8 Best Bike Racks for Cars – Bike Rack for Cars, SUVs, and Trucks

<p>Of course, if you need <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g60276513/best-bike-helmet-for-commuters/”>a helmet</a>, the <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/uk/style/fashion/a32697440/best-cycling-clothes/”>best cycling clothes</a>, a <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a44910994/trek-fuel-exe-review/” target=”_blank”>new e-bike</a>, or <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g46751700/best-bike-accessories/”>accessories</a>, we’ve got guides for those, too. For now, let’s dive into bike racks. </p>”/>

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a bicycle on a bike rack

Thule

Best Bike Rack Overall

Kuat Sherpa 2.0

Sherpa 2.0

Best Bike Rack Overall

Kuat Sherpa 2.0

The Küat Sherpa 2.0 has been our own trusty companion for years, and it’s not hard to see why it’s the top pick. This rack is like the best biking buddy you never knew you needed—light as a feather for easy setup and take-down, and it’s got your back with unfettered access to your car’s trunk, even when fully loaded.

It’s versatile enough to handle our cycling adventures, from mountain trails to city streets, securing our bikes like Fort Knox. In the world of bike racks, it’s truly in a league of its own.

Weight Capacity Per Bike 40 lbs
Number of Bikes 2
Hitch Receiver Sizes 1.25″ and 2″
Mount Type Platform

Most Compact Bike Rack

SeaSucker Talon Bike Rack forOne Bike

Talon Bike Rack forOne Bike

Most Compact Bike Rack

SeaSucker Talon Bike Rack forOne Bike

The Talon shines as our top compact bike rack, beloved for its no-fuss fork-mount design and the latest HUSKE Fork Mount tech. Its trio of robust vacuum cups keep your bike locked down but ensure your car remains mark-free, offering peace of mind alongside unmatched security.

Lightweight and portable, it’s a dream for cyclists on the move, fitting snugly in luggage. The beauty of the Talon lies in its simplicity and speed in setting up or removing, catering to virtually any car out there.

Weight Capacity 45 lbs
Number of Bikes 1
Attachment Points Roof, Trunk, Hatchback
Size Approx. 15″ x 13,” Height: 3″ without fork mount, 6.75″ with fork mount
Weight Approx. 6 lbs

Best for Multiple Bikes

Hollywood Racks Destination, Hitch Mount Rack

Destination, Hitch Mount Rack

Best for Multiple Bikes

Hollywood Racks Destination, Hitch Mount Rack

Rolling out with the crew just got a whole lot easier with the Hollywood Racks 4 bike hitch mount carrier. This lightweight champ means you can load up everyone’s bikes without weighing your car down.

It’s like having a personal bike valet for your car, SUV, or truck, thanks to its padded frame holders that rotate to fit bikes of all shapes and sizes. Plus, it folds down when flying solo, keeping things sleek and safe.

Weight Capacity
Mount Type: Hitch
35 lbs
Number of Bikes 4
Hitch Receiver Sizes Not Specified
Mount Type Hitch

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Best No Hitch Bike Rack

Saris Bike Racks, Bones EX Car Trunk Rack

Saris Bike Racks, Bones EX Car Trunk Rack

Best No Hitch Bike Rack

Saris Bike Racks, Bones EX Car Trunk Rack

No hitch? No problem. Upgrading the trunk rack game, the Bones EX sails in with a clever twist. Designed by the talented Fabio Pedrini and produced in Wisconsin, it sidesteps the spoiler issue with a nifty leg design, boosting the amount of vehicles it’ll work with.

Lightweight yet tough, it securely holds up to 3 bikes and respects your car’s paint with articulate rubber feet. With its sleek look and made from recyclable materials, it’s good for your car, bike, and the planet.

