Best 2 Bike Platform Hitch Rack: Top Picks Of 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Allen Sports Easy Load Deluxe 2-Bike Hitch Rack, Model XR200, Black
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Allen Sports Easy Load Deluxe 2-Bike Hitch Rack, Model XR200, Black

The Allen Sports Easy Load Deluxe 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Carrier provides you with a safe, secure and convenient way to transport your two bikes. With a sturdy steel frame and secure locking system you can finally say goodbye to the days of struggling with your bikes on the back of your car. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack , Black, 2-Inch Receiver

The Swagman XC2 Hitch Rack is an ultra-stable and durable bike rack that is perfect for anyone from the everyday commuter or weekend warrior to the serious cyclist. The semi-soft rubber cradles secure your bike with a custom fit, and the fully adjustable arms make it possible to carry up to two bikes at a time. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack Platform Style 2-Bike Rack

MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack Platform Style 2-Bike Rack is the perfect rack for you to bike with. The rack features a unique hook adjusting system designed to allow quick height adjustment of hooks using quick pins then fine adjustments. This bike rack is also perfect for carrying on your car, truck or SUV. Read Review

4. Best Safety: KAC K2 2” Hitch Mounted Rack 2-Bike Platform Style Carrier

With this stylish hitch-mounted bike carrier, you can transport two bikes on your vehicle and create a smooth and safe ride for you and your passenger. The 2" Hitch Mounted Rack is compatible with vehicles carrying a 2" receiver hitch and includes adjustable tilt-out arms that fold out of the way when not in use. Read Review

When you own a car, you need to transport your bikes as well. However, most car manufacturers don’t offer storage space on their vehicles for two bicycles. This is where the best 2-bike platform hitch rack comes in handy. It allows you to safely and securely store two bicycles in your car while keeping them upright.

This article highlights the best-rated 2 bike platform hitch racks available in the market today. It also gives an overview of why you should use one, and which type will be the most suitable for your needs.

To get the results you will read next is thanks to the hard work of our team during 14 hours of product research and analysis. As a direct consequence of this, we were able to identify Allen Sports Easy Load Deluxe 2-Bike Hitch Rack, Model XR200, Black as the top model for this year. The performance of this product is of an excellent standard, and it offers a complete set of features that can satisfy your requirements.

