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Are you looking for a new bike rack? Over the last 8 years, we have been researching and continually testing the best bike racks on the market. When we find compelling models, we buy them and subject them to rigorous in-house and on-vehicle testing. To date, we've bought and tested over eighty racks. This review focuses on our favorite 17 bike racks on the market today. We understand how difficult it can be to locate a rack that works for your bike, vehicle, and budget, so we're here to assist. Our bike-obsessed testers carried bikes on hitch, trunk, and roof-mount racks for months. We switched between cars, trucks, and SUVs, driving up dirt roads, down freeways, and parallel parking around town. We were impressed by how simple it was to load and unload our bikes and how securely they kept our prized possessions. Continue reading to discover the ideal rack for your needs, budget, and vehicle.
If your primary focus is on tow-hitch mounted racks, we have a separate review that compares more than a dozen of tow-hitch mounted bike racks, and we've also outlined our favorite tailgate pads for your pickup truck.
Editor's Note: We updated our bike rack review on September 5, 2024, to share more specs for our award picks and to include information on an updated Yakima rack. We also added additional photos and videos from testing.
No front wheel removal, holds any axle type, easy install
High-end construction, capable of carrying a wide range of bikes, slightly easier to load than wheel on models
Durable, folds up small for storage
Versatile, low loading height, good crossbar compatibility
Sturdy, user-friendly, no wheel removal, compatible with most roof bars
More security features than other trunk racks, comes in 2 and 3 bike versions, lightweight, folds small for transport or storage, more stable than other trunk racks
6-bike capacity, 300 lb weight limit, no handlebar interference with seatposts
Comes fully assembled, available in 2 and 3 bike versions, security features, lightweight, folds small for storage, Yakima sells replacement parts
Very inexpensive, no assembly required, lightweight, folds small for storage
Lightweight, fits a wide range of vehicles, does not require front wheel removal
Cons
Costly, Loading ramp is even more, Ratchet arms aren't ice proof
Hefty, pricey
Expensive, heavy and bulky
Sits slightly closer to vehicle than some, some assembly required
Design seems a little over-complicated, limited to vehicles with low roof height, you have to lift bike to height of roof to load
Works best on lower vehicles, harder to load bike, lock cores not included for integrated lock
Heavy, pricey, limited tray clearance
No locks included, difficult to load, not fat bike compatible
Ease of assembly could be easier, have to lift bike to roof level to load/unload
No security/lock features, hard to tilt, heavy
No locks included
No locks included, expensive for roof mount
Some assembly required, 33 lbs per bike weight limit, may not be compatible with all frames styles and shapes
Bikes must have suspension fork to be compatible, best suited for large vehicles, large storage footprint, heavy
Doesn't work with all frame shapes and styles, webbing straps can easily be cut, a little heavier than other trunk racks
Not adjustable, support arms may not work with all frame shapes/styles, no security features
Difficult to adjust, direct contact with frame, all-plastic construction, no access to rear vehicle compartments, no security features
Bottom Line
This is the best rack we've ever used; you can spend extra for taillights and fancy coatings, but they won't increase the rack's utility
Impressively easy to use and highly versatile, we think this is the best hitch-mount rack you can buy
This heavy-duty hitch rack can handle almost any bike in your collection and is great for transporting heavier e-bikes with the optional loading ramp
A versatile hitch-mount rack that provides a high price to performance ratio
A roof-mount rack with an exceptionally sturdy and secure hold of your bicycle with no frame contact
A quality roof-mount bike rack that is particularly easy to install and remove and works best with lower vehicles and lighter-weight bikes
A platform hitch rack with a swing-away feature for easier access to the back of your vehicle
A favorite for sedans and other vehicles with low roof heights
This is an awesome fork mount roof rack that can hold almost any type of axle
This is a rugged, heavy-duty hitch rack that folds up small for storage
A versatile fork mount roof rack that comes equipped to handle a variety of axle standards
A straightforward, sturdy, and user-friendly roof mount rack
A quality trunk mount rack that stands out for its security features, stability, and adjustability
If you're a mountain biker hauling a lot of bikes, this is our recommendation
A quality rack that is relatively easy to use, though suffers from the same limitations as other trunk-mount models
A very affordable, bare-bones trunk rack for the infrequent rack user on a tight budget
An affordable and highly adjustable trunk rack that lacks security features
Locking hitch pin, security key, and 12mm security cable
Rack Weight
62 lbs 11 oz
Max Weight Per Bike
67 lbs (42 lbs RV) - dedicated 2" receiver version only, 60 lbs per bike - 1.25" receiver version
After extensive testing, we feel confident in asserting that the Kuat Piston Pro and Kuat Piston Pro X are the best bike racks on the market. Everything about these racks is delightful; they're easy to assemble, easy to load, and even easier on your bikes. By contacting only your tires, there's no chance of fouling your paint or scratching your rims. You can deploy the rack with one hand or even the foot pedal if your hands are full. Simply press a button on the load arm, and it rises into place, requiring no extra effort. Adjusting the load arms for different-sized wheels can also be done single-handedly. Since there are two identical arms, you can place your bike anywhere on the tray or in any direction and avoid tangled bikes. The Piston Pro foregoes the fancy coatings and LED brake lights that come on the Piston Pro X, but its operation is nearly identical, and it's priced three hundred dollars less; it takes the award.
