How Secure is the Yakima Speed Knob Feature on the RidgeBack Bike Rack

Published 04/08/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(231)

$478.95

Trimax Trimaflex Cable Lock - 6' Long - 1" Diameter - Nylon Coated Braided Steel

(12)

$41.55

Question:

How secure from theft is the Speed Knob feature? Can the Knob be tightened sufficiently to create enough pressure inside the hitch receiver that someone cannot manhandle the rack out of the receiver? I ask, because the spring loaded hitch pin cannot be replaced with a locking hitch pin. Thanks

asked by: Jim O

Expert Reply:

The Yakima speed knob feature use on the Yakima RidgeBack bike rack employs a wedge on the bike rack's shank that expands rearward and outward as the knob is tightened which serves to lodge the shank into the receiver tube. Will this lock provide some protection against a crime of opportunity? It sure will. A random passerby won't be able to simply grab the rack, give it a yank and walk away with it. However, if a thief is determined enough and has the tools and the lack of witnesses to use them, they'll get the rack no matter what lengths you go to in order to protect it.

Precautions such as removing the rack or a lock like # TMX24ZR lock ran through the hitch safety chain loops and around the bike frame will provide additional deterrence if you need to leave the vehicle unattended for a period of time.

Locks are only good for keeping honest people honest, the idea is to provide enough visual deterrence that the potential thief moves on to easier pickings.

I've linked to product description videos for the RidgeBack Bike rack and the additional lock I recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L