Thule Apex has a lock mechanism to prevent theft. Interestingly, Thule Apex and Yakima RidgeBack immediately show a difference here. THULE | Camber (4/2 Bikes) Price $269.95. You want to be able to load and unload your bikes easily, yet without compromising the safety. In the case of Yakima RidgeBack, you need to register your product in order to be eligible for the warranty. You can do the installation process all by yourself. Even when the bike rack is fully loaded, you can still open your vehicle’s rear compartment unhindered. However, the company wants to be safe by setting the weight limit per bike to 37.5lbs. $('.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. 903300. 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. Because the stem is short, even using a TubeTop there is the same problem. An integrated cable lock helps secure bikes to the rack. The problem is, some of the pieces are difficult to handle. However, the levers are not as easy to operate. X. Product Comparison: Thule Apex (9025) vs Yakima RoadTrip. The durability of Thule Apex is excellent. – Which model that is easier to set up and use It can also fold away to allow access to the vehicle’s rear compartment. 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. We may expect that the Apex and the RidgeBack over various greatness. #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 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 Winner is Yakima Ridgeback. The bike rack is also resistant to rust and corrosion. Yakima RidgeBack brings a new definition to convenience by coming completely assembled right out of the box. 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. The plastic straps are grooved to fit the bikes perfectly and are easy to tighten. $('.ptp-price').matchHeight(false); APEX XT 2 BIKE. 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. In addition, this Ridgeback model does NOT come with any built in cable bike lock. It’s also pretty narrow even for hanging rack standards. Getting a full suspension bike that has a unique front triangle to fit properly on the rack can be quite difficult. 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. The bikes’ top tubes will rest on anti-sway cradles with rubber straps to secure them. A hitch mount rack is a nice solution for transporting bikes easily. With the love for outdoors, the Thulin family founded the Thule group. At this point in the article, we’ll provide you a comparison of Thule and Yakima when it comes to various features. It has a better design with cradles that can be re-positioned to accommodate different bike sizes. Having two people to take care of the job will make the process much quicker and easier. The pivoting arm is also equipped with a solid lock that will prevent the bike rack from swinging while on the road. 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. Every single bike being put and locked there can not be taken off by some random stranger passing by. Yakima RidgeBack, on the other hand, features a ratcheting strap system to secure all your bikes in place. When the lock is set, the SpeedKnob will just spin in its place without loosening, so the bikes can’t be unloaded. Conclusion 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. – The warranty of Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack Only when the retailer is unable to fix the problem that the retailer will contact the company. Nevertheless, Yakima RidgeBack is said to be able to accommodate a wide range of bike frames. The anti-sway cradles ensure that the bikes won’t rock back and forth too much. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. As usual, the warranty terms only cover manufacturing defects and exclude normal wear. Style. Premium hanging hitch bike rack providing superior bike protection and multiple size options to fit the needs of two people or an entire family. From the design point of view, they are pretty look alike. You want to be able to make a warranty claim if you get a defective product. After a careful test and analysis, we can conclude that Thule Apex is better than Yakima RidgeBack. • Engage lock-up pin and loosely thread lower locking handle. This is because the bike rack has a pivoting arm which will allow it to rotate away. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. This rack transports up to 5 bikes wherever you need to go. 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 will be also notified if the company finds an issue in your product. Take a look: Thule Apex vs Yakima SwingDaddy. The construction is also very robust. Realizing the need for other outdoor gears, they ventured into other products such as car-related items and sporting gears. The cradles can be moved to allow the bikes to be positioned in a way that can prevent or minimize bike-to-bike contact. These two products have been offering products in different styles. – The comparison of their security features and durability Advertiser Disclosure. The model also offers some security for your bikes. So, how is the durability of Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack? I returned this rack and went with the more expensive model, Yakima Full Tilt. One huge advantage that Thule Apex offers is the easy access to the vehicle’s rear compartment. Warranty The Yakima RidgeBack carries up to 5 bikes and is fully assembled right out-of -the box. Loading bikes is mostly a straightforward process, and there is also an anti-swap clamp for each bike to prevent bumping. Compared to the Thule Pro XT platform rack (right image below), you’d hardly know the Thule Apex XT is on your car! Even the more expensive models can’t provide easy access like this. Thule’s model is typically a hitch mount, a truck bed, roof rack mount, and bike wheel carrier to keep your spare tire. There is also a cable that comes out from the main mast to secure the bikes to the rack. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS IN THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. However, some bolts are almost impossible to tighten while you are holding the pieces. If you are planning to use your bike rack for heavy duties, you should opt for Thule Apex. – Which model that is more versatile and compatible with most bikes $('.ptp-plan').matchHeight(false); 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. Thus, choosing the right model can be a difficult job. Road bikes, mountain bikes, and children’s bikes can fit on the rack. But, do not worry! }); 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. Then, the retailer will try to fix the problem. $429.95 429.95 0 USD We have discussed how Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack are installed. Furthermore, Thule Apex is best for regular road bikes. You can put a bike on the rack without much effort, thanks to the low loading height. 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. Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack Check On Amazon ... Thule Vs Yakima Bike Rack: The Winner. $('.ptp-cta').matchHeight(false); Style. 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. of space between bikes to provide superior protection. 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. Thule Group’s history of making the active outdoor life simplified, dates way back to 1942. In addition, the instructions are easy to understand. It also comes fully assembled from the box and saves you from reading the complex instructions that the Thule Vertex 4 comes with. In general, Thule Apex is more recommended. The lock is very durable and secure. Thule Apex has a lock mechanism to prevent theft. 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 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. It can be purchased separately for $50. When the lock is set, you need to have the key in order to unload the bikes. Versatility Seriously? It has a two key lock hole that helps curb someone from stealing or … The Thule Apex 4 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Just put the bikes on the back of your car, and go. $('.ptp-button').matchHeight(false); Also includes zero-hassle ZipStrips to secure your bike and folds flat for easy storage. They both are available in 2-bike, 4-bike, and 5-bike variants. 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. – Which bike rack that provides a better value for the money. Thule Tram. However, there are two potential issues. Thule Apex has a simple attachment mechanism. © 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. - 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. 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