Some links may be affiliate links. We may be paid if you purchase something or take an action after clicking one of these options.
Of the many trailer hitch racks on the market, few offer the versatility of the Yakima StageTwo. From the size of the bike it can carry, to the way it can be loaded, to the accessories that can be added, it’s a hitch rack that’s up to a variety of challenges. We’ll show why it’s a great option in our Yamima StageTwo review.
The Yakima StageTwo can transport e-bikes with a maximum weight of 60 pounds. and with a wheelbase of up to 52 inches long enough to transport some cargo e-bikes. It fits bikes with wheels from just 20 inches up to 29 x 3.25 inches – a very large tire. Staggered dual bike racks prevent two bikes from getting in the way of each other, and it folds flat when not in use. Because it hooks the wheels rather than clamping them to the frame, the Yakima StageTwo is ideal for anyone who is concerned about their paint or owns a bike with a carbon fiber frame.
An added bonus is a sturdy luggage rack that, like the Yakima StageTwo we tested, can be expanded to accommodate up to four bikes. It’s easy to appreciate the freedom this gives you for family and friend group rides.
professionals- 52 inches. The maximum wheelbase is one of the longest on the market and long enough for some cargo bikes
- For your convenience, the Same Key System locks the luggage rack to the trailer hitch and the bikes to the luggage rack with a single key
- Fits both 1.25 inch models. and 2 inches. Towbar receiver
- Secures e-bikes to the wheels and is therefore better suited for sensitive frames
- Accessories include ramps to roll heavy e-bikes into place, an attachment for transporting up to four e-bikes and an adapter for tires wider than 3.25 inches.
Disadvantages- 60 pounds. The maximum bicycle weight excludes many popular e-bikes. However, with many e-bikes this problem can be solved by removing the battery.
For safety reasons, the carrier attaches to the hitch via a latch in the knob, which tightens the stinger (the part that inserts into the hitch) to the hitch. The arms used to attach the bikes to the rack have two integrated cable locks that provide good security. For those who need more security: A steel look in the backbone of the luggage rack allows someone to pass another cable or chain through it to secure the e-bike to the luggage rack even better. Yakima’s SKS (Same Key System) means that one key locks and unlocks the clutch button as well as the locks for both cables.
The Yakima Stage Two comes with an e-bike ramp that is easy to store when not in use.
Wheel tensioners help hold the e-bike. However, with fat tires you have to leave some air.
The clamping arms ensure that the e-bike is held very securely in the luggage rack. However, it presses on the mudguards of your e-bike.
Accessing a vehicle’s tailgate or door is easy thanks to the forward tilt function.
As if these features weren’t enough to recommend this hitch rack, the Yakima StageTwo comes with a number of accessories. One of our favorites is the e-bike ramp, which allows riders to roll their e-bike into position instead of lifting it, which is especially handy if someone has an e-bike that weighs close to 60 pounds. After loading the e-bike, it can be easily removed and folded and stored in the storage space or trunk of the vehicle.
If there’s one thing on our wish list to improve, it would be the weight rating. There are a number of e-bikes that weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. We believe the only change that could make the hitch rack more versatile is to increase its strength so that it can support bikes weighing up to 70 or even 75 pounds. Fortunately, most bikes have replaceable batteries, and this lithium portion often weighs around 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kilograms). If you take the battery out (which never hurts anyway so it doesn’t hang out in the sun all day) and keep it with you in the vehicle, then most e-bikes are under the weight limit.
The conclusion of this Yakima StageTwo review: This is a towbar carrier that no one looking for a towbar carrier should miss out on. It is one of the Best options for car racks for electric bikes.
Sponsors
Reader interactions
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
