The Finest Hitch Bike Racks of 2024

Hitch bike racks are probably the greatest methods to move your bikes safely to any vacation spot. The most effective hitch racks are simple to make use of, secure, and might carry a spread of motorbike sizes and kinds securely and with little fuss.

Selecting a hitch bike rack, nonetheless, isn’t that easy. There are such a lot of fashions in the marketplace that discovering the fitting one isn’t as simple accurately. Elements like bike compatibility, weight limits, bike attachment model, and the variety of bikes they’ll carry all play a job find the fitting rack that fits your wants and meets your finances.

That’s the place we are available. Our workforce of hitch bike rack testers use bike racks day by day and have been testing and reviewing them for years. From outings with the household, day by day journeys to trailheads, and frequent weekend getaways, we’ve put these racks via their paces whereas analyzing the efficiency traits and options that matter most.

After months, and generally years, of testing the racks included right here, we’ve chosen our favorites and highlighted others that stand out for particular causes. So, whether or not it’s good to carry one bike or 4, we’ve bought suggestions throughout all hitch bike rack kinds. Our helpful comparison chart reveals all of the fashions we examined and their specs at a look. And, in the event you aren’t positive what you want, our comprehensive buyer’s guide has all the information it’s good to allow you to resolve, whereas our FAQ part offers solutions to widespread questions.

Editor’s Be aware: We up to date our hitch bike rack purchaser’s information on March 29, 2024, with the addition of the wonderful Lolo Racks 6-Bike Rack with Foot Activated Tilt, the high-end Kuat Piston Professional X, and the inexpensive Kuat Switch V2.

The Finest Hitch Bike Racks of 2024

Best Budget Hitch Bike rack

• Weight
  37 lbs. (2-bike, 2″ receiver size)
• Number of bikes
  2 (up to 4 with add-ons), also comes in 1-bike and 3-bike versions)
• Carry capacity
  60 lbs. per bike (2″ receiver size), 40 lbs. per bike (1.25″ receiver size)
• Hitch receiver options
  1.25″ and 2″
• Locks
  Semi-integrated cable lock and FlatLock Hitch Cam (2″ receiver size)
• Type
  Platform

• 
  Comparatively affordable
• 
  Wide range of bike fit
• 
  Lightweight
• 
  Add-ons available to increase capacity

• 
  Lots of plastic parts
• 
  Less refined than more expensive options
• 
  Quite a bit of assembly required

Runner-Up Best Hitch Bike Rack

• Weight
   27-28 lbs.
• Number of bikes
  1 (3 with add-ons)
• Carry capacity
  50 lbs. per bike (35 lbs. for the third bike)
• Hitch receiver options
  1.25″ and 2″
• Locks
  None
• Type
   Platform

• 
  Doesn’t shimmy in the hitch receiver thanks to an integrated anti-wobble mechanism
• 
  Quick to install
• 
  Versatile bike fit
• 
  Super durable all-metal construction

• 
  No integrated lock for bikes
• 
  The release lever can freeze in super-cold weather, usually below zero degrees F

Best Swing-Away Hitch Bike Rack

• Weight
  63 lbs.
• Number of bikes
   2
• Carry capacity
  60 lbs. per bike
• Hitch receiver options
  2″
• Locks
  Integrated hitch lock and bike cable lock
• Type
   Platform

• 
  180-degree arm swing for full use of the back of the vehicle even with bikes loaded
• 
  Less expensive than a swing-away extension plus bike rack
• 
  User-friendly rack with versatile bike fit

• 
  Complicated assembly takes some trial and error to get right
• 
  Add-on for additional bikes not available

Best Splurge Hitch Bike Rack

• Weight
  63 lbs.
• Number of Bikes
  2 (up to 4 with add-ons)
• Carry capacity
  67 lbs. (2″ receiver size), 60 lbs. (1.25″ receiver size)
• Hitch receiver options
  1.25″ and 2″
• Locks
  12mm steel cable lock and locking hitch pin
• Type
  Platform

• 
  Sleek design
• 
  Holds bikes with tire contact only
• 
  One-handed clamp arm operation
• 
  Integrated brake lights
• 
  All-metal construction
• 
  Versatile bike fit
• 
  High weight capacity

