Contents
- 1 20 Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews, Tips & Guides
- 1.1 1. Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
- 1.2 2. Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
- 1.3 3. Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Hitch Bike Rack
- 1.4 4. Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack
- 1.5 5. Kuat Transfer – 2 Hitch Bike Rack – Gun Metal Gray
- 1.6 6. Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Hitch Bike Rack
- 1.7 7. Thule Raceway PRO Trunk Mount Hitch Bike Rack
- 1.8 8. Hollywood Racks Baja Trunk Mounted Hitch Bike Rack
- 1.9 9. Saris Bones, EX, and Super Bike Rack Trunk or Hitch Carrier, Mount 2 or 3 Bicycles
- 1.10 10. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Hitch
- 1.11 11. Best Overall: Thule T2 Pro XT
- 1.12 12. Best for 1.25-inch Hitch Receivers: Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0
- 1.13 13. Best For Hauling Many Bikes: Yakima Hang Over 6
- 1.14 14. Best Rear Cargo Access: Kuat NV 2.0
- 1.15 15. Best for Two Bikes: Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
- 1.16 16. Best Super Budget Rack: Allen Deluxe Locking Hitch Rack
- 1.17 17. Best for City-to-Mountain Biking: Tyger Auto TG-RK3B101S
- 1.18 18. Best Budget 4-Bike Rack: Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in Hitch
- 1.19 19. Best Budget 2-Bike Carrier: MaxxHaul 50027
- 1.20 20. Best Budget 2-Bike Rack: Retrospec Bike Hitch Mount Rack
- 1.21 21. Best Mid-Priced Bike Hitch Rack: Thule Apex XT
- 1.22 22. Honorable Mention Rack: Yakima HoldUp EVO+2
- 1.23 23. Best Fork Mount Roof Rack: Kuat Trio
- 1.24 24. Slimmest 4-Bike Rack – Saris SuperClamp EX
- 1.25 25. Most Flexible Capacity Hitch Rack: RockyMounts SplitRail LS 2-Bike Hitch Rack
- 1.26 26. Yakima HoldUp 2
- 1.27 27. Best Trunk Rack on a Tight Budget: Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
- 2 Hitch Bike Rack Buying Guide
- 2.1 Types of Hitch Bike Racks
- 2.2 Bike Capacity
- 2.3 Tilting Feature
- 2.4 Swing-Away Racks
- 2.5 Wheel Size And Tire Width Compatibility
- 2.6 Bike Wheelbase Compatibility
- 2.7 Bike Frame Compatibility
- 2.8 Choosing A Hitch Rack For Carbon Fiber Bikes
- 2.9 Vehicle Clearance
- 2.10 Material And Build Quality
- 2.11 Weight
- 2.12 Receiver Hitch Size
- 2.13 Bike And Receiver Hitch Locks
- 2.14 Hitch Mount vs. Other Bike Rack Styles
- 3 Analysis and Test Result
- 4 How We Tested Bike Racks?
- 5 Conclusion
20 Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews, Tips & Guides
Are you a bike riding lover? Looking for buying the best hitch bike racks in 2021? If yes, you have come to the right place. Look no further! Here we can help you out.
Storing and transporting your bike can be a simple task to be done. However, it may be a tough task for you to pick the best hitch bike racks if you don’t have any experience or knowledge. Furthermore, you may find it stressed when you want to transport your multiple bikes all at the same time properly. If you are a newbie, you should learn basic factors before making your final decision.
You may find it confused when lots of different hitch bike racks being sold in the market today. These hitch bike racks have a wide variety of mounting styles, types, and features. Therefore, don’t rush into a decision because you can damage your vehicle or bike by using the wrong type of hitch bike rack. By reading our given analysis, you will be able to come to the right choice. In addition, remember that the best hitch bike rack is the one that can fit your needs and demands. Not the one that has a high price.
Below is the list of best bike racks for hitches, cars, SUVs – mount & trailer – that you can have a look at and get the one that works best for your needs and demands.
What is better than riding with your friends and family members on a nice day? What is even more enjoyable than having some time for yourself on a bike with sunshine and wind? If that makes you happy, all you need to do is find a beautiful place and drive there with your bike ready to be used on the back of your car. That is the reason why people now are seeking a suitable hitch bike rack for their cars. To be more precise, a hitch bike rack will help you to keep the bikes behind or on top of your car so that you can bring them to the right place and enjoy a wonderful time. There are various types of hitch bike racks that can suit your needs as well as your pocket.
If you are interested, continue to read this article, in which we will show you various information about a hitch bike rack. First, we will give you a list of the best hitch bike racks on the market now for you to consider. It will be followed by a buying guide to help you know what to look for when choosing the suitable hitch bike rack for yourself. In addition, there are also other parts like the analysis and test results and how we tested the hitch bike rack so that you can understand how we have come up to that list.
Now, let us get started with our best hitch bike racks for your consideration.
1. Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
One of the best hitch bike racks is the Thule T2 Pro XT. This is considered as the highly innovative platform-style bike racks being sold on the market today. This model offers ease of use because you don’t have to use extra tools for removal and installation operation. In addition, you can also fold the rack up easily when you don’t use it. Furthermore, you can reach the rear of your vehicle easily by tilting the loaded rack downward.
Because this model is easy to use, you can set up the rack easily and quickly. The model can hold 2 bikes comfortably, but its capacity can be up to 4 bikes if it is equipped with a 2-inch hitch. The model has an AutoAttach system which allows you to lock your bikes safely and easily. In addition, you can keep your bikes secure because the model has a cable lock and a lock knob.
Pros
- Hitch mounted
- Platform support
- Carries up to 2 bikes, can be up to 4 bikes if equipped with a 2-inch hitch
- Hitch and bike locks: an integrated lock knob and cable lock
- Ease of use
- Tool-free Installation & Removal Process
Cons
- Price is high
- Weight is heavy
- Recumbent bikes are not compatible
2. Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
Another good hitch bike rack is the Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack. This model has good capacity when it can work well for e-bikes and heavy mountain bikes. The load capacity can be up to 130 lbs as maximum, and work for 65 lbs per bike. Therefore, if you have heavy bikes, and want a quick and easy process, you should consider this model as one of your best choices. It also offers a tool-free installation and removal process.
