Bike racks provide cyclists with a convenient and secure way to transport their bicycles. As cycling continues to grow in popularity for both recreation and commuting, bike racks have become an essential accessory for many riders. Bike racks allow you to bring your bike anywhere your vehicle can take you. They free up interior space, reduce the risk of damage to your car, and provide easy access to your bike at your destination.
Bike racks attach to the roof, rear hatch, or trailer hitch of your vehicle. Each style has its own advantages and considerations. Hitch and trunk mounted racks tend to be the most affordable options, while roof racks maximize ground clearance. Most bike racks can carry 1-4 bikes safely and securely. High quality bike racks are constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials and engineered for a tight, wobble-free fit.
The right bike rack can make bringing your bike on road trips or to trailheads a breeze. With so many options on the market, you can find the perfect match for your vehicle, bike(s), and budget. This guide will cover the pros and cons of different bike rack types, top brands, key features, and provide recommendations to help you select the ideal rack for your needs.
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Types of Bike Racks
There are several main types of bike racks to choose from:
Hitch Best Bike Racks
Hitch bike racks attach to a trailer hitch on your vehicle. They are very stable and secure, and often allow you to carry multiple bikes. However, you need a towing hitch on your vehicle to use them. Hitch racks come in two main styles – hanging racks that suspend the bike by its top tube, and platform racks that hold the bike upright by its wheels.
Roof Best Bike Racks
As the name suggests, roof racks attach to your vehicle’s roof racks or crossbars. They hold your bikes overhead and out of the way. Roof racks are easy to load and work with most vehicles. However, lifting bikes up that high can be challenging, and you need to be mindful of overhead clearance.
Trunk Best Bike Racks
Trunk racks strap onto your vehicle’s trunk or rear hatch. They are affordable and easy to install, but can obstruct rear visibility and access to the rear of your vehicle. Trunk racks work best for lighter bikes and are less stable than hitch or roof racks.
Indoor Bike Racks
Indoor bike racks provide organized bike storage inside your home or apartment. Freestanding and wall-mounted racks keep your bike off the floor and help save space. Indoor racks are great for security and protecting your bike from the elements.
Hitch Bike Racks
Hitch bike racks are one of the most popular and versatile options for transporting bikes. They attach to a trailer hitch on your vehicle, allowing you to carry multiple bikes securely.
Pros:
- Higher weight limits, often able to carry up to 4 bikes
- Bikes don’t touch vehicle, preventing scratches
- Easy access to trunk and rear of vehicle
- More stable and secure while driving
Cons:
- Requires hitch on vehicle
- Can block license plate and rear view
- Adds length to vehicle
Hitch racks are ideal for families or groups needing to transport multiple bikes. They come in two main styles:
Platform Racks – Bikes sit on wheeled trays that slide out for loading, allowing ground access to bikes. Weight limits are typically around 60 lbs per tray. Easy to load but bikes may sway.
Hanging Racks – Bikes hang vertically by their top tubes. More compact but lifting bikes on and off can be tricky. Weight limits around 40 lbs per bike.
Installing a hitch rack is straightforward. Simply insert the rack into your trailer hitch and secure it. Some models allow tilting or folding the rack down when not in use. Be sure to check your vehicle manual for exact hitch load capacities. Proper installation is key to safety.
Roof Bike Racks
Roof bike racks attach to the roof of your vehicle using crossbars or roof racks. They are a popular choice for many reasons:
Pros:
- Get bikes up and out of the way for improved rear visibility and trunk access.
- Increased ground clearance compared to hitch racks.
- Easy to load and unload without bending over.
- Can hold multiple bikes (typically 2-4).
- No hitch required.
Cons:
- Roof height restrictions in garages or drive-thrus.
- Lifting bikes onto the roof can be challenging.
- Increased wind noise at highway speeds.
- Risk of damage to bikes or vehicle from improper mounting.
Weight Limits: Most quality roof racks have weight capacities of 120-165 lbs. This allows transporting 2-4 average bikes. Always check manufacturer limits.
Installation: Roof bike racks require crossbars or roof racks firmly secured to the roof of the vehicle. Rubberized mounts attach the bike rack securely without damaging the vehicle. Proper installation is key to safely transporting bikes at highway speeds. Roof racks should be locked to crossbars when not in use.
