The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable.

The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable.

      Andrew P. Collins

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      This past weekend, I swapped out the used Thule bike rack I had been using for years with a $999 Yakima StepUp Swing. Initially, I was doubtful—could it really be ten times better than what you might find on Facebook Marketplace? The best value bike rack is still likely whatever you can find in your dad's garage or at a garage sale. However, after one trip with this brand-new beauty, I realized that if you're able to invest in a new swing-out rack, it can indeed be a game changer.

      This version of the StepUp Swing is new for this year, alongside two other new Yakima racks: StepUp and a revamped HoldUp. The names reflect the slightly different styles of bike-holding each rack employs. The non-swing models are priced lower than the one I'm featuring here, but if you have a drop-down or door-style tailgate, the swing feature makes upgrading worthwhile.

      All three Yakima racks attach using trailer hitches rather than suction mounts, roof racks, or the 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 against manufacturing defects

      - Accommodates 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 at the front tire with a flip-away rear wheel strap for easy loading/unloading

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

      - Integrated swing-away feature provides access to the rear of the vehicle with or without bikes

      - Compact design ensures tailgate clearance and minimizes space behind the vehicle

      - Secures to a 2″ hitch receiver with a threaded bolt for stable 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 locking cable for securing bikes to the rack

      - Built-in bottle opener

      - Add your own bike lock to the integrated lock loop for added 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 for roll-on loading that tidy away on the rack

      - Swing feature is exclusive to 2″ hitch receivers

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

      - Off-road rated for up to 43.5 lbs / 19.75 kg per bike

      - RV tested and approved for 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 box can seem daunting—there are numerous small hardware pieces, and none are labeled. However, each bolt, nut, and washer is distinct enough for each assembly step that if you have experience with building anything, you should figure it out without much uncertainty.

      I spent about 90 minutes from unboxing the Yakima packaging to being ready to load my bike onto the truck. That includes a coffee break, a moment scrolling through Instagram, and three playtime breaks with my dog. Yakima provides torque specifications in the assembly instructions, which I'm guessing most will overlook. Personally, I feel confident just using my strength here. But if you desire maximum assurance, use a torque wrench following Yakima’s recommendations. The included assembly tools are surprisingly good, but I found using my own 15/16″ socket (for the main rack-to-hitch bolt) and 6mm hex head socket much easier.

      Don’t be intimidated when opening the box. There’s a lot to unpack, but the assembly is quite straightforward.

      Besides swinging out, the bike carrier can also tip down. This is advantageous if you have a clam-opening hatch instead of a drop-down tailgate or

The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable. The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable.

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The Yakima StepUp Swing has sold me on the idea that high-priced bike racks can indeed be valuable.

Bike racks featuring a "swing-out" design are significantly more expensive than standard models. However, if your budget allows for it, they are truly a pleasure to use.