I Hauled My Bikes Across Colorado All Summer With the Yakima EXO DoubleUp 2-Bike Hitch Rack
A two-bike platform rack that integrates into the Yakima EXO system
September 3rd, 2026
Home > Gear Reviews > Bike
Our verdict
The Yakima EXO DoubleUp 2-Bike Hitch Rack is a platform-style bike rack that fits into Yakima’s EXO system. To use the DoubleUp, you also need at least the EXO SwingBase, but to get the full potential, I think the DoubleUp works best on the EXO TopShelf, which fits onto the SwingBase and lets you mount another EXO accessory below the DoubleUp to maximize on storage.
I tested the DoubleUp mounted to the EXO SwingBase in my GMC Savana van while living in it full time. I tested it for three months this summer in Colorado. So far, I’ve driven over 1,000 miles with it, on everything from highways to rough dirt roads. Over three months of testing, I haven’t had any issues with the DoubleUp, EXO SwingBase, or TopShelf. I also haven't had issues with any of the other EXO accessories I tested on the EXO system.
The DoubleUp is one of the only hitch-mounted racks that lets you carry more than just bikes, and it swings out. Since it’s designed to give you maximum flexibility in how and what outdoor gear you carry while you drive, it’s an ideal choice for people who want to carry bikes along with a solar shower, camp kitchen, or cargo box on the vehicle’s 2” tow hitch receiver. This lets you add more gear to your roof rack, if you have one. It also lets you carry gear without a roof rack, which could save you money or time.
Loading gear onto a hitch-mounted rack is also much easier than loading it onto a roof rack. Installing the EXO system on your vehicle’s tow hitch receiver is also easier. I installed the entire EXO system in under 10 minutes by myself.
Yakima EXO DoubleUp Bike Hitch Rack
The biggest downside of the EXO DoubleUp is that it’s expensive. The EXO SwingBase is about what you would expect to pay for a rear swing-out rack, and then you still have to pay for the DoubleUp. And to get the full potential out of the EXO system, you need also to buy the TopShelf and whatever other EXO accessory you want to carry below the DoubleUp. Each piece of this setup is between $400 and $800, so the costs add up quickly.
Also, you need to be aware of your vehicle’s tongue weight capacity—the maximum weight that a tow hitch can support—to use the EXO system with your vehicle. In short, if you have a small crossover SUV, you might be pushing the tongue weight limit if you're using the EXO SwingBase, DoubleUp with two heavier bikes (such as e-bikes), TopShelf, and another EXO accessory.
But if you’re looking for a swing-out hitch-mounted bike rack that allows you to carry more cargo than simply bikes, the DoubleUp is the bike-mounting piece of the puzzle.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Yakima EXO DoubleUp Bike Hitch Rack Specifications
Price: $549
Type: Platform, wheel-mount
Bike capacity: 2-bike
Hitch receiver size: 2 inches only (via EXO base)
Max weight per bike: 50 lb (on SwingBase) / 40 lb (on TopShelf)
Wheel size compatibility: 20–29 in
Max tire width: 4.8 in
Bike compatibility: Fat-tire, mountain, road, hybrid, BMX, kids' bikes; disc brakes, thru axles, boost hubs, full-suspension compatible
Frame contact: No (wheel-mount via StrongArm hooks)
Trunk/rear access: Unloaded only on its own; full access when mounted on SwingBase and swung away
Bike security: Integrated cable locks (SKS locks provided with base)
Rack weight: 37 lb 2.4 oz
Requires: EXO SwingBase or EXO TopShelf (sold separately)
Warranty: Manufacturer's lifetime warranty
Comparison table
| Bike Rack | MSRP | Bike Capacity | Rack Weight | Capacity/ Bike | Max Tire Width | Frame Contact | Modular System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima EXO DoubleUp | $549+ SwingBase or TopShelf | 2 | 37 lb | 40/ 50 lb | 4.8" | ❌ | ✅ |
| Yakima StepUp Swing 2" | $999 | 2 | 70 lb | 65 lb | 4.5" | ❌ | ❌ |
| Thule T2 Pro X 2-Bike | $550 | 2 | 49 lb | 50 lb | 3" | ❌ | ❌ |
| RockyMounts BackStage | $900 | 2 | 44 lb | 60 lb | 3" | ❌ | ❌ |
Best for
People who have already bought into the Yakima EXO system
