The Yakima HighRoad is a trayless, wheel‑clamp roof rack that secures the bike by the front wheel for fast, no‑fork‑removal loading and a lower standing height. It balances performance and cost by offering a lighter, simpler design than some premium uprights while still minimizing drag and accommodating a wide range of tire widths, making it a strong value choice for everyday commuters and cyclists who want quick loading without the premium price of some Thule models. Against the Thule ProRide XT and UpRide, the HighRoad trades a few premium fit features for easier packing and a generally lower retail cost.
No-fork removal (hooray!)
Cradle holds wheels
No-fork removal (hooray!)
Cradle holds wheels
Review Summary
"The Yakima HighRoad is frequently lauded for its frame-free wheel clamping that protects carbon and full-suspension frames, with most users finding it secure and very easy to load; a few note tighter clearance for very wide tires and occasional strap wear."
Low-profile styling
Forkless vertical wheel-mount design holds bikes upright by the wheels to avoid frame contact.
Low-profile styling
Forkless vertical wheel-mount design holds bikes upright by the wheels to avoid frame contact.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Yakima HighRoad is a trayless, wheel‑clamp roof rack that secures the bike by the front wheel for fast, no‑fork‑removal loading and a lower standing height. It balances performance and cost by offering a lighter, simpler design than some premium uprights while still minimizing drag and accommodating a wide range of tire widths, making it a strong value choice for everyday commuters and cyclists who want quick loading without the premium price of some Thule models. Against the Thule ProRide XT and UpRide, the HighRoad trades a few premium fit features for easier packing and a generally lower retail cost.
No-fork removal (hooray!)
Cradle holds wheels
Low-profile styling
Forkless vertical wheel-mount design holds bikes upright by the wheels to avoid frame contact.
Tool-free attachment to crossbars with integrated straps and available SKS-style locks for security.
No-fork removal (hooray!)
Cradle holds wheels
Low-profile styling
Forkless vertical wheel-mount design holds bikes upright by the wheels to avoid frame contact.
Tool-free attachment to crossbars with integrated straps and available SKS-style locks for security.
$249-349 USD
The Kuat NV 2.0 is a premium hitch-mounted rack known for its heavy-duty construction, foot-assisted hitching action and refined aluminum finishes that appeal to users prioritizing durability and style. It sits at the top of the market for riders who demand ruggedness and upgradeability, justifying a higher sticker price than mid-range options like Yakima or RockyMounts with integrated conveniences and aftermarket add-ons. Compared to the Saris SuperClamp EX, Kuat trades some weight savings for a more feature-rich, durable platform that is better suited to frequent or heavy-duty hauling.
Integrated repair stand
Foot-assisted tilt
Integrated repair stand
Foot-assisted tilt
Review Summary
"The Kuat NV 2.0 is frequently lauded for its premium construction, integrated ramp and smooth tilt feature, making it highly user-friendly and durable for repeated use; criticisms center on its steep price and heavier weight. Repeat buyers consistently report excellent bike protection and confident long-term performance."
Elegant finish — showoff
Heavy-duty aluminum construction with refined finish for long-term durability.
Elegant finish — showoff
Heavy-duty aluminum construction with refined finish for long-term durability.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Kuat NV 2.0 is a premium hitch-mounted rack known for its heavy-duty construction, foot-assisted hitching action and refined aluminum finishes that appeal to users prioritizing durability and style. It sits at the top of the market for riders who demand ruggedness and upgradeability, justifying a higher sticker price than mid-range options like Yakima or RockyMounts with integrated conveniences and aftermarket add-ons. Compared to the Saris SuperClamp EX, Kuat trades some weight savings for a more feature-rich, durable platform that is better suited to frequent or heavy-duty hauling.
Integrated repair stand
Foot-assisted tilt
Elegant finish — showoff
Heavy-duty aluminum construction with refined finish for long-term durability.
Integrated locks and smart tie-downs deliver secure transport and theft deterrence.
