Best Car Hitch Bike Racks
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1
A$210.77- Can fit bikes of different models and sizes
- Bolds bikes securely and tightly
- Can easily haul up to 4 bikes
- Compact and lightweight
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2
A$180.20- Accommodates different types of frames
- Fits various trailer hitch styles
- Can carry bicycles weighing up to 35 lbs
- Can hold several bikes
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3
A$386.76- Folds up to a small size
- Antiwobble design
- Can fit two bikes
- Robust design
Riding a bike is a great way to visit new places, tackle off-road trails, and also get some exercise. However, they might come a time when you’re not able to ride your bike since the trail is very far away or the bike isn’t functioning properly. A car hitch bike rack allows you to conveniently and easily transport the bicycle wherever you want it. Therefore, if you are looking to go biking, here are the best picks for the top car hitch bike racks.
Best Car Hitch Bike Racks
1. Thule Helium Pro Hitch Bike Rack
As one of the most renowned brands around the world, Thule fully understands car bike racks and its Helium Pro Hitch Bike Rack is without a doubt a heavy-duty and premium option. While it’s very lightweight at about 19 pounds, it’s by far one of the toughest and most robust bike racks you’ll find. The good news is that you don’t need any tools to install or remove the device. It features a cradle system that makes it easier to load the bikes.
The racks fold pretty well and can fit several bikes and bike models. Nevertheless, it may not fit the large bikes. This makes it easier for you to haul your favorite fat bike, hybrid, downhill, or mountain any place you want.
Product Features
- A premium option for the bike racks
- Tightly and firmly grasps bikes
- Features a cradle system for easy access
Pros
- Product is very easy to set up, manage, load, and also unload
- It’s durable, robust, and large
- Can easily hold several bikes
Cons
- It’s cumbersome and heavy
- It might need 2 people to setup
2. Retrospec Lenox Car Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Looking for a more budget-friendly and low-priced car hitch back rack that can hold several bicycles with ease, then you should consider Retrospec Lenox Car hitch Mount Bike Rack. The rack’s low price should not hinder you from checking this product out. It’s a very light clamp rack which makes hauling two bicycles simple and convenient, but the guidelines are not very clear and could be somehow confusing to some people.
This bike rack is pretty versatile and can easily fit Class IV and III two-inch trailer car hitches. This car hitch features a strong and durable carrying arm that can accommodate several bike styles and frames. Nevertheless, the rubber clamp isn’t very durable and might quickly deteriorate than the frame. The rubber straps securely and firmly wrap around the bike’s frame to reduce any damage to the material as well as shaking, but you might have to use some kind of tie-down system to properly secure the bicycle. It neatly folds down and compactly remains in place for storage and you can easily remove it whenever you don’t want to use it.
Product Features
- Accommodates different types of frames
- Fits various trailer hitch styles
- Can carry bicycles weighing up to 35 lbs
- Can hold several bikes
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to store
- Compact and lightweight
- Made of tough steel
Cons
- Instructions might be very difficult to read
- The rubber strap is not durable
- Lacks anti-wobble feature
3. Swagman XTC2 Hitch Bike Rack
Swagman’s compact car hitch bike rack looks the part, but you shouldn’t be intimidated by the design. The bike rack easily assembles and takes a few minutes to fit into the right place. Whereas the bike rack might be quickly set up, doing so could be a challenge. For instance, consider the adjustable ratchet arms. These can fit two bikes and different sized bike rims, including those with a diameter of 59cm with 29-inch tires, they might be hard to move.
Probably one of the main features of this car hitch is its stability. It’s an inbuilt anti-wobble design that prevents the bikes from shaking. Another great benefit comes with regards to the storage of the rack. You can easily and compactly fold the bike, so you can easily stow it in your garage or even keep it in the hitch whenever your bike isn’t on it. Nevertheless, the instructions are not that useful and maybe a little confusing or offer a few details on the specifications.
Product Features
- Folds up to a small size
- Antiwobble design
- Can fit two bikes
- Robust design
Pros
- Light
- Simple design
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- The guidelines might be a hassle
4. ALLEN SPORTS 3-Bike Hitch Racks
This incredible hitch bike rack can easily hold 4 bikes, which is amongst the highest bike capacity you’ll find on this list. The ALLEN SPORTS 3 Bike Hitch Racks features a huge metal frame with several thick straps for holding all your bikes into place. However, always keep in mind that loading several bikes might be a challenge, particularly ones of different sizes. The bikes can mount together, so you should adjust the pedals and handlebars to make sure they do not rub or hit against another.
