Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.
Aug 20, 2024
0 Comments
Share
The StageTwo can carry e-bikes weighing up to 70 lbs. and with a wheelbase of 52. in., making it one of the better racks for e-bikes on the market.
Of the many hitch racks on the market, few offer the depth of versatility that the Yakima StageTwo does. From the size of the bike it can carry to the way it loads to the accessories that can be added, this is one hitch rack that can meet a broad variety of challenges. We will show in our Yakima StageTwo review why it is a terrific option.
The Yakima StageTwo can carry e-bikes with a maximum weight of 60 lbs. and with a wheelbase of up to 52 in., long enough to carry some cargo e-bikes. It fits bikes with wheels as small as 20 in. and as large as 29 x 3.25 in.—a very big tire. Thanks to its offset trays keeping two bikes from interfering with each other, and it folds flat when not in use. Because it hooks the wheels rather than clamping onto the frame, the Yakima StageTwo is ideal for anyone concerned about their paint or own a bike with a carbon fiber frame.
As an added bonus it’s a sturdy rack that can be expanded to accommodate up to four bikes as was the case with the Yakima StageTwo we reviewed. It’s easy to appreciate the freedom this provides you for family and friend group rides.
Pros- 52-in. max wheelbase length is one of the longest on the market, long enough for some cargo bikes
- Same Key System locks rack to hitch and bikes to rack with a single key for simplicity
- Fits both 1.25-in. and 2-in. hitch receivers
- Secures e-bikes at the wheels, making it better for fragile frames
- Accessories include ramps to roll heavy e-bikes into place and an add-on to carry up to four e-bikes, as well as an adapter for tires wider than 3.25 in.
- The 2-in. version can carry e-bikes weighing up to 70 lbs.
Cons- 60-lb. max bike weight for the 1.25-in. version leaves out many popular e-bikes; lthough removing the battery solves that problem for many e-bikes
- Not a good design for e-bikes with front fenders
| Hitch Size(s) | 1.25 in., 2 in. |
| Number of Bikes It Can Carry | 2, can be expanded to 4 |
| Max Bike Weight Per Tray: 1.25 in. | 60 lbs. |
| Max Bike Weight Per Tray: 2 in. | 70 lbs. |
| Total Max Weight Capacity: 1.25 in. | 120 lbs. |
| Total Max Weight Capacity: 2 in. | 140 lbs. |
| Mechanism For Securing Bikes | Arm hook |
| Max Wheel Base Length | 52 in. |
| Rack Weight | 66 lbs. |
| Vehicle Type | Any with hitch receiver, RVs |
| Max Tire Width | 3.25 in., 5 in. with adapter |
| Max Tire Diameter | 29 in. |
| Works With _____ Frames | Any |
| Key Features | Tilts up when not in use, tilts down for access |
| Security Features | Integrated cable locks, hitch lock, loop for additional lock |
| Optional accessories | Expandable to four bikes, ramp, backswing, light bar and plate holder |
The RampUp accessory makes loading e-bikes an easy process.
The RampUp locks into the end of the tray in seconds.
Part of what we like about the StageTwo is how nothing makes contact with the frame.
The wheel hook clamps down on the front wheel just ahead of the fork.
Yakima StageTwo Review: Functionality / Using the Rack
Securing the rack to the hitch
To secure the rack in the hitch receiver, you simply turn the knob at the end opposite the stinger (the portion of the rack inserted into the receiver). The knob itself is keyed and once secured, the lock prevents the knob from being loosened.
Loading bikes
After folding the wheel hook out from the rack, you can pick your e-bike up and place it in the tray. If the idea of picking your e-bike up isn’t your favorite, Yakima sells an accessory ramp that can be used to roll your e-bike into the tray.
Securing the bikes
Like many hitch racks, the Yakima StageTwo uses an arm with a hook that holds the bike or e-bike to the tray by pulling down on the front wheel at the fork. The rear wheel is secured with a ratcheting strap. This is an easy-to-use setup that provides great security for the bikes. However, this is not a great setup for e-bikes with front fenders as the hook will come down directly on the fender and the fender simply isn’t meant to take such a force.
Each hook comes with an integrated cable lock. The stinger knob and cable locks subscribe to Yakima’s Single Key System, so you won’t have to add yet another key to your keyring.
