Carrying a bike with a car to a particular place is common for the people who love cycling. And to do so, they would choose the best hitch bike racks for the most convenient way to transport their bike. People who love cycling would want their bike to be completely safe.
There are many brands for bike racks serving the same purpose with efficiency. Car rack for bike can make sure your bike is safe, and that’s why many people would want to have one. But there are so many brands that can confuse you, and you may go for a wrong choice.
This is why we brought you this article to guide you. Here you will get some ideas that will lead you to get the best bike rear rack to have a carefree journey with your bike.
In this article, you will get a complete buying guide along with a review of the best bike rack for SUV, sedan, or even hatchback. We have also arranged a review of the best car rack for bike.
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Hitch Bike Rack at a Glance
- 2 10 Best Hitch Bike Rack Review
- 2.1 1. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks [Best of the best hitch bike rack]
- 2.2 2. Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Racks [Delux+Lock]
- 2.3 3. Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Racks
- 2.4 4. Allen Sports 5-Bike Hitch Racks
- 2.5 5. Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
- 2.6 6. Venzo 4 Bike Bicycle Platform Style Carrier
- 2.7 7. Swagman TRAVELER XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
- 2.8 8. IKURAM 4 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Racks Hitch
- 2.9 9. Retrospec Lenox Car Hitch Mount Bike Rack
- 2.10 10. XCAR 2-Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Carrier Rack
- 3 Best Hitch Rack for Bike [Buying Guide]
- 4 Final Verdict
- 5 FAQ
Best Hitch Bike Rack at a Glance
In this section, we will provide a brief idea about how we have made the list of the best bike racks for your convenience. And then you will find an overview of the list we have made. This list below will inform you about what are the products we have on our list.
PRODUCT
IMAGE
RATINGS
PRICE
THE BEST OF THE BEST
BEST HITCH RACK FOR EASY MENUVER
BEST HITCH RACK FOR ITS CONVINIENCE
BEST HITCH RACK FOR THE HIGHEST CAPACITY
MOST RELIABLE BIKE RACK FOR CARS
THE MOST ADJUSTABLE CAR BIKE RACK
MOST USEFUL BIKE RACK FOR CAR
BEST 4 BIKE HITCH RACK FOR A PRICE
BEST HITCH RACK FOR TWO CYCLE
BEST BIKE HITCH RACK FOR SMALL FAMILY
How did we come up with the list?
We have done our in-depth research to bring out the best bike racks so that you don’t have to waste your time and effort to find out what you require. We have studied hundreds of hitch bike racks to make a shortlist. From our studies, we have found out all the features that an ideal hitch rack should have.
And with more research, we have outlined all the characteristics of an ideal hitch rack and found the top ten hitch bike rack from our shortlist. In our buying guide, you will also get all the information from which you can discover the essential aspects of a hitch rack for bikes.
We have arranged these lists where each bike is best for an individual aspect, and these aspects are
- Best for easy maneuver
- Best for convenience
- Highest capacity
- Best for being Most reliable
- Best for Compatibility
- Best for mountain bike
- Best bike rack for the price
- Best for two bikes
- Best for a small family
- Best of the best
10 Best Hitch Bike Rack Review
In this section, you will get all the details of the top 10 best hitch bike racks that we have found from our research. However, each of the products has its specialty to meet your requirements. Read the pros and cons section carefully so that you can get a clear idea about the product.
1. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks [Best of the best hitch bike rack]
Allen sports bike hitch racks are trendy among cyclists. This is a lightweight rack that can carry up to four bikes. It is one of the best 4 bike hitch racks that are compatible for 1.25 inches, and 2 inches hitch because it comes with an adapter.
Allen sports 4-bike rack also features a high-quality strap on both the side to keep the bikes safes and minimize movement while traveling. Allen hitch racks are foldable, and it stays in a rigid position because sufficient bolts to keep it steady.
