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Biking is a fun and healthy hobby. It allows you to get the much-needed escape from urban life and enables you to sightsee some wonderful locations.
However, transporting your bike from one point to the other can be tricky. You might not have a big vehicle to do so or simply not be a fan of putting a muddy bike in your clean car. Plus, there is always the chance that it might be potentially damaged if not properly stored.
This is where a bike rack comes in. It provides you with an opportunity to safely and securely take your hobby to the next level. In this review, we go over the best bike racks for hatchbacks. If you want to learn more about them, keep on reading:
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Bike Racks For Hatchback
- OUR TOP PICK: Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks
- RUNNER-UP: Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Allen Sports Ultra Compact Bike Rack
Comparison of the Best Bike Racks For Hatchbacks
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What Makes a Bike Rack Great For a Hatchback?
Are you still wondering why it is important to have a bike rack for a hatchback? What do they bring to the table, which allows them to be a good investment? Well, here are the top qualities of a bike rack that makes it great for a hatchback:
Assembly
The simple design of a bike rack is what allows it to be convenient. Bike racks come pre-assembled, so all you need to do is unbox them and install them on your vehicle. The installation process itself is facilitated with the comprehensive manual and intuitive design; thus, it’s easy.
Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks
Design
Bike racks specially designed for hatchbacks allow vehicles with a trunk or hatch door to carry bikes securely. Therefore, this style of bike rack enables hatchbacks to transport two or even three bicycles safely.
Support Multiple Bikes
Bike racks for hatchbacks tend to have the optimum design equipped with several features devoted to facilitating the transport of several units at once. One such feature is a frame that secures the bikes at different heights, so they don’t bump into each or the vehicle itself. This is a saving grace for those who carry multiple bikes.
Can You Really Find a Quality Bike Rack That’s Affordable?
People often wonder whether they can get a bike rack, which is well-manufactured but not too heavy on their pockets. If you are one of those people, you should know that it is definitely possible to land a good-quality bike rack that doesn’t break the bank.
However, you should be looking at the right features. Look for units that are more durable, safe, and have maximum versatility so they can be of better value to you. Affordable alternatives may be of good quality, but you might have to compromise on how many bikes they can hold. This isn’t a problem for most as they are only transporting one or two bikes, but it is definitely worth mentioning.
Review of the Best Bike Racks For Hatchbacks
There are a plethora of good and bad bike racks in the market. This is precisely what makes finding the right unit tricky. Thus, we have reviewed some of the best bike racks for hatchbacks that you can get your hands on.
Let’s take a look at them:
Best Overall:
Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Consumers are largely impressed with this unit. They found it to be a great rack capable of handling multiple bikes and securing them in place to make transportation easy. Some buyers do wish the knob was not plastic as it seems fragile. However, it is in no way a deal-breaker.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit captured our interest with its impeccable design and superior quality construction that allows it to be sturdy and offer stability to your bikes. Its rugged construction offers an easy way to safely transport your bikes without any hassle.
This unit is equipped with folding carry arms that can be easily folded when the rack isn’t in use. This offers greater flexibility if you plan on using your vehicle with the rack installed. Furthermore, it has an individual tie-down system that works to secure and protect your bike. Plus, it comes with all the hardware needed to install the rack into your receiver hitch.
Bottom Line
There are several bike racks in the market, but none of them are as well-constructed as this one. This unit features a sturdy design constructed from top-quality materials to ensure stability and security. It has multiple safety features that allow it to hold your bikes well.
Runner-up:
Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This unit seems to be applauded by consumers for its simple and practical design. It has a single bike capacity and seems to work well for Sedans, Minivans, Hatchbacks, etc. Buyers find that the top straps are too small and, therefore, hard to pull down. However, the overall unit is of great value.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Tyger Auto really pushed it out of the park with this bike rack. It has a simple and practical design for a single bike. It is also available in multiple bike variants. This unit has a highly sturdy and solid construction that offers protection and stability for your bike.
