10 Best Bike Racks [Review & Buyer’s Guide] In 2019
With a seemingly dizzying collection on the market, we sought to find out which the best bike racks are – and sure we did.
We sampled top-rated bike racks and what make them blink when pitted against the close competition.
In line with our far-reaching research, we bring you detailed reviews of what we deem to be the best bike racks for the money.
Table of Contents
10 Best Bike Racks for Cars – Our Top Picks
Bike Racks – Our Top Picks
Last update on 2018-12-09 / Source: Amazon Affiliates / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. BV Bike Hitch Mount Rack Carrier
This premium bike rack for SUV by BV has clean lines and up-to-the-minute style that modern travellers demand. It can take quite a lot of weight too. More to the point, this rack can haul two bicycles.
We love the super thoughtful tray-styled loop and padded armed to hold your bike firmly in place. Of course, the cushioned arms, by extension, mean that you don’t have to worry about your cycle getting scratches.
The BV piece also touts a brand-exclusive two-way, anti-wobble design to eliminate any trembling between the hitch and the rack. Traveling at night? Relax! The rear safety reflector ensures that no motorist rams into your SUV by enhancing visibility.
Other than that, using this thing is easy.
The tilt backward build allows you to open the rear gates of your auto without disengaging the hitch rack.
You may also want to know that storing this rack is as painless as using it.
All you need to do is to fold it up and stow it away until the next time you want to use it. And to the specifics, this unit has a maximum load capacity of 35 lbs and can fit 1.25″ x 1.25″ and 2″ x 2″ hitch receiver.
9. Thule T2 Pro XT
There are a couple of reasons this unit features in our best bike racks review. First, Thule simplified the installation of this rack so you’ll spend more time mounting it on your car and more time exploring the trails with your cycle. The funky, tool-free Auto Attach also makes it easy to remove the rack from your vehicle.
The T2 Pro XT can carry two bikes with 20 to 29-inch wheels and up to 5 inches tires without an adapter.
With such a design, this is a perfect pick for carbon frames, fat, downhill or mountain bikes.
Plus, it provides a generous bike clearance of 197 mm between each bicycle, so you’ll be sure that there will be no frame-on-frame damage during transit.
You can even adjust the cycle mounts side to side to minimize the interference even further.
Additionally, the T2 Pro XT features a HitchSwitch lever for up and down inclination so you can reach it with ease.
And then there is the integrated 24-inch cable that securely locks your bike to the rack and draws back to the ratcheting arm when you’re not using it.
And oh, before we forget, the T2 is compatible with four bikes with a two-inch receiver add-on (sold separately).
8. Critical Cycles Lenox
Critical Cycle’s all-new beast of a bike rack is amazingly secure, super stylish and easy to use than ever before. Perfect for high-end bikes (from the road to the mountain) it will secure your prized bicycle without stressing the frame or the wheel.
We especially love the robust steel constriction with a mind-bending load capacity of 140 lbs.
While the Lenox is a four bike hitch mount, it is compact and convenient.
It folds in a cinch when not in use so you shouldn’t have a problem storing it. We couldn’t help but notice the tie-down straps and cradles that secure your bikes individually, to give you the peace of mind even on uneven terrain.
On top of that, the Lenox is as versatile as you’d want to be.
It comes with a unique carry arm design to accommodate an assortment of cycles with different sizes and frame styles. In the meantime, the tilting mast provides quick liftgate access without necessarily detaching the rack from the hitch mount.
While we are not taking anything away from this iconic bike rack, this bike rack works best with class III or IV 2-inch receiver hitches.
7. Tyger Auto Bike Carrier Rack
The one thing that sets Tyger Auto’s rack apart from other units in its class is the limited lifetime warranty and the incredible adaptability. Its arms are amazingly adjustable so that it can accommodate virtually all types of dual-arm bikes. On your part, however, you have to connect it with either a 2 or 1.25-inch hitch receiver.
It is also reasonably lightweight – weighing a fraction of most hitch-mounted options.
Essentially, this means that you don’t require a helper to hoist it on your car. Make no mistake about it though; this unit is as sturdy as they come- it is strong enough to carry up to four bicycles even at high speeds. Meanwhile, the cable and lock pin combine to strap your cycles safely.
The Tyger Auto will last you months upon months, even with frequent use.
It boasts the unique E-coating to keep rust and other elements of the weather at bay.
Reviewers praise the pocket-friendly price and the fact that this unit requires minimal assembly. In other words, it is ready to use the right of the box. And yes, just like you expected, you can fold it up when not in use.
6. Hollywood Racks F1B
The F1B is one of the best bike racks for station wagons and saloon cars. Besides, it has a classic design so it will fit most vehicles. Hollywood Racks brings out their A-game out with this piece which is possibly the easiest-to-operate hitch mounted option. Not only can it lug three cycles with relative ease but also lowers to ground for trouble-free loading and loading.
Just position the multi-position hinges on your car, and you’re ready to mount! Easy as pie!
The F1B adjusts quickly to hold your bikes the way you want.
It offers enough room (14.5 inches to be specific) between your bicycles and the back of your car, so you don’t have to worry about paint scratches.
What’s more?
Hollywood Racks has attached a lifetime warranty on this unit.
Theoretically, this means that the company trusts in the quality of their product and aren’t afraid to stand by it. For you, the guarantee represents value for your money.
Owners applaud the fact that this rack comes pre-assembled and that it holds bike snug.
Some say you can even use it to carry a wheelchair, but you need to hang it upside down with one bar through the wheel and the other holding the frame. And just so you may know the F1B measures 18.7″ by 10.6″ by 27.2″ inches with a weight of 13.01 pounds.