Allen sports 4-bike hitch racks are useful for quick installation and quick detachment. It consists of tilting features for which you can use your car trunk or use the cargo of your van.
Features
- Type: Hanging
- Number of bikes: 4
- Weight capacity: 140 lbs Total
- Tilting features: Yes
Pros
- Very sturdy
- Highly secured
- Effective locks
- Can carry four bikes
- Pocket friendly
Cons
- None
Final Verdict
Allen 4-bike rack is handy when you need to carry many bikes, and it is also very secure. The rack comes at a very affordable rate with all the valuable features.
2. Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Racks [Delux+Lock]
Allen sports 2-bike hitch racks are available in many versions. These versions are
- Delux
- Delux locking
- Delux+locking
- Ez load
- Premier
- Premier locking
Each version of it comes at a different price with different advantages like locks and extra locking system. The minimal version does not have a lock, so we have provided the review on the deluxe+lock version. Allen 2-bikes deluxe+lock version has the best lock system, and it is the most secure version among all.
It is lightweight and carries up to two bikes. Allen Sports 2 bike rack is best when you don’t need to carry many bikes with you. It is very sturdy and can last very long. It consists of all the essential features an ideal bike rack should have.
Similar to the other Allen bike rack, this bike rack also has two straps to keep your bike secured and minimize movements while traveling.
Features
- Type: Hanging
- Number of bikes: 2
- Weight capacity: 70 lbs Total
- Tilting features: Yes
Pros
- Very sturdy
- Highly secured
- Effective locks
- Can carry four bikes
Cons
- Bit expensive
Final Verdict
Good things come at a price. Allen 2-bike rack Delux + lock version is best for its security, and it can effectively carry your bikes, keeping you at ease.
3. Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Racks
In many cases, two bikes are less, and four cycles may be a bit extra. That’s why for convenience, an Allen Sports presents a 3-bike hitch rack. If you have a nuclear family with your other half and a baby, why not go for the 3-bike racks.
Allen 3-bike hitch rack comes with high-quality straps on both sides to keep your bike stick to the rack. The lightweight 3-bike hitch rack is easy to carry and easy to attach for a go. It comes with a 2-inch hitch, but it is compatible with an adapter.
Allen Sports 3-bike hitch rack ensures safety like nothing but another feature of it is the tilting features. The tilting feature allows you to use the car trunk or the cargo compartment.
Features
- Type: Hanging
- Number of bikes: 3
- Weight capacity: 105 lbs Total
- Tilting features: Yes
Pros
- Very secured secured
- Effective locks
- Can carry three bikes
Cons
- Not durable
Final Verdict
Do you have a small family, and you are looking for a hitch bike rack that can carry enough bikes for you, your wife, and your baby? Then Allen Sports 3-bike rack is what you need.
4. Allen Sports 5-Bike Hitch Racks
Allen Sports 4-bike hitch racks can carry the maximum number of bikes. It is best when you have a big family or a big friend circle. It’s a hanging rack that confirms your ease of traveling by keeping your bikes safe.
Allen sports 5-bike hitch rack is easily foldable with just using the folding knobs. It comes with foldable arms as well and also provides an easy tilting feature. It’s lightweight and consists of a quick, secure strap for the best security for your bikes to stay put and not shake while traveling.
The arm where the bikes are placed consists of sufficient padding. The easy installation of the 2-inch hitch and the easy taking off with easy foldability makes it useful. And with all the easy usability of Allen Sports 5-bike hitch rack can also carry the maximum amount of bikes.
Features
- Type: Hanging
- Number of bikes: 5
- Weight capacity: 175 lbs Total
- Tilting features: Yes
Pros
- Excellent security
- Quick-lock
- Quick installation
- Excellent folding opportunity
- Can carry five bikes
- Pocket friendly
Cons
- Not durable
Final Verdict
There are not many hitch bike racks that can carry up to five bikes. Bit Allen hitch rack not only carries five cycles, but it also makes sure that your bikes are secured and comfortable usability.
5. Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Swagman XTC2 Hitch mount bike rack is a platform bike rack that ensures proper security while traveling. Generally, Platform hitch bike racks are more stable than any other form of bike racks. The rack comes with the flexibility to fit in with 1.25 inches and 2 inches both.
XTC2 can carry up to two bikes and the wheels set on the wheel hoops with rubber straps on both of the wheels. There are two hooks for which bicycles are flexible to take up and down to keep the bike’s frame stable. The wheel hoops are expandable for bigger bikes.
With all the lucrative features, XTC2 is also foldable. The steel frame makes it highly durable and increases reliability. XTC2 can make sure that it is not going to disappoint you. There is an idea that the platform bike racks are expensive, but XTC2 is not.
Features
- Type: Platform
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Number of bikes: 2
- Weight capacity: 35 lbs Per bike
- Tilting features: No
Pros
- Sturdy bike rack
- Highly reliable and stable performance
- Saves spaces because of foldability
- Very durable
Cons
- A bit heavier
Overview
Sometimes it does not matter how much does a bike rack weighs or costs. Because many bike lovers want their bikes to be secured while traveling, this is why XTC2 can be the rack you need.
6. Venzo 4 Bike Bicycle Platform Style Carrier
Venzo 4 Bicycle platform style carrier carries the highest number of bikes as a platform bike rack from our list. There is no doubt that Venzo 4 platform bike rack is very reliable and stable when it comes to keeping your bikes safe. It consists of tested straps ensuring adequate security.
There are adjustable wheel hoops for smaller or larger bikes, and it can carry bikes with different tire sizes. The flexible foam protector of Venzo bike racks can ensure that your bikes will not even get a scratch while going on bumpy roads.
Venzo is not very heavy as it can carry up to four bikes and consists of a 2-inch hitch, and the best part is that it is foldable. The carrying capacity by weight is 45lbs per cycle, which is also sufficient for carrying any bike.
Features
- Type: Platform
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Number of bikes: 4
- Weight capacity: 45 lbs Per bike
- Tilting features: No
Pros
- Sturdy bike racks
- Can carry four bikes
- Long-lasting
- High Adjustability
Cons
- No tilting features
Final Verdict
Venzo bike rack consists of all the features that an ideal bike rack needs to have. And all of these features come at a very affordable price. So if you think you need to carry more bikes but safety comes first for you, then Venzo 4 bike rack is the best bike rack for you.
7. Swagman TRAVELER XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Another Swagman hitch bike rack is XC2, which is also a platform bike rack. Generally, platform bike racks never fail to please the user of it. And XC2 provides extra reliability and ensure that your bikes are safe and stable when you are traveling.
XC2 comes with adjustable wheel hoops, which you can adjust according to the size of your bike. The hooks are protected with foam for better safety. These hooks are also adjustable so that you can easily put bikes with a heavier frame.
The bike rack can carry two bikes, and when you are not using it, you can always fold it so that you can keep it anywhere. All the features make it one of the best platform racks because it is also lightweight and durable. The frame of the XC2 Hitch bike rack is made of rust-free steel.
Features
- Type: Platform
- Number of bikes: 2
- Weight capacity: 35 lbs. per bike
- Tilting features: No
Pros
- Sturdy bike rack
- Highly reliable and stable performance
- Saves spaces because of foldability
- Very durable
Cons
- A bit heavier
Final Verdict
If you are looking for something that will not give up on you while you need it, you can go for the XC2 bike rack. For its price, it is one of the best for stability and reliability.
8. IKURAM 4 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Racks Hitch
IKURAM 4 bike rack is a slick-looking bicycle rack that can carry four bikes. The high-quality strap makes sure that your bikes are stable while traveling. The bike rack is made of sturdy steel scientifically proven to be reliable and durable.
