I feel like I start every rack review off this way. In a perfect world, we would walk out our door, throw your leg over your bike, and pedal away. But, this isn’t a perfect world, and sometimes we need to drive to where we want to ride. I have great riding here in Lancaster, PA, but to get to some of my favorite gravel and road events, or to get to any real trail riding, I have to drive to get there. That’s where racks come in. We’ve reviewed a number of racks, including the previous version of the Yakima StageTwo, and now we have the latest version in to haul bikes around Eastern PA and NJ. So how did it do against some tough competition?
The StageTwo continues on as Yakima’s premium hitch rack. It is a two+ bike rack, which means it can carry two bikes, but on the 2″ model, you can add two more trays with the optional extension that seamlessly blends into the rack. The base rack is available in 1.25″ and 2″, with the 2″ coming in slate (light grey) or anthracite (dark grey). The 1.25″ only comes in anthracite.
Features
Let’s get the features out of the way first, and then jump into how it performed and what we thought about the rack.
The StageTwo uses Yakima’s StrongArm hook around the front wheel to hold the bike in place without contacting the frame. This means it works great for bikes with fenders, wheel sizes from 16″to 29″, tires up to 5″ wide, and wheelbases from 30″ to 52″. It can handle bikes up to 70lbs on each tray on the road or on an RV, making it great for anything from e-bikes and downhill rigs to the lightest road bikes, tri bikes, and kids bikes. For off-road adventures, the weight per tray comes down to 42lb. The optional RampUp v-shaped ramps help to roll those heavy or awkward bikes onto the rack with ease, and neatly stows inside the rack when not in use. The base of the rack where the trays attach to is designed with Yakima’s StadiumSeating tiered levels so that the outside bike sits a little higher than the inside bike to help prevent interference. The trays can also be offset side-to-side to offer more clearance. For security, the StageTwo has integrated SKS (Same Key System) locks built into the hooks and also on the stinger to keep everything locked up. The SKS locks on the hooks are rather short though, so they included a loop on the rack base between the bikes for use with an additional cable or chain lock.
The rack mounts using Yakima’s SpeedKnob, which is a tool free knob to tighten the stinger in the hitch, making it quick and easy to move the rack between vehicles. The base tilts to 3 different positions, keeping it upright when not in use, level when carrying bikes, and tilted down to allow access to the back of the vehicle.
I mentioned the optional RampUp earlier, but there’s some other accessories you can go with as well. The BackSwing mount allows you to pivot the entire rack out of the way of the back of the vehicle for even greater access. If you need a little more distance between the vehicle, there is the StraightShot hitch extender as well. Yakima has their SafetyMate brake, turn signal, and license plate relocation kit, adding additional brake lights and turn signals that could be blocked by the rack or bikes, along with a lighted license plate frame to keep you compliant with local laws.
Set Up
First things first, this is a nice looking rack. Racks tend to fall into two categories when it comes to their looks, premium and utilitarian. The StageTwo (previous version and current) definitely fall into the premium category. It’s smooth, polished, and the anthracite finish looks good with just about any color. This is a rack that would be at home on a Porsche Cayenne, but also on an F-150 or an RV, bringing a touch of class to the vehicle without looking out of place.
It is also built like a tank. At 63lbs, it is a bit on the heavy side, but it is made to last. It’s constructed from mostly metal (my guess would be a mix of steel and aluminum), with some plastic added in at the contact points for you and the bike. This does make it a little harder to move around, but face it, most of us mount the rack, and it is on there for years.
Starting assembly, it was pretty quick and easy. I started with inserting the stinger into the hitch and inserted the hitch pin. From there, I used the SpeedKnob to draw the stinger tight and it is locked in place. The SKS keys will lock the hitch, but you’ll also use it on the integrated cable lock on the trays. Next, I made sure the base was level, and started adding the trays. They slide together as to pieces, and then you bolt them onto the base. This is where you can stagger the trays if you like. Start by threading them in with your fingers, and then once everything is in place, use the included 6mm hex wrench. Just make sure the tray with the Yakima logo is facing the right direction when the rack is tilted up. Now it’s time to add the arms. You’ll line up the arm to the base, and then there are some small parts that you’ll insert into the other end, and then bolt it into place.
Next, let’s talk about loading the bike onto the rack. It’s straight forward. To lower the rack, grip the handle at the top of the rack’s base, squeeze it to pull the lever to release the lock, and lower it down. It can be lowered into multiple different positions, from upright, to flat, or even dipped down for opening a rear hatch when loaded with bikes. If needed, you can use the optional RampUp accessory to roll your bike onto the rack, or just lift it up and onto the tray. As always, it’s recommended to load the inner most trays if you are not filling the rack. The front wheel chock has contours to help hold various sized tires in place. Once onto the tray, slide the hook down and lock it in on the forward part of the tire, pushing it back into the chock. On the back end, strap the wheel down, and you are all set. To lock the bike, pull the lock out from the top of the hook arm, loop it through the wheel or frame if it reaches, and then slide it onto the pin on the hook, and lock the lock. If you need additional security, you can use the loop on the base to secure your bike using your favorite cable lock.
To unload, unlock the lock and slide it back into place. Unstrap the wheel, and then press in on the lever on the hook to release the ratchet and slide it up the post. Remove the bike, and raise the rack back to the upright position.
On The Road
Like the previous StageTwo, it just works. Lifting and lowering the rack can be a little on the heavy side compared to some other smaller and lighter racks, but it has a reassuring feeling when it locks into position. Mounting a bike is quick and painless. The hook slides into place, and holds the wheel tight against the chock. The back strap slides easily along the tray to find the back wheel and let you strap it in place. I didn’t test a tire wider than a 42mm gravel tire, but it can handle about an 80mm rim with a 30mm tire with room to spare. Lifting and lowering the rack can be a little on the heavy side compared to some other smaller and lighter racks, but it has a reassuring feeling when it locks into position.
I set the rack up with the trays spaced the same, and not offset, as I was carrying road and gravel bikes. I never had an issue with interference between bikes, due to the StadiumSeating design of the base. Having the bikes staggered in height was enough to keep the bars from interferring with the rear wheel of the other bike.
On the stinger, there’s a little skid block near the end that helps to protect it from speed bumps and pulling into driveways. While this wasn’t much of an issue on the Honda CR-V the rack was installed on, it was an issue on the previous version and the 1.25″ version that was on the Subaru Impreza. On that rack, the SpeedKnob got a little chewed up from making contact.
My only other issue with the rack is that it can block your lights and plate, depending on the design of your vehicle. While it was never a problem with police in the areas I drove in, check your local laws. To get around this though, Yakima offers the SafetyMate kit that adds brake lights/turn signals, and also relocates your plate. I didn’t test it, but I have used light kits in the past on other racks, and installation is easy, and the lights connect to your existing trailer wiring.
Those few minor issues aside, the Yakima StageTwo is definitely a premium rack that follows through on utility. It has all of the features you need. It’s solid, is easy to install, carries the bikes without wobble, uses a single key locking system, and offers some optional accessories to make it even more adaptable to your needs.
Final Thoughts
With a premium finish and materials, comes a premium price. The StageTwo rack starts at $949. The StageTwo +2 Add-On adds and additional $699. The SafetyMate is another $299 and the RampUp Kit adds $119 per two trays. All of that is a bit hard on the wallet, but as I mentioned before, this rack is at home on luxury vehicles, but also just about any other vehicle you can imagine.
So, if you are looking for a rack that blends a polished look, premium materials, and loads of functionality, the Yakima StageTwo checks all of the boxes and should be at the top of your list.
www.yakima.com
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year
