The Yakima StepUp Swing Changed My Mind About the Value of Expensive Bike Racks.

The Yakima StepUp Swing Changed My Mind About the Value of Expensive Bike Racks.

      Andrew P. Collins

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      This weekend, I swapped out the used Thule bike rack I had used for years for a $999 Yakima StepUp Swing. I was initially doubtful—could it really be ten times better than something you could find on FB Marketplace? The best value bike rack remains whatever you can find in your dad’s garage or at a yard sale. However, just one trip with this brand-new model made me realize that if you have the budget for a new swing-out rack, it truly is a game changer.

      This year, a new version of the StepUp Swing was introduced, along with two other new Yakima racks: StepUp and an updated HoldUp. The names reflect the slightly different bike-holding styles of each rack. The non-swing models cost significantly less than the one I’m reviewing here, which features the hinge function. However, if you have a drop-down or door-style tailgate, the swing feature of the bike rack makes the upgrade truly worthwhile.

      All three Yakima racks are designed to mount using trailer hitches rather than suction, roof racks, or your rear door.

      **Yakima StepUp Swing Rack ($999.00)**

      **Specs and Features**

      - MSRP: $999.00

      - Weight: 70 lbs

      - Dimensions Shipped: L: 39 in x W: 14 in x H: 61 in

      - Length From Bumper (Tucked): ~16 in

      - Length From Bumper (Deployed): ~33 in

      - Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty for manufacturing defects

      - Carries two bikes, including mountain, road, hybrid, BMX, youth, fat-tire, and E-bikes up to 65 lbs / 29.5 kg each

      - StrongArm hook secures bikes by the front tire, with a flip-away rear wheel strap for quick loading/unloading

      - Convenient remote 3-position tilt for trunk access with bikes loaded and folds flat when unloaded

      - Integrated swing-away feature allows rear vehicle access with or without bikes loaded

      - Streamlined, compact design ensures tailgate clearance and minimizes space behind the vehicle

      - Secures to a 2" hitch receiver with a threaded bolt for a secure installation

      - Optional offset tray positions reduce bike-to-bike interference for a custom fit

      - Fits 16" to 29"/700c wheel sizes and tires up to 4.5" wide

      - Accommodates wheelbases from 32" to 52" / 813–1321 mm

      - StadiumSeating™ tiered spine reduces bike interference and increases ground clearance

      - Includes a locking cable to securely fasten bikes to the rack

      - Built-in bottle opener

      - Allows for an additional bike lock to the integrated lock loop for improved bike security

      - HitchLock included to secure the rack to the vehicle receiver

      - SKS locks included to secure both bikes to the rack and the rack to the vehicle receiver

      - RampUp-compatible V-shaped trays facilitate roll-on loading and can be stowed neatly on the rack

      - Swing feature available exclusively for 2" hitch receivers

      - Road tested and approved for 65 lbs / 29.5 kg per bike

      - Off-road rated and RV tested up to 43.5 lbs / 19.75 kg per bike

      - Compatible with the Yakima StraightShot hitch accessory (to increase distance between rack and bumper) up to 43.5 lbs / 19.75 kg per bike

      **Assembly and Installation**

      Opening the StepUp shipping box can feel a bit overwhelming—there are many small hardware pieces, none labeled. However, each bolt, nut, and washer is distinct enough for each assembly stage that if you've ever assembled anything, you'll be able to identify them without confusion.

      I spent around 90 minutes going from unboxing the Yakima packaging to being ready to load bikes onto my truck. This includes a coffee break, an Instagram scroll, and three play-fetch breaks with my dog. Yakima provides torque specs in the assembly instructions, which I suspect most installers will overlook. Personally, I think a calibrated elbow suffices here, though if you want peace of mind, using a torque wrench for Yakima's specifications is advisable. The assembly wrenches from the brand are surprisingly good, but I found it much easier to use my own 15/16" socket (for the primary rack-to-hitch bolt) and 6mm hex socket.

      Don't be daunted by the contents of the box. While it contains a lot of pieces, assembly is relatively straightforward.

      In addition to swinging out, the bike carrier can also tip down, which is particularly useful if you have a clam-opening rear hatch instead of

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The Yakima StepUp Swing Changed My Mind About the Value of Expensive Bike Racks.

Bike racks featuring a "swing-out" design are significantly more expensive than standard models. However, if your budget allows, they offer an enjoyable user experience.