10 Best Hitch Bike Rack in 2022 [Review and Buying Guide]

Verdict

If you want a heavy-duty hitch for you and another partner, then XCAR heavy duty bike rack is perfect for you. It comes with adjustable features and an affordable price range.

Best Hitch Rack for Bike [Buying Guide]

From this buying guide, you can outline an ideal hitch rack for a bike that fulfills your requirement. There are many aspects of a hitch bike rack like weight, capacity, and materials, etc. 

These aspects play a vital role in making a hitch rack to be the best in individual criteria. So let’s see what do we have in the buying guide.

Types of hitch bike rack

It is necessary to know the different types of hitch bike rack for bicycle so that you see the advantage of each type. Each type of racks is convenient for additional requirements.

If you are looking for something low cost and light, then you may go with one kind. Now, if you need a hitch bicycle rack that sturdy and suitable for heavy-duty transport, then you can go to another type.

There are only two types of hitch rack, and both of them are useful in different ways. 

The two types of hitch racks for bikes are

Platform hitch bike racks

This type of hitch racks is a bit expensive but more convenient and reliable because they can provide excellent stability.

Platform hitch bike racks stay low to the ground for easier access. A ratcheting closure system keeps the front wheel secure and a strap to keep the back wheel at its position tightly. It is effortless to use, and you can rapidly load a bike and offload it quickly.

This types also reduce wobble or other movements that may harm the bike while driving. With all the advantages, there are some issues that we should also consider.

However, they are heavier and bulkier, making it slightly inconvenient if you have to take off the hitch bike rack regularly. Also, they are a bit expensive.

Hanging hitch bike racks

Hanging hitch racks are best for its capacity. These types of racks are also very reliable, but they are less expensive. If you need to carry 2 to 5 bikes, you can go with a hanging hitch bike rack.

Hanging racks are very light, and you don’t have to lift the bike to the car roof. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and comes at an affordable rate. They are just not light and size efficient, but there are hanging hitch racks that can carry multiple bikes, sometimes 3 to 5 bikes.

The capacity of a hitch rack for carrying bikes

There are hanging hitch racks for bikes that can carry up to 5 bikes at the same time. And platform hitch racks can carry up to four bicycles. You have to know what is the capacity of bikes a hitch rack can carry so that you can determine what you require.

There is no use of spending money on a hitch rack that can carry more bikes if you don’t have or require to carry more bikes. Most people get a hitch rack that can carry only two bikes, but if you have a family and you need to carry more bikes, then there are plenty of options for you.

There are add-ons with a platform rack. Add-ons are an extension that can increase the capacity of a platform hitch bike rack, but they are a bit expensive.

Weight limitations

Weight limitation is an essential factor that many people overlook. If you are into downhill mountain biking, then you may have to carry heavier or bigger bikes. This is why it is essential to check the weight limitation or weight capacity of a bike hitch rack.

Finding out the carrying capacity of a hitch rack for bikes is not very challenging. You can do it from the list that we have provided for you.

Tilting features

Sometimes you may want to keep your hitch rack attached in your car for a long time. In that period, if you have to use the rear trunk of your car, then it would not be possible without the tilting features in a hitch rack.

Most hitch bike racks have these features of tilting. This feature will enable you to use the car trunk or the rear of your van because you will get space by tilting the rack. All type of hitch racks platform and hanging racks consists of this useful feature.

Tire width and wheel size

When Platform hitch racks offer a wide range of compatibility, hanging racks comes with a limitation. If you are willing to get a platform rack, you don’t have to worry about the tire width or wheel size because most platform hitch bike racks have a well compatible tray.

But in case of a hanging rack, you may have to consider taking one that is compatible with larger wheels and wider tires. Or on the contrary, if you have a kid’s bike, then don’t worry because there are bike racks for carrying different sizes of bikes.

You need to know what type of tire your bike consists of. Then while buying, you can always match the compatibility of your rack so that you can be sure that your bike is perfect for the rack.

Frame compatibility

Not all bikes consist of a frame of the same size and height. That’s why different bike racks are compatible with varying sizes of bikes. If you have a traditional bike, then you don’t have to worry about frame size.

But if you have mountain bikes with full-suspension or other bikes with larger frames and other types of extensions, then you have to find compatible hitch racks.

Hitch racks for carbon fiber bikes

Carbon fiber bikes are costly, and they are like a dream device for cyclists and cycle lovers. This is why carrying this precious requires a lot of care. Most people suggest carrying a carbon fiber bike with platform hitch racks because platform hitch racks can ensure better stability.

But in the case of hanging racks, it would not be risky because hanging hitch racks are also reliable, but they can be a bit shaky. On the other hand, carbon fiber bikes are very sturdy as well.

It depends upon you. If you feel that hanging racks are safe enough for your carbon fiber bikes, why not use it. But if you think that you will require a platform rack, you can always go for a platform rack, and they are actually very stable.

