We got a sneak peek at the new Yakima stuff they’ll be releasing at Interbike later this month…and it’s pretty cool looking.  Granted, these are computer generated images, but they sure do add some nice curvature to an otherwise utilitarian set of hardware.
Pictured above is the new ForkLift bike rack that mounts directly to factory roof rack cross bars, eliminating the need for expensive add’l beams, bars and hardware.  It has a dual extruded aluminum tray and integrated SKST security lock.  This unit will be replacing the Viper and SteelHead products.  Read more for the rest of the new units…
The Rail Grab Tower is designed to adjust to fit numerous vehicles without factory roof racks, regardless of side rail style.  This single tower replaces SIX previous products from Yakima, including the LowRider, Locking EZ Rider, LowRider Max and three claws.
For retailers and consumers, this means less confusion at the point of purchase…one mount fits all.  For the environment, it means less energy, packaging and materials put into so many different SKUs, which is a good thing.  The claw inside this unit can be adjusted up or down to fit your car’s side rail, then anchors to the bar to keep it set.
For those of you without a hitch mount or a desire to put bikes up top, Yakima’s got a curvy little number called the QuickBack.  The arms fold down when not in use, and their thin profile will fit a wide variety of frames.  There’s even an integrated bottle opener on the end of the arms…just in case your “recovery” drink isn’t a twist off.
Besides racks, Yakima’s well known for their cargo boxes.  New for ’09 is the LoPro SkyBox.  Intended for taller vehicles, low garages or those that just want a low profile box.  It has 15.5 cubic feet of storage space that’s automatically illuminated by a solar-powered SolLight when opened.  Both the LoPro and the standard SkyBox will come with integrated cargo mat and net for ’09, as well as their new SuperLatchT ergo handle to ease use and security.
Yakima is also introducing the Landing Pad 11, a revised system that will create a roof rack using your vehicle’s factory hard mounting points (as opposed to clamping onto the side rails).  This new version will now fit more vehicles, including BMW, Mercedes, Saab and Range Rover.
Lastly, they’re changing up their RocketBox cargo boxes by adding new mounting hardware and updated branding…as in RocketBox 11 (11 cubic feet), 15 and 16.
