Best Bike Racks

Best Bike Racks

There are many varieties of bike racks available.

All variations of the same idea have the same goal: to transport your bike safely to your destination without having it fit into your car. 

Some racks attach to your car to make it semi-permanent extensions, while others can transport your bike more easily – a trunk pad or a tailgate pad.

For example, some racks, such as the Thule ProRide XT, attach to factory crossbars and can be removed when used. Others, such as the Saris Bones 2-Bike, hook onto your trunk and can be removed. 

You will need to consider the following factors: type of mount- your car might not have one; type of bike all racks have weight limits, and size of tires – if you plan to transport a large number of bikes, this is something you should keep in mind, budget – good racks range between $150 and $1,395. 

The first step is to decide which type of rack you need.

WILDROAD Hitch Bike Rack, Wobble Free Smart Tilting Bike Rack, Foldable 2-Bike Rack for Standard, Fat Tire and E-Bike, 2-Bike 180 lbs Capacity, Fits 2-inch Receiver
  • 2-Bike Rack: WILDROAD hitch bike rack made for SUV, truck, off-road vehicle with 180 lbs. load capacity. Can be loaded with Standard bicycles, heavy-duty bicycles, mountain bikes and road bikes, even for fat tire bike and e-bike
  • SAFE & STABLE: Our bike rack for car with premium foam-padded hooks and heavy duty nylon straps, it can fix the bicycle firmly without hurting the paint of the bicycle, No-wobble fastener and anti-rattle stabilizer, which can make the bike rack more stable to hold your bicycles
  • FOLDABLE & TILTABLE: The bike racks for tow hitch is easy to assemble and mount on hitch, when not in use it can be folded up for space-saving. Special tiltable construction let you open the trunk without removing the bike rack, just need to tilt it down
  • UNIVERSAL & ADJUSTABLE: This bike rack for hitch has adjustable hooks for holding bike frame, and adjustable tire holders with heavy duty velcro straps can fix different sizes of bicycles&tires, Real reflective plug at the end of it makes driving more safe in the night
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: At WILDROAD, we prioritize customer satisfaction. We are committed to providing exceptional quality. We stand behind the quality of our product and are dedicated to ensuring your complete satisfaction with your purchase

Last update on 2025-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Next, narrow down the options within this category to find the best one for you.

Top 10 Best Bike Racks

Here are some of the top 10 best bike racks on the market:

  1. Thule ProRide XT: An upright bike carrier for the quickest and most convenient mounting. It’s capable of handling bikes up to 20 kg.
  2. Saris Bones EX 3-Bike: A boot-mounted rack that can hold up to three bicycles, it’s renowned for its robust construction and anti-sway design.
  3. Yakima HighRoad: A roof-top solution that securely holds your bicycle by the wheels without making contact with the frame.
  4. Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack: This hitch-mounted rack has a built-in repair stand, allowing you to make adjustments or repairs on the go.
  5. SeaSucker Talon: A unique suction cup design allows it to be easily attached and removed from your car’s roof, boot or back window.
  6. Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Mounted Bike Rack: A budget-friendly choice that still offers solid stability and protection for up to two bicycles.
  7. Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack: Designed with adjustable ratchet arms, this rack will secure two bikes of differing sizes without issue.
  8. Thule EasyFold XT 2-Bike Hitch Rack: This heavy-duty hitch-mounted rack is perfect for e-bikes and other heavy cycles; it even folds up when not in use.
  9. RockyMounts Monorail Solo Platform Hitch Rack: Single bike carrier designed with an articulated arm system ensuring easy loading and unloading of your bike.
  10. Overdrive Sports 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack: A versatile option suitable for a wide range of bicycle styles, including road, hybrid, mountain, fat tires, and e-bikes, as well as youth sizes.

Remember always to check if these models are compatible with your vehicle before purchasing!

Roof Racks

Roof racks attach to crossbars that are factory-installed. They can also be sold as complete systems or vacuum-sealed to your vehicle with suction cups.