Moreover, this unit is backed by a no-hassle limited lifetime warranty, which is why it is such a reliable product. It is easy to install and only takes minutes. Furthermore, it has a padded lower frame that keeps the bike away from your vehicle to prevent any scratches and bumps.
Bottom Line
Overall, it is a pretty good bike rack. It has a good design that ensures the security and stability of your bikes. It also takes into account the protection of your vehicle, so you don’t have to deal with chipped paint or scratches on your car. It makes for a good investment.
Best for the Money:
Allen Sports Ultra Compact Bike Rack
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are happy with this product. Most of them found it to be a worthy product as it offers great quality at an affordable price point. They did complain that holding down the pins required folding the rack. However, that is a small price to pay for such an exceptional product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit is comparable to many higher-end products. Its excellent-quality steel construction and innovative design truly make it one of a kind. It is equipped with an ultra-compact design that allows it to fold and be perfect for traveling or commuting. This, therefore, provides no hassle for you when you’re traveling in your vehicle without using the bike rack.
It has security features such as tie-downs and padding, which enables it to securely transport and separate the bike from the vehicle.
Bottom Line
All in all, it’s a pretty decent product and is certainly one of the best you can get for the price point. It has a sturdy construction and innovative design that keeps your bikes secure. Overall, it is a good investment.
Best Bike Rack for Hatchback SUV:
Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This product seems to have left a positive impression on consumers. They particularly appreciate its compact mode that enables a convenient storage process. They also find it quite helpful that it is easily capable of supporting two bikes without any hassle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are several reasons why this product caught our attention. It has a sturdy and solid construction, which, in combination with the innovative design, does a fantastic job of keeping your bike stable. This unit has a compact mode that allows it to fold when not in use. This makes it convenient to store.
It has the capacity to store two bikes with a weight capacity of 35 lbs each. Furthermore, it has a built-in anti-wobble hitch device to keep the bikes in place.
Bottom Line
This unit is a consumer favorite for a good reason. With its simple, effective, and sturdy composition, it makes for a great bike rack. Alongside stability, it also offers storage convenience, which is always a plus.
Best Mazda 3 Hatchback Bike Rack:
Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Users find it to be a delightful product to invest in. They are majorly impressed by its strong construction and excellent aesthetic. It provides security and protection to your bikes and keeps your car safe as well. It surely is a favorite of consumers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is an incredibly well-designed and meticulously engineered product that assures security and protection for both your bike and vehicle. It features a patented design that is capable of perfectly fitting Sedan, hatchbacks, minivans, etc. It can mount two bikes at the same time.
It is backed by a lifetime warranty, which shows how reliable the product is. Furthermore, this unit is fitted with large car pads that enable even distribution of bicycle load. This also allows the protection of the vehicle's finish.
Bottom Line
All in all, this unit is no less than a gem. Be it the wonderful design and construction or the impeccable warranty that backs it; it surely stands out from many of its counterparts. Therefore, it’s a worthy investment.
Best Bike Rack for Hatchback With Spoiler:
Saris Bones 2 Bike Trunk Rack
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
It has been largely appreciated by the audience for its premium design and solid construction. The unit is lightweight and compact, which enables it to be convenient to store. Furthermore, it is capable of mounting two bikes without them bumping into each other, thanks to the arc-based design that separates bikes on different levels.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Saris trunk rack features a highly innovative design, which makes it a pleasure to own. Firstly, it is constructed with 100% recyclable materials, which is a big plus. The construction is pretty solid and reliable for years to come. It has a design that is lightweight and capable of storing two bikes.
Furthermore, it has an arc-based design that separates bikes on different levels. This allows them to remain separated from each other and keeps them at the right distance from the vehicle to prevent the risk of scratches and chipped paint. It also has articulated rubber feet that aid in protecting the paint.
Bottom Line
Last but certainly not least, this unit is hard to not talk about. With one of the most innovative designs on the market, this unit provides a premium experience with little to no drawbacks. It certainly is a great product.
