- Best Overall: Kuat Sherpa 0 at Amazon.
- Best Value: Thule Camber 2-Bike Hitch Rack at REI.
- Best for Two Bikes: Thule T2 Pro XT 2 at REI.
- Best for Budget: Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack at Amazon.
- Best for Three Bikes: Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Racks at Walmart.
Table of Contents
What is the safest bike rack for a car?
- Rockymounts MonoRail Solo hitch bike rack. The best bike rack for cars that’s easily removable and hitch mounted.
- Kuat NV 0. The best bike rack for cars when you want a hitch mount and every feature possible.
- Yakima FoldClick
- Kuat Piston SR.
- Yakima HighSpeed.
- Thule UpRide.
- Rockymounts Tomahawk.
- Saris Bones 2-Bike.
What kind of hitch do I need for a bike rack?
Do you need a trailer hitch for a bike rack? To use a hitch mount bike rack, you do need a trailer hitch on your vehicle, while roof and trunk racks don’t require a trailer hitch. A trailer hitch can be installed on just about any vehicle – from small hatchbacks to minivans to oversized SUVs.
Is it worth getting a hitch for bike rack?
Hitch Mount Racks
Although more expensive than trunk-mounted racks ($150 to more than $500), hitch racks are a great option for frequent users—especially for those needing to carry more than three bikes. Hitch racks are typically designed to haul two to five bikes.
Are hitch bike racks worth it?
If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted racks are the way to go. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use.
Which is better trunk or hitch bike rack?
A trunk bike rack might be the best option if you’re on a tight budget. However, if your vehicle and budget allow for a hitch or roof bike rack, they are the superior option for transporting bikes.
How much does it cost to put a bike rack on an SUV?
If your current car, truck, minivan, or SUV does not have a hitch, the world of hitch bike racks is still open to you. You can most likely have one set up as an aftermarket part. On average, the total cost of a complete Class 3 trailer hitch install ranges from $510 to $950.
Do hanging bike racks damage bikes?
Hanging the bike by the wheel will not damage it as long as you follow the right way to do it. First, you will need to use high-quality hooks such as vinyl hooks so that they will not bring any scratches or damage to your bike.
Should you drive slower with a bike rack?
While there is no law dictating how fast you can drive a car with a bike rack, it is recommended that you shouldn’t go faster than 55 mph with a trunk rack, 65 mph with a hitch rack, or 80 mph with a rooftop rack.
Do strap on bike racks damage your car?
Trunk-mounted bike racks
This type of bike rack is strapped to the edges of the trunk and is always in contact with your car. If the bike rack is not secured properly, it can rub against the car and damage the paint. Always double-check that trunk racks are fitted securely and that it supports your bikes.
Which brand bike rack is best?
- RockyMounts.
- Saris.
- SeaSucker.
- Sensus.
- Swagman.
- Thule.
- VelociRAX.
- Yakima.
How do I keep my hitch bike rack from swaying?
- RockyMounts.
- Saris.
- SeaSucker.
- Sensus.
- Swagman.
- Thule.
- VelociRAX.
- Yakima.
How fast can you go with a hitch bike rack?
But how fast can you drive with a bike rack? Generally, you shouldn’t exceed 55mph with a trunk rack, 65mph with a hitch rack, or 80mph with a rooftop rack.
Is it OK to hang bikes by their wheels?
Many experts believe it’s safe to hang a bike by its wheel. According to Jim Langley, author of Your Home Bicycle Workshop, “it’s perfectly safe to hang most bicycles by one wheel. The only exceptions are bikes with specialty aero carbon rims that are so light the carbon will flex if you squeeze it by hand.”
Do hitch bike racks get stolen?
Although it does happen, Bike rack theft is far less common than bike theft. And sadly, most people don’t even consider the fact that their rack could be stolen right off their car. Thieves are opportunists, and if they see an unattended rack where no one will see them, they might just take it.
Do rear bike racks damage your car?
Some mounting pads — even on quite expensive carriers — can rub the paint off car bodywork.
Do hitch racks affect gas mileage?
Roof and trailer-hitch racks are great at toting your gear for a weekend adventure, but those mounts can change the aerodynamics as well as the weight of your vehicle—costing you additional gas money.
Do hitch bike racks wobble?
Almost anything connected to a hitch is going to wobble and sway. Hitch-mounted bike racks are no exception. Roof racks and trunk racks shouldn’t shift nearly as much, but there’s a solution for each category.
References:
- https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-hitch-bike-racks-4172206
- https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-bike-racks-for-suvs/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9010d1667dc
- https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/best-bike-racks-for-cars/
- https://www.uhaul.com/Tips/Trailer-Hitches/Bike-Racks-101-A-Complete-Guide-To-Finding-The-Right-Bike-Rack-21630/
- https://www.backroads.com/pro-tips/biking/bike-racks-for-cars-pros-and-cons
- https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-hitch-bike-racks
- https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/bike-racks-best-choice/
- https://suspensiontraveler.com/trailer-hitch-cost/
- https://www.bikeshepherd.org/does-hanging-bikes-by-the-wheel-damage-it/
- https://vehq.com/drive-with-a-bike-rack-safely/
- https://calgary-hitchshop.ca/blog/can-bike-racks-damage-your-car/
- https://suspensiontraveler.com/best-bike-rack-brands-ultimate-list/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_fHQmeOEGs
- https://bikefinest.com/how-fast-can-you-drive-with-a-bike-rack/
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/350538-is-it-bad-to-hang-a-bicycle-by-its-wheel/
- https://cyclingbeast.com/bike-racks-get-stolen/
- https://www.cyclinguk.org/cycle/full-guide-car-mounted-cycle-carriers
- https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-bike-racks-affect-car-fuel-economy/
- https://smartbicycleowners.com/are-bike-racks-supposed-to-wobble-and-sway/