With its great design, the model allows you to store your bikes easily on the rack with simple steps. The ramps allow you to push your bikes onto the platforms quickly and easily with less effort. In addition, the Thule EasyFold XT 2 is the best choice for those people who don’t want to lift heavy bikes off and on the rack because of its ramps. This is one of the best hitch bike rack which is worth for your money.
Pros
- Work well for heavy bikes
- Fully foldable design
- Designed with ramps that help a lot for loading bikes
- Tool-free removal and installation operation
Cons
- Price is expensive
3. Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Hitch Bike Rack
This is one of the best hitch bike racks in terms of competitive price. During your travel, you can use the Swagman XTC to bring your bikes with you. This model is designed as a heavy-duty hitch bike rack to hold 2 bikes securely. Price is affordable compared to other types.
This model is easy to use and assemble. It only takes you some minutes to assemble by following the given instructions. Once it is installed, you can load and unload your bikes to the vehicle easily and securely. This model can fit most frame sizes, shapes, and styles (ideal is from 20″ to 29″ wheel sizes). This rack can only fit 1.25-inch to 2-inch hitches.
Pros
- Price is affordable
- Easy to assemble and use
- Storage space saving
- Keep your bikes securely
- The maximum weight capacity is up to 35Ibs. per bike
Cons
- Work for only 2 bikes
4. Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack
Looking for something that can work for a 2-bike rack at great features? The Kuat NV 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack is what you can consider as your choice. This is definitely a best hitch bike rack offers great capability and innovative features that can satisfy your needs and demands. You can store your bike securely and easily because it has the adjustable front tire cradle system. This platform-style rack can offer a perfect fit for every wheel size.
Because of its features, the model offers good loading and unloading operation. You can also feel free from worries during transport due to the integrated cable locks. Your bikes will be kept secured and stable by these durable locks.
This bike rack can be upgraded to a 4-bike carrier, but you need to buy extra stuff, and these sold separately. One of the best features is the integrated trail dock work stand that can help with the flexible adjustment. Therefore, you can load and unload your bikes to your vehicle easily and quickly.
Pros
- Weight capacity is up to 60 lbs. per bike
- Fully integrated cable locks
- Tool-free installation
Cons
- Price is not cheap
- Only for 2 bikes as capacity
5. Kuat Transfer – 2 Hitch Bike Rack – Gun Metal Gray
The Kuat Transfer – 2 Bike Rack – Gun Metal Gray is another choice for you to consider before making your final decision. This hitch mount is a no-nonsense rack that can give you the best features. This best platform bike rack fits both for 1.25-inch and 2-inch receivers. This model is the ease of use so you don’t need any tool or experience to install.
With its great feature named – PerfectFit adjustment system, the rack offers your bike secured with no frame contact is also the perfect hitch bike rack
Pros
- Hitch mounted
- Platform support
- Carries up to 2 bikes
- Maximum weight is up to 40lbs per bike
- No contact with the bike frame
Cons
- Bike locks should be purchased as additional extras
6. Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Hitch Bike Rack
The Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike Rack can fit all kinds of frame shapes, sizes, and styles (ideal for 20″ to 29″ tire sizes). This model offers you the ease of use because it requires no tool for removal and installation operation. In addition, using this model, you can save storage space. This model is compatible with 1.25″ and 2″ hitch receivers.
Price is affordable when mentioned about its great features. In other words, this model is the best hitch bike rack for the money!
Pros
- Max weight capacity is 45Ibs. per bike
- Fits most frame sizes, shapes, and style (perfectly fit 20″ to 29″ tire sizes)
Cons
- Transports up to 2 bikes
7. Thule Raceway PRO Trunk Mount Hitch Bike Rack
If you are looking for a trunk bike rack, you can consider the Thule Raceway PRO Trunk Mount Bike Rack as your choice. This model offers great features that can meet your needs and demands.
This bike rack model is the ease of use that gives tool-free installation and removal operation. It performs very well as a trunk bike rack. However, you should notice that this model doesn’t fit all cars. Make sure you check to see if your car is compatible.
Like other models, you can fold it flat for storage when it is not in use. Using this hitch bike rack, you can keep your bikes safe and secure. These locks can help keep the bikes stored securely.
With its modern technology, the model can absorb shocks during transport. In addition, this model is designed to hold most of the bikes, even small ones. Although the price is a little bit high, it is worth serious investment.
If you are seeking for the best bike rack for the money, this model can be your choice!
Pros
- Trunk mounted
- Can carry up to 2 bikes
- Hitch and bike locks
- Max weight is up to 35lbs per bike
Cons
- Does NOT fit all cars
8. Hollywood Racks Baja Trunk Mounted Hitch Bike Rack
One of the best hitch bike racks for the money is the Hollywood Racks Baja. It offers capacity up to 3 bikes. This model is high on quality, which you can load your bikes to your vehicle safely and securely.
This model can fit a wide range of bikes. In addition, it is considered as an impressive amount of vehicles. So no more worries about the capacity and possibility.
This model comes fully pre-assembled so no worry about the installation. This model is designed as to ease of use so you can fold it flat for easy storage in your trunk or garage.
Pros
- Trunk mounted
- Carries up to 2 bikes
- Max Capacity is up to 35lbs per bike
Cons
- Need to check the size (Fit guide) for a perfect fit
9. Saris Bones, EX, and Super Bike Rack Trunk or Hitch Carrier, Mount 2 or 3 Bicycles
The Saris Bones Bike Rack can be the best choice for those people who are looking for a 2 or 3-bike trunk rack. This is designed with a strong structure and a lightweight frame that can hold up to 2 – 3 bikes. Each bike can be up to 35lbs.
