Our take on the Yakima StageTwo Hitch Bike Platform Rack

The StageTwo is Yakima's two-bike platform hitch rack for 2-inch receivers. It carries e-bikes up to 31.75 kg each and is rated for off-road use with bikes up to 19 kg each. The rising support arm adds ground clearance and offsets the bikes horizontally and vertically for better separation. It tilts away for hatch access and has integrated locks for the bikes and the rack. Rivals like the Thule EasyFold and Kuat NV 2.0 also tilt and lock, but few match the StageTwo's e-bike weight rating and off-road rating together. Owners like the stable, rattle-free hold and the easy loading; some find it heavy to lift into the hitch and note the arm needs a firm push to seat.

Best forE-bike owners with a 2-inch hitchMountain bikers who ride rough trailsHouseholds carrying two heavy bikesRiders who want to expand to four bikes later

Pros

High e-bike weight rating of 31.75 kg per bike
Off-road rated for bikes up to 19 kg
Rising arm adds ground clearance
Horizontal and vertical offset keeps bikes apart
Tilts away for trunk and hatch access
Integrated locks for bikes and rack

What reviewers say

Owners describe the StageTwo as a solid, quiet platform rack that holds heavy e-bikes and mountain bikes without sway. Most praise the easy loading and the tilt for hatch access. Complaints center on its weight and the effort of mounting it, plus the need for a separate kit for very wide tires.

What people mention

StabilityPraisedOwners say bikes stay put with little sway, even on rough roads.
E-bike supportPraisedRiders report it handles heavy e-bikes without flexing.
WeightCriticisedSeveral owners find the rack heavy to lift and mount alone.

Questions and answers

Can the StageTwo carry two e-bikes?

Yes. It is rated for two bikes up to 31.75 kg each. For off-road use the limit drops to 19 kg per bike.

Does it fit a 1.25-inch hitch?

No. The StageTwo mounts only to a 2-inch square receiver.

Can I carry four bikes?

Yes, with the StageTwo Plus 2 Add-On, which extends it to four bikes.

Will it fit my fat bike tires?

Out of the box it fits tires up to 29 x 3.25 inches. A separate kit allows tires up to 5 inches wide.

Can I open my trunk with the rack loaded?

Yes. The rack tilts away from the vehicle so you can reach the boot or hatch.

Are the bikes locked to the rack?

Yes. Integrated locks secure the bikes to the carrier and the carrier to the car.

Where can I buy the Yakima StageTwo Hitch Bike Platform Rack?

11 stores we checked sell it, including Rack Attack, Amazon, Backcountry.com, Competitive Cyclist, Lowe's.

Yakima StageTwo Hitch Bike Platform Rack

Last price we saw

$948.95at Rack Attack, last seen Nov 13

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Price facts

Last seen at $948.95 at Rack Attack on Nov 13.

Our take on the Yakima StageTwo Hitch Bike Platform Rack

Best forE-bike owners with a 2-inch hitchMountain bikers who ride rough trailsHouseholds carrying two heavy bikesRiders who want to expand to four bikes later

Pros

High e-bike weight rating of 31.75 kg per bike
Off-road rated for bikes up to 19 kg
Rising arm adds ground clearance
Horizontal and vertical offset keeps bikes apart
Tilts away for trunk and hatch access
Integrated locks for bikes and rack