Kuat's FlatLock hitch cam not only secures the rack tightly to the hitch but locks it in place to keep your bike (and expensive rack) safe. The rack can support 67 pounds per tray, hold bikes with up to a 53" wheelbase, and accommodate fat bikes with tires up to 5" wide. Even most electric fat bikes and cargo bikes (with the batteries removed) can be hauled on this workhorse. “These two racks are the easiest to use and most versatile racks we've tested to date,” states lead tester Joshua Hutchens. Want to expand to a 4-bike capacity? No problem. Need a loading ramp for heavier e-bikes? Kuat has you covered.
Expensive? Yes, but it offers best-in-class security and incredible durability. The price of the rack initially put us off, but it's raised the bar for what we expect from a hitch rack. We've long loved the Thue T2 Pro XTR, but it takes significantly more time to load. We haven't found a rack that comes close to its functionality and user-friendliness. If your bikes block the taillights on your vehicle, shelling out the extra cash for the Piston Pro-X with integrated brake lights seems like a good investment.
Aside from the price, is there anything we don't love about this rack? While both racks have durable powder coatings, the finish on the Piston Pro is a rougher bead-blasted texture that holds onto road grime a bit more than its more expensive counterpart. Users who plan to haul snow bikes in below-freezing conditions with the Piston Pro will be advised to carry some deicer. The ratchet arms weren't impervious to ice and could clog in freezing rain and snow, an issue we did not have with the Piston Pro-X. After countless miles and dozens of bikes on both racks, we wholeheartedly recommend them.
Exceptionally easy to use with unrivaled versatility, the Piston Pro sets a new standard for hitch racks.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
See Our Dedicated Hitch Rack Review
Looking for a great hitch rack? See our dedicated hitch rack review to learn how the top contenders fared against a much bigger selection of hitch-specific racks.
We've long been quite fond of the Thule T2 Pro XTR. For several years running, this rack has floated to the top of our test group thanks to its winning combination of user-friendliness and versatility. From downhill mountain bikes to lightweight road bikes, it will haul your bike from point A to point B safely and with ease. Boasting many intuitive and ergonomic features, such as a low loading height and a ratcheting wheel clamp that you can adjust one-handed, Thule designed the T2 Pro XTR with keen attention to detail. It features wide wheel trays that offer compatibility with wheels from 20 to 29" and tires up to 5" wide.
Thule has further enhanced this rack's overall ease of use by moving the tilt-release mechanism out to the end of the main support arm, making it easier to access the rear of your vehicle. We also tested the T2 Pro with the 2 Bike Add-On, our favorite option for carrying four bikes. The difference with the more recent XTR model is that it has wheels on the bottom of the rack that make moving it around your garage or storage space much easier.
This rack's speed and user-friendliness aren't cheap, but with some of the newer, high-end racks on the market, this is now firmly a mid-level offering. The T2 Pro XTR rack is still expensive, large, and weighs 52 pounds, making it difficult to transport or store. All in all, the T2 Pro XTR is one of our favorite hitch racks on the market. That said, we know the price may be too steep. Our favorite hitch rack for less is the RockyMounts MonoRail, and if you're really on a shoestring, take a look at the lightweight Allen Deluxe 2-Bike.
The Thule T2 has a long been a favorite bike rack of ours, while some more expensive racks have bested it recently we still think it is one of the best bike racks.
The RockyMounts MonoRail is an affordable option for those needing a hitch bike rack. It offers features and performance similar to those of more expensive hitch racks. Like many high-quality platform racks, it secures the bike by the wheels, avoiding any contact with the frame. The rack is highly versatile, with well-designed wheel trays and ladder strap extenders that can fit a variety of tire sizes. Our test team praised the user-friendly design, which includes a one-hand tilt release mechanism that can be used while bikes are loaded. The rack also has a 6' long cable lock and hitch pin lock to ensure the safety of the rack and the bikes being transported. At only 39 pounds, the MonoRail can be carried and stored more easily than heavy racks like the Thule T2 Pro XTR.
The MonoRail feels well-built, with a solid metal receiver arm, main support arm, and bike trays. However, it also contains a reasonable amount of plastic, including the wheel trays, which could cause durability issues if not properly stored. It also uses a common bolt to secure the rack to your vehicle's receiver. Although this functions perfectly well, we found it to be far less user-friendly than some of the competition's tool-free tightening and locking designs. Regardless, we believe the MonoRail is an excellent rack that outperforms its price. For those who prefer to invest in a plastic-free model, the 1Up Heavy Duty Double is a durable option to consider. Another quality rack to entertain is the Yakima StageTwo that features an ergonomic tilt handle and above-average ease of use.