The model is designed with ease of use because you can install and remove easily without the support of the tool.
With its smart design, the model can fit most kinds of vehicles. In other words, the convenience is great when using this hitch bike rack.
This model is built with 100% recyclable, non-rusting materials. It will be the best choice for those people who are looking for a high-quality bike rack at affordable prices.
Pros
- Trunk mounted
- Hanging support
- Carry up to 2 – 3 bikes
- Max weight is up to 35lbs per bike
Cons
- Hard to upgrade to the type of 4-bike carrier.
10. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Hitch
If you are looking for one of the best 4-bike racks, you can consider the Allen Sports Hitch Racks. This model is designed with ease of use because you can install and remove it easily. In other words, it offers a quick and easy process of installation and removal.
This model is designed perfectly for those people who are looking for camping, road trip, and other types of outdoor activities.
With its modern and stylish design, this will make your car look nice. In addition, this model is designed to fit a wide range of bicycle frames. This model is designed to fit either 1.25 ” or 2 ” receiver hitches (2-bike and 3-bike model) or 2″ receiver hitches (4-bike and 5-bike model)
Pros
- Its hitch has a quick-install feature.
- The arms of the rack fold out of the way.
- This model can protect and secure your bicycles.
- This rack can fit various designs of bicycle frames.
Cons
- Heavy bikes can bend the bars
11. Best Overall: Thule T2 Pro XT
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2 to 4 bikes with 20 inches wheels and 5 inches tire width max.
If you are looking for the best hitch bike rack to get, then you should take a look at this Thule T2 Pro XT.
What makes this Thule bike rack unsurpassed? First of all, you will love how strong yet simple it looks, right the first time opening it. What that means is there will be no trouble matching this Thule bike rack with different cars, thanks to its sleek design. Secondly, Thule T2 Pro XT will help you to set up quickly and stay away from any worries about bikes falling on the way. With the robust lock available, this bike rack will enable you to install your bike in an easier way. Thirdly, unlike other bike racks, you will not need to purchase adapters to keep the bike safe. There are also essential accessories included in the package to make your experience better than ever. Most importantly, this top hitch bike rack can fit different types of bikes, from fat bikes to mountain bikes. Therefore, you can save more money on buying more mountain bike rack or trailer hitch bike rack when owning this hanging rack.
Even the best hitch mount bike rack comes with some pros and cons, so this Thule T2 Pro XT is no exception.
Pros
- Can be used for 2 bikes at the same time
- Comes with vital accessories for easier usage
- Fits different sizes and types of bikes
Cons
- Quite heavy for some people
12. Best for 1.25-inch Hitch Receivers: Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0
This Kuat bike rack will be the best bike rack for you to consider if you need a hitch-mounted rack that is simple yet effective.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2 bikes, 40lbs weight max for each.
This hitch rack leaves other bike racks, especially for the 1.25-inch hitch receivers, since it can provide you with various amazing features. To be more precise, this Kuat bike rack is well designed to suit small-sized vehicles’ sizes. You can use it to secure 2 bikes with 40-pound weight max for each one with ease right behind your car. Moreover, there are hook arms, locks as well as straps available to help you keep the bikes at the right place no matter how bad the road is. One plus point for this highest-rated hitch rack is that it requires no tools to set up, so you can do it in a quick and simple way to save time. Additionally, it is easy to carry this hitch mount bike rack anywhere you want since it can be folded and brought along without any struggle.
With so many wonderful features, there are still some pros and cons for you to check out before purchasing this hitch bike rack.
Pros
- Light-weighted and easy to carry
- Simple to set up
- Suitable for small size vehicles
Cons
- Some customers think it will be better if there are more secure locks
13. Best For Hauling Many Bikes: Yakima Hang Over 6
Here is another hanging rack worth considering for you, if you are searching for a bike rack for your mountain bikes, the Yakima Hang Over 6.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 6 bikes, 37.5 pounds each.
This Yakima bike rack will make you satisfied since it can bring you unprecedented values that other hitch bike racks can. Purchasing this top hanging hitch rack means you will have a convenient item for families who love riding and often carry their bikes along on trips. To be more precise, this hanging rack can hold up to 6 bikes and keep them vertically to help save as much space as possible. Therefore, you can keep all your family members’ bikes right behind the car in a much neater way, thanks to the smart design of the vertical bike rack. In addition, there will be no struggle with loading and unloading bikes with this bicycle rack, since you can easily control it with the tilt system. What that means is this system will reduce the force you need to put in to handle the bikes by switching it to your legs, instead of your arms. As a result, there is no need to bend your back and knees to set things up when you own this Yakima bike rack. Furthermore, this hanging rack is durable since it is made of steel, so that it can last for longer and help you to save more.
Let’s check out some pros and cons that this Yakima Hang Over 6 may bring to you, as follows:
Pros
- Space-saving and secure design
- Able to hold up to 6 bikes at the same time
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Rather heavy
14. Best Rear Cargo Access: Kuat NV 2.0
This Kuat nv 2.0 will be one of the highest-rated hitch racks you should take a look at if you are looking for a hitch bike rack for your car.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2 bikes, 60 pounds each.
Why is this Kuat nv 2.0 unrivaled by other hanging rack products? First, you will never have to struggle to start using this hitch bike rack, since it is well designed to bring you the ease of use. What that means is that you can simply flip or tilt it to easily load and unload the bikes. Second, having this bike rack for car means you can protect your bikes from scratchy marks on them. To be more precise, since this hitch rack secures the tires of each bike separately, your bike will be kept away from one another, even on rough roads. Third, there is an integrated stand included to help you check and repair the bike if necessary. As a result, you can be protected from any unwanted accidents and will be able to enjoy a much better experience.
What will be the pros and cons of such a wonderful rear bike rack?