People who want to carry two bikes plus other gear on their vehicle’s hitch
Those with a vehicle that has a tongue weight limit over 300 pounds
Vanlifers, overlanders, or extended road-trippers who want to carry gear and bikes outside of their vehicle
What we liked
Modular bike rack trays that allow the flexibility to carry more than just bikes in the EXO system
Securely mounts any bike easily (except fat bikes)
Swing-away feature makes the back of the vehicle usable
Integrated locking cables come pre-installed
What could be better
Harder to lift bikes 4 feet up onto EXO TopShelf than it is with a standard bike rack or on the EXO SwingBase, which is roughly 2 feet above the ground
Difficult to use with fatter (~5 inch) bike tires
Uses standard bolts to attach bike trays to EXO cleats
How we tested
I tested the Yakima EXO DoubleUp on the EXO SwingBase along with multiple other EXO accessories on my 1999 GMC Savana 2500 with a 500-pound tongue weight Class 3 trailer hitch. I tested the Yakima DoubleUp alongside the EXO SwingBase, TopShelf, 7-gallon RoadShower, and OpenRange. The Yakima EXO SwingBase and TopShelf allowed me to carry any two of the DoubleUp, RoadShower, and OpenRange on the back of my van. I tested the DoubleUp along with the rest of the EXO system all summer, driving over 1,000 miles in Colorado and New Mexico. I drove most of that distance on highways, but I also drove rough, dirt washboard roads daily to get to campsites.
I regularly carried two bikes on the DoubleUp, rotating among a 54-inch Specialized Diverge gravel bike with 700x50c tires, an XS Salsa Cycles Tributary e-bike with 29” x 2.3” tires, and an XS Salsa Cycles Timberjack mountain bike with 29” x 2.3” tires. I regularly used the integrated cable locks to secure the bikes when I left my van parked in cities and towns. I also used an Ottolock Hexband Cinch to secure the bikes further.
Initially, I tested the DoubleUp bike rack alone on the EXO SwingBase. Then, I added the EXO TopShelf, moved the DoubleUp onto that top shelf, and installed the 7-gallon RoadShower (with the EXO mounting kit) on the lower level. After driving around with that setup for over a month, I swapped the RoadShower for the OpenRange Deluxe. The heaviest weight I carried on the EXO system was when I had the RoadShower on the lower shelf and the DoubleUp bike rack with two bikes, one of which was an e-bike, on the top shelf. The total weight of that setup was approximately 290 pounds.
We also tested the Yakima EXO DoubleUp alongside other bike racks in our Best Bike Racks for Cars, Trucks, and SUVs guide, directly comparing installation processes, ease of use, carry capacity, stability, security, durability, and more.
Performance in the field
Bike security and wheel hold
The Yakima EXO DoubleUp securely holds bikes when driving at highway speeds and on rough roads. The StrongArm front wheel hook grips tightly onto the wheel, and the ratcheting strap holds the rear wheel in place. I’ve driven on countless rough dirt roads and have never had a bike fall off or shift while driving. When carrying two bikes, they don’t bounce against each other, either.
As with every bike rack, you have to really push down on the StrongArm to make sure it is tightly clamped to the front wheel and fork, or there will be some movement. But as long as you push the arm down securely, this rack doesn’t let the bikes sway or move much.
Loading ease
The DoubleUp is easy to load bikes onto alone when mounted directly to the EXO SwingBase. If you have the DoubleUp installed on the TopShelf, you have to lift the bikes higher, which makes loading them more of a reach. But even on the TopShelf, the wide tire trays and overall design make it easy to load a bike on your own.
I loaded gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes on the DoubleUp, on the SwingBase, and higher up on the EXO TopShelf. This rack accommodates disc brakes, thru-axles, boost hubs, and full-suspension bikes. It can fit bikes with 20-29” wheels and fat tires up to 4.8” wide. It can also hold bikes with wheelbases up to 48”. During testing, I loaded bikes with tires up to 2.3” wide and never had any issues.
