Yakima StageTwo Bike Rack

It’s been eight years since we reviewed the Yakima DrTray Bike Rack, and shortly after that, the Yakima Flipside 4 Bike Rack, so it was about time that we took a look at what was new in the Yakima Bike Rack department since designs and technologies had vastly improved. A couple of competing models that we've also reviewed are the Thule T2 Pro Bike Rack and the Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack, both of which were Gear of the Year Award winners.

• It weighs a pound less
• Can carry bikes 10 lbs heavier on the road and 6 lbs heavier off-road
• Can accommodate tires up to 5" wide instead of the previous 3.25”
• Built-in bottle opener
• RampUp Compatible V-shaped trays for easy, roll-on loading, and stows away neatly on the rack.
• Compatible with the Yakima SafetyMate for full brake, turn signal, and lighting functionality
• Compatible with the Yakima BackSwing and StraightShot hitch accessories (2")
• Integrated SKS (Same Key System) locks are included to secure bikes to rack and rack to vehicle receiver.

While in use, the StageTwo Bike Rack adds about three feet to the back of your vehicle, so parking can be somewhat more challenging, but when not in use, it conveniently folds up vertically, flush with your vehicle and out of the way. The lever at the end of the rack allows you to position the rack in any of three positions: vertically stored, horizontally when in use and also a lower option which allows the rack and bikes to get out of the way so you can open up your trunk or tailgate

To load the StageTwo, you simply lift your bike onto the rack, positioning the front tire into the tray and lock it in place with the folding arm hook. The front tire sits on the frame and is held securely in place by a ratchet system. Thanks to the rack’s inclined design, the second bike is higher than the first, which helps avoid each bike coming into contact with the other when loaded. If you need more room between bikes, you can offset the trays when constructing the rack so that the pedals and handlebars are not directly in line, but be aware that this does increase the rack’s length, and it may hang out past smaller vehicle's widths.

There are three locks on the StageTwo Bike Rack, the first securely attaches the rack to your car. Once you place the rack into your hitch’s receiver, there is a pin to secure it, and the built-in ‘SpeedKnob’ has an anti-sway cam that expands to remove any play between the rack and hitch so that it fits snugly and will not sway or rattle. This knob has a built-in lock so that once secured is not able to be removed without the key. There are two more locks, one on each of the folding arms that secure your bike’s front tire. These locks can be found on the top of the folding arms and live inside the arms when not needed. To secure your bike to the StageTwo Bike Rack, simply pull out the cable locks and feed them through your bike’s fork, and then hook them back onto the rack’s folding arm and lock. Since these cables are too short to reach through the actual bike’s frame, someone could disassemble your brakes and steal your bike. To ensure this doesn’t happen, Yakima has also placed an anchor point, which is welded to the frame of the StageTwo, so that you can use another lock to secure your bike's frame as well. For additional security, all of the bolts on the rack require a proprietary wrench (provided with the rack) to disassemble

The StageTwo Bike Rack is built tough and made with an all-metal frame so it is secure and durable. Thanks to the anti-sway cam in the hitch mount, the StageTwo is solid with no shaking or rattling. While this and the additional features make the StageTwo a little heavier, the added piece of mind is certainly worth it

As you can see, the StageTwo Bike Rack is super versatile with many useful features that make it easy to use. On top of this, you can customize it with other Yakima products depending on your needs. If you are looking for a platform-style hitch-mounted bike rack, then you ought to include the StageTwo Bike Rack on your shortlist, as we think it’s one of the best options on the market today

• StrongArm hook secures the bike at the wheels, protecting painted surfaces and carbon frames.
• Carries two bikes, or four bikes – just add the StageTwo +2 (compatible with the 2” version only)
• Convenient remote 3-Position tilt lowers to allow trunk access with bikes loaded and folds flat against the car with bikes unloaded.
• Tool-free locking SpeedKnob for secure and simple installation and removal
• StadiumSeating™ tiered and adjustable bike trays offset to minimize bike-to-bike interference
• Offset Trays for extra bike-to-bike clearance
• Fits most bikes, including E-bikes up to 70 lbs. each, mountain, road, hybrid, BMX, kids’ bikes, & fat-tire bikes E-bikes up to 70 lbs. each
• Fits 16” to 29” wheel sizes and tires up to 5" wide
• Accommodates bike wheelbases from 30” to 52”
• Integrated SKS (Same Key System) locks are included to secure bikes to rack and rack to a vehicle receiver.
• Add your own bike lock to the integrated lock loop for greater bike security.
• RampUp Compatible V-shaped trays for easy, roll-on loading, and stows away neatly on the rack.
• Compatible with the Yakima SafetyMate for full brake, turn signal, and lighting functionality
• Compatible with the Yakima BackSwing and StraightShot hitch accessories (2")
• Built-in bottle opener—cheers!
• Available in two sizes: 1.25” hitch receivers & 2” hitch receivers
• Available in two colours, Anthracite and Slate (2" only)
• Road Tested and Approved to 70 lbs. per bike
• Off-road rated up to 42 lbs. per bike

Yakima’s new StageTwo Bike Rack is designed and built solid; everything about it says ‘quality’ right down to the clear coat finish. It also has a heap of features, but this all comes at a cost—weight. At over 60lb, the StageTwo is by no means light and can be cumbersome to install on your own. But, once on your vehicle, this weight becomes a benefit as the StageTwoc is very versatile and can carry bikes up to 70 pounds each, which is mandatory these days due to the weight of e-mountain bikes. With the ability to store the StageTwo in the upright position, it can simply be left on your vehicle for the entire season, and when needed, quickly flipped down and loaded. This 'set it and forget it' mentality is ideal for frequent riders and weekend warriors alike.

The sliding wheel trays, optional staggered layout and tiered design mean that there are a few options for ensuring that your valuable bikes do not hit each other when loaded. The StageTwo also doesn’t jostle or jiggle around (even on rougher roads) thanks to the Anti-sway mechanism built into the hitch. This in part speaks to the quality of the StageTwo’s design, Yakima has engineered this rack to carry even the heaviest of bikes without compromise.

I especially like the built-in cable locks that stow away when not in use. While these will not ensure your bikes won’t get stolen since they can easily be foiled by removing the front tire or brake assembly, they do provide some deterrence to would-be thieves. I would always use the built-in locking point on the StageTwo’s frame with another beefier cable lock to further protect your investments.

This is a bike rack that will likely last longer than your bike, all the while taking on any abuse you can throw at it. Aside from the high price tag, the StageTwo is pretty much perfect from a design and user perspective. I guess what they say is true: you get what you pay for.