As a cyclist, you sometimes have the challenge of transporting a bike across the country without pedaling it.
If youre planning a vacation and want to take your bike, youll probably have difficulty fitting it into your cars trunk. Thats why I recommend buying a quality bike rack.
A bike rack is a bike carrier designed to be attached to the back or roof of a vehicle, allowing cyclists to take their beloved bikes anywhere in the world.
When you buy a bike rack, you must make sure you buy a high-quality model.
To help you find the right bike rack for you, Ive put together a list of the best hitch racks on the market.
In preparing this list, Ive reviewed dozens of products and compared several factors, including product features, value for money, manufacturers reputation, and reviews from actual users.
Some models block the entire trunk. Others are a pain to mount and dismount, mess up your cables, or dont work on many bikes.
Of the ones Ive listed, you can get a convenient and secure bike rack that costs between $100 and $500.
Its time to get those bikes out of the garage and into the great outdoors.
Table of Contents
Comparison Chart
| Racks | Price | Item Dimensions LxWxH | Item Weight |
| Kuat Racks Sherpa 2 Bikes Rack | ~$500 | 45 x 15 x 11 inches | 32 Pounds |
| Allen Sports Bike Hitch Racks | ~$100 | 26 x 3.5 x 14 inches | 22 Pounds |
| Yakima - Ridgeback 4 Bike | ~$400 | 44 x 12 x 16 inches | 40 Pounds |
| Thule Helium Aero Bike Hitch Carrier | ~$400 | 37 x 16 x 13 inches | 19 Pounds |
| Saris Bones 2-Bike Hitch Rack | Latest Price | 19 Pounds | |
| Retrospec Lenox Car Hitch Mount Bike Rack | ~$80 | 21 Pounds | |
| Yakima Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack | Latest Price | 34.5 x 64 x 12 inches | 49 Pounds |
| Hollywood Hitch Rack | Latest Price | 36 x 18 x 9.8 inches | 49.2 Pounds |
| BUZZ RACK Express 4-Bike | ~$300 | 43.15 x 35.51 x 33.15 inches | 36 Pounds |
| BV Bike Hitch Mount | ~$250 | 35 Pounds | |
| Trimax Road-MAX Hitch Mount Tray | ~$320 | 42 x 14.5 x 9 inches | |
| Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-bicycle | ~$140 | 5 x 34 x 11 inches | 27 Pounds |
| Thule Apex Bike Hitch | Latest Price | 45 x 18 x 11 inches | 43.5 Pounds |
Continue reading
| Best Hitch Bike Rack For The Money | The Best 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack |
| Best 2 Bike Hitch Rack | Best Roof Bike Rack |
And, if you are looking for a Rack under 200, I wrote an article about Best Bike Rack Under $200, where I compare many options in terms of Security, Capacity, Weight, and other criteria. You will also find a Buyers Guide. Check it out.
Kuat Racks Sherpa 2 Bikes Rack
The Sherpa is great because it is one of our lightest racks in this category.
The Sherpa comes pre-installed with an adapter that allows you to adapt it to any vehicle without buying a special rack.
This rack has a mechanism that puts pressure on the inside wall when you squeeze, which tightens the rack and gives it a firm fit that doesnt allow it to move around the back of the car.
From a security standpoint, the Sherpa comes with a cable lock. It is not integrated into the rack but allows you to secure your bikes to the rack and the vehicle.
In addition, the Sherpa comes with a 3/8 locking hitch pin so that you can attach the carrier to the vehicle and then use this cable lock and the hitch lock to secure your bikes to the carrier.
If you want to access the back of the vehicle, the rack can easily be lowered up to 40 degrees, even with the bikes on it, to give you access to the inside so you can get your stuff out.
This model is also equipped with a sturdy, anti-sway strap that will keep your bike in place and prevent it from shifting.
Pros
- Up to 40 lbs. Each
- Holds wheelbases up to 47″
- Holds tires as large as 3″
- Increased spacing between bikes.
- 2 bike capacity.
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
Allen Sports Bike Hitch Racks
The Allen Sports Deluxe hitch-mounted bike rack has many variations to suit individual requirements and tastes. One of the most popular choices is the 3-bike rack, which efficiently moves up to 3 bikes one after the other.
This capacity is enough to meet the needs of almost any cyclist. There are also bike racks for 2, 3, and 5 bikes, available in locked or open versions.
Thanks to this wide assortment, you can choose the bike rack that best suits your situation without being limited to a sufficient bike rack.
This bike rack can be installed in less than five minutes on the wide range of bike racks available. You install it in your trailer hitch, and its a great idea to go for it. In any case, you have to have the proper hitch to use this bike rack, making it impossible.
It offers a dual-size hitch insert to fit 2- or 1 and 1/4-inch receiver hitches. If you have a vehicle with the proper hitch, you must purchase this bike rack.
