Cradle Spacing on Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack

Updated 09/05/2019 | Published 09/04/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(233)

$478.95

Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(231)

$499.95

Question:

How many inches are between the placement of the bikes? Thule says theirs is 7 inches between spaces. thanks

asked by: Dawn

Expert Reply:

The spacing between the cradles on the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack # Y02458 is 5-1/2 inches, on center. This is still decent bike spacing but if you are wanting to give your bikes more room to breathe the Thule Apex XT # TH9025XT that you referenced is the better option.

As you mentioned, this particular rack features a cradle spacing of 7 inches. This was actually a very intentional upgrade when Thule recently transitioned to their current line of racks. This type of spacing not only helps to further prevent bike-to-bike contact but it also just makes the loading process much easier since you won't have to fight as much when loading up similarly sized bikes on a hanging-style rack like this.

I have attached a short video demonstration that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R