The Thule UpRide is a high-quality bike rack with much going for it. For those used to more traditional fork-mount roof racks, the UpRide may seem like an odd design. No wheel removal is necessary, and the bike is secured by two counteracting cradles, or hoops, that squeeze the front wheel from both directions. This wheel-holding design ensures that there is no contact with the frame or the bicycle's fork, and the hold is exceptionally secure. Perhaps more importantly, the absence of frame or fork contact makes this an excellent choice for riders with fancy carbon frames or those who take pride in the cleanliness or appearance of their bike. While other designs can lead to scuffing on the fork or top tube, your beloved bike will be safe and pristine on the UpRide.
While we appreciate the secure hold provided by this rack, it may require adjusting for the appropriate wheel size if you frequently switch between bikes. During our testing period, we felt this minor inconvenience slightly detracted from its user-friendliness. As the rack is located on the roof, you must lift your bike to roof height to load it, making it more suitable for lower vehicles and lighter-weight bikes. Please note that lock cores are not included but can be purchased separately. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting and load your bike with more ease, the Yakima StageTwo hitch rack fits practically any tire size and is one of the more user-friendly models for everyday use.
We were impressed by the Thule Outway Hanging 2 trunk rack in our testing, thanks to some clever design features that help to address some of the issues that plague most other trunk-mount models. At 18.3 lbs, it is lightweight and folds down small for transport or storage. After the initial setup, we found it very easy to install and remove thanks to its unique attachment system, which also helps to make it the most stable and secure trunk rack we've tested when in use and loaded with bikes. The horizontal support arms support up to 33 lbs per bike and feature lateral adjustability for a wider range of bike fit. The ratcheting straps provide a secure bike hold, with anti-sway stabilizers to keep the bikes steady in transit. Instead of nylon webbing straps, the Outway uses locking steel cables to attach to the vehicle and a locking cable for the bikes to deter theft (of both the rack and the bikes). It also comes in a 3-bike version.
While we loved the Outway Hanging 2, it has the same constraints as most other trunk racks. It has a maximum weight limit of 33 pounds per bike and works best with bikes with horizontal top tubes (unless you buy the Thule Frame Adapter). This rack fits a variety of vehicles, but it does not function with all vehicles, so it is critical to consult Thule's Fit my car feature on their website. Bike-on-bike interference, like any trunk rack, may be unavoidable based on the sizes and styles of bikes you carry. Regardless, we believe this is the best trunk rack on the market if it suits your vehicle and bikes. That said, those with a heavier bike will need a more compatible option. If you fall into that category, the Yakima StageTwo can hold up to 70 pounds, so we recommend checking it out.
The Allen Deluxe 2-Bike is an impressively inexpensive trunk-mount rack. This basic design fits on a wide variety of cars and SUVs and can support two bikes and up to 70 lbs of total weight. It comes fully assembled, only requiring one simple step to ready it for use. Five straps secure it to the back of the vehicle with rubber-coated hooks that attach to the top, sides, and bottom of the trunk. Rubber frame cradles support the bikes by the frame and secure them with nylon straps and plastic buckles. Due to its support arm design, we found that it works best with bikes that have traditional frame shapes. This lightweight rack weighs just 7 lbs and 9 oz, and it folds up very small for storage when not in use.
Considering the staggeringly low price of the Allen Deluxe 2-Bike, it didn't surprise us that it was incredibly basic. The rack itself is in a fixed position, as are the bike support arms, so it has virtually no adjustability to fine-tune the fit for your vehicle or bike frame. The fixed support arms may not work with all bike frame styles, particularly some full-suspension mountain bikes. It also has no security features, so locking the rack to your vehicle or the bikes to the rack isn't possible. All that said, we feel this is a good option for the infrequent user searching for a simple and very affordable trunk-mount rack. If you're dead set on a trunk rack and have more money to spare, we think the Outway Hanging 2 is a better buy. It has lateral adjustability and includes security features.
This rack is quite easy to attach to and remove from the vehicle with 5 straps that hook into the top, sides, and bottom of the trunk or rear hatch of the vehicle.
Rack Updated
The North Shore NSR-6 was revised since our test period with a more durable coating to resist scratching and corrosion, as well as an updated cradle design intended to make loading heavy bikes onto the rack easier.
If you need to haul around a whole lot of mountain bikes, the North Shore NSR-6 is an obvious choice. It can carry six (yes, six) bikes using a vertical/hanging orientation. This is a slick rack best suited for pickups or large SUVs. North Shore did an excellent job designing this product to eliminate virtually all interference between bikes. Even on super bumpy roads, there is no need to worry about handlebars bumping into saddles or a dropper seat post. Ground clearance is excellent too, which makes it a prime option for shuttle laps or for when you'll be on rougher roads. It can carry up to a whopping 360 pounds, which means you can load this thing up with downhill or electric mountain bikes with little worry about overloading. The sturdy construction is all metal, and it feels like it's built to last. It also comes in a 2-bike or 4-bike configuration, which is cheaper than the 6-bike version tested here.