The bike carrier is not very hard to understand. It’s not very high to load bicycles on the support platform and a cradle system firmly wraps around the bicycle’s frame to properly hold it in the right place. Nevertheless, you might want to use bungee cords or tie-downs to secure the wheels and handlebars from rotating or spinning. It can haul several bikes from quick road bikes with subtle frames to mountain bikes with fat tires. Moreover, it includes a no-wobble bolt that helps prevent the two bars from moving around.
Product Features
- Can fit bikes of various makes and sizes
- Bolds bikes securely and tightly
- Can easily haul up to 4 bikes
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to mount several bikes
- Simple to manage design
Cons
- It provides a limited space between the bikes
- You might need padding or bungee cords for a secure fit
5. Yakima Fullback 3-Bike Trunk Rack
Here is an easy to assemble hitch bike rack, which can be easily set up in a few minutes so that you can get back on the road faster. However, it’s pretty hefty and could be more painful to install. The system is completely integrated, so you will not have some parts just lying around afterward, everything is very easy to adjust and faster. The cradle design is pretty sleek and looks great on the back of your car. Moreover, it’s reliable and strong and offers a tighter grip on 2 bikes.
One of the greatest benefits of this top-notch rack is that it doesn’t come in touch with the frame of your bike. This minimizes the risks of scratches and accidental dents to any bicycle frames, particularly light carbon fiber frames. This can hold big bikes weighing up to 60 pounds and easily locks down bike tires ranging from 20 to 29 inches. Clamping one bike won’t be an issue, but multiple bikes might be a challenge.
Product Features
- Adjusts quickly
- Modern and sleek look
- Accommodates different types of bike models
- Secure and solid design
Pros
- The bike is firmly held in place by the ratchet arm that does not contact the bike’s frame
- It’s usually painted with a powerful powder coated gloss
- Easy and quick to install and lockdown bicycles
Cons
- Locking cables are lightly short
- It’s difficult and hefty to install alone
6. MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Platform Style
We really appreciate the hitch bike rack that can easily accommodate two bikes and the MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Platform does exactly that. One of the most amazing features of this bike that you’ll love is the fact that it’s lightweight. Although it might look feeble and small, it can carry up to 40 pounds per bike. Also, the mount’s weight allows you to easily maneuver it around as you try to fit it into place. You can even stow it in your garage or even leave it on the car’s rear without any hassle.
Product Features
- Easy to load
- Remove bikes when they are not needed
- It’s durable and lightweight
- The rack is very easy to carry around
Pros
- It’s pretty versatile and can fit Class II bikes
- Can hold 2 bikes
- Simple to remove
- Ultra-lightweight
Cons
- Multiple bikes might rub or hit against one another
7. BV Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack
It might seem a little odd, but this incredible rack does an amazing job in transporting bikes with no hassle. It’s fitted with 4 robust cradles for carrying bikes, plus 2 huge ratchet arms for holding the bike’s frame in place. These arms usually feature thick padding for avoiding scuffing or denting the frame, transporting the bikes with ease. You must be aware of what size hitch your car is mainly because the rack isn’t built to fit Class 1 car hitches.
One of the most important parts of this incredible bike rack are the extra safety reflectors that provide improved visibility even when driving while it’s dark. Also, the rack can be easily titled from the trunk, so you can accessibly access it when the bikes are mounted. Moreover, with the security and safety of an anti-wobble feature, the bikes will not get thrown around during the trip. One drawback is that in case you leave the bike rack on the car 24/7, it doesn’t hold up to great weathering.
Product Features
- Efficient and quick
- Bikes easily clampdown
- Robust and tough without being very heavy
- It’s very easy to mount
Pros
- Features safety reflectors
- It’s very strong and offers a comfortable padded grip
- Can firmly hold 2 bikes in place
Cons
- Could be awkward to store and carry
- Not specially designed for the Class 1 car Hitches
Best Car Hitch Bike Rack Buyers Guide
The car bike rack offers bikers a convenient way for carrying their bikes around, but it might be a lot of pain to set up and mount the bike. There are many to pick from and picking the right one can be challenging. It’s for this reason we’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision.
Is A Car Hitch Bike Rack Worth It?