Our Top Picks

  • Folds up for convenient on vehicle or in-garage storage
  • Assembly required
  • Easy load 2-bike rack fits either 1 1/4" or 2" receiver hitches
TOP Choice #2 Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack , Black, 2-Inch Receiver
Our Score:
9.7
Swagman
  • VERSATILE: Easily transports up to 2 bikes and is compatible with 1-1/4" and 2" receiver Hitch. Maximum weight capacity is 35Ibs per bike and fits 20" to 29" tire sizes
  • SAVES YOU STORAGE SPACE: Rack folds easily in to compact mode so that you can conveniently store when done using it
  • ACCESSORIES SOLD SEPARATELY: Fat tire wheel trays (64674), 1/2" Locking Hitch Pin (64029) or 1/2" Locking Hitch Pin and Security Cable (64031)
  • Includes two foam-padded hooks to secure and stabilize bikes to the rack without scratching bike's finish. Hooks and tire cradles adjust to fit most bikes frames with 20" to 26" wheel sizes
  • Fits Class III and IV standard 2" hitch receivers. 80 lbs Maximum Capacity or up to 40 lbs per bike
  • Fit Type: Universal Fit.Patent Pending.PLEASE SCROLL DOWN AND BROWSE OUR A+ PAGES FOR MORE PRODUCT INFORMATION..Unique hook design adjustments using quick hitch pins assist in accommodating different size bike frame for safe and reliable transport.
  • LIMITED LIFETIME MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: KAC will replace defective parts or materials for as long as you own your rack. (Please note that use on RVs and 5th-wheel trailers is prohibited.)
  • SAFE AND SECURE, EVERY TRIP: With tire and frame straps, locking adjustable padded frame hooks, and a locking anti-wobble hitch system, your bike is safe and secure from bumps, bangs, and theft on this powder-coated, heavy-duty hitch bike rack.
  • NO-SWEAT SETUP: Spend more time on your bike and less time in the garage. Quickly assemble and mount this bike rack on your car, truck, or SUV and hit the road (check out our assembly videos). Easy-to-follow assembly instructions and all assembly and installation hardware are included.
  • Folds up flat against the car when not in use. Ideal for storage or when parking in a garage
  • Each bicycle sits in a movable wheel tray and uses Ratchet straps to secure the wheels. The adjustable centre post has a sliding and rotating attachment cradle that is used to secure the bikes frame
  • Fit Type: Universal Fit
  • [ QUICK RELEASE TILT DESIGN ] - Quick release handle easy to operate. Smart Tilting construction used to fold up and down rack more easily than hitch pin when carrying bikes.
  • [ EXTRA GIFT FOR YOUR SAFETY ] - Extra safety reflector and tie down strap including. Safety reflector to ensuring the night driving safety. And highly recommended to use safety strap to secure bikes more safely.
  • [ BIKE COMPATIBILITY ] - Easily transports up to 2 bikes and is compatible with 2" hitch receiver. Fits most frame sizes, shapes and style including Fat Tire and Electric Bikes . Bikes with low Y-frame may require the use of an Bike Frame Adapter for better support .Maximum capacity of 70Ibs per bike
  • FIT FOR ALL: Kids' bikes. Step-thru frames. Tri-bikes. Small recumbents. The list goes on. Basically, if you've got it, chances are the Freedom can move it (up to 60 lbs per bike)
  • RACKET STRAPS: Easy and adjustable to keep any size bike secure
  • WHEELBASE: This rack fits a wheelbase up to 48" right out of the box. If your bike has a longer wheel base, you will need our long wheelbase bar
  • [ QUICK ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION] - Rack can be quickly assembly and removed using our included quick hitch pins for safe and reliable transport and compact storage
  • [ EXTRA GIFT FOR YOUR SAFETY ] - Extra safety reflector and tie down strap including. Safety reflector to ensuring the night driving safety. And highly recommended to use safety strap to secure bikes more safely.
  • [ ANTI-WOBBLE SYSTEM ] - No-wobble bolt is designed to eliminate movement of rack inside of hitch.And the rack also suit for 5/8"" normal pin or locking hitch pin,if you don’t want to use No-wobble bolt.
  • E bikes support and ramp compatible
  • The rack is not suitable for RVs, Camping cars, trailers, etc. We do not recommend this rack for use on models of the Ford Flex which have centrally positioned exhaust pipes, due to the risk of burning/melting the bicycle tires and/or wheel supports.
  • The low platform design, sturdy construction and a total 110lbs capacity of the BUZZRACK Approach make it a perfect choice for hauling heavier bikes like downhill or e-bikes.
  • Easy to store when not in use
  • Easily carries three bikes from 12" To 29"
  • Maximum 35 lbs. per bike (105 lbs. Total)

To Choose The best 2 bike platform hitch rack, What Criteria Do You Need To Study Before?

Almost all buyers are anxious about getting best 2 bike platform hitch rack. Whenever creating multiple purchases, various issues need to be resolved. Our market expertise will give you help to make the best shopping selection.

Please consider the following factors before selecting best 2 bike platform hitch rack:

Bike Capacity

Generally speaking, platform racks are capable of holding anywhere between one and four bikes (if an extension is purchased), while hanging racks hold up to five bikes. The 1UP Recon Rack 6 can hold six bikes vertically and is a notable exception. Most riders prefer the 2-bike model, however families and those who plan to take their bikes on group rides may want to consider a hanging model with a larger capacity or one of these platform add-ons.

Mounting Systems

Two ways can you lock your bike on a mounting system are available. First and foremost is the strap system. The strap system is usually composed of an elastic or ratcheting strap that covers a portion of your bicycle. It's usually the frame in hanging racks, but it can also be used for platform racks to hold the wheels.
This is most commonly used in platform racks. It is an arm that extends from the platform to ratchet down on your bike's tires. They secure the bike to the platform. They are often reinforced with straps that run around the wheel's bottom to increase security.
The strap system is used in every hanging rack that we have seen. It's strong and reliable, but it can be damaged or broken by users. Many straps secure bikes with at least two straps at every attachment point. Your bike could fall off if the shepherd's hook is broken (which happens very rarely).

Durability

Hitching racks are very durable. As they transport loads on rough roads, the single attachment point places a great deal of stress on racks. They are usually made of sturdy materials like steel so breaks rarely happen at their attachment point.