This rack is not without its eccentricities. The NSR-6 has a much narrower variety of applications than other racks. It's geared directly toward mountain bikers. DH and Enduro riders will be pleased, but roadies and hybrid bikers won't be able to load their bikes on the suspension fork crown mounts. BMX, road, gravel, and rigid hybrid cycles are not supported either. Furthermore, shorter cyclists may have difficulty loading this rack. Additionally, we found it quite heavy and cumbersome, with a bulky and awkward shape that's difficult to move and store. For a rack that can handle more types of bikes, the Thule T2 Pro XTR may be more suitable for your needs. Whether hauling a road, mountain, or fat bike, this low-loading rack is easy to use.
If you've been bitten by the travel bug or drawn into the “van life” scene to chase endless biking adventures, you're probably already aware of the possible difficulties of transporting bikes on your travel rig. RockyMounts has you covered with the BackStage platform hitch rack, which can swing out of the way and is designed to meet the specific requirements of the contemporary van-dwelling nomad or anyone who wants easier access to the back of their vehicle. All of the other hitch-mounted racks we tested interfered with using the back doors of a van, even when tilted down. The BackStage has an impressive tilt mechanism that can be reached at the back of the rack, but the star of the show is the arm.
We still have some gripes with the BackStage, though. The tray clearance from the vehicle is somewhat cramped, so bikes with very wide handlebars need to be placed in the outside tray, and the rack itself can be cumbersome due to its weight and size. Despite its imperfections, we still think this is a great option for those who want or need easier access to the back of their vehicle. We also feel it is a good value, as other brands sell pivoting swing-away accessories that can add several hundred dollars to the price of an already expensive rack system. For those with low vehicle clearance and roofs, the Thule UpRide may be a better route. The roof rack design means you have unobstructed access to your trunk, and it will leave some money in your pocket for gas to get to the trailhead.
You have to remove the front wheel to load the bike
SPECIFICATIONS
Bike Capacity
1
Style
Roof
Lock?
Yes
Rack Weight
7 lbs
Max Weight Per Bike
45 lbs
Kuat maintains the top spot on our podium for fork-mount roof racks with their Kuat Trio. True to its name, it's ready to handle the three most common axle configurations right out of the box. An improvement over the tried and true design of the fork mount rack, Kuat has devised an innovative solution that can carry bikes with any axle standard at the fork. It's ready to handle your 9mm, 15mm, or 20mm size axles. The Trio does not require an expensive adapter to hold your through-axle-equipped bike, although an additional adaptor can be purchased to accommodate the wider fork spacing of fat bikes and bikes with plus-sized tires.
Versatility is high on the list of the Trio's strengths, and it can be mounted to almost any crossbar style using a U-bolt style clamp. They also designed a convenient cut-away to supply clearance for disc brake calipers found on many modern road, mountain, and gravel bikes. A cable lock that extends from the back of the rack rounds out the great design, making the Trio the most versatile, secure, and easy-loading fork mount roof rack we've tested. And yet, we know some riders will not want to remove their front tire every time they head out for a ride. If that's you, we suggest looking at the Thule UpRide, which lets you transport your bike on the roof but skip the hassle of removing a wheel.
The Yakima HighRoad has been updated to accommodate 52 inch wheelbase and a max crossbar spread of 40 inches. Our affiliate links point to this updated version.
We recommend the Yakima HighRoad for anyone who knows they will need to remove their rack from their vehicle frequently. This roof-mounted option is super easy to install and remove, requiring no tools — simply flip a lever, tighten a thumb roller, reclamp, and you're in business. After we got this process down, we were able to do it in under three minutes. We also appreciate that this rack comes pre-assembled, and it's quite small when not in use, making it easy to store. It's a user-friendly option that provides a solid hold to your bicycle.
The HighRoad isn't quite perfect. This rack can be very difficult to use for shorter riders, especially those with heavier bikes. The loading process requires two hands — users need to hold the bike up with one hand while tightening a knob with the other. Believe us, this can be awkward, and it makes the rack only feasible for small vehicles that sport a low roof, like a sedan, hatchback, or wagon. Even small crossovers proved to be a little too tall to use this rack easily. Those with a heavy bike should check out the Thule T2 Pro XT. This hitch rack is easy to use and lower to the ground, so you don't have to struggle with reaching on top of your vehicle's roof.
We tested each rack with various bike styles on trips to and from the trailhead and on weekend adventures.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
How We Test Bike Racks
Our bike gurus conducted extensive research before purchasing and testing this fleet of racks, in addition to keeping an ear to the ground on what's new in the cycling world. Testing bike racks isn't rocket science; basically, we loaded and unloaded as many bicycles as feasible. We tested each rack on drop bar road cycles, hardtail mountain bikes, full-suspension bikes, and e-bikes to see how it worked with each style. Following that, we drove around… a lot. We drove on a variety of roads, from fast and straight freeways to bumpy mountain roads leading to trailheads and distant gravel excursions. We thoroughly evaluated each rack based on a set of performance metrics, such as ease of use and removal.