There are many benefits to owning the best bike rack, and there are more than just cool tools for hauling bikes. Besides transporting your bicycle, these car hitch racks allow you to carry gear and other car accessories and can be a great place to lock the bike whenever necessary.
- A car hitch bike rack makes it easier for you to safely transport your bikes, ensuring you do not damage them when going to a repair shop or trail.
- It lets you haul other bike accessories like locks, bike tubes, and helmets with ease.
- In case you do not have a home garage or cannot store the bike in the house; the rack offers you a place to store or hold your bike.
- Bike owners can use a great rack to lock the bike while running errands.
- In case you need to transport multiple bikes; the rack gives bikes owners a space to hang several bikes.
Types Of Car Hitch Bike Racks
Choosing the best car hitch bike racks revolves around finding the right tow bar for your specific type of car and bike. You can choose the rack that easily cradles the bikes’ tires like an infant or choose that which securely holds the frame.
Platform Style
The platform bike rack offers a firm cradle for the bike tires to sit on. The padded ratcheting arm connects to the bike’s frame to firmly hold it in place. The clamps then attach to the bicycle tires to prevent spinning and hence prevent the bike pedals from moving around.
Hanging Style
The hanging car hitch bike rack grasps your bike by the frame, allowing it to freely hang in space. The bike rack’s clasps are made of thick treated rubber, which clamps over the bike’s frame. The main benefit of the hanging bike rack is the fact that it’s generally lighter and also creates room for more bikes. Nevertheless, the tires, handlebars, and pedals are not licked, so they’ll rotate and spin on the drive. This could result in the rubber rubbing against other bikes or even the rack itself.
What To Look For In A Car Hitch Bike Rack
Although almost all car bike racks usually come with identical features, there are a few important features you should check out. Yes, the bike racks hold the bike in place, they could include several features that you might not even know are available.
Hitch Attachment
You should check out the size of the hitch attachment and then compare it to your car’s hitch. The hitch falls under a specific class category, so you’ll need a car-bike hitch that matches your vehicle.
Antiwobble Mechanism
You do not want the hitch or bike to shake around while driving, so you should look for a bike rack with an anti-wobble or antishake feature. It’s a great addition that definitely keeps your hitch and bike from shaking lose while minimizing the friction.
Padded Protection
The locking clamps and arms should be well padded to protect the bike from any harm. The worst thing that can happen to your bike while traveling around is getting dented or scratched from the rack’s clamps or arms.
Locking Cables
Not every bike rack you find out there also includes a locking cable, but those racks that do offer you additional security. You never have to worry about leaving the bike attached to the rack as you eat a meal or run an errand. Locking cables are inbuilt security devices, which keep your bike perfectly attached to the rack.
Tips For Buying A Car Hitch Bike Rack
Buying and knowing exactly how to set up or take care of the car hitch bike rack allows you to hook it up more quickly and efficiently. Also, you need to know the number of bikes that the hitch can hold in place and also the maximum weight capacity it can hold.
- Measure the size of the wheels to see whether they can fit on the platform’s cradle. Most of the bike racks listed here can easily hold wheels measuring from 20 to 29 inches.
- You can easily detach the bike’s front wheel to create enough space for more bikes on the hitch rack. You can store the wheels in your car’s trunk.
- Note the guidelines and weight restrictions detailed on the car hitch bike rack.
Bottom Line
All the car hitch bike racks listed here are excellent picks, but ALLEN SPORTS 3 Bike Hitch Racks is one of the most dependable and reliable racks available online in Australia today. From its quick and easy assembly to its durable and lightweight design, it makes transporting your bike to the repair shop or next trail hassle-free. This bike rack comes with a built-in anti-wobble system to keep the bike in place and it’s very simple to store and remove.
Best Car Hitch Bike Rack FAQs
How do I set up a car hitch receiver rack?
It’s easy, you should start by checking to see whether the car’s hitch has enough space to fit the rack. If it fits, you can then slide the bike rack into the car’s hitch and then tighten the pin to securely hold it in place.
What types of bicycles can the rack hold?
The best bike racks should be able to hold almost any kind of bike including recumbent bikes, tandem, kids, hybrid, urban, carbon fiber, road, full suspension, and mountain bikes.
Can my car pull a trailer?
Technically, the most average-sized vehicles can easily handle a small trailer. However, if you drive a sports car, that’s small in size, you might find it hard to pull loads safely.
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