How to Install a Bike Rack on a Hatchback
Putting a bike rack on your vehicle will make transporting your bike from one place to the other super easy for you. Let’s break down the process into steps for you to understand it completely:
- A bike rack is essentially composed of arms attached to an aluminum centerpiece. When you’re putting it on, make sure it is arched, so it can support multiple bikes.
- Mount the feet of the rack to the back of your car.
- The next step is to attach the straps correctly. The straps have indentations that indicate where they are supposed to go. First, attach the top straps as it makes the process easier.
- Use the straps to adjust and raise the level of the rack. It should be as high as possible.
- Then, go ahead and attach the side straps. Don’t try to force them; instead, look for the right spot to install them.
- Attach the lower straps in the same manner.
- Next, go and check the tightness of each strap. They should be as tight as possible to secure the rack and stability.
- Move the rack, and if the car moves along with it, the rack is stable and secured well.
- Then, get the arms in place, which will hold the bicycle. When you’re setting this up, make sure the place for the second bike is higher than that for the first bike.
- When placing the bike, make sure the bike's seat tube is lined with the safety strap to hold it in place.
- To place the bike, insert the frame over the arms and center it as best as possible. Use the security clamps to secure it.
- To make sure it doesn’t clash with another vehicle, take an excess strap and tie it in a double knot around the wheel of the bike to secure it further.
- You’re ready to go!
Still, confused about something? Don’t shy away from checking the video below, which will surely give you a more detailed understanding of this process.
How to Clean a Bike Rack
People often look for the best way to take care of their bike rack. Cleaning your bike rack in the right manner is important and might sound tricky, but it isn’t. Let’s take a look at a step by step guide to understand more:
- You will need a bike wash, lubricant, grease and wax, towel, and a ¾” wrench.
- First, remove the outside B wheel tray. Thread the knob on top of the tray counterclockwise until the tray slides.
- Press the button on the end of the bar to slide the wheel tray off. Then, spray some of the wash on the trays and wipe it off. Make sure you’re cleaning the inside of the rectangular opening.
- Inspect the trays carefully for any debris or cracks and replace them if needed.
- Then, loosen the knobs on the interior tray and slide them to the center of the main bar.
- Spray some wash on them and clean them as well. Inspect them for cracks and debris too.
- Then, spray some wash on the horizontal tube and wipe it down.
- Once the tube is clean, slide the interior A tray apart and clean the area the tray was covering.
- Hold the button present at the end of the horizontal tube and pull out the lock cables.
- Spray some wash on a cloth and clean the lock cables. Be sure to hold the button down this entire time.
- Now moving to the lock, put some lube in the keyhole, and wipe out any excess.
- Clean the exterior lock housing with a spray wash.
- Slide the hooks to the bottom of the arms and spray some of the wash to the arm's top area. Make sure to floss between the two tube arms.
- Bring the arm hooks back to the top and clean the lower section in the same way.
- Check the buttons to ensure good engagement.
- There is a pawl at the underside of the arms which imitates a little finger. This engages the top of the star bracket. Put a little lube on the pawl and cycle the button a few times. Wipe the excess lube off.
- Remove the threaded hitch pin, which attaches the rack to the vehicle using the wrench.
- Pull the rack out of the receiver and clean the receiver tube.
- Take the hitch pin and clean it as well. Apply some lube on it to make it easier to take out the next time.
- Make sure the lock washer is on the pin when you reinstall it.
- Lastly, give the rack a clear coat of spray wax. Spray the horizontal tubes and arms, and don’t forget to give the tubes and arms a wipe down. This keeps surface rust away.
- Reinstall the wheel trays and tighten the knob, so they remain in place.
- You’re done! This simple maintenance is recommended once a year.
If there is anything you still don’t understand about cleaning a bike rack, go ahead and check out the video below. It will surely aid in clearing up any confusion you may have.
Conclusion
Bike racks are a great investment if you want to transport your bike to a new location. It simply allows you to take your hobby to the next level. This post takes you through all you need to know about bike racks, such as how to install one, which makes a great bike rack, some excellent recommendations, and more. Hopefully, you were able to find the perfect bike rack for your bike.
