That's Fit In The Field -- where gearheads test health and fitness products under real conditions. We'll grub up the stuff, run the trails, jump on a rock wall, backpack, canoe and hit the gym -- putting gear to the F.I.T. Challenge to rate Fit, Innovation and Toughness.

That's Fit In The Field recently put the Yakima Roof Rack system to the F.I.T. Challenge test, now we are ready to report test results on a pair of HighRollers, Yakima's top-of-the-line, upright bike mount with one very exciting feature -- no front wheel removal required! Here's a full report:

• Capable of fitting round or square crossbars, a Yakima HighRoller is ready for any roof rack. Out of the box, my husband and I admired the product's shiny metal finish.
  
• After securing the HighRollers to the front/back crossbars, we lifted the bikes onto the solidly-built wheel trays, adjusted the rear sliding tray to align with the rear wheel, then locked 'em down by pushing down on the front upright bar and securing the double-sided rear wheel strap (good for either side of your car). This took seconds.
  
• An easily accessible knob controls retention, adjustment and release -- terrific feature!
• Don't worry about leaving your bikes on the car while you grab a coffee or scout the trail before your ride -- a HighRoller includes a built-in, retractable SKS cable lock (Lock Core sold separately).
  

Here are a four nice surprises and one warning:

• Never having to remove the front wheel is a time saver and major trunk space saver.
• The retractable SKS cable lock is a fantastic feature, and can also be used to lock your HighRoller to your roof rack or factory rails when you're logging miles on the bike. Buy the SKS lock cores and don't worry about losing the key, sign-up for Yakima's Key Club and they'll send you a replacement pronto for a small fee.
• Multiple HighRollers can be installed anywhere on the crossbars, which means our 66" crossbars can accommodate a variety of gear combinations -- four bikes, two bikes and our canoe, two bikes and that pair of kayaks we hope to purchase, two bikes and a gear box -- you get the picture. Room for all your toys with the trunk devoid of front bike tires!
  
• When the HighRoller is folded down/not in use, the movable front bar does not clank around up top, even when I flew over railroad tracks and bumpy, country roads.
• No Duh Warning -- bike sits higher with the front tire still on. Watch out for trees, low viaducts, the ATM drive-thru, etc ... it can be easy to forget.
  

That's Fit In The Field awards the Yakima HighRoller high marks for Fit and Toughness, and a grandslam for Innovation with a sturdy lockdown system which never touches your frame and an included retractable cable lock. Invest in a Yakima HighRoller and save your front tire's quick release for bike repair, not a bike rack. Don't miss up close shots and one possible loading technique in the gallery.