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Best Hitch Bike Racks
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
When you are using any bike rack the first this you want to ensure is that it is compatible with your car/SUV. Most of these racks on our list above will work with every SUV/truck as long as it has a proper hitch that is connected to the vehicle. You then want to make sure it is easy to install, as every time you go cycling you do not want to struggle to put on the bike rack and take it off when not in use. Lastly, and most importantly after it has been installed on your vehicle is if it is easy to connect and transport your bicycles and will it interfere with your driving or accessing your vehicle.
The best way to ensure all these factors come into play when looking for the perfect bike hitch rack is to check the customer reviews. There is no better way to get an inside look at a product before buying than by checking the hitch mount bike rack reviews from customers.
Features
Hanging style bike racks are typically the more affordable hitch bike rack style available on the market, and whether you decide to buy one of these types of bike racks is up to how comfortable you feel with the way them actually work. Some outdoor enthusiasts are just fine using them, but they don’t offer as many benefits as best platform bike racks and can also create damage to bikes when they are transported.
If you tend to mount your bikes often and transport them when you ride, then this type of bike rack might not be the best for you. However, if you are only transporting your bikes minimally on your vehicle, you might be able to save quite a bit of money by purchasing this type of bike rack.
One of the reasons some outdoor enthusiasts avoid hanging style bike racks has to do with the way these bike racks hold the bikes—by the bike’s frame. That means the bike hangs from the top tube of the bike rack. It also means that grabbing the bike by the frame could possibly damage the bike frame when transporting the bike—a risk you need to decide upon if you purchase this type of bike rack.
Most hanging racks function better for standard-frame bikes, and a few of these racks do hold bikes by their wheels and not the frames. Typically, hanging racks that use wheel-only mounts are also more versatile and can hold a wide variety of bikes, but also cost a bit more than their frame-holding counterparts.
Sometimes when you hang a bike with an alternative frame on this type of rack, you’ll notice the bike doesn’t sit at the right level. If this happens, you can usually purchase an adapter bar and clamp it onto the seat post and head tube of the bike for extra bike holding support.
Another issue to look out for if you decide to purchase a hanging bike rack is the fact these racks can make bikes sway, and that means they can contact other bikes or your vehicle. Some of these racks do come with anti-sway cradles, which prevents this type of swinging damage, and is really an option you want to consider to reduce the chances of damaging your bikes or your vehicle.
Most hanging bike racks come as either dual-arm bike racks, single-arm bike racks, or wheel-only mount bike racks. Dual-arm bike racks offer the following:
Two arms to stabilize bikes and offer better support.
Spacing between bikes, which can vary widely depending on the type of dual-arm bike rack you buy. However, the more widely spaced the arms are on the rack, the better the stability for larger bikes. One thing to watch out for here, though, is how this affects the fit of smaller bikes. Some smaller bikes may not fit correctly on racks with wide arms. So again, whether you need this feature or not will depend heavily on the types of bikes you transport. Single-arm racks use one cradle arm per bike on the rack and use clamps or straps to effectively secure bikes. Typically, they offer the following:
Single, fixed cradle designs that won’t sway or rotate, although sometimes you might need an adapter bar if you have a bike with a non-standard frame.
Some of these cradles also rotate, meaning they can easily adjust to carry any sized bike.
Not all children’s bikes fit well over these cradles, so keep that in mind if you plan on transporting a child’s bike. Some of these racks use straps to secure bikes in place, making it easier to hold bikes with large diameter tubes.
Wheel-only mount hanging bike racks grab bikes by the wheels, meaning they don’t make contact with your bike’s frame when holding your bike. They offer the following:
Wheel-Only mount hanging bike racks sometimes come as V-shaped racks, which carry a wide variety of different sizes and styles of bikes. They usually use straps to prevent the bikes from swinging. Some wheel-only mount hanging bike racks are unique and grab bikes by the wheels using a vertical format. Many of these also fold up easily when they aren’t being used. Standard sized bikes usually fit these types of racks.
Portability
All types of platform bike racks are made to hold bikes by their wheels. While they typically cost more, they also offer better options and features to protect your bike while you travel. For those outdoor enthusiasts planning to transport their bikes more often, this might be the better option, since you know your bike will likely incur less damage each time you transport it.
