Bikes are great for spending time in the beautiful outdoors, moving around more flexibly, exercising, hanging out with our friends and the people we love. However, we cannot ride our bikes everywhere we go, and we might need to transport them on our SUVs. When you carry a bike on your car, you will need a bike rack for safe and efficient movement. A bike rack will save you the struggle to figure out how the bike will fit in the SUV and ensure maximum and intelligent space usage. There is a huge variety of bike carriers out in the market, and it might be challenging to find just the right one for your vehicle. Before we look at our top suggestions for just the suitable bike racks for you, let us look at the different types of bike racks in the market to know what to go for.
Type of Bike Racks
1. Roof Racks
Roof racks are attached to the roof of the car. Most SUVs come with rails from the factory, making it easier to install the carriers. Otherwise, if your car does not have rails, you can build one using the manufacturer specifications. Mounting bikes on top of your car is a stable choice, and there will not be any swinging when manoeuvring corners. The racks can hold bikes that do not have a quick-release lever on the wheels. On the downside, most racks only fit one bike on them. Roof racks, however, limit vehicle access into drive-throughs or underground parking spaces.
2. Hitch Racks
Hitch mount racks are attached to the car at the trailer hitch receiver on your vehicle's rear side. Since the bikes are not resting on the car roof, the racks come with a different tray style to hold the bike wheels. A rack can have one tray or two, depending on the model. It is relatively easier to load the bike on the hitch racks as they are not high up on the car roof. The racks can simultaneously hold up to four bikes, making them the best bike racks for your SUV. However, these kinds of bike mounts can block the driver's rearview. Most of these racks do not have efficient safety features making it easier for the bikes to be stolen.
3. Trunk Racks
A trunk rack installed on the car's rear side by strapping the mount on to the vehicle. The racks are inexpensive and easy to install. Adjustable fittings make the rack easy to use on different cars. The mounts are easy to install and take off. A lot of care has to be taken when mounting to avoid swaying while driving.
Below are our top picks to help you get the best bike carrier that is easy to install and safe for your vehicle and bike.
Best Bike Rack for SUV
1. Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Mount Rack
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Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R , Black
- Patented design fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUV's...
- Side straps for increased lateral stability. Single configuration...
- Individual tie downs secure and protect bicycles
- Padded lower frame keeps bicycles away from vehicle
- Ships in certified frustration free packaging 70 pounds max...
Allen sports deluxe bike carrier is a patented design that quickly and safely straps to your SUV. The two side strap tie-down system gives lateral stability by securing the bike to your vehicle. The bike rack has narrow carry arms, which will fit different bike designs. The Allen Sports Deluxe rack comes fully assembled and takes only seconds to mount. The product has a lifetime warranty while having high-quality components designed to ensure years of use.
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2. Thule t2 Pro XT Hitch Mount Rack
Thule t2 pro xt is a platform hitch rack with a foldable design. The hitch rack is easy to install and remove because of its auto attach system, which is tool-free. The bikes are firmly secured on the rack without frame contact and a 12.5-inch space between them, ensuring safety while driving. This feature is ideal for carbon bikes or any frames that need protection. The hitch mount rack can fit a 20-25 inch and even a 5-inch wheel without adapters. The bike hitch mount tilts down when not used to allow access to the trunk of the car.
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3. Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack
Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0-1.25" - 2-Bike Rack - Black Metallic, Black Metallic/Gray Anodize
- Semi integrated bike lock
- No-tool install with hand tight hitch cam system
- 2 bike capacity up to 40 lbs each
- Package weight of the Product: 32 Pounds
With a 2-bike capacity of 40 pounds each, Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is one of the best bike racks. The carrier can hold wheel-bases up to 47 inches and tires 3 inches large with a spacing of 14 inches between the bikes. The carrier is made of aluminium Sherpa 2.0, making the rack lightweight, easy to mount and take off.
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4. Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack
Saris Bones 805 2 Bike Trunk Mount Rack
- Holds up to 2 bikes
- Strong, injection-molded arms and legs
- Built with 100% recyclable, non-rusting materials
- Ratcheting anti-sway straps secure and stabilize bikes
- Arc-based design fits over most spoilers and separates bikes on...
