Yakima RidgeBack
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Yakima RidgeBack. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
10 reasons to buy
- An expert is impressed by the RidgeBack’s solid build. Most owners praise the rack's durability, with one having used it for eight years.
- This rack arrives fully assembled.
- Testers and most owners praise the quick, tool-free installation and locking hitch pin.
- Loading and unloading bikes is easy, according to buyers.
- Most buyers report zero hitch wobble and say the rack fits securely in the receiver.
- Bikes remain stable in transit, with minimal sway, according to owners.
- The rack accommodates 20” kids’ bikes, although an expert suggests using a top-tube adapter and adjusting the seat height for best fit.
- With no bikes loaded, the RidgeBack tilts for easier access to the rear of the vehicle. An expert says the tilt angle is wider than other racks they tested.
- The cradle arms fold flat when bikes aren’t loaded, reducing the rack's footprint.
- This rack comes with a lifetime warranty.
7 reasons not to buy
- Multiple buyers struggle to install the rack on the hitch receiver, in some cases because of the vague instructions and in others incompatibility with their 2" receivers.
- Some owners complain the plastic tilt lever broke after a year or less.
- Owners report brake hoses rubbing on frames when in the support cradles.
- Experts and owners say bikes sit too close together on the racks, resulting in scratches from bike-to-bike contact. Many feel all versions of the rack should carry one bike fewer than stated to avoid this.
- Bikes that don't have top tubes require an adapter (purchased separately) to use this rack.
- An expert notes that it can be necessary to raise a saddle to fit a bike securely on this rack.
- The RidgeBack isn’t rated for use off-road or on RVs.
Bottom line
Yakima's RidgeBack is a hanging-style hitch rack for 1.25" or 2" hitch receivers, with different versions for carrying 2–5 bikes. All have a capacity of 40lb per bike, up to a total of 150lb. Most say the Ridgeback is durable, stable, and secure. However, the instructions prove too vague for some buyers, and others struggle to install it on 2” receivers. The tightly spaced cradles lead to bike-to-bike contact and reduce the practical capacity of bigger versions. Overall, experts feel the Yakima RidgeBack is a stable way to transport bikes of different styles, but don’t recommend it for carbon framesBikeRide finds and shows you the best prices of the bikes you want to buy. Prices constantly change and it’s impossible to compare them all yourself.
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Expert Reviews
70/100 based on 1 rated expert reviewYakima RidgeBack Bike Rack Review
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