Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ul><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\nBuying Guide for Finding The Right Bike Rack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n The bike racks and carriers in this round-up are all quality options and great value, but which one is right for you and your vehicle? Follow these tips for a sure-fire way to pick out the best rack for your bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rack Compatibility With Your Vehicle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The best way to start narrowing down your search is by considering the mounting options available to your vehicle. Not all vehicles are created equal, so this may significantly limit your choices, but hey, that can make the search a bit simpler. For example, roof racks can\u2019t work on pickup trucks. If your car doesn\u2019t have a hitch, your best bet is a trunk or roof rack, then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Type of Bikes You Will Be Carrying<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Next up, identify the kind of bikes you will probably be transporting with the rack. Some racks are too large to secure kids’ bikes properly, and others are too flimsy to bear the weight of heavy electric bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think about the number of bikes you want to carry, too, so you don\u2019t come up short-handed right before a big trip. These days, many 2-bike hitch racks combine with an extender rack to increase the capacity to four bikes, so you can always upgrade later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ease-of-use and Vehicle Accessibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n This criterion depends on personal preferences about how easy you want the installation, mounting, and removal processes to be. The myriad of rack designs come with differing degrees of convenience. Will you be taking the rack on and off frequently? Or will you leave the rack on all summer long?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another important factor is access to the rear trunk. Some hitch racks can temporarily lean away from the car so you can open the trunk, and some swing out to the side on a pivot. This extra feature can increase the price but can avoid a lot of frustration down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How we Ranked the Top Bike Racks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n My research spans my industry knowledge, personal experience, investigation of user reviews, and market information to develop this list of the top bike racks available in 2023. Bike racks can be some of the most expensive accessories, so making the right purchase is something I take seriously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I decided the rankings based on the features I look for in the racks I use on my own vehicles. They include ease-of-use, versatility, security, durability, and price. Racks are a great investment for the long term so explore the information below to find the perfect one.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRack name<\/strong><\/td>Rack type<\/strong><\/td>Category<\/strong><\/td>Price<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Kuat Sherpa 2.0<\/td> Hitch<\/td> Best Overall<\/td> $630<\/td><\/tr> Saris Bones<\/td> Trunk<\/td> Best Value<\/td> $180<\/td><\/tr> Thule EasyFold XT<\/td> Hitch<\/td> Best Rack for Ebikes<\/td> $850<\/td><\/tr> Saris Bones EX 3-bike<\/td> Trunk<\/td> Best Trunk Rack<\/td> $220<\/td><\/tr> Saris SuperClamp EX<\/td> Hitch<\/td> Best 4-Bike Rack<\/td> $1,000<\/td><\/tr> Kupper Mounts<\/td> Suction Cup<\/td> Best for Travel<\/td> $250<\/td><\/tr> Yakima Highroad<\/td> Roof<\/td> Best Roof Rack<\/td> $250<\/td><\/tr> DAKINE Pickup Pad<\/td> Tailgate pad<\/td> Best Tailgate Pad<\/td> $138<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Best Overall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Kuat Sherpa 2.0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
Our Rating<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9.5\/10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
$630<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
PROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nEase of use<\/li>\n\n\n\n Rack tilt to access the trunk<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
CONS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nWon’t support heavy ebikes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Kuat Sherpa 2.0<\/strong> is about as perfect of a bike rack as you can get, and at a competitive price. This hitch rack is easy to install and isn\u2019t too far off the ground, so loading bikes on and off is a breeze. The rack is built to hold most bikes up to 40 pounds each and keeps them secure with a strap for one wheel and a solid adjustable arm for the other. One of the key features is that the rack tilts out of the way, even when loaded up with bikes so that you can access and open the rear of your vehicle. It folds up nicely when not in use and has a stylish design with the touch of orange. The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 comes in 1 \u00bc\u201c and 2\u201d hitch sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Best Budget Bike Rack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n2. Saris Bones Bike Rack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
Our Rating<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8.5\/10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
$180<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
PROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nAffordable price<\/li>\n\n\n\n Feels a lot more secure than similarly prices trunk racks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
CONS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nHanging bike design isn’t the best design to avoid scratches or swinging bikes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe smaller sibling on the Saris Bones EX,<\/strong> this quality trunk rack has exactly the features you need and none of the frills you don\u2019t. This two-bike rack is exceptionally stable for such a lightweight construction, so installation is painless. The team at Saris are experts at making their trunk racks easily adjustable and compatible with almost any car.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe great price point makes carrying bikes accessible and affordable, so you can extend your expeditions and take your bikes to new places. The traditional hanging mounting system may not work with mountain bikes with funky frame shapes or hefty ebikes. If you\u2019re looking for an entry-level rack to make your life a bit easier, you can\u2019t go wrong with this well-loved favorite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
Best Bike Rack for E-bikes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n3. Thule EasyFold XT 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
Our Rating<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9\/10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
$850<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
PROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nEasily supports heavy ebikes<\/li>\n\n\n\n Comes with a ramp for easy loading<\/li>\n\n\n\n Folds up for neat storage on or off the vehicle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
