Yakima EXO DoubleUp
- Best for:
- Adventurers who need to carry two bikes plus gear on long trips—excellent for car camping and multi-sport road trips where interior space must be freed up.
- Skip it if you want:
- Casual or budget users, solo commuters, or anyone needing a lightweight, inexpensive, or quick-attach bike rack.
Main tradeoff: Heavy and bulky (DoubleUp ~37 lb; SwingBase ~68 lb), often requiring two people to install and limiting quick removal.
Before you buy
Why it works
- Robust, well-engineered build with strong powder-coated steel and smooth welds.Published reviews
- Modular EXO system lets you add a lower GearLocker, baskets, or other accessories for two-tier cargo capability.GearJunkie
- Easy loading and full rear access via swing-away design; TopShelf height makes lifting easier than roof racks.Car&Driver
- Wheel-clamp mounting (no frame contact) protects frames and fits most modern bikes and wide tires up to spec.Manufacturer
Tradeoffs
- Heavy and bulky (DoubleUp ~37 lb; SwingBase ~68 lb), often requiring two people to install and limiting quick removal.BikeRide
- Initial assembly and installation can be fiddly and require tools/muscle; SwingBase installation is notably heavy.Autoblog
- Front-wheel arm has limited adjustability for unusual wheelbases or very wide tires, causing fit issues for some bikes.Car&Driver
- Some hardware on the DoubleUp uses standard bolts that a thief could remove with basic tools, reducing theft resistance compared with SKS-secured components.REI
Details
About the Yakima EXO DoubleUp
The Yakima EXO DoubleUp is a highly versatile and efficient bike rack system for your family camping adventures. It securely holds two bikes and offers convenient loading and unloading. However, it requires a compatible EXO SwingBase or EXO TopShelf to attach to your vehicle, which adds additional cost and installation complexity.
Specifications
- Weight
- 37 lb
- Packed size
- 26.6 x 72.0 x 7.0 inches (folded/shipping)
- Capacity
- Holds 2 bikes; up to 50 lb per bike on SwingBase, 40 lb per bike on TopShelf; 300 lb system rating
- Materials
- Powder-coated steel frame and arms; plastic knobs and straps
- Changes from the last model
- Introduced circa 2021 as part of the EXO system; no major revisions since launch; accessories like lights and license-plate kits added.
Questions (1)
- Is it worth the price over cheaper alternatives?
- For frequent campers and multi-sport travelers who need modular cargo capacity and easy loading, the EXO’s durability and expandability can justify the premium; casual riders or infrequent users may prefer simpler, cheaper 2-bike racks.
Fit and sizing
true to size
Care and warranty
Care
- Inspect and tighten fasteners and pivot bolts regularly
- Clean salt and road grime after winter use and touch up paint chips to prevent rust
- Lubricate swing pivot and hinge points as recommended; replace worn straps/knobs with Yakima parts
What tends to wear out
- Plastic rear-wheel support or straps can crack/snapped in isolated cases
- Plastic knobs or ratchets may wear over long-term heavy use
Durability
- Most users report long-term ruggedness and Yakima's lifetime warranty gives confidence.
- Some isolated reports of plastic rear-arm or strap failures after limited trips; inspect regularly.
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty; generally positive but register product and keep purchase receipt—few minor service reports exist.
Sources
“No other rack in their test provides the same full rear access; strong security features and versatility make it the best swing-out hitch rack.”
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Last updated September 12, 2026