Frame and paint protection
After driving over 1,000 miles on highways and rough dirt roads, my bike’s fork has the slightest paint marking visible. However, after wiping off the dirt, that marking is even less noticeable. I generally put a piece of tape over the spots on the fork where a bike rack could contact it, and I'd do the same with my bikes on the DoubleUp rack.
Combined use with cargo
I tested the DoubleUp mounted on the EXO TopShelf above the OpenRange. I think that setup balances performance and gear access well. Having the capability to carry two bikes and your entire camp kitchen with the OpenRange or 10 cubic feet of gear with the GearLocker is how you can best utilize the EXO system.
It’s slightly more difficult to load bikes onto the DoubleUp when it’s higher up. And you can’t as easily utilize the top of the OpenRange, which has two drink holder spots. But, being able to carry gear and bikes on the same hitch rack is an efficient way to manage outdoor gear on extended trips.
Security
The DoubleUp has an integrated cable lock and SKS lock system, which works well for quick stops in lower-crime areas. The cable lock deploys easily and works well as a theft deterrent.
However, I wouldn’t rely solely on that cable lock if you’re leaving your bike on the rack for a long time or in a high-traffic, high-crime area, because a thief could easily cut through the cable with a pair of bolt cutters. When I’m in high-crime or unfamiliar areas, or leaving my van parked for longer periods of time, I add a second lock to the setup.
Durability
After three months of being driven across Colorado, in direct sun all day, every day, the wheel straps, StrongArm hooks, and all mounting hardware on the DoubleUp look dirty but otherwise in great shape.
Some users online have reported the rear wheel mount strap breaking prematurely. After three months of testing, the rear wheel mounts on both rack trays of my test rack aren’t showing any signs of premature wear.
Features
StrongArm hooks
The StrongArm hook holds onto the bike to secure the front wheel just in front of the fork.
EXO cleat attachment
Both bike trays attach to the EXO cleat attachment, which allows you to remove the DoubleUp bike rack in seconds with no tools.
Integrated cable locks
Each bike tray has an integrated cable lock that deploys from the StrongArm, so you can wrap the cable around your bike’s frame and secure it.
Wheel straps
The rear wheel secures to the rack with a ratcheting strap, so you can lock the wheel in place.
SKS Lock included for added gear security
The DoubleUp secures onto the Yakima SwingBase or TopShelf with the SpeedKnobs. The SpeedKnobs can be locked with the integrated SKS locks in each knob so no one can easily remove the rack from EXO base.
Lifetime Warranty
The DoubleUp, along with all Yakima Roof Racks, Cargo Boxes, Bike Hitch Racks, as well as any mounts and accessories for those items come with a lifetime warranty.
Made in the USA
The Yakima DoubleUp and all other EXO system components are made in the USA.
What's new
Previous versions of the Yakima EXO DoubleUp didn’t accommodate as large of tires as the most recent version we tested, which can now fit up to 4.8 inch tires.
FAQ
Does the Yakima EXO DoubleUp work without the SwingBase or TopShelf?
The Yakima EXO DoubleUp does not work without the SwingBase, but you don’t need the TopShelf. You can use the DoubleUp mounted directly to the Yakima EXO SwingBase. You only need the TopShelf if you want to mount the DoubleUp and another EXO accessory, such as the OpenRange or GearLocker.
What is the weight capacity difference between mounting the DoubleUp on the SwingBase vs. the TopShelf?
The DoubleUp can carry two bikes up to 50 pounds on the EXO SwingBase. If mounted onto the TopShelf, the DoubleUp can carry two bikes up to 40 pounds.
Does the Yakima EXO DoubleUp fit fat tire bikes?
The Yakima EXO DoubleUp can fit fat tire bikes with tires up to 4.8 inches wide. It can’t fit 5-inch tire fat bikes, though.
Can I mount an EXO cargo box and the DoubleUp bike rack at the same time?
You can mount an EXO cargo box, the GearLocker, and the EXO DoubleUp at the same time. To do this, you’ll also need the EXO TopShelf, which attaches to the EXO SwingBase. Then, you mount the GearLocker to the EXO SwingBase, and the DoubleUp to the EXO TopShelf.
Should you buy the Yakima EXO DoubleUp?
