Yakima StepUp Swing Review: Is a $999 Bike Rack Really Worth It?

This weekend, I replaced the secondhand Thule bike rack I’d been using for years with a $999 Yakima StepUp Swing. Initially skeptical, I wondered: Could it really be 10 times better than something you could grab off Facebook Marketplace? While the best value-for-dollar bike rack may still be whatever you can find in your dad’s garage or at a yard sale, one trip with this brand-new rack changed my mind. If you can afford a new swing-out rack, it’s a game changer.

This version of the StepUp Swing is new for 2024, alongside two other Yakima racks: the StepUp and the refreshed HoldUp. The names reflect their slightly different bike-holding styles. The non-swing options are significantly cheaper than the StepUp Swing with its hinge function, but if your vehicle has a drop-down or door-style tailgate, the swing-ability is what makes an upgrade worthwhile. All three racks mount to a trailer hitch rather than suction cups, roof racks, or your rear door.

Yakima StepUp Swing Rack Specs and Features

• MSRP: $999.00
• Weight: 70 lbs
• Dimensions Shipped: L: 39 in x W: 14 in x H: 61 in
• Length From Bumper (Tucked): ~16 in
• Length From Bumper (Deployed): ~33 in
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects

The rack carries two bikes, including mountain, road, hybrid, BMX, youth, fat-tire, and e-bikes up to 65 lbs (29.5 kg) each. A StrongArm hook secures bikes at the front tire, with a flip-away rear wheel strap for quick loading and unloading.

Key Features

• Remote 3-position tilt lowers for trunk access with bikes loaded and folds flat when unloaded
• Integrated swing-away feature provides rear vehicle access with or without bikes
• Streamlined, compact profile ensures tailgate clearance and minimizes space behind the vehicle
• Secures to a 2″ hitch receiver with a threaded bolt for secure installation
• Optional offset tray positions reduce bike-to-bike interference for a custom fit
• Fits 16″ to 29″/700c wheel sizes and tires up to 4.5″ wide
• Accommodates wheelbases from 32″ to 52″ (813–1321 mm)
• StadiumSeating tiered spine reduces bike interference and increases ground clearance
• Included locking cable safely fastens bikes to the rack
• Built-in bottle opener
• Add your own bike lock to the integrated lock loop for enhanced bike security
• HitchLock included to secure the rack to the vehicle receiver
• SKS locks included to secure both bikes to the rack and the rack to the vehicle
• RampUp-compatible V-shaped trays allow roll-on loading and stow neatly on the rack
• Swing available exclusively for 2″ hitch receivers

The StepUp Swing is road tested and approved up to 65 lbs (29.5 kg) per bike, off-road rated up to 43.5 lbs (19.75 kg) per bike, and RV tested and approved up to 43.5 lbs (19.75 kg) per bike. It’s also compatible with the Yakima StraightShot hitch accessory to lengthen the distance between the rack and bumper up to 43.5 lbs (19.75 kg) per bike.

Assembly and Installation

Opening the StepUp shipping box is the first step toward a hassle-free setup.