Trunk Bike Racks
Trunk bike racks are a popular option for transporting bikes using the rear trunk of a vehicle. Here are some of the main pros and cons of trunk racks:
Pros
- Easy to install. Trunk racks use straps and padding to attach to the rear of most vehicles. Once installed, they can be easily mounted and removed as needed.
- Good for limited space. Trunk racks carry bikes vertically, which keeps them out of the way and prevents them from blocking rear visibility or a rear-mounted license plate. This makes them a good choice for small cars and sedans.
- No hitch required. Unlike hitch racks, trunk racks don’t require a trailer hitch. They can be used on any vehicle with a trunk.
- Often lightweight. Many trunk racks weigh between 10-15 pounds. They are designed to be portable and easy to install.
- Lower cost. Trunk racks tend to be more affordable than hitch or roof options. Simple models start under $100.
Cons
- Weight limits. Most trunk racks max out at around 35-60 pounds per bike. This makes them unsuitable for electric bikes or tandem bikes.
- Trunk access. When bikes are mounted, the trunk is partially blocked. You’ll need to remove bikes to access the trunk.
- Potential vehicle damage. Straps and contact points can sometimes rub against a vehicle’s paint or surfaces. Proper installation and padding helps minimize this risk.
- Less stable at high speeds. Trunk racks attach using flexible straps so they may shift more at high speeds or over bumps compared to fixed hitch racks.
- Rear visibility. Large bikes on a trunk rack can partially obstruct rear visibility. Careful mounting and positioning can help.
For most standard bikes, trunk racks offer an easy and inexpensive transport option. Following the weight limits and installation directions is key. Popular brands like Allen Sports, Thule, and Yakima offer reliable trunk racks ranging from $100-$300. With proper use, trunk racks are a versatile choice for people needing an occasional bike transportation solution.
Indoor Bike Racks
Indoor bike racks provide a convenient and secure way to store your bike inside your home, apartment, office space, or garage. Here are some of the key considerations when choosing an indoor bike rack:
Pros:
- Protects your bike from weather damage, theft, and vandalism. Indoor storage is ideal if you have an expensive or rare bike.
- Provides easy access to your bike – no need to go outside to get your bike in and out of the rack.
- More options for mounting the rack in a stable and secure position by utilizing walls and ceilings.
- Can accommodate odd shaped areas and small spaces that wouldn’t work for outdoor racks.
Cons:
- Limits the indoor space available for other uses. Bikes can take up a significant footprint.
- Requires compatible ceiling structure if mounting overhead. Weight limits must be checked.
- Bikes may scuff walls or drip grease on floors if not positioned carefully over mats.
Weight Limits: Most indoor racks support around 30-50 lbs per bike, but heavy duty racks are available that can handle 80+ lbs. Check manufacturer specs.
Installation: Indoor racks come in free standing or wall/ceiling mounted styles. Freestanding racks rest on the floor and lean back against the wall for support. Wall-mounted require drilling into wall studs and using appropriate anchors. Ceiling-mounted attach to ceiling joists and use hooks to hang the bikes vertically. Proper installation is key for safety and stability. Consult product instructions carefully.
Overall, indoor bike racks provide a secure and convenient way to store your bikes at home. Evaluate your space, budget, and needs to select the right option. Proper installation is critical.
Security Considerations
Protecting your bike from theft should be a top priority when transporting and storing it. There are several things to keep in mind:
Locking Your Bike
- Always use a high-quality U-lock or chain lock to secure your bike to the rack, even if the rack has a built-in lock. Bike locks built into racks can often be broken.
- Take quick-release wheels off and lock them to the frame along with the rest of the bike. Quick release skewers make it easy for thieves to steal wheels.
- Don’t leave any accessories unsecured that could be easily stolen, like bike computers.
- Use a cable lock to secure your bike helmet to the bike. Helmets are commonly stolen items.
Securing the Rack
- For hitch and trunk racks, make sure to lock the rack to your vehicle if leaving your bike unattended. Thieves can easily detach the rack and steal it along with your bike if not locked.
- When storing bikes in a garage or shed, secure the entire bike rack or wall mount to the ground or wall with bolts. Do not rely on quick release levers.
- Park your vehicle with a bike rack in visible, well-lit areas rather than dark alleys or deserted parking lots.
