THULE T2 AND YAKIMA HOLDUP RACKS
Rack ’em up
We picked two of the most popular hitch-mounted bike racks, both of
which are designed to haul bikes without removing wheels or scratching up the
paint, and mounted them to two Mountain Bike Action vehicles.
Tech features: Both the Thule T2 and Yakima Holdup racks are designed to carry two
bikes in an upright position. The racks easily install into a standard 2-inch
hitch receiver and are secured by a single bolt that is designed to eliminate
any movement between the rack and receiver. Both racks come supplied with
locking mechanisms. The Thule T2 includes a hitch-receiver lock and individual
cable locks that are integrated into the ratchet arms to secure the bikes. The
Yakima has a single cable for both bikes that doubles as the hitch lock by
attaching to the hitch bolt. Both companies make a version for 1 1/4-inch
receivers too. With bikes attached to the carrier, both racks fold down to give
you access to your trunk or tailgate.
Thule T2
Yakima Holdup
Field test results: Both racks were relatively easy to assemble for the
mechanically inclined. Each rack had a slight hiccup in the quality control
department. One of the SecureHook ratcheting arms on our Thule was installed
incorrectly from the manufacturer, causing the arm to pivot sluggishly. The
problem was caused by the improper installation of a nylon spacer; it was an
easy fix. On the Yakima, the hitch bolt did not thread in easily. We ended up
having to tap the threads to get it to fit. Neither of these were deal-breakers.
Once these issues were resolved, the setup was a breeze and the racks fit
securely with no problems. Advantage: Tie.
Both racks will secure the bikes well on a long trip. The folding
mechanism on the Thule was considerably beefier than on the Yakima. On top of
the added beefiness, the lever for folding the rack was easier to use on the
Thule compared to the pull-pin design on the Yakima. Advantage: Thule.
The similar ratchet arms on the racks were both easy and quick to use.
At the end of the day, the Yakima system was more intuitive. We appreciated the
Yakima’s folding wheel trays that would hold the bike up while mounting. We
also found the Yakima’s rear-wheel straps easier to use than the Thule’s.
Advantage: Yakima.
Being able to lock the hitch pin and each bike individually means the
Thule’s security system wins out. Advantage: Thule.
Thule throws you a bone by including a bottle opener on the assembly
wrench, but what happens when you forget to bring it to the trailhead? Yakima’s
is built right into the rack, ensuring you won’t be without a frosty beverage
at the end of your long ride. Advantage: Yakima.
It was obvious this would be a close match. We corralled the wrecking
crew for a timed shootout to determine the fastest rack in the West. When it
was all said and done, we were able to load two bikes onto either rack in less
than a minute. Advantage: Tie.
Both of these racks rock, our vote would be to support your local bike
shop and purchase what they carry. Like us on Facebook