If you have a four-wheel vehicle and you need to carry your bike on it, it can be challenging because the bike may not fit in the storage trunk or inside the vehicle. You may need to transport your bike when buying it, taking it to a repair shop, or just taking it on a trip.
But if you have these bike racks, that transportation will be secure and safe in all aspects. There are different styles of bike racks that you can choose from like roof racks or hitch racks, that’ll suit you and your bicycle needs perfectly.
To help you choose the best bike rack. We’ve reviewed five products of what we consider the best in the market.
Best Bike Racks for Car
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | More Info |
|---|---|---|
 |
Allen Sports Premier AR200 | More Info |
 |
Thule T2 Pro XT | More Info |
 |
Swagman Upright Roof Rack. | More Info |
 |
Allen Sports 542RR Deluxe Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier. | More Info |
 |
Apex Adjustable 1-Bike Roof Rack Carrier | More Info |
Best Bike Racks for Car Reviews
- Allen Sports Premier AR200
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It provides an ideal way to safely transport bikes in a convenient way. It has a lighter, less bulky feel and doesn’t pose the storage space problem that other tray racks do. Heading out for a nice trail ride on your bike is a great way to spend the day, but depending on your space, you might have a hard time finding where to put your bike.
It’s not a problem at all, though, with the Allen Sports Premier AR200, it suits a wide range of bicycle sizes and styles for your one and a quarter inch or two inch receiver hitch. It makes taking your bikes with you simple, even in your car or vehicle, which has a spare tire.
The rugged powder coated steel and aluminum frame accommodates two bicycles up to 40 pounds. This bike rack also has a locking model featuring the locking knob. This knob has two functions. First, it contains the key hole that locks the hitch into your receiver, which prevents that. Secondly, as the knob turns, it tightens the hitch to the receiver to eliminate any sway.
The Allen Sports AR200 has a spine shield that’s padded to protect the bike from metal mass of the rack. This will ensure the bike rack does not damage your car. It has a one handed pull lever system to tilt the mast away from the trunk and has two red release buttons that you press for falling down the arms. Allen sports have been designing and making super bike racks for over 50 years.
Pros:
- Rugged power-coated steel.
- Aluminum frame.
- Locking knob.
- One-handed pull-lever.
Cons:
- None.
- Thule T2 Pro XT
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It’s a premium platform hitch rack that carries two bikes, but can be expanded to four bikes with a T2 Pro XT two bike add on. This also offers strength and security with a ratcheting arm that avoid contact with your bike frame. It’s ideal for wide or flat tire bikes.
This hitch rack offers generous spacing and side to side adjustments. So the bikes won’t bounce against one another and cause damage. Lock your bikes to the rack with the receiver using the integrated cable lock and knob. It’s ideal for carbon frames, mountain downhill, and even flat bikes as it fits 20 to 29 inch wheels and up to five tires without adapters.
It secures the bikes quickly without frame contact and with the frame free ratcheting arm. The Thule T2 Pro XT is a compact design that allows you to store and transport the rack easily. It also tilts so you can access your trunk and put the rest of your gear in.
This bike rack has a tow ball mounting, which is excellent for convenient mounting and maximum bike transport capability. Thule is another brand with an outstanding origin. Their bike racks have long been recognized as a solid investment by cycling enthusiast.
Pros:
- Carries two bikes.
- Side-to-side adjustments.
- Compact design.
- Tow ball mounting.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Swagman Upright Roof Rack.
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It’s a perfect solution for carrying a single bike on the roof of your vehicle. It’s ideal because you don’t have to remove the front tire, which allows you to accommodate a wide variety of bikes. The bike sits in a wheel tray and is held in position by an upright arm, which clamps around the bike frame.
Two simple straps are included to better secure your wheels to your wheel tray. The universal clamps allow your bike rack to mount on a round square arrow, elliptical and most factory carrier systems.
Also, you won’t have to worry about your bike turning up, missing the knob and the upright arm free spins when locked, preventing anyone from loosening the clamp around the bike. The wheel tray itself is adjustable to fit a maximum wheel base of 54 inches.
The Swagman Upright Roof Rack features a nice black powder coated finish. So it’s going to resist rust and corrosion. At the same time, the bottom roof is made up of stainless steel for stability and strength. The side holders have a plastic construction to bring down the overall weight. It has a weight capacity of 35 pounds and fits bars up to three inches wide.
Related: How much Weight can a Bike Rack Hold?
Pros:
- Two simple straps.
- Easily adjustable.
- Black-powder coat finish.
- Weight capacity of 35 pounds.
Cons:
- Heavy.
Related:Best Bike Rack for Prius (Reviewed 2021)
- Allen Sports 542RR Deluxe Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier.
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This is an ideal choice for taking your bikes on camping or road trips. This model is easy to assemble and you can easily carry up to four bikes. It features very long carry arms that cater efficiently for four bikes, which can all be 22 inches long and have individual tie-down systems to secure each bike you attach to the rack.
Your bikes are definitely held in place with this patented tie-down cradle system. It features a carrier arm spacing on the hitch Mount bike rack that accommodates a wide range of frame sizes and designs. Otherwise, the carry arms on your rack can easily be folded down out of the way, when not in use.
