Rack Name & Price | Rack Type | No. of Bikes Fit | Max Load Capacity (lbs) | Rear Trunk Access | Receiver Size | Folding |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RV Bumper | 2 | 60lbs | No | N/A | No | |
Hitch | 2 | 110lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 66lbs | No | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 66lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 4 | 140lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Trunk | 3 | 99lbs | No | N/A | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 140lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
Trunk | 2 | Unkn | No | N/A | No | |
Trunk | 2 / 3 | 66lbs/99ls | No | N/A | No | |
Hitch / RV | 4 | 140lbs | No | 2" | No | |
Hitch | 4 | 160lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Hitch / Spare Tire | 4 | Unkn | No | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 130lbs | No | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 (4 with extension) | 70lbs / 140 lbs | No | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 70lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 90lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 4 | 100lbs | No | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 3 | Unkn | No | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 84lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
RV | 2 | 90lbs | No | 2" | No | |
Hitch | 2 | 77lbs | No | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 4 | 143lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 90lbs | No | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Trunk | 3 | 105lbs | No | N/A | Yes | |
Hitch | 4 | 150lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Spare Tire | 2 | 75lbs | Yes | N/A | Yes | |
Hitch | 4 | 132lbs | Yes | 2" | No | |
Vacuum | 1 | 210lbs | Yes | N/A | N/A | |
Hitch | 2 / 4 | 90 / 180lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Trunk | 2 | Unkn | No | N/A | No | |
Spare Tire | 2 | 75lbs | Yes | N/A | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 120lbs | Yes | 2.36" | Yes | |
RV | 2 | 160lbs | Yes | N/A | Yes | |
Hitch | 1 | 40lbs | No | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Spare Tire | 3 | 100lbs | No | N/A | Yes | |
Hitch | 5 | 200lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Trunk | 2 / 3 | 105lbs | No | N/A | Yes | |
Trunk | 3 | 105lbs | No | N/A | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | Unkn | No | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 120 | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | +2 | 80lbs | No | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 120lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 120lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
Trunk | 2 | 70lbs | No | N/A | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 60lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 120lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
Trunk | 3 | 105lbs | No | N/A | Yes | |
Hitch | 4 | 150lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 160lbs | No | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 37.5lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 120lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 4 | 132lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 140lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 130lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 132lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
RV | 2 | 140lbs | No | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 4 | 160lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 4 / 6 | 150lbs / 225lbs | Yes | 2" | Yes | |
Hitch | 2 | 130lbs | Yes | 1.25" & 2" | Yes | |
RV | 2 | 80lbs | No | 2" | Yes |
If you haven’t noticed cycling has exploded in popularity the past few years. More people are on bikes than ever before enjoying the great outdoors while keeping fit all at once. As such we’ll need an efficient means of transporting our shiny new rigs around safely.
Bike mount for car trunks and hitch mounts are the most favoured methods of bike transport. Both having quick methods of fitting to most vehicles and most importantly, are a safe way to transport bikes securely.
There are a few other interesting methods of mounting such as suction pads found on the Seasucker Talon listed below.
Spare tire bike rack mounts are the go-to for SUV drivers who do not wish to use a hitch mount. The best ones can prove just as stable as trunk rack mounts, able to carry 3-4 bikes and mount up to 150lbs.
We’ve listed favourably reviewed bike mount for cars with features we consider worthwhile. In addition we’ve highlighted our favourites racks that give you the best value for money.
3 Most Used Car Mounted Bike Racks Types
1) Hitch Rack Mounts
- No risk of damage to vehicle paint job.
- Highest maximum weight capacity.
These racks are preferred as most secure method of transport capable of moving the most number of bikes.
The main advantage of these hitch racks can secure well to any vehicle regardless of their shape or size. Additionally there is no risk of damage to the paintwork of your car associated with trunk rack mounts.
2) Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Securely fit to external spare tires
- Easy install in most cases
As their name suggest these bike racks are made to accommodate vehicles with a spare tire. There is no drop in the quality on these modern racks however, with stronger and stiffer materials ow being the norm on the best models.
Clever quick-snap features and open frame designs allow them to fit securely to your vehicle with minimal wobble seen on the very best racks.
3) Trunk Rack Mounts
- Easy assembly & setup
- Cost effective
Trunk mounts are easy to setup as most come preassembled for you. These are favoured as method of transport without the need for a hitch.
While not as stable as hitch bike rack mounts they are still a viable transport option capable of carrying up to 4 bikes averaging 140lbs max loading limit.
Top Bike Rack Features to Look Out For
Quick Setup
For those who will likely be mounting and removing bike racks from their vehicles often, quick setup of the rack is an important feature.
A good rack design will allow partial disassembly with minimal tools or removal of parts required. This makes it easier to live with daily and less of a chore when it comes to setting it all up again.
Wide Profile Bottom Foot
Wide profile feet help to disperse the load of the rack and bikes. This helps to protect your vehicle from the loads when using trunk bike rack mounts. With wide feet the bikes sit in the racks more securely and accommodate larger wheel sizes more effectively.
The widest feet racks such as Hollywood Racks Sport Rider can fit up to 5″ tires. Effective for carrying the majority of E-bikes and plus size tire mountain bikes.
Extendable Rack Capability
If you feel you may add a few bikes to your collection in the near future then an extendable rack is a great future proof option.
These are compatible with existing racks from the same manufacturer and usually adds an extra 2 bike carrying capacity to 2 bike rack mounts.
These allow you to save on money and space for the time being. Additionally giving you peace of mind that you can still get use out of the rack if new bikes do arrive at your doorstep one day in the future.
Other Car Bike Rack Features to Look Out For
Weight Capacity
With E-Bikes becoming increasingly popular, the capability of bike racks to carry the added weight is now a feature all racks should have by default.
The rack materials should be strong enough to hold the added weight. This will show up in their specification chart as theĀ rated maximum weight. Before purchase ensure that you’re not going to be overloading your rack of choice.
By their very nature hitch bike racks will be most suitable for carrying numerous heavier bikes.
Firstly they will cause the least amount interference with your vehicle’s body being able to move more freely from the vehicle body.
Secondly the hitch rack is able to support a higher weight underneath them over other rack types. Many supporting up to 80lbs per bicycle, more than enough for most E-bikes and E-mountain bikes.
Fit Long Wheelbase Bikes
Modern Mountain bikes are becoming longer in size with every new iteration. This is the trend towards more downhill oriented mountain bikes for improved stability.
Accordingly you’ll need to take note of the length of the racks feet in comparison to the wheelbase of your bicycle.