This bike rack is made of premium steel with a dark powder coating to eliminate the risk of rust.
The bike rack has folding carrying arms that lower when not in use and a tilt system for easy tailgate access.
The patented individual tie-down system secures and protects your bikes.
Both bolts must be fully tightened to eliminate any movement between these two pieces, and then you are ready to load your bikes and go.
Pros
- 2 to 5 bikes rack
- Long and folding carry arms
- Rack sets up and installs in 5mins
- Sturdy steel construction
- Lifetime warranty
- An assortment of accessible models
Yakima – Ridgeback 4 Bike
Now well check out the ridgeback.
This hitch bike rack is available in 2, 4, or 5 bike models and is straightforward.
It comes fully assembled right out of the box, with no assembly table of parts to attach.
It is ready for a 2-inch hitch receiver but can be quickly adapted to fit a 1-inch / 4-inch receiver.
Its so quick to install
If you have multiple Yakima products, get the SKS identical key system, swap your locks, and you only need one key for everything.
A cool feature of the ridgeback is the tilt pole: To get full access to your rear hitch or trunk, just pull the blacktop lever without loaded bikes, release the mast in the tilted position, and youre done.
You can also use the accompanying safety strap to secure the front wheel to the bike before you hit the road.
Pros
- 3 RidgeBack
- Tool-free locking SpeedKnob
- UpperHand lever tilts rack down
- ZipStrips secure bikes to the rack
- Fits a 1.25″ and 2″ hitch receiver
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Not quality plastic is used in some components
Thule Helium Aero Bike Hitch Carrier
This is the Thule helium aero aluminum hitch-mounted bike rack.
It combines lightweight and easy installation with all the features of Thules heavier full-size hitch bike carriers.
It is compatible with 2″ and 1 1/4″ hitch receivers through the use of the inch hitch adapter.
If your vehicle has a 2-inch hitch receiver, you may need to install the 2-inch adapter.
Positioning the rack can be done in two ways: rotate the rack down, pull the lower hitch switch towards you and pull down on the top of the rack.
The arms pivot, in the same manner, using the upper hitch switch.
The helium boom comes with two lock cores: the first one will be mounted in the locking knob.
The other lock is part of the cable locking system and is located at the drivers end of the bicycle arm.
Pros
- Ultra-Light Aluminum
- Patented Hold Fast Cradles w/ RDT
- No-Sway Cages with RDT
- Integrated Locking Cable
- Sleek Aero-Design
Cons
- Its not that easy to place 3 bikes
Saris Bones 2-Bike Hitch Rack
This is one of the most common hitch racks and probably the best on the market.
Yes, for about $200, you can use this rack as a trunk or hitch rack.
There are 3 sizes available, which allow you to mount 2 to 4 Bicycles.
The Superclamp holds your bike in place using only the wheels, so it doesnt come into contact with the frame or cables at any time.
It is even equipped with cable locks, which are not quite enough for overnight parking but secure the bike during pit stops.
You can load two bikes in seconds and go, with no scratches on your car and no setup time.
The tow bars are bolted directly to the frame of your car and are the safest, without leaving marks on your paint.
Pros
- Injection-molded arms and legs
- Built with 100% recyclable materials
- Carries 2 to 4 bikes (35lbs/bike)
- Compatible with most vehicles
- Vinyl-coated hooks
Cons
- There is some wobble
Retrospec Lenox Car Hitch Mount Bike Rack
As we move our bikes, we must realize they are safe and secure.
The opposite of what we need is for one of our beloved bikes to get loose while driving and hit the vehicle behind us or for someone to come and take it while were not looking.
The Retrospec Lenox Hitch Mount Bike Carrier with a 2″ Receiver alleviates these feelings of trepidation by providing a sheltered and secure bike carrying frame.
This bike rack features premium singular fasteners that keep your bike secure and prevent others from grabbing it.
In addition, the excellent steel contour gives outrageous measures of solidarity and strength to prevent the bike rack itself from breaking or self-destructing while youre driving.
Like our top pick, this bike rack requires a 2-inch trailer hitch to operate. If you dont have the correct hitch, its pretty much unusable, and you should look at some of our different choices on this list to find a bike rack that fits your situation.
Unlike a portion of the different displays, this bike rack tilts down when you need it, giving an over-pros approach to disassembling your bikes and opening your trunk.
For some other bike racks, inserting them means you lose the ability to get into your trunk, but not with this one. You can tilt it down when you need to access the back of your vehicle.
Cons
- Individual tie-downs and cradles
- Tilting the main mast
- Constructed from steel
- Folds easily when not in use
- 2 to 4 bicycle hitch mount
- Secure supports
- Solid
Cons
- Some items material is not high quality
Yakima Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack
Here we have another rack from Yakima. This is one of the best choices available.
