Yakima StageTwo Hitch Rack Review | Heavy-Duty & Versatile
Jul 13, 2025
0 Comments
Share
The StageTwo can carry e-bikes weighing up to 70 lbs and with wheelbases up to 52”. It can even be expanded to a four-bike carrier.
The Yakima StageTwo is an industry staple—and for good reason. It’s reliable, easy to use, and offers a few worthwhile accessories that make transporting e-bikes even more convenient.
It was recently updated with some small quality-of-life improvements, but it’s still every bit as dependable as we’ve come to expect from Yakima.
The 2” hitch model accommodates two large e-bikes up to 70 lbs each, while the 1.25” version holds up to 60 lbs per bike. The arm hook secures over the front tire, keeping your bike’s frame free from contact. There’s generous spacing to help prevent bikes from bumping into one another, and the tiered trays are a thoughtful design choice that allows for additional clearance between handlebars and saddles.
It’s heavy-duty enough for RV use, with one of the thickest center spines we’ve seen—something that helps reduce sway noticeably.
Security features are built-in for peace of mind, but Yakima also leaves space for adding your own heavier-duty locks in case you’re parking somewhere more sketchy.
Planning to grow your riding group? This is one of the few racks that can be expanded to carry four bikes (on the 2” model). While that reduces the per-bike weight capacity, the flexibility to adapt the rack over time is a big win and helps future-proof your setup.
Sponsor
Pros- Available in both 2” and 1.25” receiver sizes—a rare find for racks rated for e-bikes.
- Carries up to 140 lbs total (70 lbs per bike on the 2” model).
- Uses Yakima’s Single Key System: one key secures the hitch and the integrated cable locks on the hook arms.
- Simple and intuitive loading process: place the bike, clamp the front wheel, strap the rear—done.
- Frame-free arm hook works with virtually any bike style (though front fenders may need to be removed).
- Accommodates a wide range of bike sizes with generous wheelbase and tire size compatibility.
Cons- Expanding to four trays (available on the 2” model only) reduces capacity to 40 lbs per bike—limiting use to lighter bikes like high-end road or gravel models.
Sponsor
Yakima StageTwo Video Review
| Hitch Size(s) | 1.25″ / 2″ |
| Number of Bikes It Can Carry | 2/4 |
| Max Bike Weight Per Tray: 1.25 in. | 60 lbs / 70 lbs |
| Total Max Weight Capacity: 1.25 in. | 120 lbs / 140 lbs |
| Mechanism For Securing Bikes | Hook arm + tire strap |
| Max Wheel Base Length | 52″ |
| Rack Weight | 63 lbs |
| Vehicle Type | Any with hitch receiver, RVs |
| Max Tire Width | 5″ |
| Max Tire Diameter | 29″ |
| Works With _____ Frames | Any |
| Key Features | Multi position tilt |
| Security Features | Integrated cable locks, hitch lock, loop for additional lock |
| Optional accessories | Hitch extender, swingarm adapter, light attachments and plate holder. |
Sponsor
Yakima StageTwo Review: Functionality / Using the Rack
Securing the rack to the hitch
To install the rack, you simply turn the knob at the end opposite the stinger (the part that goes into the hitch receiver). The knob is keyed, and once secured, the lock prevents it from being loosened.
Loading bikes
After folding the wheel hook outward, you can lift your e-bike into the tray. You can either lift the bike into place, or just load up the first wheel, then roll it forward and pick up the back wheel into place.
If lifting a heavy e-bike isn’t ideal, Yakima sells an optional ramp that lets you roll the bike into place instead.
Securing the bikes
Like many hitch racks, the StageTwo uses a hook arm that clamps the front wheel down at the fork. The rear wheel is held in place by a ratcheting strap. It’s a simple system that works well—unless your e-bike has a front fender, which could be damaged by the downward pressure of the arm hook.
Each hook includes an integrated cable lock. Both the cable and hitch knob are part of Yakima’s Single Key System, meaning one key unlocks all components—no keychain clutter.
These cable locks are good deterrents, but for added security, Yakima includes a steel loop where you can run a beefier lock if you’re leaving the bikes unattended, like while grabbing a post-ride meal.
Sponsor
Trunk / Tailgate access
The StageTwo has a three-position tilt system: upright when stored, horizontal when in use, and tilted down to allow access to your vehicle’s trunk or hatch. A robust handle with an integrated release lever makes tilting smooth and controlled.
Full tailgate access is limited unless you pair it with Yakima’s BackSwing adapter, which allows the rack to swing 90° to the side.
Sponsor
Yakima StageTwo Review: Driving With the Rack
Stability
Among the many hitch racks we’ve tested, the StageTwo is one of the most stable. Even with two additional trays added, we noticed minimal sway or wiggle in the rear-view mirror during drives.
Sponsor
Entry/Exit angles and ground clearance
Unlike many racks that keep trays at the same height, the StageTwo’s outer tray is positioned slightly higher than the inner one. This clever design helps prevent scraping on driveways or steep inclines, even when fully loaded.
Accessories
Arguably the most popular e-bike accessory is the RampUp, a two-piece ramp that helps roll heavy bikes into place instead of lifting.
Other add-ons include:
- +2 Add-On: Converts the rack to carry four bikes (only compatible with the 2” hitch; reduces capacity to 40 lbs per bike).
- BackSwing: Allows full rear access by swinging the rack out 90°.
- StraightShot Extender: Adds space for vehicles with spare tires, like Wranglers or Broncos.
- SafetyMate: Adds full lighting functionality (brake lights, turn signals), and relocates the license plate for better visibility.
Yakima StageTwo Review: Rack Storage
What it’s like carrying the rack around and storing it
At 63 lbs, the StageTwo is about as heavy as an average e-bike. It’s not the best choice for someone who plans to install and remove it frequently. That said, it balances well when folded up and is manageable to carry for most people.
Adding the +2 extension increases the rack’s total weight to 100 lbs—likely a “set it and forget it” setup unless you moonlight as a weightlifter.
Sponsor
Yakima StageTwo Review: Our Recommendation
Three things stood out to us about the Yakima StageTwo: it’s heavy-duty, it’s adaptable, and it’s straightforward to use.
Its 63-lb weight reflects its robust center spine and overall durability. It’s stable, secure, and we’re fans of the all-metal construction—no flimsy plastic parts to worry about.
The adaptability is another highlight. Many racks that support e-bikes only work with 2” hitches, but the StageTwo supports both 2” and 1.25” receivers (with different weight ratings, of course). And it’s not locked into just carrying two bikes—you can expand to four with the right add-on.
Lastly, it’s just simple and intuitive. Load your bike, secure the arm hook, strap the rear wheel—done. Fewer moving parts usually means fewer problems, and this is a rack that focuses on the essentials.
If that sounds like your kind of setup, the StageTwo is worth a serious look—especially from a legacy brand like Yakima that has a proven track record for durability and design.
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.
Sponsor
Sponsor
Reader Interactions
Leave a Reply
