They are looking for a decent bike rack for your car that can contain up to four bikes at once. Many people, in real life and on the internet, have advised you to go with either Thule Apex or Yakima SwingDaddy. Stating the obvious, Thule and Yakima are both big brands in the field, so choosing the right bike rack can be difficult, especially since their differences are not precisely noticeable with just a glance or two.
If you can’t decide between Thule Apex and Yakima SwingDaddy, this article will help.
Even though both models can lift four bikes simultaneously, Thule Apex allows more versatile usage than Yakima SwingDaddy because it has 1.25” and 2” hitch mounts for different types of bikes. Yakima SwingDaddy only has 2” hitch mounts. Yakima SwingDaddy features a neat single-bolt assembly that makes the installation ultra-easy. You can use the SpeedKnob to tighten and lock the rack to your car quickly.
However, Thule Apex, as a newer model, offers a more sophisticated design. Its arms are arched properly to provide excellent ground and space clearance between bikes. The road-dampening technology reduces shock and vibration to ensure safety. Besides, Thule Apex has a bike and hitch lock that is extraordinarily solid. The lock is strong enough and able to prevent some random theft attempts. Thule Apex’s steel frame construction is reliable and ready to endure heavy duties.
Thule Apex Vs Yakima SwingDaddy
| Brand | Thule | Yakima |
| Features | – 1-1/4″ and 2″ hitch mount carrier for transporting up to five bikes, that leans back when unloaded, allowing access to vehicle hatchbacks – Bikes lock to carrier, and carrier to vehicle using the included cable and hitch locks – Integrated auto pin functions as hitch pin, and moves into place with an audible click – Hold Fast cradles absorb the shock of the road protecting your bike during transport and patented No-Sway cages prevent bike to bike contact | – 4 bike rack swings away with bikes loaded to provide ultimate access to vehicle. – Single bolt assembly makes for easy installation and Tool-free SpeedKnob quickly tightens and locks the rack to your car. – ZipStrips secure bikes to the rack and are fully removable (two extra included) and anti-sway cradles eliminate bike-to-bike contact. – Fits 2″ hitch receiver only. |
| Price | ||
| Our Ratings* | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | 4.1 out of 5.0 stars |
| Check Price* |
NOTE: Product prices, availability, ratings, and save money information are accurate as of the date/time indicated on post time (as seen below the title) and are subject to change. Any price, availability, and save money information displayed on the Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Conclusion
In most cases, you should go with Thule Apex. It offers better versatility, security, and durability than Yakima SwingDaddy. Happy riding!