Weight Capacity Per Bike 35 lbs
Number of Bikes 3
Compatibility Fits about 90% of vehicles, including those with spoilers
Mount Type Trunk

Best Roof Rack

Thule UpRide

UpRide

Best Roof Rack

Thule UpRide

Pros
  • Keeps your bike snug and secure, with zero frame or fork drama
  • Compatible with a wide array of bikes right out of the gate
Cons
  • Initial setup is a bit complex, might have you scratching your head

The Thule UpRide stands out for its innovative approach to roof-mounted bike transport, securing bikes without touching the frame or fork. This feature ensures your bike remains pristine, no matter the journey.

Thanks to its versatile design, it easily accommodates a wide range of bikes. While its setup might initially seem complex, its performance, once mastered, is unmatched, offering a stable and secure transport solution. It’s especially suited for vehicles with lower roofs and lighter bikes, making it a top pick for cyclists who value their bike’s condition and easy loading.

Weight Capacity 44 lbs
Number of Bikes 1
Compatibility Fits Most 20-29″ Wheels, Up to 3″ Wide Tires, or 5″ With Adapter
Mount Type Upright, No Frame Contact

Best for Heavy Bikes

Yakima StageTwo

StageTwo

Best for Heavy Bikes

Yakima StageTwo

Pros
  • Robust and secure, handling heavy bikes with ease
  • Versatile fit for various bike sizes and types
  • Enhanced security features for peace of mind.
Cons
  • The rack’s weight and size may challenge storage and handling

The StageTwo hitch rack has won over our team with its ease of use and remarkable versatility. It effortlessly accommodates a wide array of bike sizes and weights, up to 70 pounds each, making it a haven for hefty e-bikes. The optional loading ramp is a back-saver, and its security features give you peace of mind.

Although its robustness means it’s a bit on the heavier side and not the easiest to stash away. Still, its sturdiness and high weight capacity make it a standout choice.

Weight Capacity Per Bike Up to 70 lbs; 60 lbs for RV Use; 42 lbs Off-Road
Number of Bikes 2, Expandable to 4
Compatibility 20”-29” Wheel Sizes, Tires Up to 3.25” wide, and Up to 5″ With Additional Kit
Mount Type Hitch

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Best for Mountain Bikes

VelociRAX 5

VelociRAX 5

Best for Mountain Bikes

VelociRAX 5

The VelociRAX 5 takes mountain biking adventures to a new level of convenience. Designed for hitch attachment, it easily holds up to five mountain bikes, with generous spacing to prevent any overlap.

Its standout feature is the hassle-free roll-in loading, which is perfect for kids and adults alike, eliminating the need to lift bikes high. The integrated hydraulic dampers ensure the gentle lowering of bikes, including a garage wall mount for storage. However, while it’s ideal for flat handlebar bikes, drop handlebar bikes only fit at the end.

Weight Capacity Per Bike 55 lbs
Number of Bikes Up to 5
Compatibility Suitable for eBikes (Recommended to Remove Batteries)
Mount Type Hitch-Mounted Vertical

Best Budget Bike Rack

Swagman XTC2 TILT Bike Rack

XTC2 TILT Bike Rack

Best Budget Bike Rack

Swagman XTC2 TILT Bike Rack

This budget-friendly 2-bike rack is a game-changer for the occasional rider. Not only is it light and easy to manage, but its foldable wheel trays mean you can stash it away in a closet when not in use. With features like platform carrying, padded hooks, and sliding wheel hoops, it’s versatile enough for different bike sizes.

Plus, the ability to tilt down with bikes loaded offers convenient access to your car’s cargo area. Though extra accessories like fat bike hoops are sold separately, this rack’s blend of functionality and affordability makes it a solid starter choice.

Weight Capacity Per Bike 35 lbs
Number of Bikes 2
Compatibility Adjustable for Various Bike Sizes, Accessories for Fat Bikes
Mount Type Hitch

Why Trust Esquire?

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Listen, we’re not claiming to know everything under the sun, but we do our homework and consult the pros. We’ve got plenty of recreational cyclists in our network, so we get insider knowledge on the best and worst bike racks out there. Combine that with our thorough research and feedback from real cycling experts, and you’ve got trustworthy and practical advice. We’re here to help you navigate the maze of options, cutting through the noise to recommend bike racks that truly stand out for durability, ease of use, and security.

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