Bike's Terra is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If you’re seeking a perfect way to carry your bikes on a road trip, then investing in a bike rack is the ultimate solution.
Whether you are moving on a highway or off-road, these racks offer you a secure and safe way to easily carry your bikes.
This guide will shed some light on some of the best bike racks that you can buy today.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Bike Racks
- OUR TOP PICK: Allen Sports Deluxe 102DB
- RUNNER-UP: Thule T2 Pro XT
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0
Comparison of the Best Bike Racks
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
What is a Bike Rack? How Do Bike Racks Work?
A bike rack is a device that is mounted on your vehicle as a towing accessory to carry your bicycle conveniently. When on a family vacation, you want to ensure that you are having fun. Biking seems quite promising as it is a fun and healthy activity. This is when you might start missing your bike. The good news is that you can carry it with you if you own a bike rack.
A bike rack is usually mounted to your vehicle at the rear or rooftop through a metallic plate. It has built-in locking mechanisms that allow you to swiftly lodge multiple bikes on it. Once the bikes are placed correctly in the clamps, you can fasten them using safety straps. Now, you are ready to carry your bike anywhere you want.
What Size of Bike Rack Do I Need?
Bike racks come in different sizes and shapes. Some are fitted at the rear of the vehicle, while others are mounted on rooftops. Bike racks can easily and safely accommodate your bike if you plan to carry it with you on a road trip. But what size bike rack do you need?
Well, the size of the bike rack depends on two factors: the type and number of bikes you wish to carry. If you plan to carry multiple bikes at the same time, you’ll probably need a larger bike rack.
What Bike Rack Fits My Car?
The great thing about bike racks is that they are compatible with most vehicles. However, you must ensure that the bike rack you purchased is compatible with your vehicle. If you own a sedan or an SUV, a roof mount or hitch mount bike rack would work perfectly for you.
How to Choose a Bike Rack
Choosing a bike rack can sometimes be challenging, especially for new users. You can find multiple types of bike racks that can help you carry your bike easily and safely. But when it comes to choosing one, it all comes down to the qualities of the model. Here are some key aspects that you should consider before buying a bike rack.
Durability
The sturdiness of a bike rack is one of the major aspects to consider before buying. Most bike racks are quite durable; however, some are sturdier than others. Good-quality models feature steel or aluminum construction that provides not only strength but also longevity to the product. Opting for an all-metallic bike rack is desirable as it promises long-lasting use.
Stability
Stability is another important feature to consider before buying a bike rack. If you hate the idea of your bicycle rattling along the way, then consider opting for a stable model. Most high-quality units feature safety straps that hold the bikes firmly in place when traveling at high speeds. As a result, your bike's wobbling is reduced to a minimum, thereby preventing accidents.
Capacity
You should also think about the capacity of the bike rack that you are going to buy. If you plan to carry multiple bikes at once, you should look for a model with a higher capacity. Premium models offer you the luxury of accommodating two or more bikes, as well.
Review of the Best Bike Racks
Bike racks are very handy when it comes to carrying your bike conveniently from one place to another. However, you must find the best one for yourself. To help you find the right one, we have listed some of the best bike racks that you can buy.
These products are listed based on their superior quality, durability, and design. Have a look!
Best Overall:
Allen Sports Deluxe 102DB
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Users seem to be quite happy with the robust design of this bike rack. They were able to install it easily, unlike conventional models. Plus, the simple and durable design ensures the safety of your bikes in all instances. Users also love the compatibility of this product as it can be installed on most sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are multiple features of this product that make it superior to other models. Out of those, its simple design backed with sturdy construction is something that attracts most buyers. Bike racks might be difficult to install for first-timers; however, you can assure a clean setup without any hassle with this one.
The bike rack is compatible with a large number of vehicles as well. It can be installed on most minivans, SUVs, and hatchbacks. The rack also features long carry arms that can accommodate different types of bikes. Its single configuration design makes the installation not only easier but also much quicker than other models.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a durable bike rack that is easy to install, then go with this one. It’s not only sturdy, but its simple configuration allows it to be installed pretty quickly. It can also house multiple bikes while being compatible with almost any vehicle.
Runner-up:
Thule T2 Pro XT
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are quite satisfied with the purchase. They believe that they have found the perfect bike rack to accommodate their bikes while on a road trip. Its tool-free installation backed by a user-friendly design is the ultimate selling point. Plus, it can be folded when not in use to save space.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What we like about this product is the overall build quality and design it has to offer. Standard bike racks are difficult to install; however, that's not the case with Thule T2 Pro XT. The Auto Attach System of this model promises a tool-free installation, which makes it both quick and easy to set up. The rack can also be tilted downwards in case you want to access your car’s rear compartment.