Platform racks allow bikes to sit on top of the rack, and typically have your bike’s tires securely locked into the cradles. Most of these platform racks also have adjustable wheel holders, meaning you can fit far more styles and sizes of bikes on them, making them far more versatile than hanging bike racks. They also usually offer easier loading and unloading capabilities when compared with hanging bike racks. So, if you know you need versatility and don’t want something that holds your bike by the frame, you might want to consider purchasing this style of bike rack.
Most platform racks come in either one of two options, frame clamp styles or wheel clamp styles. Frame clamp styles bring you a clamp hook that goes over the crossbar of your bike, securing the bike frame easily. This style of platform rack is very stable and ensures that your bikes won’t sway at all when you travel.
So, with the frame-style clamp platform rack option, there is no need to purchase any anti-sway devices to protect your bike. Plus, there’s no worry about your bike contacting other bikes on the frame or your vehicle. Of course, this feature can cost more, but could also save you money in the long run. Not only will your bike incur less damage, but you also don’t need to purchase any additional technology to stabilize your bike.
Style
With a platform, racks are the wheel clamp style option and with the wheel clamp style, the clamps hold bikes securely by the wheels, so there is no frame contact whatsoever. For those outdoor enthusiasts worried about scratches and bike warranties, this is an excellent purchase. Some bike warranties are no longer good if you use a rack that holds your bike by the frame. Also, if you have a bike with suspension, you don’t have to worry about this rack putting pressure on the bike frame or upsetting the suspension in any way, making it a better option for people with suspension-type bikes.
The style of bike rack you decide to purchase, in the end, will be up to you, the sizes and styles of bikes you’ll transport, your budget, and what you feel you can live with when you transport the bike. Once you’re able to determine the answers to those questions, you’ll be able to figure out what you need.
Top 10 Best Hitch Bike Racks
1. Tyger Auto
This best bike hitch rack comes from a great brand and will work with any vehicle that has a hitch which makes this bike rack versatile if you are planning on using your friends or loved one's car for your next cycling trip.
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This bicycle rack comes to you highly rated from previous customers that decided to go ahead with this hitch bike rack. It can also fit up to four bicycles so you and your family can travel together and all bring your bicycles. To use you simply slip hitch arm into the hitch and lock into place with the lock, you then can load your bicycles with an easy strap system and be on your way.
Features
A nice feature about this bicycle rack is that is folds out if you need to gain access to your trunk. Many bike racks block your access to your trunk which can cause inconvenience when trying to get some gear from your trunk without taking off the bike rack completely. It also has a lifetime warranty so this will be the last bike rack you will have to buy.
Portability
This bike rack folds up to a convent size and is able to be stored in your trunk when not in use or can be stored conveniently in your garage or shed. This bike rack weighs around 28 pounds, so it has some weight to it but will not be too much of a hassle to move around.
Style
This best bike rack hitch is quite stylish and works well with your vehicle. The ability to store four bicycles and fold up and down the bike rack to access your trunk not only makes it stylish but convenient as well. If four bicycles seems a bit much, this bike rack comes in a three bicycle rack as well.
2. Allen Sports Deluxe 4
Another great option for outdoor enthusiasts looking to transport four mountain bikes on their next adventure is the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack, which can fit vehicles with a two-inch trailer hitch. While you do need a professionally installed Class III or IV two-inch hitch for this product, it is an affordable option for those looking to transport several bikes at once safely.
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Setting up the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack is easy, and installing it takes less than five minutes.
Features
You also know you’ll be buying the best hitch mount bike carrier that is built to last since it is made of steel and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Portability
This bike rack is also easy to adjust and fold down when you aren’t using the rack. The folding carry arms on the rack are easy to move out of the way when you aren’t using the rack itself.
Style
Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack comes with twenty-two-inch long carry arms to help individually secure all bikes placed on the rack. This rack includes Allen’s patented tie-down system, adding extra security and safety to help hold your bikes in place.
3. Kuat NV 2.0
Kuat improved its original design on its NV 2.0 Hitch Mount Bike Rack, making one of their most popular products even easier to use. The new Kuat NV 2.0 is versatile and doesn’t require you to remove wheels or lift bikes up over your head, making it easy to secure your bikes onto your car for safe transportation.
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Kuat also improved the bike cable locks on their new NV 2.0 design, making them longer and stronger for better bike security. The ratchet arms are also made to help better stabilize your bike while you are transporting it to your next outdoor destination.