An Affordable Option for 4 Bikes

• Weight
  35 lbs.
• Number of bikes
  4
• Carry capacity
   40 lbs. per bike
• Hitch receiver options
  1.25″ and 2″
• Locks
  SpeedKnob locks rack to vehicle, cable lock for bikes sold separately
• Type
  Hanging

• 
  Ease of use
• 
  Lightweight and easy to store
• 
  Affordable
• 
  Integrated bottle opener

• 
  Cable lock not included
• 
  Impossible to avoid frame contact
• 
  Frame adapters are separate purchases

Best of the Rest

Best Hitch Bike Rack on a Tight Budget

• Weight
  23 lbs.
• Number of bikes
  4
• Carry capacity
  35 lbs. per bike
• Hitch receiver options
  1.25″ and 2″
• Locks
   None
• Type
  Hanging

• 
  Very inexpensive
• 
  Lightweight and easy to store
• 
  Easy installation

• 
  No security features
• 
  Frame contact carry
• 
  Rack and bikes wobble around

A Good Option for Heavy E-Bikes

• Weight
  42 lbs., 9.6 oz.
• Number of bikes
  2
• Carry capacity
   66 lbs. per bike
• Hitch receiver options
  1.25″ and 2″
• Locks
  Integrated bike and hitch receiver lock
• Type
  Platform

• 
  Includes loading ramp for heavy e-bikes
• 
  66 lbs. per bike weight capacity
• 
  Works with bike with fenders and large tubes

• 
  Bike attachment takes some getting used to
• 
  Fatter tires require a different set of straps (sold separately)

Another Good Heavy-Duty Rack

• Weight
  66 lbs.
• Number of bikes
  2
• Carry capacity
  70 lbs. per bike on road; 42 lbs. per bike off-road
• Hitch receiver options
  1.25″ and 2″
• Locks
  Integrated bike lock and hitch receiver lock
• Type
  Platform

• 
  Accommodates a wide range of bike sizes and types
• 
  High weight limit – good for e-bikes
• 
  Ramp add-on available for loading heavy bikes
• 
  Durable and secure while driving off-road
• 
  Integrated bike lock is streamlined

• 
  Tilt lever needs mindfulness – make sure it’s fully latched
• 
  Significant max weight difference between paved and off-road use
• 
  Heavy and bulky – difficult to move around and store

Lightweight and Best for Smaller Bikes

• Weight
   32 lbs.
• Number of bikes
  2
• Carry capacity
  40 lbs. per bike
• Hitch receiver options
  1.25″, 2″
• Locks
  Hitch pin lock and cable lock for bikes
• Type
  Platform

• 
  Easy install
• 
  Lightweight and low profile
• 
  Good-looking
• 
  Tilts away from vehicle while fully loaded

• 
  Lower weight capacity- 40 lbs.
• 
  Limited wheelbase length – doesn’t work with longer bikes
• 
  Not compatible with add-ons

• Weight
   85 lbs.
• Number of bikes
  4
• Carry capacity
   60 lbs. per bike
• Hitch receiver options
  2″
• Locks
  Included for hitch and bikes
• Type
  Platform

• 
  Frameless contact
• 
  Rock-solid stability
• 
  High weight capacity

• 
  Very pricey
• 
  Doesn’t fit fat bikes
• 
  Heavy and very bulky

• Weight
  70 lbs.
• Number of bikes
  6
• Carry capacity
  37.5 lbs. per bike
• Hitch receiver options
  2″
• Locks
  Yes, a hitch lock and integrated lock loop for use with aftermarket locks
• Type
  Vertical, fork cradle

• 
  Huge carrying capacity
• 
  Less expensive than most vertical racks
• 
  Lighter weight than most vertical racks

• 
  Only works with bikes that have suspension forks
• 
  Comparatively low weight limit – doesn’t work with e-bikes

• Weight
  28 lbs.
• Number of bikes
  2
• Carry capacity
  35 lbs. per bike
• Hitch receiver options
  1.25″ and 2″
• Locks
   None
• Type
  Platform with wheel cradles and frame hooks

• 
  Secure cradle system
• 
  Great price point
• 
  Lower weight

• 
  No access to the rear of your vehicle when bikes are on the rack
• 
  Hold bikes by frame contact
• 
  Somewhat cheap overall feel

• Weight
  35 lbs.
• Number of bikes
   2
• Carry capacity
  60 lbs. per bike
• Hitch receiver options
  1.25″, 2″
• Locks
  Locking hitch pin, integrated bike lock cables
• Type
  Platform