Our testing of bike racks is divided into six rating metrics:
Ease of Everyday Use (20% of total score weighting)
Ease of Removal and Storage (20% weighting)
Versatility (20% weighting)
Security (20% weighting)
Ease of Assembly (10% weighting)
Durability (10% weighting)
For more detailed information on how we tested, see our full How We Test article.
Why Trust GearLab
This review is led by senior bike editor Joshua Hutchens and multi-disciplinary bike racer Curtis Smith. Joshua is a lifelong cyclist and long-time Lake Tahoe resident with experience in almost every cycling discipline and the bike industry. He's traveled the world guiding cycling trips, owned and operated retail bicycle shops and an indoor bicycle park, and works as a professional mountain bike coach. He's passionate about sharing his love for two-wheeled exploration with the world and grateful for the opportunity to share his observations and testing results.
Our testers have deep knowledge of racks and how they've evolved. Pat Donahue also provides his expertise to this review. He is a mountain bike fiend who has experience with all types of bike racks, from trunk racks to hitch racks, over his cycling career. He is also skilled in the art of breaking stuff, so he's particularly adept at evaluating durability.
We assemble each rack ourselves at the start of our testing process.
We loaded and unloaded bikes from these racks hundreds of times to determine their ease of use.
Weight is determined by weighing each rack using our hanging bike scale.
Analysis and Test Results
These bike racks were analyzed while attached to many types of vehicles, from small hatchbacks to giant vans and everything in between. Utilizing different vehicle styles is important because performance can vary wildly based on what you're driving. To help you find the best rack for your specific needs, we paid attention to the main characteristics and nitty-gritty details to rate these racks on the chosen metrics. Their performance in each area is discussed below.
What's the Best Value?
A bike rack serves the important job of transporting your beloved bike from point A to point B. You can spend quite a lot of money on a bike rack, and some price tags even approach the value of a bicycle. Although we don't score products based on price, we know value is important. When you swipe that credit card at the bike shop or punch the digits into your favorite website, you want to feel like you are getting a solid bang for your proverbial buck.
Amongst all these hitch mount racks, we believe the RockyMounts MonoRail is the best value. While it requires a little more assembly than some other models, your efforts are rewarded with a solid, tray-style mount and an easy-to-use tilt release that's complete with locks. For the folks who prefer trunk mounts, the Allen Deluxe 2-Bike is also an outrageous value. It may be relatively basic, but it costs a mere fraction of the price of the competition.
Hitch mount tray-style racks like the RockyMounts MonoRail and BackStage make life easy with a low loading height and front wheel clamps that are quick and easy to adjust.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Everyday Use
Generally speaking, the easier something is to use, the more likely you are to use it. With bike racks, it means you'll waste less time loading and unloading bikes, leaving you more time to ride. We feel that ease of use breaks down to two principle things: how easy it is to load bikes and whether the rack interferes with access to your vehicle. (locking systems will be discussed in our security metric). The primary aspects we considered while evaluating loading the bikes are the loading height and attachment method. In general, vehicle access issues are a problem for hitch mount and trunk mount racks, so the method and effectiveness of manufacturers' efforts to mitigate these problems led us to our score.
The highest-rated hitch rack we tested is the Kuat Piston Pro-X. Loading bikes on this rack couldn't be easier — it can be deployed with a foot pedal, and the tire-hold arms snap into place with the push of a button. Some models, like the 1Up Heavy Duty Double, necessitate a more choreographed approach to bike loading to ensure there are no awkward moments when the bike is teetering and you've run out of hands. In our opinion, one of the standout features of the T2 Pro XT is the well-executed one-handed tilt release lever located on the end of the rack that makes lowering the rack or raising the rack very easy. The Yakima StageTwo also tops the charts for its impressive ease of use. Much like the Thule, the StageTwo is incredibly easy to load, and it has an easily accessible tilt-release handle that folds the rack up and down. RockyMounts has also joined the user-friendly tilt release handle club with their BackStage and MonoRail racks.
Vertical hitch racks are relatively easy to load and can carry up to 6 mountain bikes.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Looking to carry a lot of bikes — and we mean a LOT of bikes? Vertical hitch racks like the North Shore NSR-6 are made for the task. Vertical racks orient loaded bikes in a hanging fashion, packing up to six bikes while keeping them close to the bumper. (Compare the two vertical racks we tested, the North Shore NSR-6 and Yakima HangOver from our hitch rack review.) These vertical-mounted racks are a great option for the gravity and enduro crowd, but keep in mind that they only work with bikes with suspension forks. The NSR-6 is the most user-friendly of the vertical racks we've tested. This rack also boasts a huge payload that can accept e-bikes or heavy downhill steeds. In addition, there are no awkward straps to fuss with, only a small length of rope to secure the rear wheel.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are exploding in popularity. The need to transport these heavier bikes creates a challenge that some rack manufacturers are beginning to address. Lifting a 50+ pound bike onto even a low hitch rack can be difficult for some riders. Several of our favorite hitch racks have started to offer high-weight capacity racks and loading ramps. The Yakima StageTwo has a 70 lbs weight limit, and it also works with the optional RampUp ($99) loading ramp to skip the lifting. Kuat has also addressed this issue by offering an aftermarket ramp compatible with most of their hitch racks. Adding a ramp to your existing rack is a cost-effective way to make loading heavy bikes much easier.