Pros
- Simple to use
- Smart design for well-protected bikes
- Repairing tools for bikes included
Cons
- A bit expensive
15. Best for Two Bikes: Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Here is the hitch-mounted rack you will love if you are up to a hitch bike rack for your 2 bikes.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2 bikes, 35 pounds each.
This Swagman bike rack leaves other high-quality bike racks standing since it can satisfy you right the first time looking at it. With the sleek design, the Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack will be a nice item that can make almost all people fall in love. Made of black steel, it is not only stable but also strong to hold up to 70 pounds. Moreover, this hitch-mounted rack will be suitable for you if you do not have enough spare space in your car or your garage, as it can be folded easily to save space. Another big plus point of this hitch rack is that unlike other normal platform racks, you can use it with various sizes of the bike without any trouble. Thanks to the frame grips that can be adjusted, this bike rack for car will help you to keep all your bikes secured right behind the cars. Most importantly, this Swagman bike rack comes at an affordable price, making it even worth purchasing than ever.
Below are some pros and cons of this Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack that you should consider before buying:
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Foldable to save space
- Suits various sizes of bikes
Cons
- Will take up some time to set it up
16. Best Super Budget Rack: Allen Deluxe Locking Hitch Rack
If what you are searching for is a bike carrier for car, then maybe this Allen Sports bike rack will be your ideal choice.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2 bikes, 140 pounds max.
What makes this top hitch bike rack so well loved by customers? Firstly, this hanging rack is not heavy at all, which means even people with weak arms can still handle it easily. Thanks to that, you can set things up without any struggle. Secondly, with the smart and convenient design of this best bike rack, it will be just a piece of cake to load and unload the bikes. Since it comes in a compact design, this hitch rack will not cause any trouble when you have to park your car near other cars. Thirdly, this bike carrier for car can be folded so that it can fit in smaller spaces. Therefore, you do not need to worry about a great deal of spare space to store this hitch bike rack when it is not used. You can simply uninstall it and put it in your garage or the back of your car to save space. Last but not least, this rear bike rack is available at a pocket-friendly price, so you can get it not only for yourself but also for your friends and family.
If you are already interested in this Allen Sports bike rack, let us check out some pros and cons of it as listed below:
Pros
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- No more tools needed
Cons
- Some customers think it will be better if bikes are kept separate to avoid scratchy marks
17. Best for City-to-Mountain Biking: Tyger Auto TG-RK3B101S
Let’s check out one of our high-quality bike racks, the Tyger Auto bike rack.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2 bikes, 99 pounds max.
You will be impressed at how wonderful this Tyger Auto bike rack is right the first time using it. To be more precise, this hanging rack comes with various features that ensure to bring you the best experience. Unlike other hitch rack products on the market, this one has a sleek design, so you can enjoy the convenience as well as the safety of your bikes. With the tilt arm available, you can get into the trunk with ease. Your bikes will also stay free from scratchy marks, as this hanging rack has soft cradles to protect them. Thanks to the extra strap included, you can stay away from any worries about the safety of your bikes while using this hanging rack. In addition, there is also a lock equipped to make sure your bikes stay at the right place on the way. Moreover, this bike carrier hitch is available at a reasonable price, which means you can get it for yourself as well as your loved ones. Most importantly, this hanging rack is warranted for a lifetime, so you will always be able to get support if there is any malfunction. That will be one more reason why you should give the hitch bike rack a try.
What will be the pros and cons of such a top hanging hitch rack like this one?
Pros
- Pocket friendly
- Warranted for lifetime
- Well designed for convenient use
Cons
- It will not work well with children bike
18. Best Budget 4-Bike Rack: Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in Hitch
If you are on a tight budget yet still looking for a hitch bike rack for 4 bikes, then this Allen bike rack may be your ideal product.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 4 bikes, 140 pounds max.
What can this top hitch bike rack bring you that other bike racks cannot? To begin with, this hanging rack can carry 4 bikes at the same time, which means that it can help you to handle all the bikes for your team’s trips. To be more precise, you will not have to worry about getting another hitch rack for some special occasions, since this best 4 bike hitch rack can handle not only your bike but also your friends’ ones. The second special feature of this product is that this hanging rack comes with cradles that can be adjusted so that you can easily change them to fit different kinds of bikes. As a result, the loading and unloading process will be much quicker and easier than normal. Thirdly, you will love that this hitch bike rack does not weigh too much, which means that you can handle it easily before and after usage. That also makes it an ideal item for people who have weak arms or are not used to handling big racks just like a hitch bike rack. Last but no means least, you can get this best 4 bike hitch rack at an affordable price, which makes it a perfect gift for you and your beloved friends and family.
Even the best hitch-mounted rack comes with some pros and cons, so this Allen bike rack is no exception.
Pros
- Handles 4 bikes at the same time
- Smart design for easy use
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Customers think it would be better if there were some secure parts
19. Best Budget 2-Bike Carrier: MaxxHaul 50027
Below is another best 2 bike hitch rack for you to take a look at, the MAXXHAUL bike rack.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2 bikes, 40 pounds each.
What is the reason that makes this platform bike rack unsurpassed? Right from the start, you can easily find that this platform rack is the perfect choice for 2 bikes carrying. To be more precise, MAXXHAUL bike rack is made of steel so that it is strong and stable to make sure your 2 bikes stay secured and safe no matter how rough the road is. As the bikes stay still during traveling time, it is less likely that they will shake and touch each other. In other words, this feature can help prevent damaging the bike paint finish layer. In addition, this platform rack has two foam-padded hooks as well as a hitch tightener for less vibration while you are traveling with it. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about lacking space to store this platform rack, since it is compact enough to store at different places in your car or your garage. It also comes with a vertical post that can be removed to make it easier for you to find a suitable place for this platform bike rack when it is not used. Most importantly, this best 2 bike hitch rack will not cost you too much, so even when you are on a tight budget, you can still get it for yourself. By doing that, you can enjoy the biking trip without hurting your pocket.