There are three types: complete roof racks that attach to your roof and trays that attach directly to factory-installed side rails/tracks/crossbars.

Suction cups that seal almost any surface. There are two options for carrying bikes on these racks: with or without the front wheels attached. 

You can lower the height and make the bike lighter by removing the wheel.

However, this may not be possible with disc brake-equipped bikes. Although adapters are available to fit through axles, it is advisable to verify compatibility before purchasing. 

You can leave the wheel on, and there is no need to worry about disc brakes or having to store a muddy tire in your car. 

Another benefit of a roof rack is that everything locks – bikes, racks, roof to roof, so there’s no risk of your bike getting damaged if you are rear-ended on the highway. 

There is a possibility that your bike might be forgotten as you pull into the garage.

Although the Komodo isn’t designed to look like a traditional roof rack, it works well. It can be used with thru-axles and quick releases.

The Komodo attaches to a car’s roof with four vacuum cups.

Each cup is locked in place by pressing down on the plunger until the orange band disappears. Pull the cups up and lift the rack. 

Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack
  • Universal upright bike rack for 1 bike
  • Quick and secure mounting dial controls the force going into the bike frame
  • Soft claw pads adapt to your bike’s frame minimizing risk of damage
  • Frame holder and wheel tray automatically position your bike as you secure it
  • Wheel holders firmly stabilized by diagonal quick release straps

Last update on 2025-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Here are some of the top roof racks for vehicles:

  1. Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier: This stylish and spacious roof rack is great for long road trips. It’s easy to install and offers excellent vehicle clearance.
  2. Yakima SkyBox Carbonite Cargo Box: Known for its durability, this roof rack provides much space for your gear. It’s designed with a sleek, aerodynamic shape to reduce drag.
  3. SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box: This cargo box opens from the rear, making it safe and easy to access your stuff. It also offers a secure lock for peace of mind.
  4. ROLA Vortex Roof Mounted Cargo Basket: If you prefer a basket-style roof rack, this one from ROLA is a great option. It has a tough steel construction and comes with a custom-fit cargo net to keep your items secure.
  5. Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box: Another excellent product from Thule, this cargo box is designed with a rugged and durable design. It’s also easy to mount and offers generous loading space.

Always check the weight capacity of your vehicle’s roof before purchasing any roof rack.

Hitch Racks

Hitch racks simplify life. Installation is quick and easy.

The hitch rack is the easiest of the three options. The hitch rack is the most convenient of the three options. Lifting bikes onto the trays or hanging them from the top tubes is easy. Hitch Racks fit into the receiver tube of your vehicle.

Most are available for either 1.25- or 2.25-inch receivers. The latest options lock to your hitch and can be folded up or out of the way when in use. They also have a cam that tightens up the rack within the receiver tube to ensure a secure connection. 

Many racks now come with an integrated lock that secures bikes to the rack.

They also have arms that reach up to the top of the front wheel. Hitch racks have a downside:

They make your car longer, so be careful when backing up or parallel parking.

Sale
OKLEAD 500 Lbs Heavy Duty Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier 60″ x 24″ x 14.4″ Folding Cargo Rack Rear Luggage Basket Fits 2″ Receiver for Car SUV Camping Traveling
  • HEAVY DUTY STEEL CONSTRUCTION: 1 Piece construction with matt black powder coating finish that resists the elements, rust and scratches.
  • MESH SURFACE: Prevents smaller objects from falling through, 14.4″ raised tubular side rails(3.2″ only when folded) to make sure cargo do not jolt or slide randomly.
  • SAFETY REFLECTORS: Driving at night, rainy days or other severe weather is very dangerous. Equipped with 2 red reflectors to help you safety at night.
  • EASY INSTALLATION: Fits any 2″ trailer hitch opening, 500 Lbs distributed weight capacity. Works well if you distribute the weight evenly on platform when hauling a load, keep it balance for the cargo load or fix in the middle position.
  • EXTRA LARGE SIZE & CAPACITY: Perfect for hauling extra cargo bags, camping equipment, luggage and more.