Loading ramps like this one can help with the loading of bikes, especially heavy electric bikes.
Credit: Laura Casner
Roof-mounted racks are, as the name suggests, mounted on the roof of your vehicle. Consequently, the loading height is invariably higher. This higher and less convenient loading height automatically lowers the ease of use score compared to the close-to-the-ground convenience of a hitch-mount rack. That said, roof-mounted models can still be user-friendly, but we found the Kuat Trio to be the leader of the pack. The fork mount design is slightly easier to load than a wheel mount roof rack like the Yakima FrontLoader or the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles due to the fact the bike doesn't need to be lifted quite as high. However, the front wheel must be removed. The Trio's innovative system that makes it compatible with through-axle forks without the need for additional adapters also helped it outscore other fork mount racks.
The Thule UpRide is a high-end roof-mounted rack. Riders hoping to keep the most secure hold of their bike will likely love this model. It grips the front wheel in an extremely secure manner via two cradles with counteracting forces. This results in a firm, safe hold that leaves little chance of a bike falling off the rack on the freeway. In addition, there is no contact with your frame or fork. Loading the UpRide does involve lifting the bike to roof level, so it works best on lower vehicles and with lighter-weight bikes.
None of the trunk-mount racks score particularly well in this metric, but some fared better than others. They aren't particularly difficult to load (though it varies depending on frame shape), but there is almost always some kind of bike-on-bike interference, and there are numerous steps involved to attach them securely for transport. Of the trunk racks we tested, the Yakima FullBack and the Thule Outway Hanging were the most user-friendly.
Trunk racks like the Outway Hanging 2 have a fairly low load height, but attaching bikes takes several steps, and they don't work with all styles of bikes.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Ease of Removal and Storage
It sure would be nice if we could leave our racks attached to our vehicles all the time, but unfortunately, for most of us, riding bikes is a hobby rather than a full-time job. Therefore, bike racks are often mounted and removed from our vehicles as needs or seasons change. The ease of that process depends on various factors, including a rack's size, weight, and method of attachment.
In the case of roof-mounted racks, manufacturers assume that you're less likely to remove them regularly. Roof racks are more of a set-it-and-forget-it item that consumers often choose to just leave on the roof for extended periods after the initial installation. An exception is the Yakima HighRoad, which is impressively easy to remove or install on your vehicle. Everything can be done with your fingers without the need for any tools. Removing this rack is as simple as flipping a switch on three different contact points on the rack and loosening a screw. When the rack is unattached, it is light and easy to haul off your roof. It only weighs 18 lbs and can be conveniently shoved onto a high shelf or tucked into a tight space in the garage. Other models in our test selection, such as the Kuat Trio and the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles, require hex keys to take on and off, but they are mostly long and skinny, so you can stand them up in a corner or lay them on the floor when they're not in use.
Trunk racks are a good option for many users due to their ease of removal and storability.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Despite their bike fit and weight limitations, trunk racks are fairly easy to install and remove, and they are typically lightweight and fold down small for storage. The Thule Outway Hanging 2 has a unique attachment system that includes steel cables with torque limiting knobs to adjust their tension which makes it quick and easy to put on or take off the vehicle. At just 18.3 lbs and with a small collapsed size, it can also be stowed in the trunk and won't take up much room in your storage space. Likewise, once you get used to the installation and removal process, the Yakima FullBack is quick on and off the car and is easily storable. They may not be the most elegant or refined way to carry bicycles, but their low weight and small size make them quite convenient for the infrequent rack user.
The BackStage features a locking adjustment knob to assist in installing and and removing the rack.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Hitch-mounted racks are inherently less convenient to install/remove and store due to their heavier weights and larger size. One of the notably easy-to-store racks was the 1Up Heavy Duty Quik Rack, as its wheel trays fold in half to reduce its footprint.
The 1Up USA Heavy Duty Quik Rack folds up smaller than any other hitch rack on the market.
Credit: Curtis Smith
The two vertically-oriented hitch racks scored exceptionally poorly in this metric, and the reasoning is simple: these racks are gigantic and very, very heavy. Not only are they weighty, but their shape makes them cumbersome and awkward to carry. Once you have these racks pulled off your hitch, you might have to try and lug them through a garage door, shed door, or alley without smashing into anything. Getting someone to help you remove and store these racks makes life a lot easier and could save you a trip to the chiropractor.