Bike Frame Compatibility

The shape of your top tube is important when hanging bicycle racks. To hang your bike, you'll need to have a triangular-shaped bike frame. This is the case for both traditional mountain bikes and hardtails.
Hanging racks may not work well if your bike is a mountain bike or step-through, as well as a smaller child's bike.

Bike Wheelbase Compatibility

The wheelbases of mountain bikes are getting longer, with longer design trends. There may be compatibility problems with certain platforms racks. This won't affect most people, but it will be of concern to larger downhill riders who use large, uphill-oriented mountain bikes. You can check your bike online by searching for a diagram. Bike manufacturers almost always include the wheelbase. You can also measure the distance between the rear and front axles to check your bike's wheelbase. This number can be used to compare your bike's wheelbase with the maximum spec of the rack that you are interested in buying.

Security

Two main vulnerabilities of bike racks are theft. The bikes can be taken off the rack and the rack can be taken down. It doesn't matter if the bikes are there; racks can also be valuable items to potential thieves.
It only takes seconds for someone to steal your bicycle from the rack, whether you are going to a shop or just to get you home at night.
Your entire rack can be taken if someone is equipped with the right tools. If you don’t own a garage, this can pose a problem.

Wheel Size And Tire Width Compatibility

While tire size and wheel width don't matter when selecting a hang rack, those who choose the platform design will need to ensure that their bikes fit into the provided trays. The good news? Most road or mountain bikers will not have any problems. Every platform rack in our collection can accommodate 26-to-29-inch wheels, and 3 to 4 inches under tires. Problems can arise when you go to extremes with fat bikes and kids bikes that are 12- to 24 inches in diameter or have 4- to 5-inch tires.

Ease Of Use

You've likely had to lift a mountain bike with full suspension onto a hanger rack. Or, if you have tried to Tetris on four bikes from a rack that was poorly made, then you understand the importance of ease-of-use.
Hanging racks are a great option for a common bicycle, the diamond-frame. You can lift the bike and slide it on the rack. Once it is secured, you can bungee it to the front wheel. It also gives you the opportunity to do some bicep curls before going on your ride.
A platform rack is a better choice for bikes with heavier frames or unique designs. It is easier to transport the bike because it has a lower frame. Once you get it on you won't need to move it around to make adjustments. It can be difficult to hang a bike on a rack.
The ramp is often the most cost-effective option, but it's also the most convenient. You can simply place your bike on the platform rack using this feature. This feature is great for riders with heavy bikes such as e-bikes and cruisers.

Bike Weight

Maximum bike capacity
Maximum weight capacity for a bike
If you plan on transporting heavy downhill mountain bikes or e-bikes, fat, and/or cruiser bikes, make sure to check the rack's weight limit. Each design listing will indicate the bike's maximum weight. This amount may vary greatly. For comparison, standard road and mountain bikes weigh less than 35 pounds. E-bikes, however, can be up to 50 pounds. We recommend that you upgrade to a more robust model if your weight is close to or above the max. It's worth it to avoid breaking the rack or invalidating your warranty.

Hitch Receiver Size

Most hitches come in a 1.25-inch or 2-inch size. Before purchasing a bicycle rack, it is important to verify the size of your vehicle.
If you intend to transport several heavy ebikes, the 2-inch larger hitch will be able to hold heavier loads. You'll also find adapters for most racks to accommodate both sizes.

Tilting Feature

A tilt-feature hitch rack is a good choice if you are like many cyclists and plan on keeping your rack attached to your car for extended time periods or want access to your rear cargo space. With the exception of a few very inexpensive options, almost all bike racks with a hitch mount have this feature. Tilting racks are able to be tilted over using a lever. This allows you to lift the rear hatch of the vehicle or open its tailgate. Tilting is possible on platform and hanging racks. However, platform racks can be tilted with bikes loaded. Hanging racks must first unload bikes. It's another reason why we like the platform rack design.

FAQs

How Do You Transport A Bike Without A Rack?

Some bikes can be put in the trunk, back or under the vehicle. However, it may not work if the front wheel is removed. You may not be able to accommodate some bikes in your vehicle. A friend who has a van can help you to transport your bicycle.

Can You Put A Bike Rack On Any Car?

You should find the right bike rack for your vehicle amongst many options. For some styles, you will need to attach a hitch or crossbars/tracks to the roof. Before you make a purchase, be sure to check the specifications on the rack.

