The Yakima SpareTime spare tire bike rack review

This product was a long time coming. For over five years, Thule has completely dominated the spare tire bike rack category with the SpareMe. If you see a Wrangler, Rav4, Liberty, or CRV on the road with two bikes on the rear mounted spare tire, they were probably hanging by the SpareMe:

While Yakima was representing with the SpareJoe, it was a far cry from Thule's version; it lacked the ability to lock to the vehicle, and it strapped to the tire and was quite unstable.

Now Yakima has a formidable competitor to the SpareMe...the SpareTime! First check out the rad new graphical direction for Yakima:

Here's the scoop:

• adjustable mounting plate for tires up to 12.5"!
• lockable!--locks to the vehicle, includes cable lock to secure bikes!
• arms tilt down when not in use with just one, that's right, just one knob!
• 3 straps per bike! Prevents bike sway!

I'm quite impressed. You should be too. So, if you own a vehicle with a spare tire on the back and need to carry 2 bikes, you've now got options! Cue photos...

Here is the Rav4 flange that might have to be hacked off: