YAKIMA SLASHES SKUS WITH SPRING 2016 INNOVATIONS

By Aaron H. Bible

In an industry-only announcement made this summer at a dealer event at its headquarters in Portland, OR, Yakima Products Inc. said it would launch the largest number of new products next year than it had in 20 years with more than 35 products and a base rack system that would reduce its number of clip SKUs by 50 percent.

Along with a renewed dealer engagement and a detailed evaluation of its consumer base, resulting in a revamped website and deeper understanding of how to grow its business, Yakima is rolling out a new aerodynamic roof rack system and upgraded cargo boxes next year. Yakima’s cargo boxes are made in the U.S.A. in Riverside, CA.

Due to the complexity of the category, the new products have been under development for more than three years. The company is keeping the release under embargo to consumer media until February 2016. While the SKU reduction will be fantastic news to dealers trying to stock a comprehensive assortment of Yakima base racks, the company wants to give them a chance to sell through this year’s inventory.

“The StreamLine System is the culmination of 35 years of Yakima innovation,” said Yakima Top of Car Category Director Garrett Barnum. “Like its predecessors, it has revolutionized the base rack space. StreamLine offers a complete solution for a wide variety of budgets, vehicles and uses. It is the epitome of Yakima’s commitment to making their products easy, from purchasing to installation to use.”

Yakima’s dealer event did replace its presence at ORSM, but Yakima was back in swing at Interbike, with an interesting spin, hosting the North By Northwest conglomerated booth space showcasing innovative brands from the Pacific Northwest region. This summer, its rep and dealer force were invited to a massive industrial warehouse and parking lot converted into a real life product showroom and upscale presentation space-complete with a wind tunnel, stage, movie screen and food trucks. It was here that reps, dealers, media, and even the outdoor community at large, were courted in the brand’s hometown.

Citing the lodging challenges of Salt Lake City, along with timing and the continuing or growing importance of regional buying shows, as well as the importance of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance buying shows, Yakima Global Senior Sales Director Jason McGibbon said the company simply “wanted to start the dialogue earlier.” McGibbon said Yakima is not ruling out future Outdoor Retailer shows, including Winter Market 2016.

“Ryan [Martin, CEO] gave us a hall pass to do something different,” said Yakima Category Director Joel Grabenstein. “And I know from experience, when I get a hall pass, I take it.”

The company spent the last year tracking what it calls the “consumer journey experience,” and for Spring 2016 is focused on increasing its consumer base through new markets and continuing to focus on ease of use, approachability and customer experience. Or as the company said, focusing on its three core values of empowerment, making good and shared experiences. They also honed their customer categories down into five “persons” – core outdoor, cyclist, hook & bullet, baby boomer and travelers/family – including a “reset” on all new visual brand elements and photography.

Yakima said it would continue to produce products under its Whispbar and Prorack brands, reaching the high and low ends, respectively, of the rack market. The company is privately owned, employs 85 people in Portland and also has offices in Australia and Holland. It celebrated its official 35th anniversary in 2014.

New Product Break Down

This next evolution of Yakima’s base racks is being called the StreamLine System – featuring both a streamlined look and installation experience developed as an integrated collection to create a cohesive look. Four bar styles are now completely interchangeable. Four new StreamLine towers should prove the most versatile and adaptable to date, featuring new BarBed design, which allows for pitch adjustment of the bar angle to achieve the most level front and rear crossbars, even on rounded roof lines. The StreamLine System also carries over the Yakima LandingPad, the “most seamless system on the market” for custom base racks.

Crossbars

At the center of the StreamLine system are four styles of crossbars – the CoreBar, JetStream Silver, JetStream Black and RoundBar. Each integrates with StreamLine System towers to maximize vehicle styling and cargo capacity.

The CoreBar is the first steel aerodynamic crossbar on the market, combining the strength and utility of steel with a JetFlow teardrop shape that minimizes wind noise and maximizes fuel efficiency. Roll formed steel construction is strong and reliable, galvanized and vinyl wrapped for durability and corrosion resistance. It’s available in four sizes – up to 20 inches longer than other aero bars on the market. Max load: 220 lbs. per pair of bars; Sizes: 50”, 60”, 70”, 80”; Finish: black vinyl coating; $119/pair.

The JetStream is a premium alloy crossbar available in two color options, engineered with a T-slot attachment and a wind tunnel designed JetFLow aerodynamic bar shape for noise reduction. Its SmartFill technology makes switching out accessories easy. JetStream is available in three sizes – up to 10 inches longer than other aero bars on the market. Max load: 165 lbs. per pair of bars; Sizes: 50”, 60”, 70”; Finishes: Clear anodized alloy finish; black powder coating; $195/pair. The iconic steel RoundBar remains vinyl-wrapped and available in five lengths, to fit any vehicle. The RoundBar was launched in 1982 and is far from obsolete. Max load: 165 lbs. per pair of bars; Sizes: 48”, 58”, 66”, 78”, 86”; $89/pair; 86” $159/pair.

Towers and Clips

The BaseLine is Yakima’s new, completely adjustable clamp tower system for bare roof types, adapting to fit the ever-changing shape of automobiles. This innovation is really the key to the SKU reduction. Its tower architecture uses a new bi-axial DropHook clip adjustment motion to accommodate a range of roof shapes. Its design ensures that the rack is safe and secure every time. The tower’s adaptable BarBed material conforms to work with RoundBar, CoreBar and JetStream Bars. In an industry first, it allows for pitch adjustment of the bar angle so that front and rear crossbars are as level as possible on vehicles with rounded roof lines. Crossbar fits: JetStream, Core- Bar, RoundBar (with adapter); Tower material: Stainless steel, glass reinforced plastic, elastomer padding; Lockable to vehicle (SKS locks sold separately); Maximum load rating to 220 lbs., depending on vehicle and bar rating; Risk-free torque set installation. Tool included. $199 (4 towers).

Yakima’s new family of custom shaped clips and pads are designed to work with BaseLine Towers to fit vehicles with bare roofs. Powder-coated stainless steel provides maximum strength and durabilitySold in pairs with vehicle-specific pads. Most racks require 2 sets. $48 (pair).

The RidgeLine Tower creates a base rack system for vehicles with factory flush side rails. Featuring an adaptive inner and outer clip design for secure, accurate rail contact, while the BarBed allows for pitch adjustment to level front and rear crossbars. Crossbar fits: JetStream, CoreBar, RoundBar (with adapter); Tower material: Stainless steel, glass reinforced plastic, elastomer padding; Lockable to vehicle (SKS locks sold separately); Maximum load rating to 220 lbs., depending on vehicle and bar rating; Risk-free torque set installation. Tool included; $199 (4 towers).

The new family of custom shaped clips and pads work with RidgeLine Towers to fit the unique inner and outer wall profiles of factory flush rails. Powder-coated stainless steel provides maximum strength and durability; Sold in sets of 4; one kit required to completely set up the system; $96 (set of 4).

The SkyLine Tower is for fixed points, custom installations and tracks. Built to be rugged and dependable, it is touted as being easy to use and combines with the Yakima LandingPad to create a variety of custom base rack applications. Fits all styles of LandingPad, both removable and permanent; Maximum load rating of 220 lb., depending on vehicle and bar rating; Lockable to vehicle (SKS locks sold separately); Tower material: Die-cast aluminum, stainless steel, glass-reinforced plastic, elastomer padding; Compatible bars: JetStream, CoreBar, RoundBar (with adapter); Risk-free torque set installation. Tool included; $199.

Proven to be one of the most seamless platforms on the market, the LandingPad secures SkyLine Towers to the vehicle. They feature dedicated vehicle fits for key outdoor-centric models such as the Honda Element and Subaru Outback, while also allowing custom applications to fit to any vehicle, including those with camper shells or truck caps. Materials: Glass-reinforced plastic, elastomer padding; $48 (2-pack), $96 (4-pack); Available Now.

This versatile TimberLine Tower creates a base rack system for vehicles with factory raised side rails. The over-molded stainless steel strap accommodates a variety of raised rail profiles and sizes, providing excellent roof clearance for a full range of gear mounts. Crossbar fits: JetStream, CoreBar, RoundBar (with adapter); Lockable to vehicle (SKS locks sold separately); Maximum load rating to 220 lbs., depending on vehicle and bar rating; Risk-free torque set installation. Tool included; $199 (4 towers).

Cargo Boxes

Yakima is expanding its line of cargo boxes with a new, premium ShowCase line. Available in two sizes, 15 and 20, ShowCase offers a balance of aerodynamics, modern styling and super handy features. Yakima drew on its experience and success of the SkyBox series when designing key traits. All interaction points – from the new oversized push button latch to installation hardware that’s easier and more ergonomic than ever – were created to ensure a seamless, high-end experience when installing, loading and unloading the ShowCase. New features were designed to propel the company’s goal of being more accessible, and to be recognized as a brand, not just a product.

Dual-sided opening and lid stiffeners remain a key part of the Yakima cargo story. Premium features include a unique new color and die-cut automotive quality badging. Futuristic form was designed to maximize both hatch and roof clearance. As a finishing touch, the ShowCase features two new colors: Anthracite and Quicksilver.

“Designed for modern adventurers and urbaneers, it beautifully compliments vehicles while maximizing carrying capacity,” said Cargo Category Manager Evan Hampton. “It’s got the proven bones of our popular SkyBox series, with savvy premium upgrades and features, such as unbeatable hatch clearance. And it’s a thing of beauty, with a flowing design influenced by the curvy, contoured lines of a luxury sports car.”

Shared Features: High gloss automotive quality finish; Automotive style badge; Internal lid stiffeners; Quick-release mounting hardware fits round, aero, square and factory cross bars; Excellent roof clearance featuring metal clamp with molded soft finish; Dual-sided opening; Forward-facing hardware and tapered tail end for the ultimate in hatch clearance; Easy to use push button security; Installation time: 5 minutes; Same Key System (SKS) locks included.

• ShowCase 15: Cargo volume: 15 cubic feet, Ideal fit for smaller vehicles, Wagons and CUVs; Max ski length: 180 cm;
  • Exterior dimensions: 80” x 36” x 14.5”; Weight: 46 lbs.; Two colors available: Anthracite, QuickSilver; $679.

• ShowCase 20: Cargo volume: 20 cubic feet; Ideal fit for larger vehicles, wagons and SUVs; Max ski length: 210 cm;
  • Exterior dimensions: 91” x 37” x 17”; Weight: 60 lbs.; Two colors available: Anthracite, QuickSilver; $779.

Yakima Products, Inc., the innovation leader in vehicle racks and cargo solutions, is raising the bar in 2016 with a number of key product launches. At the core is the StreamLine System, a new, aerodynamic and totally integrated roof rack system, which was introduced to the cycling market at Interbike this September.

“The StreamLine System is the culmination of 36 years of Yakima innovation. Like its predecessors, it has revolutionized the roof rack category,” said Garrett Barnum, Top of Car Category Director. “StreamLine offers a complete solution for a wide variety of budgets, vehicles and uses. It is the epitome of Yakima’s commitment to making our products easy, from purchasing to installation and use.”

Designed and developed as a complete system to fit multiple vehicle types, the StreamLine System creates a cohesive look and maximizes shared parts and product architecture. Overall, the StreamLine System reduces the number of SKUs that a retailer needs to stock by 50 percent, simplifying the process for both the retailer and consumer.

Groundbreaking design runs throughout the StreamLine System – from the first steel aerodynamic CoreBar with its unprecedented weight capacity, to the new BaseLine Tower, which can adjust and attach to almost any vehicle’s roofline.

At the center of the StreamLine System are three distinct styles of crossbars. Each are completely interchangeable with the StreamLine System towers to maximize vehicle styling and cargo capacity for any lifestyle. They offer a variety of materials, shapes and price-points so users can customize their systems.

• CoreBar. The first steel aerodynamic crossbar on the market, the CoreBar combines the strength and utility of steel with the unique teardrop shape that minimizes wind noise and maximizes fuel efficiency. It is available in four sizes – up to 20” longer than other aero bars on the market.
• JetStream. The JetStream is a premium alloy crossbar, engineered with a T-slot attachment and a wind tunnel-designed aerodynamic bar shape for exceptional noise reduction. Its SmartFill™ technology makes switching out accessories a breeze, and the two premium color options (black and silver) enhance the look of the vehicle.
• RoundBar. This iconic steel crossbar is tried and true, with more than 35 years of real-world testing. Its proven vinyl-wrapped steel construction provides years of trouble-free travel. Available in five lengths to fit any vehicle.

Other New Products for Spring 2016

Also new for Spring 2016 are two bike strap racks, the FullBack and HalfBack, a new spare tire rack, the SpareRide, and the new LiteRider, one of the lightest hitch racks on the market. 2016 will also see updates to current hitch products, including an extended tongue on the best-selling HoldUp, and new features on popular models like the SwingDaddy and RidgeBack.

Yakima is also revising its line of cargo boxes with the introduction of the new, premium ShowCase line. Available in two sizes, the ShowCase offers the perfect balance of aerodynamic design, modern styling and robust features to create the ultimate cargo box. It will replace the SkyBox Pro series, simplifying the line from 10 product variations down to only four. In total, Yakima will release more than 35 new and updated products in 2016.

About Yakima

Yakima Products, Inc. is a world leader in vehicle racks and cargo solutions for a variety of consumers, from outdoor enthusiasts to car aficionados. The portfolios of brands include: Yakima, Whispbar and Prorack. Each of the individual brands offer a variety of cargo management products including racks for bikes, boats, ski equipment and other gear, cargo boxes and bags and high performance multi-sport trailers. Yakima Products, Inc. is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. For more information, visit www.yakima.com.

The following is an except from Bikemag.com’s coverage of Interbike 2015 From the Floor.

Yakima JetStream Bar

Yakima has completely redesigned its roof rack system, with sleek new feet to fit on all of today’s modern roofs, as well as aerodynamic teardrop-shaped load bars. The JetStream bar is extruded aluminum with channels for clean tower and accessory attachment, while the CoreBar is more basic. All the new feet will are compatible with both the new load bars as well as Yakima’s classic round bars.

Check back for more info on Yakima’s new 2016 lineup.

The following review was written by Greg Heil @ Singletracks.com

If there’s one thing I can’t stand when it comes to bike racks, it’s proprietary parts. In the past, if you had a Thule base rack/crossbars you couldn’t run Yakima trays on that rack. Then thru axles came in and messed everything up, and you had to buy an adaptor to use your old trays with your new bike.

The Yakima FrontLoader tray is here to lay all of my–and your–worries to rest.

First question: what kind of crossbars/racks does the FrontLoader work with?

Answer: it works with almost every kind of crossbar imaginable, without you having to do any complicated reconfiguring. I tested a pair of FrontLoaders using factory crossbars on my Sylvansport GO camper.

Second question: what kind of bikes does the tray fit?

Answer: it fits almost every standard-sized bicycle tire imaginable. The front wheel locking device is adjustable, and has different preset increments depending on your wheel size, ranging from 20″ up to 29″. Mountain bike or road, they’ll all work in this rack.

Note: it probably won’t work with a fat bike, unless perhaps you deflate your tires first–but I haven’t tried that yet.

In Real Life

Installing these trays on my Sylvansport GO was a cinch: I just spun the jaws open, clamped it down on the factory cross bars, and spun them shut. I also purchased locks for the trays (sold separately), and with a full set of locks installed the tray is locked to the rack and the bike is locked to the tray via a cable.

Installing the bike in the tray is relatively simple, once you get the hang of it:

1. Pull the front jaw forward so that the closure is in the open position.
2. Flip down the red levers on the front jaw clamp, slide it into the correct position for your wheel size (as per the markings on the side of the jaw), and then click the red levers back up into place. (You only have to do this once unless you swap out bikes with different size wheels.)
3. Spin the big red knob counter clockwise as far as possible (or as far as necessary, once you get the feel for it) to open the jaws up as wide as they can go.
4. Set your bike on the tray, and put the front wheel on the solid-looking plastic piece.
5. Pull the front wheel forward into the front arm as much as possible, and push the front arm up on the wheel as much as possible. This will allow the rear clamp to come up as far as possible, making a firm closure.
6. Ensuring that the bike stays firmly forward in the jaw, spin down the red knob, and tighten it as much as possible. Spinning the red knob down brings the rear clamp up, which creates the final closure and pressure on the wheel.
7. Finally, lightly strap in the rear wheel to keep it from coming off the rack. You may need to slide the strap closure up or down the tray to make it line up with the wheel.

And you’re done!

While it took a few words to describe that process, in real life it’s painless, fast, and oh-so-easy. Seriously, the days of removing your front wheel and messing around with a quick release clamp on your fork drop outs are long gone, and I’m so thankful! Not only is it way easier and faster, but you don’t have to worry about backing over your wheel or having enough room in the vehicle for your wheel.