Last update on 2025-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Here are some of the top hitch racks for vehicles:

  1. Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack: This rack is easy to install and remove, offers excellent bike protection, and has a generous load capacity.
  2. Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch Mounted Bike Rack: A robust and affordable option, this rack is designed to fit 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch receiver hitches.
  3. Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack: This rack is known for its strong build and integrated cable lock system for added security.
  4. Yakima RidgeBack 2-Bike Hitch Rack: This rack has a tool-free locking SpeedKnob for quick installation and removal. It also has an UpperHand lever that tilts the rack down for vehicle access.
  5. Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack: A versatile rack that accommodates various bike frame sizes and styles. Its center arm folds down for easy rear vehicle access.

Always check your vehicle’s size and weight capacity before purchasing any hitch rack.

Hitch Racks

  • Fat tires and 29-inch wheels work best for taller and wider arms
  • Release lever improved

1Up racks are industrial-looking and simple to secure your bike. Two ratcheting arms secure the wheels. There are no hooks, straps, or adjustments to accommodate different bases or sizes. This model has taller and wider arms that are more compatible with fat tires and 29-inch wheels. 

The Equip-D’s pivot mechanism works better, and the T-handle release at the end of your hitch bar makes it easy to fold the rack up. Tiered trays allow bikes and racks to sit closer together.

  • Most combinations of bikes can be fitted with staggered trays
  • A heavy-duty rack that can withstand years of abuse
  • Racks are heavy and require more effort to fold up.

It is a sturdy, reliable rack that can be trusted daily. The MTR 2 is made from aluminum and steel and can carry up to 60-pound bikes. It also works with bikes up to 53 inches in length.

It folds down and can be stored away when unused, just like most hitch racks. The handle for the release is located on the rack’s outside.

Although it needs to be held tightly to activate, the action of the handle is smooth and reliable.

You can purchase single-tray add-ons for this rack if you require more capacity.

Trunk Racks

Trunk racks are usually the most cost-effective and portable. This rack attaches to the trunk with hooks and straps.

The rack’s lower and upper feet support it against your car.

It’s easy to remove and install the rack once you understand how the hooks and straps work together with your car. It’s best to take the rack out of high-crime areas.

They don’t lock well to cars. 

There are other downsides, such as the possibility of a pedal or wheel falling on your car and scratching it, the limitations with the location of hooks – weather stripping or spoilers could be a problem, and the fact that they may not work well with some unusual-shaped bikes. 

Mountain bikes. It holds them up by the top tube.

Here are some of the top trunk racks for vehicles:

  1. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack: This rack is lightweight, easy to install, and securely holds up to two bikes.
  2. Saris Bones EX Trunk Bike Rack Carrier: Known for its unique design, this rack fits over most spoilers and carries up to three bikes.
  3. Thule Passage Trunk Mount Carrier: A high-quality option, it offers a secure fit and anti-sway cradles to prevent bike-to-bike contact.
  4. Hollywood Racks Express Trunk Mounted Bike Rack: This rack is easy to adjust, and it includes bike separators with anti-sway blocks to keep the bikes separated and rigid.
  5. Yakima Fullback 2 Bike Trunk Rack: This rack features an integrated safety strap and a modern design. It’s also compact for easy storage.

As with all types of racks, check the compatibility with your vehicle and the weight capacity before purchasing a trunk rack.

Kupper Mount 1 Bicycle Roof Mount Rack – KP1000
  • Born to roam: the easiest way to travel the world with your bike! This next-generation bike car rack allows you to easily bike anywhere – take your compact bicycle car rack with you as you ride.
  • Any-vehicle bike roof rack: the convenient Kupper Mount suction bicycle rack for cars, vans or suvs will fit on any vehicle in any country – no luggage rack or trailer bike rack hitch required.
  • Two-minute install: the suction cup roof bike rack attaches easily into position in just two minutes, and the adaptable bike sucker kit works with dropouts, thru-axle adapters, mountain and road bikes
  • Secure, reliable suction car rack: the vacuum cup bike carrier creates a vacuum between the mount and your vehicle’s surface, for a strong, long-lasting, all-weather hold for any bike up to 45 pounds
  • Portable & adaptable: an ideal bike rack for suvs, cars and vans, create a bike rack trunk mount or bike roof rack to fit your vehicle, then pack the compact carry bag for airline or train travel.