Moreover, this model promises enough space between bikes to protect them from grating with one another. Most importantly, it features a foldable design that allows you to store it conveniently when not in use. Also, the bike rack can house up to four bikes.
Bottom Line
You are looking for the best bike rack, right? Well, this model is all you need to keep your bikes safe and secure while on a road trip. The easy installation, user-friendly design, and foldable nature offer users the luxury of carrying bikes conveniently.
Best for the Money:
Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers praise the overall build quality of this product. They are quite satisfied with how this model has performed. Its elegant design and beautiful fabrication are an attraction for most buyers. The unit delivers superior safety and convenience when it comes to accommodating multiple bikes while on the road.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are a lot of features that the Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0 offers to customers. Out of the many, its lightweight design is a major plus. It’s not only easier to carry but also offers an effortless installation. Don’t be fooled by its lightweight body as its all-aluminum construction ensures durability for long-lasting use.
The amazing fact about this bike rack is that it requires no tools for installation. It is quite simple to set up, and it can carry up to two bikes. The rack also offers generous spacing between bikes to prevent them from rubbing with one another. It also comes in three different colors.
Bottom Line
This bike rack is perfectly designed to meet the needs of users. It's simple and easy installation is one of the major reasons why buyers invest in this product. It offers a user-friendly design that is sturdy enough to carry multiple bikes without any hassle.
Best Bike Rack For Suv:
Allen Sports Deluxe Model 102DN-R
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Nearly all user reports were positive about this product. Buyers are convinced that this is a solid bike rack that is perfectly designed to carry all sorts of bikes. Its sturdy design is backed with a lifetime warranty that ensures your investment doesn’t go to waste. Also, the rack is quite user-friendly and easy to set up.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Allen Sports Deluxe model bike rack is one of the best racks that you can purchase. The unit promises a durable design that is backed with sheer elegance and fabrication. It features a patented design that is known to set up in a matter of minutes. Plus, its patented tie-system keeps your bike secure when lodged.
Moreover, the unit comes pre-assembled from the factory, unlike other models. This saves your time and minimizes inconvenience. You can easily accommodate any type or size of a bike on this rack without any hassle. Its high-quality, rugged components provide long-lasting use to users and are backed with Allen Sports lifetime warranty.
Bottom Line
All in all, if you are looking for a premium bike rack, then look no further. This one from Allen Sports Deluxe is not only sturdy, but it also uses high-quality components for longevity. Whether you are riding on the highway or going off-road, this rack is all you need to secure your bikes.
Best Trunk Bike Rack:
Hollywood Racks Express
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
An overwhelming response from recent buyers of this product suggests its outstanding quality. Users are certain that this bike rack is quite reliable for carrying multiple bikes while on the road. It comes pre-assembled from the factory that makes it easy to install. Besides, it offers a limited lifetime warranty and convenient storage with its foldable design.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Hollywood Racks Express is tailor-made for housing multiple bikes on a road trip. The model comes pre-assembled from the factory, making it quite easy to set up and install. It uses rubber straps that hold onto your bikes quite firmly. Now, you don’t have to worry about wobbling bikes, even at a higher speed.
Additionally, the bike rack features a foldable design that folds flat. As a result, it can be stored conveniently in a trunk. Plus, the rack offers high compatibility with most vehicles, so it can be used with almost any vehicle and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that this bike rack is perfect for carrying multiple bikes on a road trip. Its user-friendly design allows it to accommodate up to two bikes without damaging your vehicle. If you’re off on a family vacation, this is a perfect way to carry your kids' bikes.
Best 4 Bike Hitch Rack:
Tyger Auto TG-RK4B102B Deluxe
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A majority of recent buyer reports for this product are positive. Users believe that they have found the perfect bike rack for carrying all types and sizes of bikes. It can carry up to four bikes and offers extra protection with its safety straps that minimize rattling. It's also easy to set up and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Tyger bike rack stands out to us due to many reasons. Out of the many, its large bike capacity is something that catches the eye. It is capable of carrying up to four bikes, and it is sturdily constructed. The rack also includes an extra safety strap that reduces bike wobbling when traveling at high speeds.
Also, the rack promises convenient vehicle access, unlike any other model. Its foldable arms and tilt-down feature allow you to access your vehicle quite comfortably. The unit is also pretty easy to install, and it offers a limited lifetime warranty to protect your investment.
Bottom Line
To sum up, this is the ideal pick for anyone looking for a top-quality bike rack. Its large bike capacity, backed with safety mechanisms, offers you the luxury of carrying multiple bikes with ease. Also, its limited lifetime warranty ensures years of use without any trouble.
