Best Spare Tire Mounted Bike Rack Comparison Thule Vs Yakima
Published 10/08/2014
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
The Yakima Tube Top Bike Rack has a bottle opener at the end of the tube? Why didnt you say that in the first place!!! The bikes could fly off my car at 70 MPH, but at least I would have something to open my favorite adult beverage! That would have saved a lot of time and trouble! : I think I will go with the Yakima...
asked by: David N
Expert Reply:
The Thule Spare Me Bike rack part # TH963PRO and the Yakima Spare Tire part # Y02599 both do come with locks to secure the rack to your spare tire and cable locks to secure the bikes to the carrier. The biggest difference between the two and is only an advantage for some people is that the Yakima can fit on spare tires that are up to 12.5 inches wide whereas the Thule can only fit tires that are up to 10 inches wide. Aside from that the only actual feature that the Yakima has that the Thule doesn't is a bottle opener at the end of the cradle arms.
The Yakima does have more positive reviews than the Thule, but that doesn't mean it isn't as good. If you like the way the Thule installs or is set up then I guarantee it would work just fine for you.
As far as the adapter bars go, we all agree here that the best one to use is the Swagman part # 64005. It is the easiest to use by far and can work on any brand bike rack so I would recommend it for you. For your bike frame you would want to use an adapter bar. Check out the review video I attached.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima SpareRide 2 Bike Rack - Spare Tire Mount - Folding Arms
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Dual Arm
- Folding
- Hanging Rack
- Yakima
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Yakima SpareRide 2 Bike Rack - Spare Tire Mount - Folding Arms
- Q&A: Best Bike Rack for Step-Through Electra Townie Bike with Fenders
- Shop: Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Shop: Jogging Conversion Kit for Thule Chariot Lite or Cross - 2 Child
- Q&A: Will Yakima Lock Core Fit in Thule Replacement Locking Anti-Rattle Knob
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Fit Of Yakima Megawarrior Roof Basket On 2016 Ford Explorer
- Shop: Replacement ZipStrip Straps for Yakima SuperCush Bike Rack Cradles - Qty 2
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Choosing the Right Anti-Rattle Hitch Device
- Video: Installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2025 Toyota RAV4
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Clearance Differences Between Hitches For A 2026 Honda Odyssey EX-L
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Video: Inside Look at TowSmart and Oris Hitches with the Manufacturer
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch that Fits 2026 Lexus RZ350e Electric
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Video: Breaking Down the Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes
on Spare Tire Bike Racks
David N.
10/8/2014
Hi Jameson, Very thorough answer and very timely as well... So the Swagman adapter seems like the way to go. So am I right in assuming I need one adapter for each bike? Thanks