Thule Easyfold XT vs. Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack for E-Bikes

Updated 10/16/2020 | Published 10/15/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(506)

$999.95

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

(481)

$28.95

Question:

You’ve almost answered this a few times and suspect many people will be n the same boat as me but wondering which one will work best I have two Specialized Como 4.0 I don't have a lot of room in the garage and the bike rack won’t stay no the Vehicle. We are occasional riders but want to ensure we have a quality rack of which both meet the spec. I had settled on the EasyFold but it seems impossible to source. Should I wait for the EasyFold XT or go for the Yakima ? Considerations are 1. 2 inch mounted on a Macan 2. Will not be left on the vehicle 3. Space in garage is a premium 4. Not worried about limiting the bikes 5. Unlikely to tilt the carriers to get into the back of the SUV 6. Take price out of the equation 7. Would like to use before the winter comes Thanks

asked by: Guy C

Expert Reply:

This is a good question, as a lot of people want to know the real differences between the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 (which fits both a 1-1/4" - Class I and II & 2" hitch) and Yakima OnRamp # Y96FR (fits 1-1/4" hitch - Class II only) & # Y36FR (fits 2" hitch). While there are a number of obvious similarities in that they both have ramps and use clamps to grasp your bikes, for overall convenience the better rack is the EasyFold XT # TH903202.

Let's start with installation and removal, as you said you will not leave the rack on your vehicle. The EasyFold, true to its name, folds up and has wheels so you can literally roll it out to your vehicle, while you have to carry the OnRamp out. When installing in your hitch, you just insert the EasyFold in and twist the hand knob and you're done. The OnRamp uses a hitch pin bolt that you'll have to tighten with the included wrench every time you put the rack on.

With storage space being an issue for yourself - and most people - when you remove the rack the EasyFold folds up to just 26-3/4" tall x 10" wide x 31" deep with the OnRamp measuring 34" x 52" x 45" so it takes up quite a bit more room, though the masts do fold down which will save some space.

Security is another thing to take into consideration because while the EasyFold has an integrated lock in the hitch knob and on the clamps to secure the rack and your bikes, respectively, the OnRamp only has a cable lock to secure your bikes. So if you wanted to lock the rack you would need to add the Yakima HitchLock # Y07235.

The biggest win for the Yakima OnRamp is price, and while you said that wasn't a particular factor for you, it will be for many people, who will be willing to trade the convenience factors for a quality bike rack that has a ramp as well as the weight capacity and mounting ability to carry E-bike with fenders.

If price is not a considerable sticking point though, I do recommend the EasyFold. I have added links below to video reviews for you to check out of both the Yakima OnRamp # Y36FR and Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202.