• 
  Slender footprint
• 
  Zero frame contact

• 
  Pricey
• 
  Not the most refined look or feel

• Weight
  105 lbs. (2 33-lb. trays, 39-lb. base hitch)
• Number of bikes
  2 (3 bikes with add-on)
• Carry capacity
  60 lbs. per bike
• Hitch receiver options
  2″
• Locks
  Locking hitch pin, integrated bike lock cables
• Type
  Platform

• 
  Easy to operate
• 
  Quick load time
• 
  Modular system to dial it in to your needs

• 
  Cost-wise the pieces add up
• 
  On the arms, the release levers can get a tad stubborn
• 
  The rack and bikes wobble on rocky, bumpy terrain

Hitch Bike Racks Comparison Chart

Why You Should Trust Us

The folks at GearJunkie spend a lot of time in the saddle. From daily office commutes to singletrack joyrides, bikes play a major role in our lives. Like most cyclists, we often use our vehicles to haul bikes around. We plug our hitch-mounted bike racks into sedans, SUVs, and everything in between. Though it’s always nice to start pedaling right out of the front door, like you, we often have to drive before we can ride.

Our team has been testing all sorts of outdoor gear for years, putting products through their paces to see how they perform in the real world and compare to each other. While testing new gear is undoubtedly fun, we do it with the goal of providing honest and trustworthy product recommendations to inform our readers so they can make better purchase decisions.

Two of our lead testers, Senior Editor Morgan Tilton and professional photographer and gear writer Eric Phillips, live in Crested Butte, Colorado, where more than 750 miles of mountain bike trails exist in the Gunnison Valley and surrounding area. They also drive to other trail systems in the Southwest, racking up hundreds of miles on each hitch rack per road trip. The pair has tested nearly all of the racks you see in this guide in the past few years, and in doing so, they have developed a keen sense of what sets the best racks apart from the rest.

Chelsey Magness also contributes to this buyer’s guide. Chelsey is a professional adventure racer, parent, and event organizer who travels frequently with bikes to trailheads, races, and weekend getaways with family and friends. She’s been using and abusing hitch bike racks for many years — even before testing and reviewing them for GearJunkie — and knows the importance of having the right rack to make transporting bikes easy and stress-free.

GearJunkie Editor Jeremy Benson also lends some experience and expertise to this review. Jeremy has been professionally testing bikes, accessories, and related gear for 8 years, and has personally tested over 20 different hitch bike racks in that time. He is constantly using bike racks to transport his expensive bikes to local trailheads, gravel and mountain bike races, and on weekend getaways to mountain bike destinations across the west. Having tested virtually every bike rack currently on the market, he knows exactly how they perform, compare, and their best applications.

How We Tested Hitch Bike Racks

After researching the best hitch bike racks on the market, we chose the models included in this guide to put through real-world testing. We aren’t just concerned with specs, rather, we put them through an extended period of rigorous testing to see how they actually perform. From daily trips around to local riding spots to weekend adventures with the whole crew, we use each of these racks as any consumer would. We assemble the racks ourselves, install and remove them from our vehicles, and load and unload our bikes countless times. While testing, we examine bike compatibility, bike attachment systems, ease of loading/unloading, rack stability, bike stability, and security features. From highways to rough gravel roads and hot summer days to cold, rainy, and snowy conditions, these racks have seen it all with the goal of exposing their strengths and weaknesses.

Many of the racks featured here have been with us for many years. Even after regular exposure to the elements and many miles of rough roads, they’re still going strong. Whether you’re pedaling a mountain bike, e-bike, or commuter, we’re confident you’ll find a rack to help transport your steed. As new racks roll out in the future, we’ll be sure to test them too, and update our list to reflect the current market.

Purchaser’s Information: How one can Select a Hitch Bike Rack

There’s rather a lot to contemplate when trying to find the fitting hitch bike rack to fit your wants. The totally different kinds of hitch bike racks all have their execs and cons however you’ll additionally need to contemplate the kind of bikes you’ve gotten, how a lot they weigh, and what number of bikes it’s good to carry. These components ought to allow you to slender down the selection to search out one of the best rack for you.