Best Bike Rack For Hatchback:
Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers report that this bike rack is very reliable. They are quite satisfied with how it has performed. Users believe that it’s a versatile rack that easily accommodates different sizes and types of bikes. Moreover, its robust design allows for easy assembly and promises ease of use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Allen Sports bike rack is one of the best units you can count on while on a road trip. It features a large bike capacity and a highly versatile carry arm that can easily house up to four bikes, regardless of type or size. The rack uses a unique tie-down cradle system to secure the bikes without any hassle.
Moreover, this bike rack appears to be quite simple and easy to assemble. It also promotes a tilt-away feature that allows you to access the rear of your car without removing the bikes. Meanwhile, your bikes fit perfectly in the rack, which improves stability and minimizes rattling.
Bottom Line
To conclude, the Allen Sports bike rack is one of the finest models that you can find. It offers improved stability and performance as compared to most traditional units. It's also quite simple and easy to use, making it highly versatile and suitable for everyone.
Best Bike Rack For Car:
Saris Bones 2 Bike Trunk Rack
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost all recent buyer reports were in favor of the product as users loved using it. They admire the compatibility of this bike rack as it can fit almost any sedan or SUV. Users also praise its lightweight design that allows easy installation and carries multiple bikes quite easily.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Saris has been a reliable manufacturer of bike racks for many years. The quality, reliability, and performance of its products are unmatched, and this unit is no different. The Saris Bones 2 Bike trunk rack has an innovative and effective design that is admired by many users. It offers high compatibility with sedans and SUVs, making it a great purchase.
Additionally, its lightweight design allows for easy installation while carrying up to two bikes quite comfortably. The rack also features rubber feet that protect your car paint from any scratches during installation. It can be removed easily and folded for convenient storage.
Bottom Line
If you seek the best bike rack that is compatible with most vehicles, then this is a great choice. Its innovative design takes care of not only your bike but also your vehicle. In addition, it promises convenient storage while not in use.
Best Platform Bike Rack:
KAC Overdrive Sports K2
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Users of this bike rack are quite pleased with its overall performance and quality. They like the durable construction that promises long-lasting use. However, its user-friendly design is what users like the most. It not only offers a damage-free operation but also negates wobbling for enhanced stability.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What pleases us about the KAC Overdrive Sports K2 is its overall build quality backed by consistent performance. This bike rack is a premium model that offers all the features you can expect from a top-tier unit. Its innovative design features a tilting design that allows you to easily access the back of your vehicle.
It's also very durable as it is made out of powder-coated steel tubing. As a result, it can hold up to two bikes of 60 pounds each. The locking hitch pin comfortably secures your bikes while its padded frame hook design prevents scratches. Besides, the patented anti-wobble system negates wobbling at higher speeds for better stability.
Bottom Line
To conclude, this is a high-quality bike rack that promises premium features to its users. Its innovative design is backed with superb strength and many features that make it a worthy purchase, so you should definitely check this out.
Best Roof Bike Rack:
CyclingDeal Rooftop Carrier Bicycle Rack
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers of this model are quite happy with the purchase. They admire the high quality of this bike rack. The durable construction of the rack is worth noticing as it is composed of high-quality steel components. Also, the unit offers an easy installation and promises good value for your money.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What we like about this product is the quality it brings to users. This rooftop bike rack is one of the best ones available on the market. It promises a sturdy construction that is made out of steel. It is not only durable, but it also ensures long-lasting use.
The locking mechanism of this bike rack is unique and effective as well. It allows you to lock your bike easily and safely, regardless of the bike's type or size. You also don’t have to remove the front wheel for this rack to work. Besides, it's fairly simple and easy to install, which makes it a user-friendly product.
Bottom Line
Overall, this product is ideally designed for budget-conscious buyers looking for a quality bike rack. It offers you great value for your money with its durable design while being quite inexpensive. If you are low on budget, then this is a great choice.
Pros and Cons of Bike Racks
Although bike racks seem to be a good investment, there do have certain drawbacks as well. In this section, we will discuss some of the pros and cons of using bike racks.
Pros
The following are the advantages of using bike racks:
Convenient Hauling
Bike racks are very effective when it comes to carrying your bike from one place to another. You can paddle from point A to B on a bike, but when the distance is too much or when you’re going to the outskirts of the city to enjoy biking, a bike rack can be a life savior. They can carry your bike safely and easily.
Larger Capacity
You can carry multiple bikes on a bike rack, depending upon its capacity. The larger the capacity, the more bicycles you can carry. Bike racks are very handy, especially when you need to carry multiple bikes conveniently. You might want to carry your kids' bicycles along with yours, which is where a bike rack will be needed.