Let us check out what are the pros and cons of this platform rack, as follows
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Simple to use and assemble
- Strong and stable
Cons
- Only works well with 2-inch hitch bikes
20. Best Budget 2-Bike Rack: Retrospec Bike Hitch Mount Rack
If you are searching for the best hanging rack to buy, why don’t you take a look at this Retrospec bike rack?
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2 bikes, 35 pounds each.
This hitch rack comes with a smart design that can make you feel satisfied right the first time using it. To be more precise, it is easy to assemble with all the necessary tools included. What that means is that you will not need a great deal of time to get it ready for your trips. Furthermore, this Retrospec bike rack can work well with various types of bikes, thanks to the adapter and carry arms equipped. What that means is that they will create a proper space to fit bikes as well as keep them from touching each other and causing scratchy marks. Another plus point for this hanging rack is that it can be folded for easier storage. As a result, you will not have to struggle to find a place to store it when you do not use it. Despite coming with various convenient features, it is available at an affordable price in comparison with other hitch-mounted racks on the market. Therefore, even when you do not use that hitch rack too often, you can still purchase it in advance so you can use it anytime you go out with your loved ones and want to carry some bikes along. You can also get it as a gift for your friends or family members, since who does not love such a useful item like this?
If you are already interested in this bicycle rack, then you should check out its pros and cons before making a decision:
Pros
- Smart design for easy usage and storage
- Pocket friendly
- Simple to assemble
Cons
- Customers prefer some more secure options
21. Best Mid-Priced Bike Hitch Rack: Thule Apex XT
If what you are looking for is a hanging rack that is both affordable and effective, then this Thule bike rack satisfies you with all of its outstanding features.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2 to 5 bikes, 37.5 pounds each.
Why is this hanging rack worth considering? Firstly, this hitch bike rack is suitable for all people, even those who cannot handle heavy things, since it is super light. As a result, you can enjoy setting it up and removing it without any struggle. Secondly, this hanging rack is simple to use. What that means is it does not require any tool to be ready, so you can use it almost right after unboxing it. Thirdly, you will never have to worry about running out of space with this Thule bike rack, since it is foldable for space-saving purposes. In addition, it comes with a tilting feature, which allows you to swing away from the hitch rack without moving each bike. Therefore, you can keep your bikes at the right place while opening the cargo door. There are also ratcheting arms available to make sure your bikes are safe no matter how rough the road is. Most importantly, this hanging rack can work well with various bike sizes and types, and that is what makes it perfect for family trips or hanging out time with your friends.
There are some pros and cons of this hitch bike rack for you to check out as followsPros
Pros
- Does not weigh too much
- Requires no tools to set up
- Well designed for safe and convenient use
Cons
- A top tube adapter is required for some bike types like women’s bike or children’s bike
22. Honorable Mention Rack: Yakima HoldUp EVO+2
Here is another Yakima bike rack for you to check out – the Yakima HoldUp EVO+2
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2 or 4 bikes, 50 pounds max.
There are various features that this hanging rack can bring you so that you can have a better experience. Firstly, this hitch bike rack can work well with almost all bikes, even with the 27.5” fat bikes. What that means is that it can become a useful item when you have to deal with your friends and family members’ different bikes. This will also help you to save more since you do not need to purchase another hanging rack just to suit the needs of a day going out. Secondly, you will find this Yakima bike rack simple to use, thanks to the locking SpeedKnob system, which requires no tool to install. There is also an Integrated SKS (Same Key System) lock system equipped so that your bike can stay safe all the time. Thirdly, this hanging rack comes with an optimal tilting system with a foot pedal, which helps you to swing the whole rack with ease. Most importantly, this hitch bike rack has a tray that can be easily adjusted so that your bike is less likely to touch each other and cause scratchy marks on the paint layer.
Here are some pros and cons of this hanging rack that you should take a look before making a decision:
Pros
- Works well even with the 27.5” fat bikes
- Well designed for safe and convenient use
- Simple to use
Cons
- A bit pricey
23. Best Fork Mount Roof Rack: Kuat Trio
Let us check out one of our best roof-mounted racks, the Kuat bike rack: Kuat Trio.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 1 bike, 45 pounds max.
This fork mount rack is chosen by a great number of customers because of its wonderful features. Firstly, you will feel amazed as this mount roof rack can work well with 3 popular types of axle configuration. To be more precise, it will be able to help you to use it easily with different sizes of axles, which are 9m, 12mm and 15mm. Secondly, this mount roof rack comes with a clearance cut way, which will help you deal with various kinds of road in a safe way. Thirdly, owning this Kuat bike rack means you do not need to purchase an additional adapter to secure your bike. What that means is that the design of this fork mount rack will make sure your bike stays in the same place no matter how bad the road is. Most importantly, this roof-mounted rack is suitable with almost all cross bar kinds. As a result, you can feel free to use this roof-mounted rack with different bikes and save more money to buy another bike rack if there are other people going together.
What will be the pros and cons of this mount roof rack? Check this out.
Pros
- Works well with various types of cross bar and axles sizes
- Smart design for safe use
- No additional part required
Cons
- Quite hard to assemble for some people
24. Slimmest 4-Bike Rack – Saris SuperClamp EX
Another hitch bike rack option for you to check out is the Saris bike rack.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2-4 bikes, 60 pounds each.
This hanging rack will be an ideal bike rack for you if you love hanging out and riding with your friends and family. The reason for that is that it can hold up to 4 bikes at the same time, so you do not need to worry about not being able to carry all the bikes along. In spite of being so convenient, it is quite lightweight and can be handled by anyone. Moreover, this hanging rack comes with the dual wheel hooks, which secure the bike right at the cradle. What that means is that it will reduce the contact with the bike and lessen the chance of damaging the bike’s paint. Another big plus point for this hitch bike rack is that those hooks and cradles are adjusted, which means that you can use them on various types of bikes. For people who love to stay hydrated during the riding time, you will love that there is a bottle opener equipped for your better experience.
Below are some pros and cons of this Saris bike rack for you to take a look at:
Pros
- Holds up to 4 bikes
- Lightweight
- Smart design for convenience
Cons
- Rather expensive
25. Most Flexible Capacity Hitch Rack: RockyMounts SplitRail LS 2-Bike Hitch Rack
If you are searching for the best hitch bike rack to purchase, then you should definitely take a look at this RockyMounts SplitRail LS 2-Bike Hitch Rack.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2-4 bikes, 60 pounds each.
Why does this RockyMounts bike rack become outstanding from the best bike racks? You will be amazed by its design the first time looking at it, since it comes in a smart design that ensures to bring you the most comfort. What that means is that you can easily adjust it so as to fit various sizes as well as types of bikes. Therefore, you can use this hitch bike rack on different occasions with your loved ones, without worries about not being able to carry all the bikes along on the trip. Moreover, you can use this platform rack to carry from 2 to 4 bikes at the same time, depending on your needs. The notable point here is that this RockyMounts bike rack offers 3 bikes carrier options, which is quite rare among other hitch bike racks. Furthermore, it is quite easy to adjust the trays to make space between bikes, which helps reduce touching and scratching the paint layer.
There are some pros and cons of this hitch bike rack that you should check out as follows:
Pros
- Smart design
- Holds up to 4 bikes
- Simple to use
Cons
- Requires some tools when you set up
26. Yakima HoldUp 2
Here is another best hitch bike rack from one of the most well-known brands on the market, the Yakima HoldUp 2.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2-4 bikes, 60 pounds each.
Purchasing this Yakima bike rack means that you can enjoy various optimal features, one of which is the ease of use. To be more precise, there are two cradles and a ratcheting hook to secure the front wheel, as well as one more cradle for the rear one. This design will ensure your bike stays at the same place, even when the road is rough. Moreover, there is no need to worry about the lack of space when having this bike rack. What that means is that it can be folded neatly and will not cause any inconvenience for you. This platform rack can fit with various types of bikes with different tire widths. In other words, it will be a useful item on a hangout trip since everyone can bring their own bikes and all of the bikes can be carried along without any struggle. Additionally, there is also a bottle opener equipped on this platform rack so that you can enjoy some drinks with your friends and family during the trips. Most importantly, this platform rack is available at a reasonable price, so why don’t you just give it a try?
Here are some pros and cons of this Yakima bike rack for your consideration.
Pros
- Bottle opener equipped
- Compact and easy to store
- Quite affordable
Cons
- There is some negative feedback about the shaking while it is being used on highway roads.
27. Best Trunk Rack on a Tight Budget: Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
If you are looking for the best bike rack for SUV and other cars, let us check out this bike rack from Allen Sports.
Highlighted Features
Hitch dimension: 2 inches
Rack capacity: 2 bikes, 70 pounds max.
First of all, this hitch bike rack is simple to assemble and you do not need too much effort to do it. Just a moment to prepare and it will be ready for your riding time. In other words, that will help people who are not good at setting things up to feel more comfortable than ever. Secondly, there are straps and cradles equipped to make sure your bikes are safe when you are using this hitch bike rack. Even on the hard and rough roads, the whole bike rack can still keep your bikes remained and secured on it. What that means is that your bikes will get full support and stay away from scratchy marks that may happen. Thirdly, this Allen Sports bike rack can work well with various vehicles, including SUVs, minivans and hatchbacks, thanks to the arms. As a result, you can be free from any worries about your hitch bike rack not working with the bikes. Last but not least, this Allen Sports bike rack is a budget friendly option for people who do not use it too often and just want it to prepare in advance. With it, you can feel free to enjoy any trip with your friends and family members.
What are the pros and cons of this best bike rack for SUV?
Pros
- Pocket friendly
- Will not take up a lot of space
- Simple to assemble
Cons
- Customers believe it would be better if there is a security feature available
Hitch Bike Rack Buying Guide
Types of Hitch Bike Racks
Platform Racks
This one is considered the most preferred hitch bike rack because of its convenience. To be more precise, it is suitable for various kinds of bikes so that you do not need to worry about not being able to use it with your bike. Moreover, the design of the platform rack is low and quite near the ground, which means you will not have any problem with reaching your bike.
The platform racks also come with a ratcheting arm and a strap to make sure your bike stays at the right place on the way. In addition, it will become easier for you to load and unload the bike with that design. What that means is that you will not need help from other people to take the bikes out of the bike rack.
On the other hand, these platform racks are often quite heavy and take up a lot of space. Therefore, it can be hard for some people to remove it and set it up on the car. Furthermore, since they come with a great number of wonderful features, they are available at quite a high price.
Hanging Racks
Those hanging racks are also popular with people who love riding and have to carry their bikes in the cars. The reason for that is that they are quite easy to use and much lightweight than other hitch bike racks. Moreover, a hanging rack is cheaper than a platform rack, so it can be an ideal choice if you are on a tight budget. Since it is available at a reasonable price, you can buy one in advance to prepare for any trip that may happen in the beautiful summer time.
On the other hand, the hanging racks seem to be unable to work well with different types of bikes and often require an adapter to do so. Furthermore, your bikes can easily touch each other and leave scratchy marks while you are using the hanging rack since the space between them is quite small. The wrapper and straps used to secure the bikes may damage the bikes’ paint as well.
Bike Capacity
A normal platform rack can hold up to 4 bikes at the same time, while this number for a hanging rack is about 5 and sometimes 6. If you do not go riding too often and do not carry along too many bikes, you should go for a hitch bike rack that can keep about 2 bikes. If you have a big family or love going out with your friends, then you should go for the one that can help you to secure about 4 to 6 bikes. Getting a platform rack extension is also a good option for you if you want to get more bike capacity for your current hitch bike rack. This way can save you from having to buy another bike rack to suit the needs of a group who love riding. Moreover, when you do not want to carry more bikes, you can simply remove the add on and store it for the next time.