Varieties of Hitch Bike Racks

Today, hitch bike racks are available three primary kinds. Platform racks are the commonest, holding the bikes horizontally and supporting them from the underside on a “platform” or tray. Hanging racks carry the bikes horizontally, however because the identify suggests, they dangle the bikes from a help arm by the highest tube of the body. Vertical racks are a bit newer on the scene, however this model hangs the bikes vertically from both the entrance wheel, fork, or handlebar. We’ll clarify the several types of racks in additional element under.

Platform

Platform-style racks use a platform, or tray, that the bike rests on. In comparison with different kinds of hitch racks, platform racks sometimes have the bottom loading top, making it pretty simple to raise bikes up into place. The bikes are held in place utilizing varied strategies, the commonest of which is the entrance wheel clamp/hook.

Most platform racks benefit from not touching the bike body in any respect — they solely contact the tires or wheels. This makes them supreme for individuals who don’t need to danger damaging their bike frames. Plus, the trays can typically be adjusted to keep away from or decrease bike-on-bike interference. This additionally permits platform racks to suit every kind of bikes no matter general dimension, suspension model, or wheel dimension.

This mixture of versatility and ease of use makes platform-style racks highly regarded amongst severe cyclists. The downsides are that they’re sometimes dearer than hanging-style racks, and they’re typically heavy and fairly cumbersome. Additionally they normally solely carry two bikes at a time, however typically have the choice to extend capability with add-ons for a further price.

Hanging

Hanging racks sometimes have two help arms that maintain bikes by the frames, letting the bikes dangle down. The benefit right here is that many of those racks can maintain as much as 4 bikes with out added {hardware} and they’re sometimes cheaper than platform racks. Hanging racks are normally lighter weight as nicely, making them simpler to put in, take away, and retailer when not in use.

The primary drawback is that contact with the body can result in abrasion and, in some instances, injury. This can be a big consideration when carrying a motorcycle with a carbon fiber body. Hanging racks additionally might not accommodate bikes with uncommon frames (like step-through bikes) or full-suspension mountain bikes. You might also need to safe the entrance tires to the body with a bungee wire or a strap. This helps forestall the wheels from rotating and bumping into different bikes.

Vertical

Vertical racks are a more moderen model that originally took place as a option to carry quite a few mountain bikes for shuttle runs. By hanging the bikes vertically, it’s doable to move as many as six bikes at a time. Whereas the early fashions held bikes by the crown of suspension forks and had been restricted to carrying mountain bikes solely, newer designs carry bikes by the entrance wheel or handlebar and are appropriate with different forms of bikes too. Vertical racks are a stable selection for households, individuals who trip with a number of pals, and mountain bike shuttles.

The primary good thing about vertical racks is having the ability to transport greater than 4 bikes at a time. The drawbacks are that they’re heavy, cumbersome and troublesome to retailer, and they’re typically fairly costly. That mentioned, they find yourself being cheaper than many platform racks with add-ons.

Platform vs. Hanging vs. Vertical: Which Is Finest?

Selecting between the rack kinds actually comes all the way down to contemplating the sort and variety of bikes it’s good to carry. For those who’re an rare rack consumer and also you merely want to move some older bikes to and from a trip house a few instances a summer season, then a reasonable hanging rack might fit your wants simply high-quality.

If holding your bikes secure, safe, and in pristine situation is necessary to you, platform racks are supreme. Most platform racks safe the bikes by way of the tires and/or wheels, avoiding body contact fully. They’re additionally simple to load and use, particularly platform racks with a roll-up characteristic (or these appropriate with aftermarket ramps). That is supreme for folks transporting heavier bikes like cruisers or e-bikes. Platform racks additionally win out in the event you transport bikes with distinctive frames (like a step-through bike) or full-suspension mountain bikes. You gained’t must discover a option to weave any hanging arms via the frames.

Typically talking, platform racks as a complete sometimes include greater value tags than hanging racks. And, if you wish to carry greater than two bikes at a time, you’ll have to think about the price of add-ons too. If the value isn’t any object and holding your bike trying new is your precedence, select a platform rack. If you wish to get monetary savings and aren’t involved about put on, a dangling rack is a good selection.

Vertical racks are sometimes your best option for many who want to move a bigger variety of bikes. Whereas the upfront price could seem excessive, they price lower than many platform racks with add-ons and are sometimes the one choice for carrying greater than 4 bikes at a time (aside from tailgate pads). And, whereas they was extra restricted by way of bike match, a few of the newer fashions that maintain bikes by the wheels or handlebars (just like the Lolo Racks) will work with most bikes together with youngsters, highway, gravel, and so forth. Keep in mind that they’re much bigger and can dominate the again of your automobile a bit, so they could look a little bit misplaced on smaller autos.