Versatility
We assessed the versatility of the different models of bike racks by their ability to carry multiple different types of bikes. Bicycle frame type, wheel size, tire width, and accessories can present issues for some racks. Racks that use a bike's frame as the primary contact point often suffer in this metric due to the variety of frame shapes and sizes on the market. Racks that secure the bikes via other means, such as wheel-mounted trays, typically offer a larger amount of adjustability and can accept a larger variety of tire width and wheel sizes. The Kuat Piston Pro X scored among the highest in versatility due to its wide array of tray configurations and its ability to accommodate up to five inch wide bike tires.
The Thule T2 Pro XT, Rocky Mounts MonoRail, and Yakima StageTwo are capable of accommodating tires up to five inches wide. Ratcheting arms that clamp down on the bike's front wheel are used by most of the hitch-mounted tray-style racks we tested, eliminating frame contact and boosting versatility. A small sliding strap secures the rear wheel and can be adjusted based on the wheelbase of the bike being carried. With this design, the shape or size of the frame is inconsequential. All the hitch racks that we tested utilize trays and have a two-bike capacity, but many of them can be increased to three or four bikes by purchasing a rack extension.
The peak capacity for many vehicles can be attained by using a roof mount setup with multiple individual roof racks. Please note that roof-mount racks, such as the Kuat Trio, can only hold one bike per unit, but the potential to add multiple units on the roof increases your total carrying capacity. Other roof-mount racks, like the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles and the Yakima Front Loader, are standouts for versatility due to their ability to accommodate bikes with differing axle standards by clamping onto the front tire instead of attaching to the bike's front axle.
The North Shore NSR can carry up to six bikes, but it can only accommodate bicycles with suspension forks.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
The North Shore NSR-6 and other vertical-style bike racks have gained popularity among mountain bikers. However, these racks have limited versatility and can only accommodate bikes with suspension forks. Bikes without suspension forks, like road or BMX bikes, will not fit on this rack.
Trunk-mount racks have limitations for weight and bike fit due to the nature of the horizontal arms that support the bikes. They all work best with traditional bike frames with horizontal top tubes. Of the trunk mount racks we tested, the Thule Outway Hanging proved to be the most versatile, with support arms that can be adjusted laterally and can accommodate a wider range of fit. Both the Thule and the Yakima FullBack can also fit non-traditional frames with the use of their aftermarket frame adapters, though they are limited to 33 lbs or 35 lbs per bike, respectively.
Some of the Kuat racks feature semi-integrated noose style cable lock that can be looped through frames and wheels.
Credit: Curtis Smith
Security
Unfortunately, bike theft is an issue in our modern world, and fancy bikes attached to an unattended vehicle can be tempting targets. Bike racks come with varying levels of security, from none at all to integrated locks that secure the rack to your vehicle and the bikes to the rack. However, given the right tools and enough time, a determined thief can compromise even the most secure bike rack. In addition to the included features on a given rack, we recommend adding an aftermarket bike lock to add another layer of security
Hitch Racks
In our opinion, the most secure bike racks are those that utilize cable locks like the Kuat Piston. The long rubber-coated steel cable on the Piston locks into the rack itself. The cable is long enough to loop through wheels to help deter theft. A similar system is employed on the RockyMounts BackStage and MonoRail. Both the Thule T2 Pro XT and the Yakima StageTwo use shorter cables that are only long enough to loop through the frame or fork. The StageTwo does have an additional welded metal loop between the bike trays. However, that is a convenient spot to attach an additional cable or chain lock. Most of the hitch mount racks in our test selection have a locking hitch pin or a lock that secures the anti-wobble knob, like on the Thule T2 Pro XT and Yakima StageTwo, to prevent would-be thieves from making off with the rack itself.
Although they can haul a half dozen bicycles, the vertical-mounted hitch racks fared poorly in this performance metric. The North Shore NSR-6 doesn't have any security features; we'd recommend adding a locking hitch pin, long cable, and sturdy lock to this setup.
The Kuat Piston Pro X locks at the hitch receiver and features an integrated cable. It's a very secure and clean way to keep the bikes and rack secure.
The RockyMounts SwitchHitter has an integrated cable lock that deploys from the rear of the tray, although you'll need to purchase lock cores to use it.
Credit: Curtis Smtih
Roof Mount Racks
The most secure roof-mounted racks we tested use a cable lock to attach the rear wheel and also offer the ability to lock the fork mount. Both the Kuat Trio and the RockyMounts SwitchHitter feature this more secure design. Lower-scoring racks in our tests only allow the fork mount to be locked, leaving the rear wheel unsecured and vulnerable to theft.
While not infallible, the Thule Outway Hanging has more security features than other trunk racks.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Trunk Mount Racks
Of all the racks in our test fleet, the trunk-mount style racks seem the most vulnerable to theft. Most trunk racks are attached to the vehicle with nylon webbing straps that can be cut easily with a knife or a pair of scissors. The Yakima FullBack does have a small cable lock to secure the bikes to the rack. The Thule Outway Hanging goes a step further with locking steel cables to secure the rack to the vehicle, along with a cable lock to secure the bikes to the rack.