Since the trays were mounted on my camper, I did have some concern about the security of the bicycles when driving down rough mountain roads to reach the campground. Since the camper would bounce and jump over rocks and ruts, it would cause the bikes to sway a bit, seemingly precariously. However, they always stayed put, even after pulling the camper down roads that it probably shouldn’t have traveled down.

Once you do reach pavement again, it’s a good idea to get out and check that red dial. After a lot of bouncing down backroads that dial can loosen up a bit, so just throw a few more twists in it to tighten it back down. Over the course of my test I found this to be less of an issue if I made doubly sure to pull the wheel tight into the front of the rack during the initial bike install (as mentioned above), but it’s not a bad idea to double check the tension on the red knob now and again.

You have to do it less frequently, but it’s a good idea to check the tension of the tray on the crossbars every now and then as well. During my initial tray install I found that I didn’t tighten them down quite enough, so the trays were sliding around a bit on the crossbars. They would never have come off, but for added security I’ve cranked they down as hard as possible, and have had no further issues with them.

Bottom Line

The FrontLoader is a genius tray design that removes all of the headaches that I’ve previously associated with bike transport trays. Forget about compatibility issues. Forget about removing wheels. Forget about making sure it fits your bike. The FrontLoader just works, and Yakima’s quality construction ensures that it’ll just keep working for years to come!

MSRP: $179 per tray

Thanks to Yakima for providing the FrontLoader for review

Let’s keep the great outdoors looking great.

From now until July 15th, earn $20 cash back when you spend $300 on Yakima products, or earn some good vibes by donating your rebate to Leave No Trace, American Whitewater, or IMBA.

Find out how you can Pay It Forward: yakima.com/payitforward

So you bike, and you want a rack, but you’re not sure: Roof rack? Trailer hitch?

Top of car racks give you the most versatility and the most multi-sport options for your bike check out the Frontloader or Forklift.

Hitch racks are easy to install and easy to load. For all the best features and convenience check out the FullSwing.

• Installs and removes easily with BedRock™ quick-release levers
• No tools needed to install
• No drilling into your bedrails required
• Gives your pickup two levels of storage: gear up top with pickup truck versatility below
• Multi-Sport tower system compatible with all Yakima accessories.
• Compatible with multiple crossbar widths. Crossbars sold separately.
• INCLUDES SKS Lock Core package to lock system to truck
• Sold in set of 4 towers

Spring is here and it is never to early to start your outdoor adventures. Load up with the Yakima Bedrock and go outside.

Room for all your gear, and then some

by: Jakob Schiller

I drive a double cab Toyota Tacoma with a camper shell so there’s lots of space. But my wife and I also have a dog, a kid, a jogging stroller, and a ton of our own gear, so you’d be surprised just how fast the back get’s cluttered up when we head out for a weekend trip.

To try and organize the chaos and make sure I can see out the rearview mirror, I’ve been using Yakima’s Skybox 18 Carbonite cargo box. In the winter it works great for carrying and organizing skis: It will hold anything up to 215 centimeters long (remember those days?) and easily caries four or five pairs with tons of leftover room for boots and poles. In the summer, it will hold your camping gear plus plenty of beer.

Unlike some older roof racks, which require an annoying amount of assembly, the Skybox 18 Carbonite comes out of the box ready to go thanks to four simple pre-installed mounting clamps. Adjust the sliding clamps so they’re lined up with your roof bars and then lock them around the bars by flipping latches inside the box; 10 minutes and you’re done. The pre-installed clamps fit Yakima’s round bars of course, but are compatible with square, aerodynamic, and factory bars as well.

Totally empty, the box weighs 52 pounds. It’s a little cumbersome to handle, but I’m able to get it up on top of my truck by myself no problem. In terms of design, the box is built to reduce drag and I’ve never heard any crazy wind noise while cruising on the freeway. You’ll see a reduction in gas mileage, but nothing drastic.

The box conveniently opens from both sides and Yakima designed it so you can’t lock the key inside (it won’t shut and lock without the key). The durable plastic should hold up to years of freezing temps, brutal sun, or anyone trying to mess with your gear.

If you need more room for some reason, Yakima also offers a gargantuan 21-cubic-foot version. Eighteen is plenty for us right now, but we’ll probably have a second kid, so you never know.