Bike Attachment

Bike attachment methods characteristic varied methods to safe your bike to the rack. It varies relying on the model of the rack, however even then, there are sometimes a number of totally different attachment methods inside every model.

Straps

The primary and most elementary is the strap system which is commonest on hanging racks. Small cradles on the help arms help the load of the bike whereas a zipper strip or cam strap holds the bike down within the cradle. Whereas it’s a stable and safe system (consumer error is the commonest problem), straps can degrade and break. Due to this, many strap methods safe the bike with two straps at every attachment level as a contingency.

Most riders’ principal concern with a dangling rack is that it may probably injury the bike’s end over time via contact and abrasion. We’ve heard horror tales about hanging racks carrying the paint all the way down to the metallic or carbon beneath on lengthy highway journeys. Whereas that’s an excessive case, slower put on over years of use isn’t. Due to this, hanging racks are inclined to characteristic padded cradles to attenuate body injury, however the easiest way to ensure your body is protected is to remove body contact altogether.

Wheel Hooks and Clamp Arms

Most platform racks use a entrance wheel clamp that can also be also known as a shepherd’s hook. On these racks, a pivoting arm with an adjustable hook captures the entrance wheel and presses it down right into a cradle whereas the rear wheel is secured with a ratcheting strap that wraps over the rear rim. This attachment system avoids body contact through the use of the entrance tire and rear rim to safe the bike on the rack. Not solely is this technique simple to make use of, however in our expertise, it holds bikes very regular whereas stopping them from making contact with one another (if carrying a number of bikes).

Different platform racks use opposing clamp arms that basically sandwich the bike from each ends. This model of attachment was popularized by 1UP-USA and has since been employed by most different main rack producers. By holding bikes with contact to the tires solely, these racks gained’t even scuff up your fancy carbon rims. This method additionally permits for an enormous vary of motorbike matches together with the power to shift the bikes laterally to keep away from bike-on-bike interference.

Vertical

Vertical racks help bikes by the fork, entrance wheel, or handlebar and sometimes have a strap or bungee that holds the rear wheel in place. No matter attachment model, vertical racks maintain bikes in such a method that the bikes don’t contact one another. Fork mount vertical racks, just like the Yakima HangOver, seize bikes by the crown of a suspension fork, and as such, they solely work with mountain bikes, however they’ll trigger abrasion injury to the paint on the fork crown over time.

Vertical racks with front-wheel cradles dangle the bike by the entrance wheel and solely make contact with the tire. These are a bit extra versatile as they don’t depend on a suspension fork, to allow them to typically be used with bikes with inflexible forks (highway, gravel, youngsters, and fats bikes) however you could want totally different cradles for various wheel sizes and tire widths.

Handlebar mount vertical racks, just like the Lolo Racks, dangle bikes from the handlebar and are surprisingly versatile because of this. They’ll match all kinds of motorbike kinds no matter wheel and tire dimension, fork kind, or handlebar model.

Variety of Bikes

One of many first issues to contemplate when selecting the model of rack that may work finest for you is what number of bikes it’s good to transport. Racks usually carry wherever from two to 6 bikes, so you’ve gotten some choices. Keep in mind, you may at all times carry fewer bikes than a rack’s capability, however by no means greater than a rack’s capability. And also you by no means know while you’re going to select up a couple of extra buddies to trip with.

Platform racks are available various capacities, with most offering two spots for bikes (some come as single or three bike racks too). Many platform racks will also be expanded with add-ons that may be connected to extend capability by one or two bikes to hold as much as 4.

Hanging racks additionally are available varied carrying capacities, sometimes between 2 and 5 bikes. The Yakima Ridgeback and Allen Sports activities Deluxe can each carry as much as 4 however will also be bought for 2 bikes.

Vertical racks can sometimes deal with essentially the most bikes with the fashions we examined being provided in 4-bike and 6-bike variations.

Bike Weight

Most good hitch bike racks can deal with the load of standard, non-electric bikes with none points. Many fashionable racks at the moment are rated to deal with bikes as much as round 60 lbs., which is nice information for everybody who has e-bikes, which regularly weigh upwards of fifty lbs. It is rather necessary to know the way a lot your bike(s) weigh when contemplating a brand new rack and guarantee that the rack you select is able to dealing with the load.

