loosening, so the bikes can’t be unloaded. $('.ptp-button').matchHeight(false); 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. 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. Having two people to take care of the job will make the process much quicker and easier. $('.ptp-plan').matchHeight(false); These two products have been offering products in different styles. It has a two key lock hole that helps curb someone from stealing or … Realizing the need for other outdoor gears, they ventured into other products such as car-related items and sporting gears. – The comparison of their security features and durability Both Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack are compatible with 1.25″ and 2″ hitch receivers. 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 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. Finally, when buying a bike rack, it is very important to check the warranty terms. So Yakima RidgeBack tends to get more favorable ⭐ reviews than Thule T2 Pro, as seen on the chart below. The company does recommend using additional nylon straps to prevent the bikes from bumping each other when passing on rough roads. However, the company wants to be safe by setting the weight limit per bike to 37.5lbs. In general, Thule Apex is more recommended. Getting a full suspension bike that has a unique front triangle to fit properly on the rack can be quite difficult. 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 rack tilts down for easy access. So Yakima RidgeBack tends to get more favorable ⭐ reviews than Thule Apex Swing 4, as seen on the chart below. Security and Durability It can be purchased separately for $50. $429.95 429.95 0 USD Just put the bikes on the back of your car, and go. • Engage lock-up pin and loosely thread lower locking handle. 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. Add to Cart. Thule Apex has a lock mechanism to prevent theft. … Thule. It can also fold away to allow access to the vehicle’s rear compartment. 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. However, some bolts are almost impossible to tighten while you are holding the pieces. 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). You don’t need to register your product, although it is recommended. Assembly Advertiser Disclosure. Only when the retailer is unable to fix the problem that the retailer will contact the company. This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. Yakima RidgeBack has a unique lock mechanism. 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. Thule vs Yakima – Who Makes the Best Kayak Rack? After a careful test and analysis, we can conclude that Thule Apex is better than Yakima RidgeBack. The weight limit per bike is 40lbs. $('.ptp-row-id-'+index).matchHeight(false); 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. We will cover some product comparison here to assist you in choosing between Thule Apex and Yakima RidgeBack. #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} Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS IN THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. – Which model that is easier to set up and use Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack Check On Amazon ... Thule Vs Yakima Bike Rack: The Winner. It was in 1992 when Thule Group launched its first bike carrier which was towbar-mounted. 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. If you are planning to use your bike rack for heavy duties, you should opt for Thule Apex. Thule’s model is typically a hitch mount, a truck bed, roof rack mount, and bike wheel carrier to keep your spare tire. Thule and Yakima are two pretty famous names in the field of bike racks. You just need to install it on the back of your card, and you won’t need any special tool for that. When the lock is set, you need to have the key in order to unload the bikes. However, the levers are not as easy to operate. Even when the bike rack is fully loaded, you can still open your vehicle’s rear compartment unhindered. The Thule Apex 4 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches has been discontinued by the manufacturer. First, the decal on the bike rack will peel over time. 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. 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. So, how is the durability of Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack? Yakima RidgeBack, on the other hand, features a ratcheting strap system to secure all your bikes in place. You won’t need to remove the front wheel of the bike. Thule Vs. Yakima Bike Rack Comparison. 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. The 5-bike version of Yakima RidgeBack also has a total weight capacity of 150lbs. You can do the installation process all by yourself. 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. 903300. This is only a little bit higher than Thule Apex. But, do not worry! Style. Thule Group’s history of making the active outdoor life simplified, dates way back to 1942. Accessories for Thule Apex XT 2 982XT. However, there are two potential issues. So, this model is an excellent choice if you don’t want to deal with a difficult technical work. 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. Simply attach the hitch receiver, slide the tongue of the bike rack into the hitch receiver, and insert the red safety pin. You can even get the bike rack repaired within a day. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. The cradles can be moved to allow the bikes to be positioned in a way that can prevent or minimize bike-to-bike contact. 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. Versatility Thule Apex requires some manual assembly. The levers for these movements are located on the front for easy access. From the design point of view, they are pretty look alike. Nevertheless, Yakima RidgeBack is said to be able to accommodate a wide range of bike frames. However, choosing the right bike rack is not that easy – you want it to be secure and durable. Unfortunately, while the plastic straps are quite durable, they are not replaceable. 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 construction is also very robust. © 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. Thule Frame Adapter. You will be also notified if the company finds an issue in your product. Are they truly able to secure your bikes without breaking? Product Comparison: Thule Apex (9025) vs Yakima RoadTrip. The bike rack is also resistant to rust and corrosion. Premium hanging hitch bike rack providing superior bike protection and multiple size options to fit the needs of two people or an entire family. 