Buy if:
You want to use the Yakima EXO system to carry any number of Yakima EXO accessories along with the DoubleUp, such as GearLocker, OpenRange, GearWarrior, or RoadShower
You have a tongue weight capacity that’s high enough to carry the amount of gear you plan to pack into your EXO system
You have a 2-inch Class 3 or 4 hitch receiver
You want to carry a lot of gear on the back of your vehicle without it blocking access to your trunk
You want a swing-away bike rack system with a lot of options for carrying more than simply a bike
Skip if:
You just want a swing-out bike rack, because there are less expensive options than this
You have a smaller vehicle with a 1 ¼ inch tow hitch receiver
Where to buy
The Yakima EXO DoubleUp 2-Bike Hitch Rack is a popular gear item, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Advice on where to buy
In general for gear, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns, like REI.
Similar bike racks
Yakima EXO DoubleUp vs Yakima StepUp Swing 2”
Price: $999
Weight: 70 lb
Bike capacity: 2
Capacity per bike: 65 lb
Max tire width: 4.5"
Frame Contact: No
Modular system: No
The Yakima StepUp Swing 2” is a two-bike hitch-mounted rack that swings away. This bike rack works like the EXO SwingBase plus the EXO DoubleUp, but it comes as one unit, so you don’t have to buy separate items. The EXO SwingBase plus the DoubleUp ($699+$549=$1248) costs about $250 more than the StepUp Swing 2” on its own. If you’re just looking for a swing-away bike rack, the StepUp Swing is a great option. But if you want to carry a bike rack plus other gear on your tow hitch, the EXO SwingBase plus necessary accessories is a better choice.
Yakima StepUp Swing 2”
Yakima EXO DoubleUp vs Thule T2 Pro X 2-Bike Hitch Rack
Price: $550
Weight: 49 lb
Bike capacity: 50 lb
Capacity per bike: 2
Max tire width: 3"
Frame Contact: No
Modular system: No
The Thule T2 Pro X is a 2-bike hitch rack that allows you to mount two bikes the same way you do with the DoubleUp. The T2 Pro X secures each bike with a hook that wraps over the front tire and a ratcheting strap that secures the rear tire.
The main difference between the T2 Pro X and the DoubleUp is that the T2 doesn’t swing out. It tilts down, which makes it possible to partially access the back of your vehicle, but with two bikes on the rack you still can’t open most cars’ rear hatches. The T2 Pro X costs a lot less than the DoubleUp plus the SwingBase, though, so it’s a great option to consider if you don’t need the swing-away or the extra gear hauling capabilities of the EXO system.
Thule T2 Pro X 2-Bike Hitch Rack
Yakima EXO DoubleUp vs RockyMounts BackStage Swing-Away Platform
Price: $900
Weight: 44 lb
Bike capacity: 2
Capacity per bike: 60 lb
Max tire width: 3"
Frame Contact: No
Modular system: No
The RockyMounts BackStage Swing-Away Platform rack is another option for a swing-away bike rack that can hold two bikes. The BackStage also has a hooked arm that secures the rear wheel and a ratcheting strap to hold the rear tire, much like the Yakima EXO DoubleUp.
The BackStage, however, has a higher weight capacity than the DoubleUp. It can hold two 60-pound bikes, while the DoubleUp can hold two 50-pound bikes on the EXO SwingBase or 40 pounds per bike on the TopShelf. The BackStage can’t carry other gear or gearboxes like the EXO SwingBase with the TopShelf and DoubleUp, but the BackStage costs less than the SwingBase and DoubleUp combined.
RockyMounts BackStage Swing-Away Platform
Why you should trust us / About the author
Sam Schild lives full-time in a DIY converted 1999 GMC Savana campervan, which he uses as a mobile basecamp across the American West. He has reviewed car camping accessories such as mattresses, portable showers, backpacking bidets, and portable toilets for Treeline Review, along with loads of running, biking, and backpacking gear.
Over three years of full-time van-life and 3 more years of living in a Honda Element, he has experimented with many ways to haul gear and bikes on the outside of vehicles, from rooftop cargo boxes to swing-away bike racks. For this review, he used the Yakima EXO SwingBase and DoubleUp, along with the EXO RoadShower and the EXO OpenRange for an entire summer in Colorado. He never once had any mishaps while hauling his precious bikes or other outdoor gear.
You can find more of Sam’s work on his Treeline Review author page, website, or Instagram.