Basically, platform racks typically have the very best weight capacities, with fashions just like the Yakima StageTwo, Kuat Piston Pro X, and the Yakima OnRamp claiming as much as 70 lbs., 67 lbs., and 66 lbs. per bike, respectively. Different racks, just like the Thule T2 Pro XTR and the RockyMounts BackStage can deal with bikes as much as 60 lbs. every.

One other factor to contemplate is loading heavy bikes. The Yakima OnRamp is particularly designed to hold e-bikes, and it features a loading ramp that can be utilized to roll them up into place on the trays. Different racks, just like the Kuat Piston Professional X, the Yakima StageTwo, and the 1Up-USA Equip’D are all appropriate with aftermarket loading ramps bought by their respective producers.

Tilt and Swing-Away Options

The “tilt” and “swing-away” options consult with how the rack adjusts to permit entry to your automobile. Tilt options are tremendous widespread and permit the rack to be tilted away from the automobile at an angle to open a hatchback or drop down a tailgate. This makes it doable to lean in and seize a backpack or let your canine hop out. It additionally makes it doable to fold the rack up when not in use to maintain it out of the way in which.

One factor to contemplate is whether or not you may tilt the rack whereas the bikes are nonetheless on it. It may be a ache to take the bikes off when it’s good to get into your automotive. Additionally, contemplate how far it tilts away. This may make an enormous distinction in the event you’re pulling out one thing unwieldy, like a cooler.

“Swing-away” refers to racks with the power to pivot away from the automobile to permit fully open entry to the rear of the automobile. This characteristic is accessible on some platform and hanging racks and plenty of manufacturers promote swing-away attachments that may be added to the rack of your selection. These attachments could be costly and add to each the value and weight of an already costly and heavy rack, however the comfort could be onerous to beat for some customers.

Our favourite swing-away rack is the BackStage from RockyMounts. It swings a full 180 levels away out of your automobile — even with bikes loaded — supplying you with unobstructed entry to no matter’s again there. This can be a nice choice for these with camper vans or who use their vehicles for tenting.

Wheel Measurement, Tire Width, and Bike Size Compatibility

A motorbike rack is ineffective if it may’t maintain your bike, so make certain your bike will match. Necessary issues to contemplate listed here are the scale of the wheels, the width of the tires, and the wheelbase size of your bike(s). Most platform racks match a spread of tire widths and wheel diameters, however some are extra versatile than others.

As a result of platform racks safe the bike by way of the tires, it’s necessary to guarantee that your bike’s tire width, wheel dimension, and wheelbase all fall inside the rack’s parameters. When searching for a platform rack, verify the technical specs listed on the rack model’s web site. Most firms will checklist a spread of wheelbases, tire widths, and wheel sizes that match that rack’s specs. In some instances, manufacturers may even promote adapters or kits to accommodate fatter tires.

Since hanging racks help bikes by the body, their tire width, wheel dimension, and wheelbase will not be a problem. The larger concern with hanging racks is exclusive body sorts like BMX bikes, step-through frames, and full-suspension mountain bikes. These can show a ache (or unimaginable) to hold on a dangling rack.

Thankfully, a number of of the racks we point out will work with fats tires and lengthy wheelbases. Peruse our checklist and guarantee that the one you’re contemplating will work together with your bike.

Hitch Receiver Measurement

Hitch receivers on passenger autos shall be both 1.25″ or 2″ sizing. It’s necessary that you simply confirm which dimension your automobile has prior to buying a motorcycle rack. The 2 sizes are visually very totally different, so it’s pretty apparent which is which. If unsure, measure!

The bigger, 2″-inch hitch” receiver is mostly most popular as a result of it may deal with heavier hundreds, which is nice in the event you plan to hold a number of heavy e-bikes. It’s additionally value noting that some racks include an adjustable system to suit both dimension.

Don’t have a hitch receiver? They are often ordered on-line to suit most autos and be put in at house in the event you’re prepared or in a position to do it your self. In any other case, try an area U-haul or automobile mechanic who will most likely be capable to deal with it for you.

Safety

Bike racks have two details of vulnerability in terms of theft: the bikes could be stolen off the rack, and the rack itself could be eliminated. This isn’t simply a problem if bikes are on it; the racks themselves could be coveted gadgets for potential thieves.

