YAKIMA HIGHSPEED FORK MOUNT ROOF RACK REVIEW

In the Camera world there is Nikon and Canon. In the cycling world there is Yakima and Thule. OK sure there are other Fork Mount Roof Companies, but Today I thought it would be a great time to introduce you to the Yakima HighSpeed Fork Mount Roof Rack.

YAKIMA HIGHSPEED FORK MOUNT ROOF RACK

https://www.yakima.com
Retail: $219.00
BUY NOW: https://amzn.to/2H85CBL

YAKIMA History

In 1979 Yakima got it’s start in a small machine shop in Yakima, Washington. The founders, Steve Cole and Don Banducci purchased Yakima Industries in what would eventually become synonymous with quality bike racks. Today Yakima’s headquarters is located right outside Portland, Oregon.

The Yakima HighSpeed arrived and we were really excited to open the box and see what it came with.

The rack comes standard with of course the HighSpeed rail system, a quick release skewer and a skewer tube. Since no tools are necessary to mount the HighSpeed to an exiting rack, no tools were included. YES!

Roof Rack Note: For those that don’t have an existing roof rack, you will need to contact your dealer to see if they have one for your vehicle, purchase one from Yakima or another roof rack company.

I highly recommend purchasing the Yakima Universal QR Locking Skewer (part number 8002118). The QR skewer allows you to lock your fork once tightened. You will need to add 1 lock core to the QR to make it secure.

HighSpeed Standard Skewer and QR Locking Skewer. The upgraded QR Locking Skewer is a bit beefier over the standard and is definitely a great addition.

The HighSpeed comes with 3 strap covers that can be locked in place. The rear cover can have one of the SKS Lock added for extra security.

When the strap covers are open there is a grey adjustment knob that allows you to loosen or tighten the straps as needed.

Here is a view of what the straps look like underneath the HighSpeed. You can see the rubber crossbar grippers and rubber straps.

The HighSpeed is Yakima’s top of the line Fork mount roof rack and it’s a beast of a rack weighing in at 9.6 pounds. The HighSpeed is actually made from 2 rails that are joined together at the front and rear. This reduces the rack weight, but adds strength to the overall unit.

The rack has 3 bar attachment points included 2 up front and one in the rear. This is a pretty typical setup with most roof rack systems. What isn’t so typical is the fact that no tools are required. That’s right, no allen wrenches or screwdrivers to mess with. I was amazed how easy the setup was.

Setup Note: When mounting the HighSpeed, secure the rear strap first and then the front straps. I managed to do the opposite and tightened down the front straps, which made it pretty much impossible to tighten down the rear.

The HighSpeed comes standard with 2 different wheel strap lengths, a quick release skewer and a skewer sleeve. The mounting system is universal so it should fit most standard roof rack crossbars. I tested it out on our 2013 Subaru Crosstrek’s standard railing and crossbars and had zero issues.

To make the rack super secure you will want to purchase

Universal QR Locking Skewer (part number 8002118) (Retail $29.00)
SKS Lock 4-pack (part number 8007204) (Retail $59.00)

The SKS lock 4-pack enables you to add locks to the HighSpeed’s rear strap, the QR skewer, the adjustment knob and cable. The SKS Lock pack comes with 3 keys that will work in any of the lock cores, so you will have plenty of spares should you lose one.

For those that need to make a quick stop at a gas station while on the road, the HighSpeed comes with a nice rear cable lock called the TailWhip. The cable lock is an extra security feature to protect your bike from theft. That said, I wouldn’t advise keeping your bike on the roof at night because cable locks are easily pray for bike thieves.

Here is the HighSpeed on our 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The racks on the Crosstrek are Subaru factory racks and crossbars.

Roof Rack Mishaps Note: Be very cautious when going under low structures such as home garages. Make sure there is enough clearance and if not, remove the bikes first.

So with possible mishaps like above, why choose a roof rack over a hitch mount system? For one hitch mount systems extend your cars physical space. If you live in a city or plan on parking a lot, hitch mounts usually mean you will need a bit more room. The other disadvantage to a hitch mount is if you are constantly accessing the rear of the vehicle, having to raise in lower the hitch mount rack can be a hassle. Lastly hitch mounts tend to get the bikes dirtier due to dust and road grim that inevitably flings up on the rear of the vehicle.

Yakima HighSpeed Specs

Securely carries a variety of bikes including road, mountain and up to 5” fat-tire bikes
Fits Yakima round, square, factory, or aerodynamic bars
Seamlessly carries both quick release (9mm) and thru axle bikes (12mm, 15mm, 20mm)
New TorqueRight™ knob quickly and easily secures the bike with precision.
Sleek, low profile tray minimizes hatch interference and accomodates tires up to 5” wide
Tool free, universal mounting hardware fits most roof racks
Carry quick release 9 x 135mm fat bike with the Optional Fat Bike Adapter Kit (sold separately)
Easily convert to integrate with T-Slot crossbars with the addition of a SmarT-Slot Kit
Add SKS Locks to the TailWhip™ cable and crossbar attachment to secure your bike and mount to your roof rack. For additional security add a lock to the TorqueRight™ knob. (SKS sold separately)
Weight: 9.60 lbs
Dimensions: L 54.50in x W 9.00in x H 4.75in
Retail: $219.00

Bottom Line | Yakima HighSpeed

The Yakima HighSpeed is an Amazing Fork Mount rack at an affordable price. Yakima wins for ease of use (no tools required) and theft protection allowing you to add 4 lockable areas on the rack.

The HighSpeed certainly isn’t as aero as the Kuat Trio or the RockyMounts SwitchHitter, but it feels really well built and thoughtfully designed. From an ease of use perspective, the HighSpeed is our top choice.

To get all the bells and whistles, you will need to spend an extra $29 for the QR Lockable Skewer and $59 for the 4 SKS Lock Core set.

Check out everything Yakima has to offer (https://www.yakima.com). You will not be disappointed.

https://www.yakima.com
Retail: $219.00
BUY NOW: https://amzn.to/2H85CBL