CONS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nA bit pricey<\/li>\n\n\n\n An aesthetic you either like or you don’t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe demands are significantly greater on a rack carrying ebikes because of the extra bulk and weight from the motor and battery. Luckily for you, Thule<\/strong> has been paying close attention to the uptick in the popularity of ebikes in the past few years and has developed the EasyFold XT 2.<\/strong> It costs more than other racks, but we recommend that if you\u2019ve already dropped the cash on an ebike, it\u2019s best to buy the appropriate gear to care for your nice bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOur favorite feature is the foldable ramp that allows you to gently roll your heavy ebike into the rails. This rack can hold bikes up to 65 pounds each and lifting a bike that hefty without a ramp is a tall order. The rack lives up to its name because it folds up neatly for easier storage or a cleaner look when not loaded with bikes. The EasyFold comes with built-in cable locks for additional security. Even if you don\u2019t have an ebike, this rack is one of the easiest to install and load up with a couple of bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
Best Trunk Bike Rack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n4. Saris Bones EX 3-bike Rack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
Our Rating<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8\/10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
$220<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
PROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n3 bike capacity<\/li>\n\n\n\n Lightweight but stable<\/li>\n\n\n\n Easy to transport<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
CONS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nNot the easiest to install<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Saris Bones EX trunk rack<\/strong> securely holds three bikes while being impressively lightweight and durable. The EX model updates the previous model and improves its compatibility across almost any car, even ones with funky rear trunk spoilers. It\u2019s a trunk rack so installation won\u2019t be the easiest thing in the world, but the lightweight plastic makes lifting it and transporting the rack quite manageable. When you\u2019re not using it, the sturdy curved arms fold almost completely flat, perfect for sliding into the trunk or a small spot in your garage.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDespite the ubiquity of 2-bike and 4-bike racks on the market, I love that there are quality racks made for carrying a bike trio. It\u2019s a tad more expensive than the Bones 2-bike model, but in my eyes, it\u2019s worth having the extra room in case another friend wants to tag along on your bike adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
Best 4-bike Hitch Rack Option<\/h2>\n\n\n\n5. Saris SuperClamp EX<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
Our Rating<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8.5\/10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
$1,000<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
PROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nHolds four bikes<\/li>\n\n\n\n Rack tilts to access the trunk<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
CONS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nHefty price tag, but potentially cheaper than buying an add-on to a 2-bike rack<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nLooking for a rack that can hold more than just two or three bikes? The Saris SuperClamp EX 4-bike hitch rack<\/strong> comes ready to transport up to four bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s pretty lightweight considering the maximum load it is designed for and is cheaper than most split systems where you buy a 2-bike rack and the expensive 2-bike extension. Since it\u2019s a hitch rack, it normally blocks access to your vehicle\u2019s rear trunk, but the SuperClamp can be tilted away from the car so you can open the rear in a pinch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
Best for Travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n6. Kupper Mounts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
Our Rating<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8.5\/10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
$250<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
PROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nEasy to travel with and transport<\/li>\n\n\n\n Quick install<\/li>\n\n\n\n Efficient, intuitive design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
CONS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nNot the strongest so can\u2019t carry heavy bikes or go on bumpy terrain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThis innovative bike mounting solution works on just about any vehicle and is the lowest-profile option on the market, ideal for traveling. If you are using a rental car or on a trip where you\u2019ll need to transport bikes a couple of times, Kupper Mounts,<\/strong> unlike traditional bike racks, won\u2019t hog precious cargo space. Each cup securely mounts to the flat, hard surface of your vehicle and uses a powerful vacuum seal that is plenty strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOne suction cup mounts through the front fork and the other through the rear wheel, so you\u2019ll have to carry the front wheel inside your car. Kupper Mounts sets the bike weight limit at 45 pounds, and your vehicle shouldn\u2019t exceed 75 miles an hour. These limits make sense and are pretty standard; if you\u2019re looking for a heavy-duty bike rack, check out the Thule EasyFold EX, our Best Rack for E-Bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
Best Wheels-on Roof Rack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n7. Yakima Highroad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
Our Rating<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7.5\/10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
$250<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
PROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nWheels-on design for quick loading<\/li>\n\n\n\n Lock feature to secure the bike to the rack<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
CONS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nYou have to lift your bike over your head<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you want to carry your bike on top of your car or maybe it\u2019s your only option the Yakima Highroad<\/strong> wheels-on roof rack is an elegant, well-built solution. This rack fits your bike with both of its wheels on, which simplifies the process of securing your bike. It\u2019s still a roof rack, so be prepared to have to lift your bike above your head and onto the rails of the Yakima Highroad.\u00a0 Installation is quick and straightforward if you\u2019ve already got roof rails on your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis rack allows you to lock your bike to the rack for additional security. We consider this feature as a necessity for roof racks considering your bike is essentially being advertised to the world above your car like a billboard. Feel confident transporting your bike with this rack and enjoy the design touches that will keep your frame scratch-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
Best Tailgate Pad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n8. DAKINE Pickup Pad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n \n