Keep in mind, if you must head right into a retailer otherwise you’re spending the evening away from house, it solely takes a couple of seconds for a thief to drag your bike off the rack and pedal off with it. In the event that they’re ready with instruments (or not, for mounts with hand-tightening hitch mounts), somebody can take your complete rack. This is usually a big problem in the event you don’t have a storage to park in, significantly in the event you don’t need to placed on or take off your rack each time you trip.

Thankfully, many racks include a locking hitch mount, which makes it unimaginable to unscrew when engaged. In case your rack doesn’t include one, many firms promote mount locks individually. There are additionally loads of aftermarket hitch locks obtainable for buy.

As in your bikes, built-in or included locks are a pleasant characteristic to have and are sometimes discovered on higher-end racks — firms like Thule, Kuat, and Yakima normally provide this. The lock is built-in into the rack itself, retracting into the rack when not in use. If you want it, merely pull it out and thread it via the bikes. It then locks to a different a part of the rack, so you may lock and unlock your bikes in seconds.

Even when a rack has built-in locks, they’re nonetheless little greater than a theft deterrent, so we at all times suggest including an aftermarket lock as one other layer of safety.

Ease of Use

For those who’ve ever needed to wrestle a full-suspension mountain bike onto a dangling rack or discover a option to Tetris 4 bikes onto a poorly designed rack, you understand that ease of use is a large think about choosing the proper bike rack.

For a historically formed body — triangular in form — hanging racks present a easy choice. Carry the bike, slide it onto the rack, strap it down, bungee the entrance wheel, and also you’re good to go. (Plus, it offers you an opportunity to get some bicep curls in earlier than your trip).

Nevertheless, in the event you’ve bought a heavier bike or one with a singular body model, a platform rack could be the higher choice for mounting bikes. As a result of it has a decrease loading top, you don’t must raise the bike as far. And after you have it on, you don’t must raise it a lot to regulate. Hanging racks can take a little bit of fiddling to get the bike into the cradle.

It’s additionally necessary to contemplate different components like tilt-release and swing-away options that will influence your expertise, in addition to the bike attachment methods themselves.

Sturdiness

Sturdiness is a large consideration in terms of hitch racks. The only attachment level places a whole lot of strain on racks as they carry hundreds over tough roads. As a result of they’re normally made out of sturdy materials like metal, breaks very not often happen on the hitch’s attachment level.

Points normally happen on the attachment level of the bike — the shepherd’s hook or the straps. Thankfully, the commonest failure is the least disastrous and best to repair — the straps. Elastic straps are inclined to dry out, particularly if uncovered to the solar, which results in cracking and ultimately snapping.

The identical goes for the onerous plastic straps on ratcheting methods. Although they are typically extra sun-resistant than elastic ones, onerous plastic straps can even dry out and crack. Once more, it’s not normally an enormous problem, as they’re cheap and straightforward to exchange.

Shepherd’s hook breaks, in the meantime, are very uncommon. These methods use one hook per wheel, so if one breaks, you’ll be dragging your bike to your vacation spot. Substitute shepherd’s hooks are way more costly and extra difficult to exchange. They’re additionally a lot greater than a strap, so it’s not going you’ll have a spare sitting in your automotive.

Probably the most sturdy racks sometimes have extra metallic of their building. Racks made by 1UP-USA are famend for his or her sturdiness, largely as a result of their all-metal constructions. And, if one thing ought to break, they promote each half you might ever want to exchange it.

When searching for a motorcycle rack, do your analysis. Take a look at the consumer evaluations or discuss to your native store professional to see what experiences others have had.

Worth

The value of motorbike racks varies from lower than $100 to greater than $1,000, relying on the mannequin and options. The development we’ve seen is that the dearer the rack, the simpler it’s to make use of, the extra sturdy it’s, and the safer it’ll preserve your bikes.

Pricier racks additionally have a tendency to supply options that make them simpler to make use of. Typically, hanging racks are cheaper than platform racks.

Decrease-end racks typically provide minimal safety and options. Increased-end racks normally provide extra padding and safety. Additionally they provide extra options that make your bikes safe and straightforward to entry.

How a lot you spend is determined by your wants (in addition to your checking account). For those who simply desire a option to get your bike to a trailhead with out disassembling it and stuffing it in your trunk, a superb $100 hanging rack is the way in which to go.