Integrated repair stand
Foot-assisted tilt
Elegant finish — showoff
Heavy-duty aluminum construction with refined finish for long-term durability.
Integrated locks and smart tie-downs deliver secure transport and theft deterrence.
$1,200-1,700 USD
The Saris Bones 2-Bike is an iconic injection-molded trunk rack prized for its lightweight, rust-proof construction and minimal vehicle contact that reduces scrape risk. Versus metal-framed rivals like Allen and Yakima it offers distinctive styling and quiet durability, though it carries only two bikes and lacks some of the advanced anti-sway and adjustability features found on higher-end Thule models.
Iconic arc design
Snap-on simplicity
Iconic arc design
Snap-on simplicity
Review Summary
"Long-term users praise the Saris Bones 2-Bike for durable molded construction, excellent trunk protection and stylish design, with simple installation. A minority report fit limitations on some hatchbacks or challenges with very heavy bikes."
Tri-arm protection
Distinctive molded arc design that is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and gentle on vehicle finish.
Tri-arm protection
Distinctive molded arc design that is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and gentle on vehicle finish.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Saris Bones 2-Bike is an iconic injection-molded trunk rack prized for its lightweight, rust-proof construction and minimal vehicle contact that reduces scrape risk. Versus metal-framed rivals like Allen and Yakima it offers distinctive styling and quiet durability, though it carries only two bikes and lacks some of the advanced anti-sway and adjustability features found on higher-end Thule models.
Iconic arc design
Snap-on simplicity
Tri-arm protection
Distinctive molded arc design that is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and gentle on vehicle finish.
Mounts directly to the trunk with adjustable straps and universal fit for most cars, SUVs and hatchbacks.
Iconic arc design
Snap-on simplicity
Tri-arm protection
Distinctive molded arc design that is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and gentle on vehicle finish.
Mounts directly to the trunk with adjustable straps and universal fit for most cars, SUVs and hatchbacks.
$200-260 USD
The RockyMounts TomaHawk balances robustness and cost-effectiveness by offering a heavy-duty fork-mount platform with beefy clamps and dependable security hardware that appeals to frequent users and heavier e-bikes. It undercuts the highest-tier premium pricing of Kuat and Thule while delivering a more rugged feel than entries like Yakima, making it a compelling mid-market choice for riders who need extra durability without upgrading to the most expensive models.
Compact stow — tuck-away grin
Tilt access — trunk-friendly wink
Compact stow — tuck-away grin
Tilt access — trunk-friendly wink
Review Summary
"The RockyMounts TomaHawk is appreciated for its sturdy construction and stability, with many buyers citing long-term durability; some users find it heavier and note occasional compatibility hassles with newer axle standards. Overall it’s seen as a workhorse choice with a few fitment trade-offs."
Rock-solid hold — Hulk-hold
Robust steel/aluminum construction designed to handle heavier mountain and e-bikes
Rock-solid hold — Hulk-hold
Robust steel/aluminum construction designed to handle heavier mountain and e-bikes
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The RockyMounts TomaHawk balances robustness and cost-effectiveness by offering a heavy-duty fork-mount platform with beefy clamps and dependable security hardware that appeals to frequent users and heavier e-bikes. It undercuts the highest-tier premium pricing of Kuat and Thule while delivering a more rugged feel than entries like Yakima, making it a compelling mid-market choice for riders who need extra durability without upgrading to the most expensive models.
Compact stow — tuck-away grin
Tilt access — trunk-friendly wink
Rock-solid hold — Hulk-hold
Robust steel/aluminum construction designed to handle heavier mountain and e-bikes
Quick-release lever clamping for fast, secure bike attachment
Compact stow — tuck-away grin
Tilt access — trunk-friendly wink
Rock-solid hold — Hulk-hold
Robust steel/aluminum construction designed to handle heavier mountain and e-bikes
Quick-release lever clamping for fast, secure bike attachment
$340-420 USD
Yakima's HoldUp EVO +2 stands out for modularity and strong tray adjustability that make fitting fat tires and bulky e-bikes straightforward, while offering expansion options that deliver good value relative to higher-priced competitors. In comparison to Thule and Kuat it often undercuts on price while still delivering reliable build quality and lighter weight, so it appeals to buyers who want wide-tire compatibility and future-proof add-ons without the highest-end premium.