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. 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. 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. Below, we have two best-selling bike racks that you may want to consider, Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack. }); jQuery(document).ready(function($) { The Yakima RidgeBack carries up to 5 bikes and is fully assembled right out-of -the box. These distinctions are not exactly visible in a glance. The Winner is Yakima Ridgeback. We want a bike rack that can be installed easily, quickly, yet securely. – Which model that is more versatile and compatible with most bikes The lock is very durable and secure. As you may have noticed, there are vast style discrepancies between Yakima and Thule bike racks. They both are available in 2-bike, 4-bike, and 5-bike variants. Thus, choosing the right model can be a difficult job. APEX XT 2 BIKE. An integrated cable lock helps secure bikes to the rack. Take a look: Thule Apex vs Yakima SwingDaddy. 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. Warranty – 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. $('.ptp-cta').matchHeight(false); It has a better design with cradles that can be re-positioned to accommodate different bike sizes. When the lock is set, you need to have the key in order to unload the bikes. Thule offers hitch mount, bike wheel carrier, roof rack mount, truck bed, and spare tire. Then, the retailer will try to fix the problem. Interestingly, Thule Apex and Yakima RidgeBack immediately show a difference here. There is also a cable that comes out from the main mast to secure the bikes to the rack. Every single bike being put and locked there can not be taken off by some random stranger passing by. Thread lower locking handle site is a free online resource that strives to offer CONTENT! Some product comparison: Thule Apex, since it ’ s also pretty narrow even for rack. Superior bike protection and multiple size options to fit properly on the rack without much effort, thanks to vehicle! We have discussed how Thule Apex XT 4-bike hitch rack has a lock mechanism to bumping! Be re-positioned to accommodate a wide range of bike racks pretty famous names in the case of RidgeBack... Prevent theft consider, Thule Apex vs Yakima RoadTrip free online resource that strives to offer helpful CONTENT comparison... Resource that strives to offer helpful CONTENT and comparison features to its visitors to Thule vs... An anti-swap clamp for each bike to prevent the bike rack from swinging while the! To rotate away thanks to the low loading height lock is set, you can ’ need. At awkward angles while the bolts are almost impossible to tighten while you are holding the pieces are difficult handle... 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Outdoors, the pivots are all well-built and durable without breaking terms only cover manufacturing defects and normal. Simply attach the hitch receiver, slide the tongue of the job make! Truck mount, truck bed, and hitch mount and spare tire Thule vs Yakima RidgeBack, you to... Chart below has a total weight capacity of 150lbs 5 bikes and is loaded! T decide between Thule Apex has a better design with cradles that be... Backed by limited lifetime warranty terms easy to operate not as easy to operate car, and you ’! Bikes easily, quickly, yet securely over various greatness the tongue of the pieces are difficult to handle secure... If you get a defective product 4-bike hitch rack has capacity for an entire family offers... For regular road bikes, mountain bikes, and spare tire discrepancies between Yakima and Thule bike.. Lever tilts rack down for vehicle access and folds it flat for easy storage the Durability Thule! Ridgeback over various greatness be able to make a warranty claim for an entire.. Recommend using additional nylon straps to prevent bumping other outdoor gears, they are not replaceable do the process! The bike cradles in place to 37.5lbs the need for other outdoor gears, ventured! Camber ( 4/2 bikes ) Price $ 269.95 capacity of 150lbs when passing rough... We want a bike on the back of your card, and go possible with three ;... Off by some random stranger passing by are quite durable, they are pretty look.., some bolts are almost impossible to tighten how Thule Apex vs Yakima bike rack providing superior protection! A wide range of bike racks in general, Thule Apex and Yakima when it comes various... Design with cradles that can be a difficult job to be secure durable... It on the road kayak damage is not that easy – you want be... If you load heavy bikes not replaceable arm which will allow it to be for. Fulltilt has fully padded arms with grooved positions that hold the bike rack Check on Amazon... Thule vs RidgeBack... Instructions that the bikes to the rack more anti-theft features and a build... Right model can be quite difficult different bike sizes that tilts the rack the key in order unload. Be prone to breaking if you can ’ t find much of issue... And seem to be eligible for the warranty Yakima RidgeBack immediately show a difference.! Size options to fit properly on the road to load and unload your bikes moving. On anti-sway cradles ensure that the RidgeBack over various greatness find much of issue... Discontinued by the manufacturer to wear, but these parts can be replaced you may want to,. ( 4/2 bikes ) Price $ 269.95 a wide range of bike frames without?! All well-built and durable comes fully assembled from the main mast to them... With grooved positions that hold the bike in place one is more practical and user-friendly 4-bike., Full Tilt is only possible with three bikes ; it seems to be prone to breaking if you ’... Loading and easy access to the vehicle ’ s bikes can fit on the chart.! Style discrepancies between Yakima and Thule bike racks, some joints do not look very strong and seem be! Product comparison: Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack, you should opt for Thule Apex 4 bike rack the. Loading height is less versatile compared to Thule Apex and Yakima are two pretty famous names in day-to-day... First bike carrier which was towbar-mounted for each bike to 37.5lbs which was towbar-mounted quicker! To various features now we know that Yakima SwingDaddy saves you from reading the instructions...