A solid two-bike platform rack for regular bikes and compatible e-bikes.
The Yakima StepUp is a heavy-duty platform rack for riders carrying mountain, road, gravel, hybrid, BMX, youth, fat-tyre or compatible e-bikes.
It carries two bikes without clamping the frames, fits a wide range of wheels and tyres and tilts down to provide access to many rear doors and tailgates with the bikes loaded.
29.5kg Capacity Per Bike
For sealed-road use, the StepUp carries two bikes weighing up to 29.5kg each. That makes it suitable for many e-bikes as well as heavier mountain and fat bikes.
The limit reduces to 19.75kg per bike when the rack is used off-road, on an approved RV or motorhome or with compatible Yakima hitch accessories.
Always include the rack’s 22kg weight when checking the permitted load for the vehicle, towbar and receiver.
No Frame Contact
Yakima’s StrongArm hook holds each bike by the front tyre, while a flip-away strap secures the rear wheel. This avoids clamping the bike frame, making the rack suitable for carbon, aluminium and unusually shaped frames.
Bikes with front mudguards may need extra consideration because the StrongArm hook must sit securely against the front tyre. Check the contact point before purchasing if your bike has a full-length front mudguard.
Wide Bike Compatibility
The StepUp fits bikes with 16-inch through to 29-inch or 700c wheels, tyres up to 4.5 inches wide and wheelbases between 813mm and 1321mm.
This wide range makes it useful for households carrying different styles and sizes of bikes on the same rack.
StadiumSeating Bike Positioning
StadiumSeating positions the two trays at different heights, helping reduce contact between handlebars, saddles and other bike components.
The trays can also be fitted in offset positions when additional clearance is needed between two bikes. It is still worth checking both bikes carefully before driving, particularly when carrying wide mountain bike handlebars.
Three-Position Tilt
A remote release controls the rack’s three-position tilt. The rack can be lowered to provide access to many rear doors and tailgates with the bikes loaded, then folded upright when it is empty.
Vehicle shapes differ, so check clearance carefully before opening a rear door or tailgate.
SpeedWedge Hitch Fitment
The StepUp fits a compatible 50mm or 2-inch receiver. Yakima’s SpeedWedge is tightened using an Allen key, securing the rack inside the receiver and helping reduce unwanted movement.
The rack requires some initial assembly, with Yakima allowing approximately 25 minutes for installation.
Included Bike and Rack Security
An integrated locking cable and SKS locks are included to secure the bikes to the rack. A HitchLock secures the StepUp to the vehicle’s receiver.
An additional lock can be fitted through the integrated lock loop if you want to add another layer of bike security. No bike rack or lock is completely theft-proof, so avoid leaving valuable bikes unattended where possible.
RampUp Compatible
The V-shaped trays are compatible with Yakima’s optional RampUp loading ramp. This allows a heavy bike to be rolled into position rather than lifted onto the rack.
The RampUp is sold separately. It is particularly worth considering when carrying heavier e-bikes or when regularly loading the rack alone.
Key Features
- Carries two bikes
- Road-use capacity of 29.5kg per bike
- Off-road and RV capacity of 19.75kg per bike
- StrongArm front-tyre hooks avoid frame contact
- Flip-away rear-wheel straps simplify loading
- Fits 16-inch to 29-inch and 700c wheels
- Fits tyres up to 4.5 inches wide
- Fits wheelbases from 813mm to 1321mm
- StadiumSeating reduces bike-to-bike interference
- Optional offset tray positions provide additional clearance
- Remote three-position tilt
- Tilts down for access to many rear doors with bikes loaded
- Folds upright when unloaded
- Allen-key-operated SpeedWedge hitch fitment
- Integrated locking cable and SKS locks included
- HitchLock included
- Integrated loop for an additional bike lock
- RampUp compatible
- Built-in bottle opener
Accessory Compatibility
The StepUp is compatible with the Yakima BackSwing and StraightShot hitch accessories. When either accessory is used, the permitted bike weight reduces to 19.75kg per bike.
Check the combined weight of the rack, bikes and hitch accessory against the vehicle and towbar ratings before use.
Our Thoughts
The StepUp covers a useful middle ground. It has enough carrying capacity for many e-bikes but is also well suited to households transporting a mix of road, mountain and children’s bikes.
The tyre-holding design is a good choice for carbon frames and bikes with unusual frame shapes. StadiumSeating and the offset tray options also make it easier to prevent handlebars and saddles from clashing.
At 22kg, this is still a substantial rack to lift on and off the vehicle. If it will be removed regularly, make sure whoever is handling it is comfortable with the weight. For heavier e-bikes, we would seriously consider adding the RampUp rather than lifting each bike onto the trays.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Practical advice on vehicle, towbar and receiver compatibility
- Help checking bike weight, wheelbase and tyre fit
- Advice on e-bike loading and RampUp compatibility
- Professional rack assembly and setup available
- Nationwide New Zealand delivery
- Ongoing support from our Christchurch team
Specifications
- Brand: Yakima
- Model: StepUp 2
- Product number: 8002771
- Rack type: Platform hitch bike rack
- Bike capacity: Two
- Road-use capacity: 29.5kg per bike
- Off-road capacity: 19.75kg per bike
- RV or motorhome capacity: 19.75kg per bike
- Capacity with compatible hitch accessories: 19.75kg per bike
- Compatible hitch accessories: Yakima BackSwing and StraightShot
- Rack weight: 22kg
- Receiver compatibility: 50mm / 2-inch
- Bike attachment: StrongArm front-tyre hook and rear-wheel strap
- Compatible wheel sizes: 16-inch to 29-inch and 700c
- Maximum tyre width: 4.5 inches
- Compatible wheelbase: 813–1321mm
- Tilt positions: Three
- Hitch tightening: Allen-key-operated SpeedWedge
- Bike locks: Integrated cable with SKS locks
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: HitchLock included
- Ramp compatibility: Yakima RampUp, sold separately
- Assembly: Some assembly required
- Estimated installation time: 25 minutes
Important Installation and Safety Information
- Use only with a compatible 50mm or 2-inch receiver with a sufficient load rating.
- Include the rack, bikes and any hitch accessory when calculating the total towbar load.
- Do not exceed 29.5kg per bike during sealed-road use.
- Do not exceed 19.75kg per bike during off-road or approved RV use.
- Do not exceed 19.75kg per bike when using a compatible BackSwing or StraightShot accessory.
- Check that both StrongArm hooks and rear-wheel straps are secure before driving.
- Keep the vehicle’s lights and number plate clearly visible.
- Check clearance before opening a rear door or tailgate.
- Follow Yakima’s supplied installation, loading and vehicle-fit instructions.