With a foldable carry arms, this four bike carrier for two inch receiver hitches can be stored easily as it does not occupy a lot of space. This allows for greater flexibility and using your vehicle with the rack installed. The tie downs are fixed in position on the carry arm, but rotate to engage a wide range of bicycle frame sizes.
Related: Do you Need a Hitch for a Bike Rack?
The main mast on the rack and quickly be tilted back from easy lift gate access. When the rack is in place that your vehicle. The Allen deluxe hitch racks include the hardware to install the rack tier or receiver hitch securely. The included no wobble bolt allows you to fully tighten the rack in place.
This model’s individual tie-down system, individually secures and protects bicycles. Lastly, all retainer clips attach with lanyards to prevent loss parts. This product comes with a black powder coated finish to protect it from all types of weather and it’s rust and corrosion resistant.
The Allen Sports to Deluxe Hitch Mounted Bike Rack can easily and safely transport at least four bikes and also protects your vehicle. It’s ideal for large family outings or holidays.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble.
- Long carry arms.
- Individual tie-down systems.
- Can be quickly tilted back.
Cons:
- None.
- Apex Adjustable 1-Bike Roof Rack Carrier.
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Apex transports, a single bicycle and upright roof racks are great options for SUVs as long as you don’t have an issue with the clearance. It’s one of the most versatile and secure bike rack types, but it will require having a base roof rack installed on the top of the vehicle.
The Apex roof bicycle rack is designed to work with an existing crossbar of up to three and a quarters in width, one five eight high with a maximum of one inches from roof to crossbar with an integrated U-bolt attachment system. It’s also recommended that the roof crossbars are positioned at least 28 inches apart for maximum stability.
The adjustable clamping arm attaches to the bicycles down to. The key lockable includes two keys. This rooftop bike carrier features an adjustable tray locking bike clam, and a tire strap for added stability during transit. The Apex Bike Rack is packaged with two different sizes of U bolts and the rooftop bike rack accommodates a wide variety of crossbars and is easy to install.
Related: Can You Open Your Trunk With a Bike Rack on it?
Manufactured from lightweight, durable steel, the rooftop bike rack is coated with an elegant black powder coated finish to resist rust and corrosion. You can conveniently travel with the bike on your roof of your vehicle with the rooftop bike carrier. Apex roof rack carrier is ideal for those who often ride diehard bikers or those who want to go on a weekend trip.
It’s a great option if you want to carry mountain bikes, road bikes, bikes with step-through through frames, children’s bikes, bikes with suspension, bikes, with fiber frames and even fat bicycles. Also, it’s a good choice if you’re willing to lift bicycles up to your vehicle’s roof and overhead clearance is not an issue.
Pros:
- U-bolt attachment system.
- Adjustable clamping arm.
- Adjustable tray.
- Lightweight and durable.
Cons:
- Limited bikes.
Best Bike Racks for Car Buying Guide
To safely and confidently transport bicycles, you need a bike rack that works for you and for your vehicle. Depending on how you want to carry your bike, the equipment you have on your vehicle will help you narrow down your choice of rack.
- Hitch Bike Rack
If you have a hitch receiver, you can use a hitch bike track. They come in two styles hanging to arm and single mass style hitch racks are designed to carry and secure the bike using the frame. Hitch tracks with wheel trays support the entire weight of the bikes for added stability during travel.
Whether you’re traveling with just your bike or bringing bikes for the entire family on the road, you’ll want to make sure you choose a rack that can handle the load, hitch racks will take the most weight with some holding up to five bikes, making them a great option for an entire family.
Related: Best Hitch Bike Rack for Jeep Wrangler
- Rooftop Bike Racks
Rooftop bike racks come in two styles, either wheel on or wheel off. Rooftop bike racks are among the best types of bike racks in that they do not obstruct any visibility during your drive. All rooftop bike racks require a roof rack with crossbars installed on your vehicle. Roof racks are made to hold one bike at a time.
- Universal Truck Mounted Bike Rack
If you do not want to add extra equipment to your vehicle, a universal truck mounted bike rack might be your best option. This rack is anchored onto the body of your vehicle with a strap system. Although you can install multiple racks, increasing capacity, universal truck mounted racks can generally hold up to three bikes.
Related: Best Hitch Bike Rack for Subaru Ascent
Choosing the Right Bike Rack
Weight: Make sure to check the maximum weight capacity of any rack before using.
Anti-sway: Look for handy features based on your needs. For racks that suspend bikes like a hitch or truck mounted rack, look for an anti-sway feature, which helps for added stability during transit.
Built-in locks: For added protection, some hitch and roof racks come with built-in locks, so you can comfortably leave your car with your bikes mounted during the journey.
Tilt away feature: It allows you to leave a hitch mounted rack attached to your vehicle, but still gives you access to your trunk when there are no bikes on the rack.
Conclusion:
A bike car rack allows you to transport your bikes across long distances without compromising safety comfort in the condition of your vehicle. If you are a frequent cyclist, driving your bike to new locations all the time, you may prefer the ease of either a hitch rack or a roof mounted rack. If you are only occasionally transporting bikes, a universal truck mounted bike rack might be your best option. Finding a bike rack that works for you doesn’t have to be complicated.