After several weeks of consistent use, the Yakima 4 Bike Rack has proven to be a largely positive addition for transporting our family’s bikes. Loading and unloading various bikes, from kids’ 24″ suspension mountain bikes to a men’s 29er full suspension, has become a frequent routine, and overall, the rack instills confidence.
The sturdiness of this Yakima bike rack is immediately apparent. It feels exceptionally solid, and when loaded with one, two, or even four bikes, there’s a reassuring sense of security. The rack handles the weight and movement of the bikes without any concerning wobble, making trips with valuable mountain bikes feel safe and stress-free. Installation did take around 90 minutes, including unboxing and adjustments for different bike sizes, but this felt like a reasonable investment in ensuring a proper and secure setup. While the rack is undeniably heavy, this weight contributes to its robust feel, which is arguably necessary for safely carrying multiple bikes.
However, the standout weakness of this Yakima 4 bike rack lies in the wheel straps. These straps are surprisingly low quality, especially considering Yakima’s reputation. The hard plastic material seems brittle and prone to cracking. In fact, one strap cracked upon its very first use, simply from bending it to load a bike. Living in a region with colder climates, there’s significant concern that these straps will become completely unusable, shattering in colder temperatures. The need to preemptively search for replacement straps is a significant disappointment and detracts from the otherwise high quality of the rack.
If it weren’t for these subpar wheel straps, this Yakima 4 Bike Rack would easily earn a 5-star rating. The rack’s core functionality and sturdiness are commendable. Improving the quality of the wheel straps would elevate this product from good to truly outstanding, addressing the only significant flaw in an otherwise excellent bike carrier.