Unlike most other hitch-style bike racks, this bike rack sits flush with the vehicle, which can be incredibly valuable if you need extra space behind your vehicle. Plus, this bike rack assembles effortlessly and gets in very quickly.
This bike rack is designed to reach your vehicles back, eliminating the risk of scratches and scuffs on the paint.
It includes a locking system that bolts the bikes to the rack and the rack to the vehicle. This eliminates the possibility of someone taking your bike or the entire rack. Without revision, this rack can hold two bikes, but it can be expanded by purchasing the updated rack.
Pros
- Carries 2 bikes
- Easy assembly and setup
- Fully integrated security
- Accommodates a wide range of bikes
Cons
- Plastic is overused
Hollywood Hitch Rack
Finally, we should take a look at the Hollywood rack.
Hollywood racks are notable in the bike network for their strength and high quality, and we can see that reflected here.
This rack can carry two bikes of average weight: up to 50 pounds. You can fit everything in without confusing features, and the rack incorporates no-swing technology to keep the bikes secure and quiet while you drive.
There are security links that come with this purchase. They increase the value of the overall cost charged, which is not terrible considering the high level of the bike rack.
The ties can be used for the proposed reason of theft or to ensure that the bikes mounted on the rack will not go anywhere.
Wheel racks are flexible for many bike types, even though they do not recognize large tires.
Except for this uncommon type, you should find that every kind of bike you need to take out for a ride is usable with this rack.
The folding of this rack is successful. Its pretty much level against your vehicle when its set down. In theory, this could be a problem as it could hit your rear window in an accident.
Regardless, theres no denying its useful when getting the vehicle into a carport or a crowded parking space.
The wheel supports are customizable, and we found that no matter how they were set up, they grabbed the wheels all around ok that you should be happy with the degree of security youll get.
A few ties are incorporated with the purchase for an additional layer of travel security or true serenity if you stray from your vehicle for a brief time.
This rack is exceptionally substantial; be ready to use your muscles when you insert it or lift it to fold it against your vehicle. Also, the customizable arms are difficult to move and control.
Both of these angles are consequences of the racks strength. Youre making a trade-off, ease of use versus strength and long life. Since racks can already cost a lot of money, I found the trade-off justified, despite all the problems.
If youd rather have a sturdy rack that takes a little effort to move than a cheaper but simpler model that youll have to supplant in a few years, thats also the case.
Pros
- Security cables are included
- Easy installation, no complex tools needed
- Adjustable wheel holders
- Allow easy access to the car
Cons
- Less adjustable than other option
- Heavy
Other options to consider
BUZZ RACK Express 4-Bike
On the chase for simply the ideal bicycle rack for a little family? The tough BUZZ RACK Express holds up to four bicycles.
Pros
- Stage style rack
- Moveable wheel plate
- Substantial powder-covered steel development
BV Bike Hitch Mount
BV makes a truly moderate bicycle mount that will fulfill all your bicycle conveying needs, pulling up to two bicycles.
Pros
- Tilt-back plan
- Wellbeing reflector
- Plate style circles
Quit sitting around and cash on attempting to discover approaches to move your bicycles. Street Max has the tough arrangement that youve been searching for.Pros
- Smaller
- Lightweight
- Solid
Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-bicycle
Who doesnt need a lightweight and all-around-made bicycle transporter? The Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-bicycle is an extraordinary item at a moderate cost.
Pros
- Conveys up to 2 bicycles
- Lightweight
- Moderate
Thule Apex Bike Hitch
This bicycle rack is somewhat expensive, yet you get what you pay for. Thule offers premium bicycle racks that offer endless highlights - and as indicated by analysts, its certainly justified regardless of the expense.
Pros
- Bicycles lock to a transporter
- Supports retain the stun of the street
- Top situated hitch
If you are interested in other types of racks, I published one post about The Best Bike Racks for SUVs that are not Hitch mounted (Trunk or Roof). Check it out
Conclusion
As someone who has owned roof racks, trunk racks, and hitch racks, I can tell you that my favorite is the hitch rack, and in the MTB community, Im not alone.
I prefer vertical hitch racks because they keep the bike close to the ground and dont contact any part of the cars body. For mountain bikers, in particular, I think they are a great option.
Roof racks are excellent, and theyre especially good for rental cars since they dont require a hitch, but you cant usually get them through a car wash.
While roof racks for bikes are a superb choice for those with small vehicles, requiring extra feet of freedom when your vehicle is very tall can be troublesome. If you drive an SUV or larger vehicle, your most logical option is to purchase a hitch rack.
Roof racks can fit almost any car, and hitch racks require a receiver, which can be installed on almost any car. If you have the right hitch to insert a bike rack, I recommend using a hitch-mounted bike rack.
I hope this list of my best bike carriers will help you make the right choice.