Those cables will keep honest people honest, but a bike thief with a cable cutter will get through it rather easily. For that reason, Yakima included a steel loop through which a more secure lock can be passed to better secure your e-bikes in case, say, you want to go in a restaurant to eat, post-ride.
Trunk / Tailgate access
The Yakima StageTwo features a three-position design like other popular hitch racks. In addition to the folded position when it’s not in use, the rack can be tilted down, moving the bikes away from the rear of the vehicle, allowing access to the trunk, hatch or tailgate. The release lever is incorporated into a stout handle that will allow you to lower the rack gently to avoid damaging either the rack or the e-bikes.
Though the rack is heavy when loaded, the fact that the release latch is build into a handle makes it easy to control.
The stinger knob is easy to reach and has a knurled finish to make it easy to grip.
The way Yakima staggers the trays, there’s little chance of scraping the rack on asphalt.
With the optional fat tire kit, you get extra long wheel straps to secure the rear wheel.
Yakima StageTwo Review: Driving With the Rack
Stability
Of the many hitch racks we’ve tested, the Yakima StageTwo is one of the most stable designs. Backing this up is the fact that you can purchase a two-bike add-on for the rack. When driving with the rack we see minimal sway and wiggle in our rear view mirror.
Entry/Exit angles and ground clearance
While many hitch racks place the two trays at the same height, with the StageTwo, the farther out the tray is, the higher it is off the ground. This goes for the two-tray accessory as well. This helps prevent, if not eliminate, the chance of the rack scraping the ground on a driveway or other steep slope.
Accessories
The RampUp ramp that allows you to roll an e-bike into its tray may be thought of more as a necessity than an accessory, but it’s not included in the purchase; it goes for an additional $89.
Other accessories include FatStraps, a fat bike kit that includes longer straps to get around tires as wide as 5 in. SafetyMate is a lightbar and plate holder that can save you from being pulled over by law enforcement for an obscured plate.
Buyers of the 2-in. version of the StageTwo can add the BackSwing, which is a hinged mount that allows you to swing the carrier out away from the vehicle for easy access to your trunk, hatch or tailgate.
As we mentioned earlier, Yakima offers the +2 Add-On to add two more trays to the StageTwo. Be forewarned though: The StageTwo’s total weight capacity doesn’t climb; Yakima lists a 40-lb. weight limit for each tray.
Yakima StageTwo Review: Rack Storage
What it’s like carrying the rack around and storing it
At 66 lbs., the Yakima StageTwo weighs about as much as the average e-bike. This might not be the rack for the person who plans to remove the rack after each use. When folded up in its storage position, it is relatively well balanced and isn’t hard to maneuver into the hitch rack.
Adding the +2 Add-On increases the rack’s overall weight to an even 100 lbs., not something you’re going to want to remove on any regular basis (unless, of course, you’re a bodybuilder).
With the rack tilted down, you have easy access to the vehicle’s trunk, hatch or gate.
Yakima StageTwo Review: Our Recommendation
For many of us, some of our favorite riding locations require us to drive to a parking lot or trailhead. It’s not ideal, burning fossil fuels to go ride an e-bike, but modern life doesn’t permit some of us to spend an hour riding to the place we want to go ride. The upshot here is that for many of us, our hitch racks receive regular use. The Yakima StageTwo has a sturdy build that will stand up to daily use.
Many hitch racks can’t be used with RVs, but the StageTwo (2-in. receiver) can be mounted on RVs, with two caveats. The maximum weight per bike is reduced to 60 lbs. and you can’t use the +2 Add-On.
We don’t often comment on the look of a hitch rack, but the simple fact is that some of them can look at bit like a HAM radio antenna when they aren’t in use. They don’t do much for the look of a vehicle. The Yakima StageTwo is unusual in that its clean lines and enamel finish that comes in two colors (anthracite and vapor, which is to say black and off-white) give it a classy look that few hitch racks can match. How attractive a hitch rack is becomes a relevant talking point if your plan is to leave it on your vehicle full-time.
With a capacity of up to 70 lbs. and a tray length that can support e-bikes with a wheelbase of up to 52 in., the Yakima StageTwo is one of the more versatile hitch racks on the market. Increasing its appeal is its attractive enamel finish that makes it look like it belongs on the back of a vehicle. At $799, there are certainly less expensive options, but as we often say, you get what you pay for and the Yakima StageTwo justifies the investment.
Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Yakima StageTwo down in our comments section.
Reader Interactions
We will be happy to hear your thoughts