Features
Kuat’s NV 2.0 Hitch Mount Bike Rack has a new and improved pivot system with a foot assist, so the rack is easy to lower and you’ll never have to lean your bike up against anything, risking unwanted scratches or damage. Also, this hitch mount bike rack includes an adjustable cradle, making it easy to place any type of bike into the rack.
Portability
This bike rack is quite large and can be difficult to install and move around by yourself as it weighs around 63 pounds.
Style
Kuat’s NV 2.0 Hitch Mount Bike Rack also comes with a Trail Doc work stand, meaning it is easy to make a trail or roadside repairs without additional stress. Plus, you can easily install this bike rack on your car, since no tools are required for vehicle installation. This is without a question one of the best hitch mount bike racks on the market today.
4. Thule T2 Pro X2
If you’re looking for a reliable, unique, easy-to-use hitch mount bike rack, then the Thule T2 Pro X2 probably offers several options you’ll like. It’s one of the most versatile hitch mount bike racks you’ll find on the market today, bringing a quick setup and excellent bike mount security.
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The Thule T2 Pro X2 doesn’t require tools to be attached to your car and comes with a simple Auto Attach system. Once you’ve attached it to your car, you can easily lock your bikes into the rack, and secure them with the integrated cable lock and lock knob.
Features
When you’re done using the Thule T2 Pro X2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack, you can fold it easily and tilt it away from the rear of your vehicle. It’s very easy to adjust, put on, and remove and has an excellent reputation for securely locking bikes onto your vehicle.
Portability
This bike rack is not the easiest to carry around as it is quite large. It does fold up but even then it can be quite bulky. This bike rack weighs almost 63 pounds, so it can be a lot to put on and take off of your car alone.
Style
The Thule T2 Pro X2 has a two-inch receiver that can easily hold two triathlon bikes securely with a foot of space between the bikes, meaning you won’t have to worry about the bikes hitting or scraping against each other as you drive. This bike rack can hold up to 120 pounds of weight, or about 60 pounds per bike.
5. Thule T2 Classic
Thule’s T2 Classic Hitch Mount Bike Rack is designed as a tray hitch and is one of the more affordable, better-performing options on the market today for the price. Thule’s T2 Classic Hitch Mount Bike Rack is very versatile, and you can adjust it to securely carry just about any bike such as road bikes, regardless of size or style.
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Also, the bike mount itself is fully adjustable, so it’s easy to make sure your bikes won’t contact each other as you transport them. It can hold two bikes securely in place, and also tilts carrier away from the vehicle when not in use, utilizing its HitchSwitch lever fold design.
Features
Thule’s T2 Classic Hitch Mount Bike Rack has a ratcheting arm clamp system that locks onto the front wheels and tires of your bikes, meaning you won’t have to worry about your bike frames getting scratched during transport. The cable locks and the hitch lock system also provided by this bike rack offer extra security when you lock your bikes to your vehicle.
Portability
This is a heavy duty bike rack as it comes in at a weight of around 60 pounds. This means that it is quite durable but will be hard to install and carry around by yourself.
Style
An added benefit of this bike rack is its SnugTite Lock (STL) technology, which locks the rack to the receiver hitch. You’ll get all the bonuses of secure transport with this bike rack, and save a bit of money if you select this product.
6. Kuat Trio
Kuat’s Trio Hitch Mount Bike Rack is another affordable and versatile option for those looking to transport their bikes to new areas for outdoor bike riding adventures. This hitch mount bike rack can carry just about any type of bike you can throw on it, making it a great value purchase.
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This Kuat rack includes a Way Mount fit system that can be mounted easily to almost any type of factor or aftermarket cross bars. It also comes with an integrated cable lock system that locks in at the rear wheel of the bike, and the bike’s frame, for added security during transport.
Features
Kuat’s Trio Hitch Mount Bike Rack includes a “No Worries Warranty,” which is a great feature to have since you know the manufacturer stands behind this product and is willing to replace anything that might break. You also have the option of purchasing an additional adapter kit if you plan on transporting fatter bikes on this rack.
Portability
This hitch bike rack is easily transported as it only weighs around 12 pounds, so you will have no problem installing and uninstalling this rack by yourself. It is also very compact and easy to store in your garage or shed, so it won't get in your way when not in use.
Style
Kuat’s Trio Hitch Mount Bike Rack comes with great durability and is very easy-to-use. The appearance of the rack is also attractive, and the use of quality construction and excellent materials make this a great rack for its price.