For those who’ve spent a few grand on a killer highway bike and need to preserve it in mint situation so long as you may, go for a higher-end platform rack (assuming you may afford it after spending all that cheddar on a carbon fiber rocket).

Typically, we’ve discovered that the candy spot in racks is someplace across the $400-600 vary. For that cash, you’ll find a rack that’s simple to make use of and can preserve your bike protected. Plus, you’ll have some cash left over for an honest pit cease on the way in which to the path.

FAQ

The most effective hitch bike rack varies from individual to individual. With so many variables between every rider, it’s practically unimaginable to decide on one bike rack for each scenario.

The best choice is to resolve what your wants are and choose a rack that works finest for you. In case your precedence is discovering a superb, cost-effective rack, and you’ll choose up your bike and transfer it round with out wrestle, you may get a useful hanging rack for $100-200.

If holding your bike protected and scratch-free is your principal concern, a platform rack is an efficient selection. Platforms additionally sit decrease to the bottom, so it’s good for individuals who wrestle to select up their bikes.

The upper you go in value, the extra options you get. Excessive-end racks add safety features, levers, and buttons that make them simpler to make use of. They normally additionally provide methods to allow you to entry your trunk with out eradicating the bikes.

When selecting a rack, contemplate the options you’re prepared to do with out and which of them you want. Steadiness these wants with how a lot you’re prepared to spend, and also you’ll discover the proper rack for you.

Each hanging and platform racks have variations that may maintain 4 bikes. Hanging racks require a little bit bit extra finesse to maintain your bikes protected, as they safe your bikes from the highest. This makes it doable for the bikes to swing and hit one another throughout journey.

Fewer bikes could be spaced out, which minimizes the danger. However house is restricted with 4 bikes, so be sure that the cradles are spaced out sufficient that the bikes gained’t hit one another, even with minimal swing.

That is much less of a problem with platform racks, because the bikes are locked into place by way of each wheels, including a superb quantity of stability. It’s additionally simpler to place the bikes on platform racks as a result of the cradles are set a lot decrease. That help, they price a bit extra, however we really feel it’s normally value it.

One of many causes that so many individuals select a hitch-mounted rack over a trunk-mounted rack is that the hitch doesn’t have any contact with the physique of the automotive. This decreases any rubbing towards the paint. It additionally usually retains the rack away from something on the physique that it may dent or shatter.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter what precautions an organization makes when designing a rack, there’s at all times the difficulty of consumer error. Opening your hatchback whereas the rack is on and upright can drive the hatch proper into the rack.

This may trigger denting and scratching to the rack or the automotive. Be certain that the rack is out of the way in which while you entry the rear of your automobile.

Bikes can even contact your automobile in the event you’re not cautious. Platform racks generally carry the bike near a automobile’s again window. This may enhance the chances of the handlebar going via that window on an particularly bumpy highway.

You possibly can resolve this by adjusting the cradles to make the bike sit farther away from the window. Hanging racks let the entrance tire dangle free, which may result in bumping and grinding up towards your automotive.

It’s not as dire a problem as breaking a window, however it may injury the end over time. It’s a straightforward repair, although. Safe the wheel with a strap or bungee wire to unravel the issue.

All forms of hitch racks have their benefits. That mentioned, platform-style racks are usually the simplest to make use of. They’ve a decrease loading top and the attachment methods are sometimes simple, safe, and user-friendly.

General, we’ve discovered that manufacturers like Thule, Yakima, Kuat, and 1Up have a tendency to incorporate little tweaks like lever-adjustable tilting and built-in locks. Particulars like these go a great distance in making a rack simpler to make use of. Of all of the fashions we’ve examined, the Kuat Piston Pro X is the simplest to make use of, however it’s additionally the costliest.

In case your automobile has the potential, hitch racks are arguably the best choice. Having the mount connect to your hitch receiver versus trunk racks or roof racks not solely protects your automotive’s end from injury, however it’s additionally extraordinarily safe, because the mounts are made of professional quality metal.

They’re additionally a lot simpler to put in than different choices, which is a large perk for individuals who don’t desire a rack on their automotive each day. As a result of it’s secured with a metal pin, it solely takes one step to place it on a trailer hitch if you end up going out for a trip, and one step to take away it while you’re finished.

Different forms of racks require extra steps to connect them to a automobile and will require you to raise the bike increased to load them.