This is how the 1Up USA Heavy Duty Quik Rack comes out of the box. No assembly required.
Credit: Curtis Smith
Ease of Assembly
Assembling and setting up your bike rack is typically a task that only needs to be completed once, so we don't weigh this rating metric as heavily as some of the others. It's only 10 percent of the overall score. That said, we do feel that it is worthy of your attention. Some racks were simple to set up with easy-to-follow instructions and quality craftsmanship. Others left us frustrated and confused.
Hitch Racks
The 1Up USA Heavy Duty Double proved to be our highest-scoring hitch rack in this metric. It features folding bike trays that are excellent for storage and allow the rack to be shipped fully assembled. After removing it from the box and folding the trays to their open position, it is ready to mount on your vehicle and use.
Most hitch racks arrive in several pieces, like the Yakima StageTwo pictured here.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Every other hitch rack in our test selection required varying levels of assembly. The Yakima StageTwo requires a fair amount of time and effort to make it ride-ready. Assembly and installation of the Kuat Piston Pro isn't difficult; the tools needed for this process are included and the instruction manual is clear and easy to follow. There is also a QR code leading to Kuat's assembly video. Kuat recommends installing the centerbeam into your hitch and complete the assembly in place. Our video below shows a time lapse of this process.
We were able to complete assembly of the Piston Pro on the hitch of our vehicle in around ten minutes.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The vertical-mounted hitch racks were also quite involved in terms of assembly. Given the sheer size of these racks, they need to be disassembled to a greater extent to fit in a box for shipping. Make sure you set aside a solid hour for assembly, and a second set of hands is quite helpful.
The Yakima Front Loader comes fully assembled.
Credit: Curtis Smith
Roof Mount Racks
Our highest-scoring roof racks posted a perfect 10 in this metric. The Yakima HighRoad knocked it out of the park. This rack arrived completely assembled and had a ridiculously easy, tool-free installation. The Thule UpRide also scored perfectly. It came out of the box completely assembled and was also a cinch to put on a vehicle.
The Yakima FullBack 2 arrives fully assembled and ready to use.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Trunk Mount Racks
The Saris Bones 2-Bike, Yakima FullBack 2, and Allen Deluxe 2-Bike were ready to use straight out of the box. These racks are small and are easily shipped fully assembled. Simply take them out of the box, fold them into position, and they are ready to be mounted on your vehicle. The Thule Outway Hanging had a small amount of assembly that took approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Durability
To evaluate durability, we used each rack as much as possible. By our logic, this repeated use gave us real insight into the durability of each rack. We also tested on rowdy roads with some pretty darn heavy bikes to see if any bike rack would falter.
Thankfully, none of the racks completely failed, and we never had a carbon fiber bike skid down the highway or tumble into a roadside ditch. Several factors must be considered when evaluating the potential durability of each rack. These include material, design, and the linkages of any moving parts.
The 1Up Heavy Duty Double's all-aluminum construction is nearly impervious to corrosion.
Credit: Curtis Smith
From a durability standpoint, the 1Up USA Heavy Duty Double stood out to our test team with a robust, if not overbuilt, design. A claimed weight capacity of 50 pounds per tray means you'll be hard-pressed to overload it. The 1Up has no plastic parts; it's constructed entirely of aluminum with stainless steel hardware. Despite some unfortunate contact with a tree while backing up that resulted in a bent ratchet mechanism, the Heavy Duty continued to function without issue. Though it's possible to scratch its aluminum finish, there is no paint to chip and it won't rust, so the rack's overall appearance doesn't change much over time. Both the Kuat Piston Pro and the Kuat Trio are also top-performing products with powder coat finishes that are harder to scratch and resistant to the elements.
The Kuat Piston Pro's is constructed almost entirely of steel, which means it's quite heavy, but also durable.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The North Shore NSR-6 is another rack with a built-to-last feel. The NSR-6 is constructed entirely of metal. It is assembled with wide-gauge bolts that seem very unlikely to give out. The fork cradles are strong, and the rope rear-wheel fasteners are simple and far more durable than rubber or plastic ratchet systems. If the rope breaks, simply replace it. The tilt mechanism may be a little more involved than other models, but the durability factor is sky-high.
Get the Wiggles Out
Many hitch racks will have a little play in them. This is not ideal for the hitch's durability, and if it's really loose, the bikes will jostle around. An effective quick fix is a hitch tightener.
A hitch tightener is an affordable and effective way to reduce play in a hitch-mounted rack.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Conclusion
Years upon years of buying and testing bike racks and our favorite bike gear have resulted in this in-depth comparative analysis. There is no doubt that any of these bike racks can perform dutifully. That said, there are inherent strengths and weaknesses of each rack. In addition, some of the designs we have tested truly are superior to others. Our best piece of advice for finding your bike rack soulmate is to start by evaluating your vehicle and bicycle type. Certain vehicles and bicycle types play much better with certain styles of racks. We hope this review helps you make a confident purchase decision.