7. RockyMounts Backstage 2
The RockyMounts Backstage 2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack is one of the industry’s first platform hitch racks that can also swing away. That means you get an additional three inches at each side of the tray for ease of adjustment and extra versatility.
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When locking your bike into the RockyMounts Backstage 2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack, you also don’t need to use any bike frame contact points to lock your bike securely in, keeping your bike better protected.
Features
The most notable feature with this bike rack is its ability to swivel 180 degrees to completely make way to your trunk without being removed.
Portability
The design of this bicycle hitch rack has a Chromoly hitch tube, which helps make this rack lightweight and helps to reduce corrosion. The total weight of the RockyMounts Backstage 2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack is about fifty-nine pounds, but it can carry bikes of up to sixty pounds each. It also allows you to adjust the bikes you mount so you have plenty of space between them as you transport them.
Style
The locking hitch pin that comes with the RockyMounts Backstage 2 is also anti-wobble and has a strong cable lock. The hitch mount is easy-to-adjust and can fit just about any bike style or size, including fat bikes or bikes with long wheelbases.
8. Saris Freedom SuperClamp 2
The Saris Freedom SuperClamp 2 Bike Hitch Mount Bike Rack is an updated take on Saris’s best-selling hitch mount bike rack and includes some extra features to better protect your bikes while you transport them to your next adventure. This bike rack is designed to be very lightweight, weighing only about thirty pounds, making it one of the lightest bike racks out there on the market today.
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This high end bike rack is designed to be adjustable and includes an integrated lock system that is made to fit any bike, regardless of size or style.
Features
Saris also designed the Freedom SuperClamp to include ratcheting arms that pivot on case hardened brackets, meaning your bike is held safely and securely on your vehicle. With integrated locks on both the bikes and the hitch, you know your bike will remain safe on your vehicle as you go to your next destination.
Portability
If you’re looking for a lightweight, strong and secure rack, then this rack might be right for you. It’s a bit more affordable than some of the competition and can help you securely get your bike from one place to the next.
Style
The newly designed version of the Saris Freedom SuperClamp uses front and rear wheel hooks, meaning you can lock your bike safely on the tray-style rack without worrying about bike frame contact.
9. Yakima Dr. Tray 2
Yakima’s Dr. Tray 2 Bike Hitch Rack brings you the lightest rack that Yakima makes, and one of the most lightweight racks out there on the market today. It can carry up to two bikes, and the bike hitch rack weighs about thirty-seven pounds total.
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This bike rack also has excellent clearance capability because the tray can slide side-to-side, meaning you won’t have to worry about any damage to your bike when transporting it. Plus, attaching the Yakima Dr. Tray 2 Bike Hitch Rack is a breeze because this rack is designed with SpeedKnob locking technology plus a tilt lever, making the rack easy-to-use.
Features
Yakima’s Dr. Tray 2 Bike Hitch Rack also comes with an SKS cable lock system, helping to securely lock the wheels and the frame on your bikes so they are never stolen.
Portability
The rack is also designed with a collapsible tongue so that both storage and transport are easy.
Style
Yakima’s Dr. Tray 2 Bike Hitch Rack can carry a wide range of bikes, including mountain bikes, road bikes, and fat bikes that are up to five inches, making it very versatile and adaptable. Plus, if you want to carry three bikes on your next trip, you can purchase the EZ+1 option, sold separately, and add it to the rack for an additional bike.
10. Yakima HoldUp
For its price, the Yakima Holdup Hitch Mount Bike Rack offers several features and benefits most outdoor bike enthusiasts can enjoy. If you decide to purchase it, you also need to invest in their Yakima Holdup 2 Bike Carrier Extension, which is necessary for using it and sold separately from the bike rack itself.
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This hitch mount bike rack is designed to be tray-style and has a low loading weight plus the ability to securely lock in heavy bikes.
Features
The Yakima Holdup Hitch Mount Bike Rack is quick and easy to assemble, and also is adjustable so that you can create space easily between your bikes. The rack lets you lock your bike with the SKS lock system design, keeping your bikes safe and secure.
Portability
It can also fold up when not used, making rear vehicle access easier when you aren’t hauling bikes around.
Style
The Yakima HoldUp Hitch Mount Bike Rack is a versatile rack that can accommodate a wide variety of bike frame styles and sizes. It comes with StrongArm technology which effectively secures any size or style of bike securely at the wheels so that you will never have to worry about your bike frames getting damaged when transporting them.
