Yakima Front Loader Review

Performance Comparison

2025 Update

Since we first tested the FrontLoader, Yakima has made a few revisions that make the rack even better. The tool-free design is even easier to mount with updated clamps and a longer strap that accommodates larger tires. Yakima made the bottom of the wheel arm slightly wider to accommodate bikes with larger disc brakes and the price has increased slightly since we tested the rack.

Tested and Rated

Did we get this rack for free and produce the review as compensation? No, that's not the GearLab way; we buy all the products we test at retail and have no interaction with the manufacturers unless we have a warranty issue or technical question. This ensures that our reviews are unbiased and that you're reading an actual review of the product, not a quid pro quo article influenced by a free product.

Ease of Everyday Use

The FrontLoader holds bikes by making contact with the front tire, eliminating the need to remove the front wheel. Front-wheel removal is required when using fork mount racks like the Kuat Trio. Not having to remove and store the front wheel enhances ease of use but, conversely, necessitates the need to lift your bike higher to get it into the rack.

For sedans and other vehicles with low roof heights, the FrontLoader is easier to use than a fork mount rack because the front wheel stays on. When it comes to vehicles with higher roofs, like SUVs and wagons, it can be complicated to lift a bike high enough while maintaining the proper vertical angle required to get a bike into the rack like the FrontLoader. The weight of the bike you'll be using is also a consideration, as it is much easier to lift a 15-pound road bike above your head than a 30-pound trail bike.

If you're swapping between bikes and wheel sizes regularly, you'll need to adjust the front wheel cradle to fit. This is a straightforward process but adds a step along the way. Loading is fairly simple, with the front wheel cradle folded up, place the bike on the tray and push it forward into the wheel tray. Raise the wheel cradle from the back of the front wheel and snug it up using the red adjustment knob. Secure the rear wheel with the ratchet strap, and you're ready to roll. Removing the bike involves doing these steps in reverse.

Ease of Removal and Storage

The FrontLoader has an intuitive clamp system that does not require tools for installation. The rack attaches to almost any type of crossbar. A large hand knob on the front of the rack is turned, drawing the front clamp up snugly around the crossbar. This system is far simpler than the U-Bolt setup on the Kuat Trio or the strap clamps on the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles. The rear crossbar clamp is also engaged by turning an easy-to-access hand knob. The FrontLoader requires a bit more space in your garage when not in use, and it is slightly heavier than the fork mount rack options we tested.

Versatility

The FrontLoader is a mixed bag when it comes to versatility. On the one hand, it will mount on almost any type of crossbar, which is a definite plus. On the other hand, it can be hard to use on vehicles that aren't low to the ground. The design isn't affected by axle type, which means most bikes, up to 48" wheelbase and 40 pounds, will fit. The main limitation is the tire size, as the front tire clamps can hold a maximum tire width of 3". This means that the FrontLoader is incompatible with fat bikes and some plus bikes with larger tires.

Ease of Assembly

The FrontLoader ships fully assembled. The only setup involved is placing the rack on your roof for attachment to the crossbars. The model does not have lock cores installed, so if you choose to use them, you must install Yakima branded lock cores. This is a one-time job that takes about 5 minutes.

Security

Since the FrontLoader doesn't come with lock cores, securing your bike to the rack doesn't enhance its security much. Securing the rack to your vehicle is an important step in keeping your bike secure and ensuring your rack doesn't disappear. Two lock cores are required: one for the front crossbar clamp, which secures the rack to your vehicle, and one for the cable lock that extends from the lower wheel clamp bar. We like the cable lock system, but the cable isn't long enough to loop through wheels like the cable on the Kuat Trio.

Durability

The FrontLoader is a well-designed and sturdy rack, and we didn't have any durability issues during testing. There are several plastic components, including the crossbar clamping mechanisms, so we would not expect it to hold up to abuse and UV as well as some of the metal clamp racks we tested. It's hard to know how the FrontLoader will wear over time, but if you live in a harsh climate, removing the rack when it's not in use will almost certainly extend its lifespan.

Value

The FrontLoader is a pretty good value. It is a quality rack with a sturdy hold that is relatively user-friendly and can fit a variety of bikes, and it's priced toward the lower end of this type of roof rack.

Conclusion

The FrontLoader is the evolution of a long line of roof racks from Yakima. The design is proven and works well if you don't have to lift your bike too far to get to the rack. Before racks like the Kuat Trio coming to market, the “wheel on design” was one of the only options for bikes with thru-axle forks. Consumers now have far more options, but for many, not having to remove and store the front wheel during transport is worth the strenuous task of getting a bike into a rack like the FrontLoader.