Simple and Easy to Use
Bike racks are very user-friendly. They acquire minimum space when mounted to a vehicle. They are not only easy to install but also very simple to set up. Most high-quality models come pre-assembled from the factory. This means that lodging your bikes onto one of these is just a matter of minutes.
Easy Storage
Some bike racks feature a foldable design that allows you to store them in the trunk when not in use. It also allows you to access the rear compartment of your vehicle quite conveniently. If you own such a bike rack, you will admire how easier it has become to carry your bike without any hassle.
Cons
Here are some drawbacks to using bike racks.
Expensive
High-quality bike racks might offer you more, but they charge a premium price. They are relatively expensive, depending on the features they offer.
Compatibility
Not all bike racks are compatible with all vehicles. Some units are only designed specifically to fit certain vehicles, so you have difficulty in trying to find a compatible model.
Types of Bike Racks
You can find different types of bike racks available on the market. The one you would require depends on your needs and preferences. Each type is designed to serve a different purpose; to help you find the right one for your needs, we have compiled a list of different types:
Trunk-Mount Racks
Trunk mount racks are one of the most commonly used bike racks. They rest on the back of the car while the straps firmly hold them in place. The bikes, however, are firmly attached to the arms and cradle to minimize rattling. Such racks can fit most vehicles as they are adjustable.
Hitch-Mount Racks
Hitch mount racks are relatively more expensive than truck mount racks. They are tailor-made for people who frequently move from one place to another. The plus point of these racks is their larger bike capacity. You can easily carry two to five bikes with these. Moreover, they are quite simple to install and very durable as compared to trunk mount racks.
Roof Mount Racks
As the name suggests, roof mount racks allow you to carry your bikes on your vehicle’s rooftop. They are quite remarkable, considering how versatile they are. The biggest advantage of having these racks is that you can haul anything from small boats to skis and even cargo boxes.
How to Install a Bike Rack
Installing a bike rack is pretty simple and only involves a few simple steps:
- The first thing you need to do after taking the rack out of the packaging is to unfold it.
- Locate the straps labeled as 'upper' to make the first connection.
- Connect the upper hooks and pull the straps snugly tight. You want the two arms of the racks to be slightly on an incline.
- On each side of the rack, you will find two straps. One is marked ‘lower’ while the other is marked ‘side.’
- Attach the lower strap to the bottom of the trunk, followed by the strap marked 'side.'
- Tighten the straps to make sure all connections are secure.
Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0
How to Put a Bike on a Bike Rack
Putting a bike on a bike rack is fairly simple and easy. Most bike racks feature a simple configuration that allows you to put your bike comfortably on them. Although it's quite simple, the procedure may vary for different types of bike racks.
Considering you have a trunk-mounted rack, putting the bike on it is easy. Here are some few simple steps to do so:
- The first thing you need to do is loosen the Velcro straps of your bike rack.
- Lift your bike and hang it on its frame by placing the top tube correctly in the clamps.
- Re-secure the Velcro straps once you have placed the bike correctly.
- The straps might get loose with the bike's additional weight; therefore, do check it when you stop for gas.
Conclusion
Finding the best bike rack can be a challenge for most buyers, especially when you have to choose from a myriad of brands and products promising similar qualities and features. To ensure you end up with a reliable product, we have listed some of the best models that you can purchase. These bike racks excel from conventional models in terms of quality, durability, and performance, so you should definitely consider checking them out!
People Also Ask
A lot of people are curious about whether they should invest in a bike rack or not. Some might even have trouble while installing these units. Therefore, we have come up with some commonly asked questions to clear up confusion.
Thule T2 Pro XT
How Much is a Bike Rack?
The price of a bike rack largely depends on its type. Trunk mount racks are the cheapest and can cost you from $50-$200 per rack. Hitch mount racks are slightly expensive as their prices may vary from $150-$500. Last but not least, roof mount racks are the most expensive, ranging from $200 to more than $500.
How Heavy is a Bike Rack?
Bike racks are lightweight, which makes them easy to install and setup. However, their weight depends on the overall construction. All-metal construction tends to be heavier as compared to other materials. Typically, the bike rack alone weighs around 35 to 45 pounds.
Can 1 Person Install a Bike Rack?
Bike racks are typically very lightweight. Most high-quality units come pre-assembled from the factory, which makes installation a breeze. A single person can comfortably install a bike rack by following some simple steps.
How Long Do Bike Racks Last?
Most factory warranties that come along with bike racks last for five years. However, the bike racks themselves can last way longer than that. The longevity depends on the quality, usage, and maintenance of the bike rack. Naturally, good-quality units will last longer.
Bike Rack Guides
If you are interested in bike racks, we have compiled all reviews in one place for your convenience. Check out the links below:
