These Are the Best Bike Racks, Whether You Mount Your Ride on the Hitch, Roof, or Trunk

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A bike rack is a simple, but important piece of equipment. When you strap your pricey bicycle to your even pricier car, SUV, or truck and drive through traffic, potentially at high speed or over bumpy roads, there are many opportunities for things to go horribly wrong.

And, as it turns out, bike racks are not entirely one size fits all: It pays to do your homework before investing in one, so you can drive with confidence when you bring your bikes on a road trip. Whether you’re looking for a trunk, hitch, or roof rack, you should pick your bike rack carefully. Luckily, we’ve done the trial and error for you. We can help you figure out what to look for in a bike rack, and have narrowed down the options to 10 excellent picks that should help most riders get their bikes from point A to point B.

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Best Bike Racks

• Best Overall: Thule T2 Pro XTR Hitch Rack

• Best Value: Ikuram R 2 Hitch Bike Rack

• Best for Road Bikes: Yakima RidgeBack 4-Bike Hitch Rack

• Best for E-bikes: Hollywood Racks Destination E Hitch Rack

• Best for Families: 1Up Equip-D Double Hitch Rack

What to Consider When Buying a Bike Rack

Compatibility

The first thing you need to check when looking at a bike rack is whether it will properly support your bike and install correctly on your vehicle. Different racks are designed for different vehicle types, so a trunk rack made for SUVs may not fit right on a sedan. Some racks offer cross-compatibility, but it’s always worth it to check. Most bike racks will clearly indicate whether they’re designed to fit on specific types of vehicles, such as SUVs, pickups, sedans, or hatchbacks. They may occasionally specify make and model as well.

Figuring out whether the rack can handle your bike may be a bit trickier. Some racks are too narrow for fat tires. Others can’t fit road bikes or step-throughs. E-bikes make things even more complicated, given their extra weight and the wide range of accessories that can be easily destroyed in transit. (In general, baskets, fenders and other items protruding over the front wheel are all but impossible to load onto certain racks without risking damage.)

Make sure to read a rack’s description and specifications carefully before buying one, so you can make sure to buy one that supports your bike. I’ve pointed out certain notable limitations in our top picks, but it never hurts to double-check for yourself.

Types of Bike Racks

Bike racks come in a few different shapes and sizes. Beyond their compatibility with different types of cars, each design comes with certain benefits and drawbacks. Some are easier to load, while others may naturally be able to handle more weight, for example. Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking what to put on your vehicle.

Hitch racks, which attach by inserting directly into your vehicle hitch receiver, are easy to install and access. Unlike a roof rack, you don’t need to lift your bikes overhead. Typically compatible with 1¼-inch and 2-inch hitch receivers, they frequently feature integrated locks with cables to secure your bike to the rack. Many are also hinged so they can fold up and out of the way when not in use or tilt bikes out of the way to provide trunk access.

If you've sworn off hitch racks because of an older model, we understand but it’s worth pointing out that modern designs have dramatically reduced the amount of rattling and unwanted vibration.

Roof racks typically feature a full system that bolts onto your vehicle’s factory-installed roof rails and cross bars via a set of individual fixture points. If you don’t have a roof rack (and don’t want one), some models will attach to your ride using suction cups that vacuum-seal to a flat roof. Roof racks tend to be the best option if you don’t have a trailer hitch.

Some roof racks require you to remove your front wheel, which reduces how high the bike sits on your car. If you go this route, make sure to check that the rack is compatible with your bike’s fork, particularly if it has a thru-axle. Given all that, we recommend staying away from a roof rack if you have an especially tall or heavy bike.

Also, make sure to get at least a rough estimate of the height of your vehicle with your bikes on it, so you know whether you can enter tunnels, pass under bridges, or enter parking garages without issue.

Trunk racks tend to be the most affordable type of bike rack. They attach to the back of your vehicle via straps and hooks, which is great if you want something removable. On the other hand, they leave the back of your car susceptible to dings and scratches, as they mount the bikes closer to your trunk. The mounting points can also create wear marks on your vehicle.

Trunk racks usually hold bikes beneath their top tubes, so they won’t work with step-throughs and some other designs. E-bikes are typically too heavy for trunk racks. They’re also not as secure as other racks, since they aren’t fixed in place as securely.

Tailgate Pads specialty racks for pickup trucks, where the bike hangs over the back of the tailgate. With a tailgate pad you can carry as many as seven bikes, depending on the size of your cargo bed, making them a great choice for families and large groups. Most pads use a Velcro and cradle system that anchors the bikes to the bed and keeps the forks from moving and causing damage, while the grooves in your truck bed hold the rear tires in place.

Tailgate pads aren’t especially theft-proof on their own, but you can use a long cable lock to secure your bikes to an anchor point. They’re a convenient and removable option, but keep in mind that the bikes will be sitting in the bed, which can make it difficult to load additional cargo.

Weight Limit

Weight isn’t a looming consideration for conventional road bikes, but you may want to check the weight limit of your bike rack if you plan to move multiple mountain bikes, or bikes with lots of accessories attached.

E-bikes, on the other hand, are heavy, and many racks simply aren’t strong enough to hold them. A number of companies have begun producing specialty racks for heavy e-bikes, which may be helpful. In any case, though, you should check the weight of a bike rack before you buy it to make sure it can handle the load you plan to put on it.

Security

Many bike racks come with security features to ensure that your bikes stay put when you’re parked, including integrated locking cables or locking tire/fork attachments. Depending on how and where you intend to use it, this might not be much of an issue for you. But if security is a concern, look for a rack that locks.

Special Features

We never say no to an extra quality-of-life feature or two. Some racks—especially newer models designed for heavy e-bikes—come equipped with ramps for easy loading. Some high-end hitch racks can be dropped at an angle to provide access to the trunk or tailgate. Keep an eye out for features that are relevant to your needs.

How We Selected The Best Bike Racks

To select the best bike racks, I drew from many years of firsthand experience testing bike racks from a wide variety of brands and formats. I’ve tried racks that rattled badly and fell off entirely, and I’ve tested others, like the Thule T2 Pro XTR, that held up solidly through thousands of miles of driving, frequently over rough, bumpy roads.

This list also leans heavily on the experts at Bicycling, who have spent years using and testing bike racks from a variety of manufacturers. Our selections represent a wide range of vehicle and bike compatibilities, styles, and budgets. In the most recent update, I took into account the latest product releases as well as the rising popularity of ebikes, which skewed some selections toward heavier weight capacities. Here are 10 of the best bike racks on the market right now.

T2 Pro XTR Hitch Rack

The T2 Pro XTR is a great bike rack by just about every metric. Durable, secure, and easy to use, it should suit the needs of virtually any cyclist. You can adjust the rack hook with one hand to fit just about any bike size, the tire slots can accommodate any tire size, and its weight capacity allows for all but the heaviest e-bikes. Its integrated cable locks ensure that no one takes off with your bikes, and it tilts to a 45-degree angle to allow easy tailgate access.

With a front-wheel hook design, it can’t carry a bike with a front fender, though, without risking damage Beyond that, this bike rack is effectively flawless.

2 Hitch Bike Rack

Affordable hitch racks are few and far between, but the Ikuram R is a shockingly solid option. It’s easy to load, and thanks to the included hitch lock it won’t shake like most other low-cost hitch racks. It folds when not in use, and can swing down when loaded to provide trunk access. While it doesn’t support step-through bikes by default, an optional crossbar adapter offers an easy fix.

RidgeBack 4-Bike Hitch Rack

The Yakima RidgeBack is a lightweight hitch rack with a traditional dual-arm design that makes it easy to load up to four bikes. With easy-to-use zip-tie style attachment points that are padded to reduce bike motion, it keeps vibration and noise to a minimum.

Its tool-free SpeedKnob release makes it a snap to remove the rack from your car between rides, then reattach it when you need it. Plus, Yakima has thrown in a bottle opener for good measure!

It doesn’t have the heavy-duty weight limit for heavy mountain bikes and e-bikes, but it should have no problem stowing a set of road bikes.

Destination E Hitch Rack

The Hollywood Racks Destination E is the best among the new-generation bike racks designed specifically for e-bikes. Its 70 pound-per-bike carrying capacity will bear all but the heaviest of e-bikes, and its retractable ramp makes it easier to load and unload than having to lift the bikes up to the rack.

What’s more, its seat post attachment point means that it will work with virtually any bike format, be it road, mountain, or step-through. It also folds flat when not in use. There simply isn’t another rack that can lug around e-bikes with such ease and security.

Equip-D Double Hitch Rack

These racks from 1Up are so popular that they’ve become frequent targets for theft. The company now throws in a heavy-duty hitch lock to make the rack less of a target. The classic hitch rack design features a twist. You can expand its capacity, so it holds three bikes with an optional (and pricey) extender accessory that easily slides on and locks in place.

The Equip-D Double is popular among families since its wider wheel trays and taller clamping arms make it compatible with a wide array of bikes, including smaller bikes for kids. Its tiered trays allow you to mount the bikes closer together, reducing the space required, and the rack folds flat when not in use.

Bones Car Trunk Bike Rack

While Saris racks don’t have the highest carrying capacity and aren’t compatible with some full-suspension bikes, the brand has set the standard for trunk racks for decades. Carrying limitations aside, the Saris Bones stands tall in the category because it’s easy to attach and load.

Its arms and legs brace securely against the rear of your vehicle while ratcheting straps fix the system in place. Light and straightforward, you won’t find a better trunk rack.

Sucker Bike Rack

Suction racks are becoming increasingly capable, and the Rockbros Sucker has proven itself to be both reliable and versatile. Available in formats that can support one to three bikes, the Sucker is easy to remove and pack, making it perfect for swapping between vehicles or bringing on a trip for use on a rental car.

To install it, simply place the suctions at the appropriate roof positions, then pump the plunger until it seals. The front fork of your bike attaches directly, while the rear wheel is ratchet-strapped. From there you’ll be all set—just be sure to drive under the recommended maximum speed of 75 mph.

Tailgate Pad

There are plenty of tailgate pads out there that hold a set of bikes in place while protecting your truck’s exterior, but the Demon Tailgate Pad stands out thanks to several thoughtful features. It has pockets for tools and an access flap so you can open your tailgate without removing the pad.

With its heavy-duty ¾-inch foam padding boasting tough, weatherproof vinyl on the outside and a soft underside for the benefit of your paint job, it offers the rugged durability we look for in a truck pad.

Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack

When you’re shuttling up and down trailheads all day, you want to get your bikes loaded and unloaded as fast as possible so you can hit the trails right away. The Allen Premier is a snap to load, making it a perfect fit for the job.

There are two-, three- and four-bike models, so you can go small if you just need to haul a couple bikes, or go big and carry bikes for all your friends. It’s also designed to fit a wide variety of vehicle formats, so there’s no need to change racks if you change rides.

Its carrying capacity is modest, so ebikes are out, but it’s an outstanding shuttle rack for traditional downhillers.

2-Bike Hitch Rack

This straightforward, relatively affordable hitch rack from Young doesn’t offer any fancy bells and whistles, but it’s easy to use with virtually any bike. With its outstanding 100 pound-per-bike carrying capacity, it will hold literally any bike on the market, including the heaviest e-bikes.

Some user reviews suggest that it works better with a third-party hitch tightener to reduce vibration, but beyond that this is a great rack for weekend bike adventures.

More Bike Rack Questions with Expert Bike Reviewer Nick Hilden

Will a bike rack damage my car?

If overburdened or installed improperly then, yes, a bike rack could break in a way that might damage your vehicle. When properly installed and paired with the right bikes, as indicated by the manufacturer’s specifications, the worst you can expect is that you might scratch your car’s paint when you load and unload your bikes.

Be careful, and you should be able to keep your car in pristine condition.

Can you open the trunk with a bike rack installed?

It varies from model to model. Roof racks won't get in the way of your trunk, but you should open an SUV or hatchback liftgate before installing the rack to make sure you don't mount the rack too far to the rear.

Opening a loaded trunk rack could damage your car. With a hitch rack, it can go either way, depending on the design: Some are designed to tilt or swing out of the way, making it easy to get into the trunk. If you plan to leave your bikes loaded on your rack, consider looking for one that allows for easy trunk access.

How long can you leave a bike rack on your vehicle?

Again, it depends on the circumstances. You can install most hitch racks and roof racks and leave them as permanent fixtures. There is an exception, though: You should remove suction cup based roof racks between uses to maintain their suction. Trunk racks are designed to be removed between rides, you should remove it when you aren’t using it.

Can you take a bike rack through a car wash?

Typically speaking… No. Low-profile roof racks may not be an issue, but most hitch and trunk racks may snag on car wash machinery, which can cause damage to the machinery and your vehicle.

Will a bike rack affect my vehicle’s handling or performance?

Again, it depends. Attaching bikes to the exterior of your car will have some degree of impact on its aerodynamics and handling. How and how much will depend on the weight and type of rack: Strapping bikes to the roof will change how your car drives in a different way than attaching them to the back of your trunk.

No matter what you choose, the difference should be manageable. That said, we’d generally recommend driving a little more carefully, especially in high winds and on bumpy roads. (Remember: One of our picks comes with a recommended 75 mph speed limit.)

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