5. Saris Bones Bike Trunk Rack
Saris has a knack for dominating and for what it can offer, this rack is indeed a steal. Awesomely designed, convenient and extremely durable, this unit is not only a sizzling contender for the best bike rack 2019 but also the trendiest.
The Bones features what is possibly the most robust frame of all racks, thanks to the injected-moulded legs and arms. It weighs a mere 9 lbs and sports rust-free 100% recyclable materials.
Highly rated by the Bicycling Magazine Safely, this unit accommodates two bicycles up to 35 pounds. It is compatible with most vehicles too, from sedans to SUV, hatchbacks and almost every other car with a rear spoiler.
And, when you thought that the Bones couldn’t get any better, you are wrong. Its ratcheting anti-sway can strap for securing the bike, and its vinyl-coated and unique rubber can hook fit to safeguard your car’s finish.
Other notable highlights include spring buckle straps to protect your bicycle’s paint and the patent-pending lifetime warranty. Fans say that it doesn’t require a lot of effort to latch down and loosen this rack.
Most remark that it is a solid performer and we couldn’t agree more.
4. Allen Sports Trunk Rack
We were hard-pressed to pick a hitch-mounted rack that can carry two bikes for travellers on a tight budget, but this model by Allen Sports is indeed a street favourite.
Aided by its long 12 inch arms, it can haul two cycles with a total weight of up to 70 pounds. And then there is the patent-pending design, which allows you to attach it on your minivan, SUV, hatchback or sedan.
This rack, just like any other by Allen Sports, comes fully assembled.
It will snap into place in seconds, making it a brilliant selection if you’re trying out with bicycle racks. The UV resistant rubber straps not only provide a secure hold to your bikes but also work with a variety of tube sizes.
In essence, this means that you can mount a broader range of bicycles from adult to women and kids bikes.
Plus, it will catch your attention to know that the tie-downs have a cradle bed to ensure that your cycles remain protected during transport.
Reviewers point out the stability that this hitch mount has to offer and the quick installation.
Allen Sports, on their part, have placed a lifetime warranty on their rack and that’s a reason to purchase in confidence right there.
3. SeaSucker Talon
The Talon is the best single bike carrier on our list. Don’t be fooled by its minimalist design. Sure, this comes with only one fork but can accommodate a whopping 200 lbs of weight. With a footprint of 15″ by 13″ not only is it robust enough to hold your bike securely but also adequately flexible to align with the curve your vehicle’s roofline.
The SeaSucker’s revolutionary design allows you to mount this rack on your car’s windshield, roof and just about anywhere including the trunk.
The Talon is universal hitch mount.
In other words, it can attach to any vehicle thanks to the three, sturdy, safe, and easy to use brand-exclusive mounts.
It is an excellent choice for road and mountain bikes as well as any bicycle with a quick-release front wheel.
Also, this rack is non-marking, water-resistant and will attach exceptionally well on metal or glass surfaces. Each package comes with six-inch loop straps and a hook to secure your cycle’s rear wheel.
That way, the bike’s tail won’t slide from right to left, even when driving on bumpy ground. Regarding durability, the Talon features ½ HDPE materials which translate to years of reliable mounting. We only wish it was cheaper.
2. Swagman XC
When it comes to the basics, the Swagman XC is as good as it gets. Highly rated and relatively affordable, this rack is strapping, dependable and easy to use. It has a load capacity of 35 lbs per bike and can carry two bicycles at a time.
The one thing that makes this unit different from most on the market is the upright ratcheting arm. You can adjust the arm’s size to fit a variety of bike frame sizes up to 59 centimetres.
The Swagman XC works with one ¼ and 2-inch receiver hitches. It also has an integrated anti-wobble device to keep your cycles in place and to save you some money on paint scratches.
Motorist says that it only takes a couple of minutes to get this hitch on your car. You’ll also love the centre arm that folds down quickly so that you can access the back of your auto without dismounting the rack.
The XC touts improved grip arms, complete with a frame-friendly coating to protect your bike’s shine and paint. And while this unit will fit wheel sizes ranging from 20 to 29 inches, it can haul fat bikes (you have to purchase the tire trays separately though).
We suggest that you get the locking hitch pin and the security cable more for long trips.
1. Allen Sports Deluxe
Allen Sports outdid themselves with the Deluxe. Arguably one of the best bike rack if you have a family’s worth of bikes to haul, this unit has a maximum load capacity of 120 pounds. It can carry up to four bikes at once – and that’s not all it has to offer.
You can tilt the main mast back and fro in a flash whenever you need to access the liftgate. The exclusive tie-down system secures and protects your bikes while the no-wobble bolt enables you to position your rack in place with no extra tools required.
On top of that, the carry arms fold down quickly whenever you’re not using the rack, by extension providing greater flexibility with your vehicle.
Other highlights worth mentioning include the 22 inches carry arms, the stylish black powder finish and the individual bike cradles.
While there’s no denying that the Deluxe is a top-notch hitch mount, it is the affordability that has kept happy travellers coming back for more. And, most importantly, this unit is available at a very competitive cost in comparison to what it has to provide.
One more thing; the padded cradles swivel at 360 degrees so the Deluxe can accommodate old-shaped frames.
Conclusion – Wrapping It Up!
Bike racks are a significant investment.
You need to make sure, therefore, that the model you choose can carry your bicycle whenever you want it to and most importantly, without wobbles.
Our best bike reviews seek to equip you with the info you need to make the correct choice.
We hope that reading them has indeed placed you on the right launch pad to spend your money on a rack that is in line with your needs.