Clearance issues

You have to take a rack with enough distance so that your bike handles are not touching the frame of your vehicle. Often it happens that the handle of bikes sticks to the cargo doors of a van or SUV.

To avoid these problems, you can always look for a hitch rack that allows you to have enough distance between the bike handles and the cargo door of the van.

Material

Buying a cheaper hitch bike rack can cause you a lot of trouble. There are hitch racks made of low-quality plastic or metal that may get rusted and break down in no time. Racks made of plastic does not mean that it does not have good quality. Even plastic racks may last very long because of heavy-duty plastic.

So before jumping on to purchase, you must check if the material is sturdy enough to last long. You may have to spend a bit more, but a quality rack can provide you a worry-free journey. And you don’t have to spend money again and again to buy hitch bike racks.

Weight

Weight is another factor that also depends on you. Hitch bike racks come in different weights. Some are heavy, and some are light but sturdy enough to do the job.

If you require to take of the hitch rack from your car very often, then you should get a lightweight hitch rack. A light hitch rack will allow you to take it off and attach it again with ease. A heavier rack would make it more challenging to hook and often detach because of its weight.

But on the other hand, if you want to keep your hitch rack attached to your vehicles, then taking a sturdy and heavy-weight bike rack because you don’t have to bother to take it off and attach it again and again.

Size of receiver hitch

There are two different sizes of hitch 1.25 inches and 2 inches. It is essential to check which size of the receiver hitch is suitable for your vehicle. Generally, 2-inch hitch racks are best to carry heavier bikes and many bikes at the same time since 2-inch hitches are sturdy enough to carry more.

If you don’t have many bikes and carrying one cycle is enough for you, then you can use a 1.25-inch hitch because it will be sufficient to carry a single bike. You can also find adapters for better compatibility. With an adapter, you can use a hitch of any size.

Security Locks

The last but one of the essential factors of a hitch bike rack is the lock. There are two locks that we will discuss. One is the lock of the bike that you can use to protect your bike with the rack. This lock comes with a very flexible cable that goes around the back and connects it with the hitch rack.

Another factor is the hitch lock. If you keep your hitch attached without a lock, then someone can take the whole rack off the vehicles. So that your hitch does not detach while or to keep it safe from thieves, you need the lock.

Final Verdict

In our busy lives, it is normal for us to go on a short trip or vacation. And having your cycle on a trip can boost the enjoyability of it.

A hitch rack is essential for transporting your bike with your vehicles. And finding one is very challenging. This is why we have made this article to minimize your effort and save time.

Now you know what rack you would like to have for your journey to take your bikes with you. You can get the best hitch bike rack and make your trips extra exciting. And our achievement is from your joy. We hope this article was helpful to you. Have a happy journey with your bikes on the best hitch bike rack.

FAQ

1. What kind of hitch do I need for a bike rack?

Light-duty receiver hitches are one of the best hitches for bikes. They are also used for towing purposes.

2. Are hitch bike racks safe?

Hitch racks are very sturdy, and they are designed to keep your bikes safe. If you think hanging hitch racks are not reliable, you can also go for platform hitch racks because they are the safest.

3. What is the easiest bike rack to use?

Hanging racks are usually lightweight and easy to use, but you have kept the bike a bit above the ground level. Platform racks are a bit heavier, but you can effortlessly keep a cycle on platform racks because they are slightly above the ground level.

4. Do bike racks damage your car?

Yes! If there are no gaps between the vehicle and the bike. It is the reason why having sufficient clearance is essential.

5. Can you open your trunk with a bike rack on it?

Yes, if your bike consists of a tilting feature. Without the tilting feature, you won’t be able to open the trunk.

6. How do you attach a hitch to a bike rack?

You have to make sure that the receiver is compatible with your adapter. If your adapter matches the receiver, then you can slowly insert the adapter of your rack with the receiver of your car. And then, when the hole of the adaptor and receiver are aligned, you can insert the bolt to fix it. Screw the bolt as far as it goes. And now you can fit the cotter pin, and that is it. DONE.

7. Can you put a bike rack on any car?

Not always. There are compatible bike racks that fit with any cars and vehicles.

8. How do you put a bike on a bike rack?

Keeping a bike on a bike rack is easy. At first, take off the top pin and lift the rack up. Then place the pin where it was to lock the rack at racking position. Now place the bike on the rack and strap it.

9. How much does it cost to get a hitch installed?

A hitch installation can cost between 100-800$, and you may have to buy a tow hitch, which can be around 50-100$

10. Which bike rack is best for my car?

There are hitch racks that fit any car. If you have a big vehicle, you can go for platform hitch racks because platform hitch racks are highly compatible. If your vehicle is a smaller one, you can go for something lightweight like a hanging hitch rack.

11. How do you secure a bike on a bike rack?

Straps and locks come with a hitch rack, and if you are still not satisfied, you can always have the option to add extra.

12. How do I keep my bike from being stolen?

There are several ways to keep your bike safe. You can always get extra locks with useful cable. And always make sure that your rack also consists of a lock and keep it locked for security.