You’re not a true mountain man or woman unless you need several racks all over your car or truck to carry massive amounts of gear. And if you don’t have any gear? Well, they make your car look cool anyway. Yakima has long been among the kings of rack makers, and at the 2014 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, they introduced new tray-style hitch racks to accommodate a larger range of bike styles, as well as an updated roof box using golf ball technology (I’ll explain later.)
FourPlay and TwoTimer Hitch Racks
First up, the FourPlay and TwoTimer tray-style hitch racks are designed to carry bikes of all shapes and sizes, even those new fat bikes that are getting so popular. The trays will fit road bikes, cruiser bikes, standard mountain bikes and even those fatties. Two different-sized channels on the trays make it happen, along with the newly designed ratcheting system that goes over the top tubes rather than the front tires like other tray-style racks.
Yakima says both racks are built for quick installation and ease of use. The TwoTimer comes pre-assembled and is able to fit a 1 1⁄4” and 2” hitch receiver. The FourPlay also offers easy assembly and fits 2” hitch receivers. The TwoTimer can transport two bikes, while the FourPlay can convert from a four-bike carrier to a two-bike carrier without much fuss. Also, both are designed for fast and easy loading and unloading, with a low tray height and user-friendly frame ratcheting system, which securely holds bikes in place. The racks also fold down so you can get stuff out the the back of the car, and it folds all the way up if you’re not using it.
The FourPlay will be available in Spring 2015 with an MSRP of $499. The Two Timer will also come out next spring with an MSRP of $299.
SkyBox Carbonite
Like most outdoorsy types here in the Wasatch, I go bonkers over gear storage, and a roof box is easily the best way to get your stuff from city to mountains without taking up any seating space. So when I saw the new Carbonite series at the Yakima booth, I couldn’t stop caressing it. Why? Because the boxes are textured with a dimple pattern very similar to a golf ball.
The idea behind this textured lid is that it gives the boxes increased aerodynamics. The way a golf ball flies through the air so easily is thanks in part to the dimples, which gives it less surface area against the wind. Same idea, awesome implementation by Yakima. Plus it just looks sweet. The SkyBox Carbonite series is available now in five sizes: 12, 16, 18, 21 and Lo. Also, updated internal lid stiffeners add rigidity while the SuperLatch™ ensures security. Plus, they are made in the USA with up to 80% recycled material.
MSRP ranges from $419-$589 depending on size.