Snap-on +2
Secure tilt-back
Snap-on +2
Secure tilt-back
Review Summary
"Buyers like the Yakima HoldUp EVO +2 for its robust platform, tool-free adjustments and ability to carry multiple bikes including wider-tire setups when using adapters; a few report minor fitment or wobble issues on some vehicles. It’s regarded as a versatile, slightly more affordable alternative to premium racks."
Snaps on like magic
Platform-style hitch rack with a +2 add-on option to expand capacity from two to four bikes.
Snaps on like magic
Platform-style hitch rack with a +2 add-on option to expand capacity from two to four bikes.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Yakima's HoldUp EVO +2 stands out for modularity and strong tray adjustability that make fitting fat tires and bulky e-bikes straightforward, while offering expansion options that deliver good value relative to higher-priced competitors. In comparison to Thule and Kuat it often undercuts on price while still delivering reliable build quality and lighter weight, so it appeals to buyers who want wide-tire compatibility and future-proof add-ons without the highest-end premium.
Snap-on +2
Secure tilt-back
Snaps on like magic
Platform-style hitch rack with a +2 add-on option to expand capacity from two to four bikes.
Adjustable wheel trays and clamps accept fat tires and most e-bike setups without frame contact.
Snap-on +2
Secure tilt-back
Snaps on like magic
Platform-style hitch rack with a +2 add-on option to expand capacity from two to four bikes.
Adjustable wheel trays and clamps accept fat tires and most e-bike setups without frame contact.
$900-1,300 USD
The Kuat Pivot v2 is a heavy-duty hitch-mounted platform prized for rugged build quality, fast-access mechanics and modular accessory support, which makes it excellent for mounting camera rigs and routing electrical lines close to the vehicle. In contrast to rooftop boxes and simpler platforms, Pivot v2 offers superior load stability and quick deployment for heavy camera systems, justifying its premium price for professionals who need frequent access and robust security. Its technical advantages—durable materials, integrated locking and accessory rails—make it the top choice where performance and reliability are critical.
Swing-away drama
Premium build
Swing-away drama
Premium build
Review Summary
"Owners rave about the Kuat Pivot v2’s premium build, reliable locking/tilt mechanisms, and rock-solid stability even on rough roads. The main downsides mentioned are its premium price and heavier weight compared with basic rack options."
Power-ready flair
Heavy-duty hitch rack with 180-degree pivot to allow full rear-vehicle access to tailgate and rear cameras.
Power-ready flair
Heavy-duty hitch rack with 180-degree pivot to allow full rear-vehicle access to tailgate and rear cameras.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Kuat Pivot v2 is a heavy-duty hitch-mounted platform prized for rugged build quality, fast-access mechanics and modular accessory support, which makes it excellent for mounting camera rigs and routing electrical lines close to the vehicle. In contrast to rooftop boxes and simpler platforms, Pivot v2 offers superior load stability and quick deployment for heavy camera systems, justifying its premium price for professionals who need frequent access and robust security. Its technical advantages—durable materials, integrated locking and accessory rails—make it the top choice where performance and reliability are critical.
Swing-away drama
Premium build
Power-ready flair
Heavy-duty hitch rack with 180-degree pivot to allow full rear-vehicle access to tailgate and rear cameras.
Integrated cable lock and adjustable trays support quick mounting of e-bike batteries and electrical accessories.
Swing-away drama
Premium build
Power-ready flair
Heavy-duty hitch rack with 180-degree pivot to allow full rear-vehicle access to tailgate and rear cameras.
Integrated cable lock and adjustable trays support quick mounting of e-bike batteries and electrical accessories.
$900-1300 USD