Should Cable Lock be Added to Yakima BackRoad if Only Carrying 2 Bike

Published 07/13/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima HitchLock for Yakima Hitch Mounted Bike Racks - Same Key System (SKS)

(491)

$28.95

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(827)

$36.05

etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike

(226)

$46.02

Question:

The review video says that the intrgrated cable lock only works if you have 4 bikes loaded, since the cable is only long enough to go around the frame of the front bike/bike on the end of the rack. Should i just purchase a 3rd party cable bike lock if i dont intend to always have 4 bikes loaded?

asked by: Derek

Expert Reply:

That's a good catch, and when only carrying a pair of bikes, if you want to keep them secure it is definitely a good idea to add a separate cable lock to go with the Yakima BackRoad 4-Bike Rack # YA44FR.

The cable lock that comes integrated with the # YA44FR is for the fourth bike (furthest from the vehicle) so to secure just two bikes you can use a standard cable lock with a key, the etrailer Cable Lock # e98891, or if you don't want an extra key then go with a combination cable lock, the RockyMounts Curly Combination Cable Lock # RKY3700.

I also wanted to mention that if you want a lock to secure the BackRoad # YA44FR to your hitch, you can do that by adding the Yakima HitchLock # Y07235.

And lastly, if one of the bikes you want to carry has a step-through frame, or you want to carry a children's bike, you'll need to give those bikes a horizontal mounting point with Bike Adapter Bar # 64005.

expert reply by: Kyle S