Bike Weight CapacityIt is vital to check the bike weight capacity before buying a hitch bike rack, especially when you own heavy bikes such as mountain bikes or fat bikes. If you purchase a hitch bike rack that comes with lower bike weight capacity than your bike weight, that definitely cannot last long. You will have to buy another one with the suitable bike weight capacity to suit your bike. To avoid that, you need to consider the figure before buying. Different hitch bike racks can offer you different bike weight capacities, ranging from 35 pounds each to 65 pounds each. Based on this factor, you can easily choose a suitable weight capacity for your bike.
Tilting Feature
This is one of the most indispensable features that almost all hitch bike racks come with. To be more precise, the tilting feature helps you to open the cargo door without removing it. What that means is, you do not need to try that hard to access your vehicle while using a hitch bike rack with that feature. This will enable you to use the hitch bike rack more conveniently. The platform rack’s tilting feature will allow you to use it without unloading the bikes. The hanging rack requires you to do the unloading first, and then you will be able to use the tilting feature.
Swing-Away Racks
You will love this swing-away feature if you want a quick swing of the hitch bike rack to the side without any struggle so that you can reach the cargo door on the back of your car. What that means is that you can move the whole bike rack without removing it or unloading any bike on it. That will help you save a lot of time and effort, making it worth considering adding to your ideal bike.
Wheel Size And Tire Width Compatibility
If you are getting a hanging rack, this may be unnecessary to consider. The reason for that is, the hanging rack will hold on to the bike frame, so the size of the wheel or the width of the tires
Otherwise, it is a ‘’must’’ to check if you are buying a platform rack since it will hold on to the tires to secure the bikes on the way. The wheel size may vary from 26 to 29 inches, while the tire width can go from 2 inches to 4-5 inches.
Bike Wheelbase Compatibility
Why is the bike wheelbase compatibility worth considering? If you own mountain bikes with larger wheels than other types of bikes, you had better check this out. It is simple to check the figure online so that you can get the geometry chart to know it. You can also check your wheelbase by yourself and compare it with the figure of the hitch bike rack you are going to get.
Bike Frame Compatibility
The bike frame compatibility is vital to check if you are getting a hanging rack since the hanging rack will hold the bike right at its frame to ensure it stays at the right place. The triangular frame of a traditional road bike and other bikes will suit the hanging rack, so you do not need to worry about that problem. Otherwise, if you are having a bike with the step-through frames, or full-suspension mountain bikes and other same type bikes, you need to carefully check on this factor. Purchasing a top tube adapter can be an optimal solution for this problem, which helps you to be able to secure the bike into the hitch bike rack.
Choosing A Hitch Rack For Carbon Fiber Bikes
To better protect the costly material of a carbon fiber bike, you should avoid the hanging rack that may affect the frame of the bike. A platform rack may be an ideal choice, especially the one with the ratcheting arm holding the front wheel and a strap wrapping around the rear one.
Vehicle Clearance
It is also vital to check the clearance between the whole rack and the vehicle. To be more precise, this feature will make sure you can access your vehicle’s door without struggles. Otherwise, the door may contact the bike frame or the hitch bike rack, or other related problems can occur. This will lead to the inconvenience when using the hitch bike rack, as well as the damage to both the car and the bike.
However, how can you test this factor? The first way is you can do it by yourself, which is quite not convenient. The other way is finding the information given by the manufacturer or contacting them for more clear figures.
Material And Build Quality
It depends on your needs as well as your budget when it comes to the materials and quality of the hitch bike rack you are going to buy. If you do not use the bike rack too often and just want to get a simple hanging rack to prepare for any trip in the summertime, then it is unnecessary to spend too much on it. On the other hand, if you are a biker who loves riding and your loved ones have the same hobby as you, then it is worth paying more for a high quality hitch bike rack. Depending on your budget and your needs, you can choose one of the best hitch bike racks to get. A hanging rack will be suitable for a lightweight and pocket friendly option, while a platform rack can bring you even more than what it costs you.
Weight
If handling the bike rack with and without the bikes on is not a problem for you, then this factor can be left out. Otherwise, if you do not want to struggle to install and remove the hitch bike rack, then you should keep in mind to find a bike rack with suitable weight. To be more precise, a hitch bike rack can weigh from 14 to over 85 pounds, but a standard one is about 45 and 52 pounds.
Receiver Hitch Size
The popular hitch size of almost all hitch bike racks is 2 inch, which can help you to keep the larger bikes in a much safer way. Besides, the 1.25-inch hitch size is also quite popular for standard tire sizes of mountain bikes and road bikes. You can also choose the adapter to suit both hitch sizes.
Bike And Receiver Hitch Locks
The bike lock is vital if you want to make sure, your bike stays at the right place and avoid any shaking on the road. There will be cables to keep them secured in the rack as well as bring more security when you are packing your car with the whole bike rack on. Another type of bike lock will be integrated right into the hitch bike rack, which allows you to quickly use it whenever you need it.
We also need to pay attention to the receiver hitch locks, which will help you to protect your bike from being stolen. There are locks that are available on the hitch pin and locks that are integrated at the rack’s bottom. You can get these locks coming along in the package.
Hitch Mount vs. Other Bike Rack Styles
Besides the hitch mount bike rack with various optimal features, there are other bike racks in the market for you to check out. The rooftop rack, or a roof-mounted rack, can only hold up to 2 bikes and is quite difficult to use. To be more precise, a bike roof rack will require much more effort to assemble, set up, load, and unload bikes as well as remove the bike roof rack itself. A trunk mounted rack can be an alternative option because of its cheap price if you are on a budget. In fact, it may be hard to avoid your bike’s paint getting damaged or having scratchy marks while you are using it.