Built with 100% recyclable, non-rusting materials, Saris Bones 2 bike rack is the most substantial carrier in the market. The arms and legs are injection moulded, and the ratcheting holds are easy to adjust. The bike rack has anti-sway straps that ensure the bikes will not swing away while driving. The racks have an arc design that fits over most spoilers.
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5. Yakima Frontloader Bike Carrier
YAKIMA, FrontLoader Wheel-On Upright Bike Mount for Rooftop Racks for Cars, SUVs and More, Carries 1...
- Carry almost any type of bike to your next ride (including disc...
- Load your bike fully assembled with the front wheel on (some...
- Requires a roof rack with a crossbar spread between 16" and 48";...
- Holds your bike by the front and back wheel for zero frame...
- Want more peace of mind? Add 2 SKS (Same Key System) locks (sold...
The Yakima Frontloader is a wheel-on-mount upright carrier for roof racks. The carrier can handle any bike with thru-axles, disc brakes or a full suspension, and there is no frame between the carrier and the frames and the bikes are fastened at the back and front wheels. Yakima highroad fits 20-29 inch wheels and tires up to 3 inches. The front-wheel does not necessarily have to be removed for mounting. No tools are required to install the carrier on the roof.
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Factors to Consider Before Buying a Bike Rack
Before getting a bike rack for your car, you need to be sure it fits your needs. Here are some of the things you need to consider before making a purchase.
1. Number of Bikes
Different mounts can accommodate a limited number of bikes at a time. Hitch racks can carry up to four bikes, while most roof racks hold one bike at a time.
2. Bike Type
Bikes come in different shapes and sizes. Mountain bikes have different wheel specs from road bikes. Trunk mount bike racks are more suitable for smaller bikes, while hitch mount racks are better for heavier bikes. The bike tire size will determine the types of wheel trays suitable for you.
3. Mount Position
You will install the rack either on the roof, trunk or the hitch of the car. Not all cars have hitches, and not all racks have hitch receivers. Some cars have rails pre-installed on the roof, while others do not. Be sure about where the mount links to the car before buying it.
4. Budget
Your budget will determine the type of rack you will go for. A bike trunk rack would be cheaper than a four bike hitch rack.
5. How Often You Will Use the Rack
Installing a rack and removing it is not suitable for either the mount or your car. A one time use of a rack means it will need to be stored somewhere after use. If a bike mount is used repeatedly, the installation should be sturdy and more fixed.
6. Other Items
In case you have to carry other items either on the roof or on a trailer, the rack needs to be mounted on a complementary part of the car to give way for other items.
7. Ease of Assembly and Installation
Some racks come pre-assembled, while others come in parts and are put together by the user. Having the right tools for working the rack is essential. Before you load bikes onto a rack, ensure you install it correctly and firmly on to the vehicle. The loose installation will cause swaying when driving. You can rig factory crossbars on the roof in case the car has none.
8. Type of Rack
Racks have their advantages and disadvantages, as discussed above. Some racks will not be appropriate for your bike or car. Know the strengths and weaknesses of every type of rack. For example, a platform bike rack is better than a hanging bike rack because bikes rest better on a platform, reducing the risk of swinging which could ruin the bike or the vehicle carrying them.
9. Access to Rear of the Vehicle
A good rack should make it easy to access the trunk or rear side of the SUV. The driver needs to be able to have the rear view of the car for safe driving. Some racks are foldable, making it easier to access the trunk without uninstalling the whole mount.
10. Safety
Bikes get stolen. It is expensive to spend money on bikes and mounts, only to have them taken away by some random person. When buying a rack, look for the one with the most updated safety features, straps and locks.
11. Warranty and Return Policy
Warranties and good return policies help in case of a mismatch or a problem with the product. Warranties ensure good product quality and user experience.
Safety Tips:
- Always read the user manual thoroughly. Whether it is installation or assembly, everything should be done by the book.
- Ensure the bikes fit within the rack weight limits before mounting them.
- You should always have an excellent rear view after mounting bikes on your car for safe driving.
- Buy reputable brands and rack models.
- In case you use a roof rack, chances are you will forget. Remember that your car is now way higher than usual before accessing drive-throughs and underground parking spaces.
- As a cyclist, safety comes first. After unmounting the bike, make sure the release levers and brake components are in place before taking a ride.