The Best Bicycle Racks For Cars In 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Bicycle Racks For Cars
Best Bicycle Racks For Cars

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Rack, Bicycle Adaptor Bar Combo Pack

Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Rack, Bicycle Adaptor Bars are optimized for easy and safe bicycle transport by adding a top tube to suspension, step through, BMX, and women's style bicycles. Simple and sturdy design fits most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans and SUV's. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) , Black

This durable 4 bike hitch rack is easy-to-use, simple to install and offers peace of mind with Allen's warranty. The rack folds down when not in use and comes with ball mounting hardware for easy transport. The rack comes in black so that it can match any vehicle without having to worry about color matching. Read Review

3. Best Capacity: MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack Platform Rack for Cars

The MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch-mounted Bike Rack is easy to install and features a quick release system for fast and easy set up. This bike rack fits Class III and IV standard 2" hitch receivers, holds up to 80 lbs of weight and comes with safety straps that secure your bike. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: IKURAM R 4 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Racks Foldable Rack for Cars

IKURAM R 4 Bike Carrier Rack is engineered to be the most flexible, durable, and portable bike carrier rack. It includes a dual-arm mount which allows for a wide range of frame sizes and designs, and offers more stability to the rack. It also features an easy-to-use tilt-down feature for convenient access to your rear of the vehicle. Read Review

Cyclists love the outdoors so it makes sense that they love a car just as much. If you are looking for the best bicycle racks for cars, you’ve come to the right place! A car is an essential part of your everyday life and you need to make sure your car is equipped with all of the right accessories. Whether you have a sports car or an SUV, there are plenty of great accessories that will make your vehicle part of your outdoor experience.

Here we will look at some of the best bicycle racks for cars and how they can help you get more use from your ride.

You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 13 hours conducting surveys through 13,416 real customer reviews. Because of this, we came to the conclusion that the best-reviewed product is Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Rack, Bicycle Adaptor Bar Combo Pack. And Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) , Black is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.

Our Top Picks

  • Padded lower frame protects vehicle, and left and right side straps for lateral stability
  • IMPORTANT, PLEASE CONSULT MANUFACTURER WEB PAGE FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE FIT
  • Includes bicycle adaptor bar for easy bicycle transport by adding top tube to suspension, step through, BMX, and women's style bicycles
  • Allen's warranty does not cover items purchased through third-party sellers
  • 22 inch long carry arms individually secure bicycles with Allen's patented tie down system
  • Folding carry arms quickly drop out of the way when rack is not in use. Minor assembly required.
  • 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.
  • Fits Class III and IV standard 2" hitch receivers. 80 lbs Maximum Capacity or up to 40 lbs per bike
  • Vertical post can be quickly removed for compact storage
  • 🎄Easy fold-down Arms: Be folded up quickly when bike racks not in use for compact transport and easy storage.
  • 🎄Dual-Arm Mounting Design: Optimized dual-arm bike carrier rack which spacing accommodates bicycles of a wide range of frame sizes and designs, more stable and easily accommodates up to 4 bikes.
  • 🎄Easy Tilt-Down Access £ºConvenient access to rear of vehicle with easy-to-use tilt-down feature
  • CAPACITY: Carries 2 bikes (35lb/bike), ratcheting anti-sway straps for a secure hold
  • COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with most vehicles frame fits over most spoilers; rubberized feet protect car and coated straps protect bike
  • CLEAN, SLEEK LOOK: Arc–based design separates bikes on different levels; spring buckle straps with vinyl-coated hooks
  • 🎄Easy fold-down Arms: Be folded up quickly when bike racks not in use for compact transport and easy storage.
  • 🎄Dual-Arm Mounting Design: Optimized dual-arm bike carrier rack which spacing accommodates bicycles of a wide range of frame sizes and designs, more stable and easily accommodates up to 2 bikes.
  • 🎄Rigid All Steel Constructed Bike Hitch Rack: Long-lasting and durable all steel construction with protective powder paint finish
  • [ 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.
  • [ FOLDABLE AND TILT BACK DESIGN ] - The tilt backward design enables users to open the rear gates without detaching the hitch rack. User can fold up the rack when not in use. Smart idea to save space!
  • [ 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
  • PLATFORM CARRIER: Much Easier to put your bicycles on than clamp holder, and compatible with all kind of bicycles. The bike is securely sitting in the tire holders, so no heavy load on the top tube compared with other carriers. No more swinging handlebar and spinning wheels which may cause scratches on car or bike.
  • ADJUSTABLE FOAM PROTECTOR: There's an adjustable foam protector to prevent scratching or hitting of bicycles.
  • FOLDABLE: The arms could be folded for you to access the car rear boot or easy storage when not in use. 2 BIKE RACK , 2" HITCH Weight: 16Kg = 35.274lbs, Max Load: 20kg or 45lbs per bike.
  • Easy installation in minutes. (DIY instruction included in package.) NOTE: Provided Safety Strap must be installed to stabilize bikes while driving. Otherwise, any resulting accident and damage will not be covered by warranty.
  • TYGER No-Hassle Limited Lifetime Warranty for US customers!
  • One bike capacity (Max 25KG or 55LB) with sturdy and handy construction. Padded lower frame keeps bicycles away from vehicle. (Safety strap included.)
10 MARVOWARE 2'' Hitch Bike Rack for Cars
Our Score:
7.7
MARVOWARE
  • 🚲【ANTI-WOBBLE SYSTEM】: No-wobble bolt inside the hitch successfully eliminates the shake and movement of rack, increases safety during the journey.
  • 🚲【QUALITY 2-BIKE CARRIER】: With high-quality powder-coated steel tubing structure and stable platform style you can tell from the pictures, this bicycle rack for car transports 2 bikes up to 65lbs each. Adjustable soft-foam padded clamp and rear tire base secure your valuable ebike and prevent it from scratching, when your SUV is bumping along the mountain road.
  • 🚲【SMART TILT FOR CARGO ACCESS】: Quick Release and Tilt design allows hitch mounted rack carrier to be swung down from the vehicle for rear cargo access while loaded, or folded up for storage when not in use.

Which Characteristics To Consider On Selecting best bicycle racks for cars For March?

To make a practical purchase, you guys need to be aware of best bicycle racks for cars ultimately. Several key factors must be taken into account and evaluated. Of course, there are some challenges for you during the process of studying products. So we are available here to provide you with comprehensive advice and support.

The thing we can do is our best to make your purchase reach the highest quality. You are now the customer who is king in today’s market. In order to have an informed decision, you have to look at the FAQs below first:

  • Where can you take support about this product?
  • What is considered the best one among these products?
  • How important is the user’s research on the product?
  • What are the positive sides this product offers you?
  • What is the value of this product which makes us invest in?

You are expected to use these descriptions as a starting point when choosing best bicycle racks for cars. Our experts have utilized AI tools and Big Data to compile data analysis. So the picture of the product you are reading here is accurate and reliable. 

Thanks to the evaluation supported by high technology, we have come with some significant features for you to go through. Let’s check it!

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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 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.

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. ).

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.

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.

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.

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.

All in all, you guys now are able to stay up to date on best bicycle racks for cars of 2024 with new information. As mentioned, on top of that, the fluctuation of sources like websites and forums, you must be aware of which is best reliable for you. 

Honestly, we are delighted to have the chance to support you with product-related issues and additional concerns as well. So it would be best if you didn't hesitate to contact us. Feel free for that!


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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.

Read Katie's full bio