Starring the UpperHand\control lever that tilts the rack to make access to your vehicle a cinch. Yakima RidgeBack brings a new definition to convenience by coming completely assembled right out of the box. The Thule Apex XT 4-bike hitch rack has capacity for an entire family and offers 7 in. However, for more extreme cases, the process will be more time-consuming as you will need to go through the retailer before the company can give a further repair or a replacement. Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack The premium Yakima FullTilt 5-bike hitch rack carries 5 bikes and comes out of the box fully assembled so you can use it right away. This is because the bike rack has a pivoting arm which will allow it to rotate away. It also allows easy loading and easy access to the vehicle’s rear compartment. • Engage lock-up pin and loosely thread lower locking handle. You won’t need to remove the front wheel of the bike. Then, the retailer will try to fix the problem. 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. – Which model that is more versatile and compatible with most bikes When the lock is set, you need to have the key in order to unload the bikes. We will cover some product comparison here to assist you in choosing between Thule Apex and Yakima RidgeBack. Thule Apex requires some manual assembly. The rack tilts down for easy access. Whereas, Yakima typically offers a roof rack mount, truck mount, and hitch mount and spare tire. $('.ptp-plan').matchHeight(false); You want to be able to load and unload your bikes easily, yet without compromising the safety. We have discussed how Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack are installed. The bikes’ top tubes will rest on anti-sway cradles with rubber straps to secure them. Continue reading to learn further about: Like Thule Apex, Yakima RidgeBack allows you to lower the profile for loading and unloading. You want to be able to make a warranty claim if you get a defective product. Unfortunately, while the plastic straps are quite durable, they are not replaceable. In general, Thule Apex is more recommended. The Winner is Yakima Ridgeback. 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. Realizing the need for other outdoor gears, they ventured into other products such as car-related items and sporting gears. An integrated cable lock helps secure bikes to the rack. The bike rack is also resistant to rust and corrosion. Thule Frame Adapter. Finally, when buying a bike rack, it is very important to check the warranty terms. First, the decal on the bike rack will peel over time. So technically, Full Tilt is only $80 more than the Ridgeback. The 5-bike version of Yakima RidgeBack also has a total weight capacity of 150lbs. Product Comparison: Thule Apex (9025) vs Yakima RoadTrip. – Which bike rack that provides a better value for the money. 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. Both Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack are compatible with 1.25″ and 2″ hitch receivers. Advertiser Disclosure. 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 The FullTilt has fully padded arms with grooved positions that hold the bike cradles in place. If you are planning to use your bike rack for heavy duties, you should opt for Thule Apex. Thule and Yakima are two pretty famous names in the field of bike racks. You just need to install it on the back of your card, and you won’t need any special tool for that. Now we know that Yakima SwingDaddy is less versatile compared to Thule Apex, since it’s compatible with 2-inch receiver. From the design point of view, they are pretty look alike. APEX XT 2 BIKE. $('.ptp-button').matchHeight(false); Thule Apex has a lock mechanism to prevent theft. They both are available in 2-bike, 4-bike, and 5-bike variants. This is only a little bit higher than Thule Apex. Compared to the Thule Pro XT platform rack (right image below), you’d hardly know the Thule Apex XT is on your car! In order to lock the bike rack to the back of your car, you just need to turn the “SpeedKnob” on the front end of the bike rack’s tongue. So, how is the durability of Thule Apex vs Yakima RidgeBack? Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. One huge advantage that Thule Apex offers is the easy access to the vehicle’s rear compartment. Small bikes are also tricky to fit. Take a look: Thule Apex vs Yakima SwingDaddy. Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of kayak damage is not by using them but by transporting them. You can even get the bike rack repaired within a day. However, in the day-to-day use, which one is more practical and user-friendly? Second, some joints do not look very strong and seem to be prone to breaking if you load heavy bikes. 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. … Thule. The company does recommend using additional nylon straps to prevent the bikes from bumping each other when passing on rough roads. Thule Group’s history of making the active outdoor life simplified, dates way back to 1942. 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