IKURAM 4 bike rack is foldable, and it fits with a 2-inch hitch and holds the hitch firmly. The arm of this hanging bike rack is also foldable, and it comes with a tilting feature so that you can use the trunk or the cargo compartment.
IKURAM bike rack consists of a lifetime warranty, there is no chance that this bike rack will disappoint you, and it comes at an unbelievable price range. IKURAM bike rack is the best hitch bike rack 4 bikes because it consists of all the features that an ideal rack should have. This bike rack comes with a hitch adapter
Features
- Type: Hanging
- Number of bikes: 4
- Weight capacity: 35 lbs. per bike
- Tilting features: Yes
Pros
- Very affordable
- Good looks
- Highly durable
- Sturdy lock
- Very Cost-effective
Cons
- No hitch lock
Final Verdict
VENZO 4 bike hitch rack consists of all the outstanding features that a proper bike rack should have, but all of these comes at an unbelievable price. That’s why it is the best hitch 4 bike rack for the price.
9. Retrospec Lenox Car Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Retrospec Lenox Car hitch bike rack can carry up to two bikes. But there is an option to increase the cycle because the same rack comes with higher capacity. Lenox hitch bike rack comes with an adapter for better stability to fit in with a two-inch hitch.
The sturdy steel frame of the Lenox hitch bike rack ensures the durability. And when it comes to security Lenox comes with a firm strap to hold the bike tightly and with better stability. The carrying arm creates enough space to keep the bike at a safe distance so that your care and bike both remain safe and avoid damage.
When you are not using the rack, you can always fold it and keep it at a safe place. It is lightweight and takes very little space when it is folded. All of these useful features come at a very affordable price.
Features
- Type: Hanging
- Number of bikes: 2
- Weight capacity: 35 lbs. per bike
- Tilting features: Yes
Pros
- Affordable price
- Sturdy frame
- Strong strap to keep the bike secure
Cons
- No Hitch lock
Final Verdict
If you want a useful hitch rack for you, then this hitch rack is for you. Because it comes with all the lucrative features for two bikes, all of it comes at a price that won’t make a dent in your pocket.
10. XCAR 2-Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Carrier Rack
XCAR 2-bike hitch rack is a heavy-duty hitch rack. The steel frame of 2.5-inch thickness ensures the durability of this hitch rack. You can be worry-free when traveling with the XCAR hitch bike rack because it will not give up on you while traveling.
XCAR hitch rack consists of an adjustable carrying arm that you can adjust according to your bikes. XCAR hitch rack is compatible with a higher range of bikes. The sturdy straps and the no-wobble bolts keep your bike steady and stable while traveling.
The easy installation and easy dispatch make it a hitch with comfortable usability. And you can always fold it when you are not using the bike rack. XCAR hitch rack also has a tilting feature that enables the bike rack to tilt 45 degrees.
Features
- Type: Hanging
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Number of bikes: 2
- Weight capacity: 35 lbs. per bike
- Tilting features: Yes
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Robust frame
- Sturdy strap to keep the bike secure
- Adjustable arm
Cons
- No Hitch lock
Final 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 bike 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 so that you see the advantage of each type. Each type of bike 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 bike 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 bike racks 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.
Platform bike racks 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.
Platform bike racks 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 bike 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 bike 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.
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
Light-duty receiver hitches are one of the best hitches for bikes. They are also used for towing purposes.
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.
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.
Yes! If there are no gaps between the vehicle and the bike. It is the reason why having sufficient clearance is essential.
Yes, if your bike consists of a tilting feature. Without the tilting feature, you won’t be able to open the trunk.
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.
Not always. There are compatible bike racks that fit with any cars and vehicles.
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.
A hitch installation can cost between 100-800$, and you may have to buy a tow hitch, which can be around 50-100$
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.
Straps and locks come with a hitch rack, and if you are still not satisfied, you can always have the option to add extra.
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.
