by With a large choice of rear rack for mountain bikes there is no longer a need to burden your body with weight. There is definitely a better way that carrying large loads with you in a massive backpack. Not only is it extremely restrictive of your movement, but also gives you the dreaded ‘sweaty back’ that we’ve all experienced at some point.
Simply put, commuting, shopping or bike touring is simply better when your body is unburdened with weight and instead your loads are arranged neatly around the bike.
Knowing this it is well worth investing in not just a rack, but a good one that will carry the loads in a stable fashion. Free from worry of moving around throwing off your balance or failing at the worst moment making your ride potentially dangerous.
For the best front racks see our list: 15 of the Best Front Bike Racks for Mountain Bikes
Benefits of using Pannier Rear Racks
- No sweaty back
- Gives you freedom of movement and extra range of motion
- Stops awkward loads from moving around uncomfortably
- Allows you to carry more weight & more bags
- Pannier bags can carry larger objects
For just a single rack mount, rear racks are usually favoured over front as they are out of the way of your cockpit view. Additionally they leave the front of the bike nice and light for those moments you may need to hop over obstacles.
We’ve listed some of our favourite pannier rear racks for mountain bikes (but can be used for most bikes) that you should consider before making a purchase.
These are all strong racks capable of carrying loads from weights typical of simple work commutes. All the way to the strongest racks capable of carrying several pounds worth of multiple pannier bags for long distance touring purposes.
Our Favourite Rear Rack for Mountain Bikes
1.Homee Rear Bike Rack 110 lbs – 50KGS Bike Cargo Racks Frame Aluminum Alloy Universal
This is a durable rack made from 100% lightweight aluminium. Built for use with panniers, backpacks and baskets, it has a great loading capacity of 110lbs.
As a bonus if has reflectors as standard for additional safety during night riding.
2.Axiom Streamliner 29er DLX Rear Rack for Mountain Bikes
Axiom streamliner is useful due to its ultra narrow profile. This allows to centre loads close to rear for better balanced profile.
Designed for 29ers only we like this rear bike rack thanks to it’s strong material and swept back feet mount.
3.ANGGOER Rear Bike Rack with Basket -165 LB Load Bike Rear Rack Bike Cargo Rack
Anggoer rear bike rack comes with a useful detachable basket for your convenience. It loads an incredible 165lbs total and the quick installation and release make it easy to live with day to day.
4.Voilamart Rear Bicycle Rack – Bicycle Cargo Rack w/ Quick Release
Voilamart rack uses a W-shaped design that helps keep pannier bags away from spokes. Quick release ensures it is convenient for daily uses but still boasts a respectable load rating of 115lbs.
5.Ibera Bike Rack – Bicycle Touring Carrier Plus+ for Disc Brake & Non-Disc Brake Mount
Made to universally fit bicycles from 26-Inch to 700c frames. Weighting just 760g these well loved bike racks are to be used with IBERA bags. Specially made to be mounted with IBERA panniers.
6.Blackburn Outpost Fat Front or Rear Bike Rack
The universal design allows for this versatile rack to be mounted to both the front and rear of the bike. It is recommended if you want your rack to be used with more versatility.
The universal design is without drawback and still accommodates most bike wheels sizes. This includes wheel diameters of 26″, 650b, 700c, 27.5″ and 29″ and widths from 23c up to 3″
7.West Biking Bike Carrier Rack 310 LB Capacity Solid Bearings Universal Adjustable Luggage Cargo Rack
This rack boasts a leading loading capacity of 310lbs. The strong frame and solid axle will not let you down no matter what you’re carrying. The 3 point load bearing system ensures even distribution of load for a balanced and comfortable ride.
8.Topeak Uni Super Tourist Fat Bike Rack – Black
Topeak rack is designed around carrying touring loads. The wide clearance posts ensure enough clearance for disc brake bikes with fat tires. It uses a lowered design to ensure you have good rom on top of the rack to load larger sized bags and packages.
9.Axiom Mk 3 Alu Journey Uni-Fit Cycle Rear Rack – Black
Axion MK3 uses extra long mounting arms to ensure compatibility with a large variety of frame sizes and shapes. It uses a 3rd rear support stay for extra support of loads for worry free load carrying.
The double hand welded aluminum with epoxy powder coating gives a solid feel to the rack and shows it was designed for long term durability.
10.Lakua Rear Luggage Rack Holder Carrier for Panniers Bags
Simple, durable and lightweight, the Lakua rear rack holder is for mid range loading and simple use. With 110lbs weight limit and guards to prevent panniers touching the spokes, it is perfect for short journeys and commuting.