Analysis and Test Result
Value
As you may know, a costly product does not always equal the best product for you, since what matters is that it can meet your needs. In addition, if you are on a budget, you will need to consider carefully buying a suitable hitch bike rack that comes with essential features and does not hurt your pocket. If you are searching for a suitable hitch-mounted rack, then the RockyMounts MonoRail may be the ideal choice for you. If some trunk mounted rack is enough for you, Allen Deluxe 2-Bike will suit your needs.
Easy To Use On A Daily Basis
Struggling to use anything will prevent you from enjoying it and in the end, you will want to stop using it. When it comes to easy usage of the hitch bike rack, we will care mainly about if it is easy to load and unload the bike and if it is easy to set up the rack with your vehicles. The Thule T2 Pro XT is the one that ranks the highest.
Easy To Remove And Store
It is necessary to check this factor, as we will have to remove and store the bike rack after every use. The Yakima HighRoad and Dr Tray are the bike racks that are quite simple to remove and store, even for people who don’t know how to handle tools, as they require no tools.
With roof-mounted racks and trunk racks, the one which often remains at the same place, the Yakima and Allen Deluxe 2 bike models are also quite simple to remove and store.
Versatile
We have checked all the bike racks on the above list to see if they can work well with different types of bikes. The Yakima Dr Tray is the one that can suit almost all bikes, with different wheel sizes and tire width. Moreover, these Thule and Kuat models are also quite versatile as they can fit different axle standards and can adjust the capacity as well.
Easy To Assemble
Within the hitch bike rack category, the Thule bike rack is quite well preferred since it arrives fully assembled and requires no assembling. The Kuat one requires some assembling, but the Kuat NV 2.0 takes us more time than we expect. The Yakima HangOver is also a hitch bike rack that is simple to assemble.
What about the mount roof rack and trunk mount roof rack? The Yakima Highroad and the Allen Deluxe 2-bike are two models that requires almost no assembling, or ready to be used right after unboxing.
Secure
Protecting the bike from being stolen is vital when you are using a hitch bike rack, that is the reason why manufacturers have provided various types of locks to help you deal with that issue. After our testing time, we found that the Kuar Sherpa has one of the most utilized cable locks, since the cable is long enough to keep the wheel as well as the bike secured.
Durable
To test the durability of each hitch bike rack, we have used them repeatedly and ride them on different road conditions. After checking the quality of material, design and part links, we have come to the result that the Kuat NV 2.0 and the Kuat Sherpa are quite durable. There are almost no scratchy marks on their powder coat finishes. We also found almost no effects of weather factors on them
How We Tested Bike Racks?
Simple To Use
Trust me, you do not want a bike rack that is difficult to use, even when you just use it occasionally or every day. The reason for that is, if it is hard to use, you will have to struggle to use your hitch bike rack every time you need it. Therefore, we have tested all the racks above to figure out if they are suitable for different types of cars and bikes or not. To be more precise, no matter what kinds of vehicles you own, like some vans or trucks, and wagons, you can still find a suitable hitch bike rack for it.
Simple To Remove, Assemble And Store
Since you will need to remove the hitch bike rack in order to store it or use it on another vehicle, you will love one that can be easy to remove and store. A suitable hitch rack will not take you too much time on removing it from the back of the car so that you can change it quickly to the current one. Moreover, if you do not have too much spare space in your garage to store the mount roof rack when it is not used, then a foldable rack is essential. What that means is that it will not require a lot of space and help you to save more space in comparison with those that cannot be folded.
Versatile
Versatility is vital to almost all products, and the hitch bike rack is no exception. That is the reason why we check on this point very carefully through different aspects. For instance, we check if it can be used on different vehicles, if it can bear the standard weight maximum, or if it provides the necessary space between bikes. Moreover, various bikes are also chosen to make sure you will not have any problem fitting your bike into the bike racks.
Simple To Assemble
We pay quite a lot of attention to this factor, since who wants a hitch bike rack that is hard to assemble? Therefore, we test this factor on each bike rack by letting only one person assemble it and check if it is easy to assemble or not. We also check the guideline as well as the tools included if they are clear enough to understand or use.
Secure
Why is this factor worth testing? Since no one wants their bikes stolen while they are using the hitch bike rack to carry them on their trip, we believe it is vital to test out this factor for all our products mentioned in this article. Each bike rack that comes with a security lock will have to be through our tests. There are various types of locks used in bike racks but each comes with pros and cons so that you will know what to consider.
Strong And Durable
To make sure the hitch bike racks can stay durable under any circumstance, we have put them through different weather conditions. They have been used continuously through rainy or sunny days when covered in mud or snow so that we can check their durability. Therefore, you can feel comfortable using any of them without worrying about it being easily damaged or you having to purchase another one.
Conclusion
Having the right bike rack can help you transport your bikes easily. When choosing a bike rack, there are lots of things for you to consider before making your final decision. Some important factors that you should consider such as price, style, type, compatibility, weight, and capacity. Checking these elements can help you find the best bike rack that fits your needs.
In conclusion, that is the end of this article. In this one, we have shown you the best hitch bike racks in the market, with different features and available at different prices for your consideration. A hitch bike rack buying guide is given to help you get a brief look at what to look for when choosing a bike rack. Moreover, we also shared with you various information such as the analysis and test results as well as how we tested the hitch bike rack. I hope that after reading through all these above parts, you can choose the suitable hitch bike rack to purchase. Just keep in mind that, the perfect hitch bike rack for you is unnecessarily the one that costs you the most, but the one that suits you the most.
Read more:
1. [TOP 5] Best Entry Level Road Bikes for Beginners Reviews In 2021
2. [TOP 10] Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 Dollars in 2021 🚲
3. [TOP 10] Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews In 2021
4. [TOP 7] Best Mountain Bikes Under 1000 Dollars Reviews In 2021
5. [TOP 6] Best Road Bikes Under 500 Dollars Reviews In 2021
6. How To Choose A Mountain Bike?