Taking measures to properly lock your bike and secure the rack goes a long way in preventing theft. Don’t take chances with quick release mechanisms alone. Invest in high-quality locks and utilize all available security features. Your bike’s safety depends on it.
Top Brands
When it comes to bike racks, there are a few major brands that consistently rise to the top. These companies have built a reputation for high-quality, durable, and functional bike racks that meet the needs of most cyclists. Some of the top bike rack brands include:
Thule
Thule is one of the most well-known and trusted names in bike racks. Based out of Sweden, Thule makes a wide variety of hitch, roof, and trunk mounted bike racks. Their racks are known for their sturdy construction and smart features like anti-sway cradles, integrated locks, and easy installation. Some of their most popular models include the Thule T2 Pro, Thule Raceway Pro, and Thule UpRide.
Yakima
Yakima is another leader in the bike rack industry. This US-based company offers an extensive selection of roof racks, hitch racks, and more. Yakima racks feature robust construction and unique innovations like a zipstrip frame protector on their hangers. Some of their best-selling racks include the Yakima Dr. Tray hitch rack, Yakima FrontLoader roof rack, and Yakima FullSwing 4 for 4-bikes.
Saris
Rounding out the top bike rack brands is Saris. Based in Wisconsin, Saris makes racks for every type of vehicle. They are known for their quality craftsmanship and thoughtful designs. Two of their most innovative racks are the Saris Freedom hitch rack with a unique arc design, and the Saris Bones trunk rack which folds down when not in use.
No matter which brand you choose, look for a design made of strong, lightweight materials like steel or aluminum. Top brands also offer warranties and excellent customer service to help you find the right rack for your needs. With proper care and maintenance, a rack from Thule, Yakima, or Saris should provide years of bike hauling.
Budget Options
When it comes to bike racks, you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality product. There are several budget-friendly options that offer great functionality without compromising on safety and durability.
One of the most affordable bike rack options is the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack. It retails for around $35 and securely attaches to your vehicle’s trunk or hatchback with padded legs and straps. The rack’s arms feature unique individual tie-downs to keep bikes stable during transport. While you won’t get the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it’s a solid basic rack that folds up for easy storage when not in use.
If you prefer a hitch mount, the Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch Mount 2-Bike Rack is a top choice under $60. It fits both 1.25″ and 2″ hitches and features a simple but sturdy design with 22-inch long cradling arms for a good range of bike sizes. The tie-down system helps stabilize bikes over bumpy roads. One downside is that you have to assemble it yourself, but the straightforward instructions make it an easy process.
For indoor storage, the Racor PHL-1R Pro Heavy Lift Bike Rack proves you don’t need to pay a premium. Offering a lift-assist mechanism for smooth lifting up to 40 pounds, it accommodates 1 bike vertically with included hooks and straps. The powder-coated steel construction gives it durability. Just be aware that at only 18-inches wide, it may not work with larger bikes. But for around $50, it’s an ideal space-saving wall rack.
With a little research, you can find well-made bike racks even on a limited budget. Focus on solid construction and functional design over flashy features. And take time to read reviews to ensure the product delivers on safety and stability before purchasing. A bit of effort goes a long way when trying to save money.
Conclusion
When choosing a bike rack, the most important factors to consider are your vehicle type, budget, and transportation needs. Hitch, roof, and trunk mounted racks all have advantages and disadvantages.
Key recommendations:
- Hitch racks are the most stable and secure option for most vehicles. They don’t interfere with rear access and are easy to install. However, you need a trailer hitch.
- Roof racks provide versatile storage without reducing ground clearance. But they can be challenging to mount, especially for taller vehicles. Fuel economy may suffer.
- Trunk racks are affordable and don’t require vehicle modifications. Though they aren’t as stable and can obstruct rear visibility.
- Indoor racks are the most protective storage option. Floor and wall mounts work for limited space. Ceiling racks maximize room.
- Prioritize stability and security. Look for racks with anti-sway cradles, locking cables, padded clamps. Brands like Thule, Yakima and Saris offer excellent quality.
- Less expensive brands like Allen Sports, Swagman and Ibera still provide decent options on a budget.
The ideal bike rack depends on your specific vehicle, budget, and needs. Take time to research and select the right solution for securely transporting your bikes.