Which Car Bike Rack Is Best?

Each person will have their own opinion on the best bike rack for them. It's almost impossible to pick the right bike rack for each situation because there are so many factors.
It is best to determine your requirements and then choose the rack that best suits you. A good hang rack will allow you to easily transport your bicycle around the house.
A platform rack can be a great choice if you are concerned about keeping your bike clean and safe. People who have difficulty lifting their bikes from the platform rack are also able to use it.
You get more features the higher your price. Racks with high-end features include security levers and buttons, which makes them more user-friendly. You can also access the trunk with these racks without having to remove your bikes.
Consider the things you can live without, and what you really need. You'll be able to find the right rack by balancing your needs and spending budget.

Why Are Bike Racks So Expensive?

A high-quality bike rack is essential if you are to keep your bicycle safe. Racks made of durable materials will last for years, protecting your investment. A cheap rack will cause damage to your bike or vehicle.

What Is The Best Bike Rack For Four Bikes?

There are versions of both platform and hanging racks that can accommodate four bikes. The hanging racks are more difficult to protect your bikes as they attach from the top. The bikes can swing or hit each other while traveling thanks to this.
It is possible to space out fewer bikes, which reduces risk. Space is constrained with only four bikes. Make sure that your cradles are sufficiently spaced so the bikes don't collide, even with minimal swings.
Platform racks make this less problematic as bikes can be locked in place by both wheels. This adds stability and strength. Because the platform racks are lower, it's easier to place the bikes onto them.

Do All Bike Racks Fill All Cars?

Although most bikes racks can be adjusted, they are not universally compatible. There are simply too many shapes and sizes of bikes to make this possible.
You need to know the dimensions of your rear bumper if you are thinking of buying one. There are different rear racks that work well with various cars, such as saloons and hatchbacks. You can find the manufacturer's website to check which racks will fit your vehicle.
A roof rack that is not compatible with the current roof bars may also be incompatible. There are two types: the traditional square-profile or more modern, oval aero bars. Oval bars cut through air and reduce drag. They also produce less wind noise. Make sure your roof rack will fit with any shape of roof bar you choose.

What Is The Easiest Bike Rack To Use?

Each type of rack has its advantages. Hanging racks can be used if you don't have to lift your bike. You can secure your bike by placing it on the arms. Then tie the straps and bungee your front wheel.
The platform racks are easier to use than the cradles, but they require less muscle. They do require a little more effort to secure the bike. Swing-away racks make it easy to reach the rear of your bike. If you have a lot to carry (for example, camping trips), one of these racks might be a good choice. ).

Do Bike Racks Damage Your Car?

A hitch-mounted rack has a greater chance of being preferred to a trunk-mounted one. This is because the hitch does not have contact with the vehicle's body. It reduces rubbing on the paint. This keeps the rack from contacting any parts of the body where it could damage or dent.
No matter how careful a company takes when creating a rack system, human error is always possible. If the rack is not on the car, opening the hatchback can cause the rack to be lifted off the vehicle.
It can damage the rack and cause scratching. When you reach the back of your car, make sure that the rack is not in the way.
If you aren't careful, bikes can contact your car. Sometimes platform racks are used to transport the bike near a car's rear window. If the road is particularly bumpy, this can make it more likely that the handlebar will pass through the window.
This can be solved by moving the cradles closer to the windows. The front tire can hang unsupported, which could lead to it bumping into your car.
Although it's not as serious as breaking windows, the damage to the finish can be severe over time. This is a simple fix. To solve the problem, secure the wheel using a strap and bungee rope.

Are Hitch Bike Racks Better?

Hitch racks can be a good option if your car has that capability. Mounts that attach to the hitch receiver are better than trunk racks and roof racks. They also protect your vehicle's finish.
These racks are also easier to set up than any other option. This is great news for those who don't need a rack in their car all day. It's attached with a steel pin so it takes only one step to attach it to a trailer hitch and then one to take it off when it's time to go.

Since merchandising consultant pros have a wide variety of expertise, the information above is presumed to be accurate. The data of best 2 bike platform hitch rack is also updated on a regular basis. You may feel confident that the data is current and accurate.

Please report any problems with best 2 bike platform hitch rack so that we can improve your experience. We'll work even harder to improve our quality as a consequence of your favorable comments!


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

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