Last update on 2025-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tailgate pads

Tailgate pads protect your truck’s paint and can carry multiple bikes.

You can safely drive multiple bikes with a tailgate pad. It attaches to your pickup and covers both sides. The pad can be draped over the tailgate and attached using a series of webbing straps that wrap around the gate. 

To secure your bike, place it on the rear wheel first. Only the front wheel should be visible above the tailgate. The bed liner grooves act as natural trays to the rear wheel.

Kupper Mounts‘ first product is a bike rack that attaches to your car roof using a vacuum seal. This one feels quite similar, but it has more strength, larger vacuum cups, and is cheaper. 

A rack such as this can be easily and quickly installed on any vehicle with a hardtop. Just clean the area, then place the rack on your roof and press the plunger repeatedly until the cup seals. 

They are lightweight and only weigh a few ounces. The vacuum cups come in a protective plastic case. This rack will come in handy when we travel again. Kupper Mounts recommends that bikes not exceed 45 pounds in weight and speed. 

Security is the obvious problem with this system. The strap can be secured inside the door frame. Although it isn’t as secure as the cable locks on a hitch rack or the built-in cable locks, it may still be sufficient to deter casual thieves.

Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack
  • Universal upright bike rack for 1 bike
  • No frame contact for maximum protection
  • Fits most 20-29″ wheel bicycles with tires up to 3″ wide
  • Fits up to 5″ tires with Thule UpRide Fat Bike Adapter (sold separately)
  • Quick and easy mounting with ratcheting wheel strap and secure hook

Last update on 2025-02-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

WHEELS ON ROOF RACK

You don’t need to take the wheels off. Simple to use downtube clamp mechanism

  • It is not ideal for tall vehicles.

The Thule ProRide XT, which can be removed without removing the wheels, is a great choice if you don’t mind putting your bike on the roof. 

It can accommodate gravel, road, mountain bikes, and cyclocross bikes. The fat bike adapter can accommodate tires up to 5 inches in width. 

The clamp mechanism secures the down tube and tightens using a dial. It can also be used with many different tube cross-sections. 

Thule claims that the maximum load capacity is 44 pounds. If your e-bike weighs less than that, and you feel comfortable lifting it onto the roof of your vehicle, this rack may work for you. 

Don’t forget to mount your bike on the top of your car with both wheels on. This will add significant height to your vehicle and make driving through garages or windows difficult. 

Wheels-on racks don’t work well for tall vehicles such as pickup trucks or SUVs. 

To protect the clamp, we recommend using a small cloth towel. Although the frame is lined with rubber, our tester discovered wear marks on this rack after traveling across the country with a bike.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a rack for your vehicle, consider the following:

  • Type of Rack: Decide whether a roof, hitch, or trunk rack best suits your needs. Each has its benefits. Roof racks can carry various equipment and don’t obstruct rear visibility, but they require more effort to load. Hitch racks are easy to load and can carry multiple bikes, but they can obstruct rear visibility. Trunk racks are usually more affordable and easy to install but have limited load capacity.
  • Number of Bikes: Consider how many bikes or how much cargo you plan to transport. Some racks can carry more bikes or cargo than others.
  • Vehicle Compatibility: Not all racks are suitable for all vehicles. Be sure to check the rack’s compatibility with your vehicle model.
  • Ease of Use: Consider how easy the rack is to install and load. Some racks may require additional tools for installation.
  • Security: If you plan to leave your bikes or cargo on the rack unattended, consider a rack with a lock feature for added security.

Remember, safety is paramount. Always ensure your rack is installed correctly and your cargo securely fastened before hitting the road.

Happy and Safe Biking!

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