Height and Distance from Hitch Pin Hole to Upright Mast of Yakima RidgeBack

Question:

Will the 2 hitch adapter, lengthen the space between the car and the pole of the rack? I hate bike racks that stick way out behind the vehicle.Also how far off the ground do I need to lift the bike to attach it to the bike rack? I am 5ft tall and wonder if I need to raise a 30lb. bike above my chest to get this bike attached?

asked by: Vickie

Expert Reply:

The Yakima RidgeBack, part # Y02457 that you referenced has a distance of 11-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the upright bar of the rack regardless of if you use it in a 2 inch or 1-1/4 inch hitch. Some of the bike racks like the Softride racks will have different lengths depending on the hitch size it is used in, but not the Yakima racks.

The rack is 42 inches from the top of the shank that slides into the hitch to the top of the rack. If you measure from the ground to the top of your vehicle hitch opening and then add 42 inches you will know how high you would need to lift this rack.

If you plan on carrying any womens or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Swagman Easy-Out Women's and Alternative Frame Bike Adapter # 64005 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.

expert reply by: Jameson C