The 8 Best Bike Racks for Cars, SUVs, and Trucks

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Get ready for a ride into the world of car bike racks, where the rubber meets the road—literally and figuratively. My husband, an avid cyclist, loves his two-wheeled companion more than anything. (He assures me I'm actually still in the lead... by a narrow margin.) Over the years, his steadfast passion for cycling hasn't wavered, but what has changed is our choice of chariot. We've gone from zipping around in a Mini Cooper, fitting into spaces I didn't know existed, to cruising in an SUV that turns like a boat. It's been quite the transition, especially for our beloved bikes.

This shift sparked our journey into the deep market of car bike racks. Let's just say we've tested and reviewed more racks than I ever imagined existed—from roof mounts that made our little Mini stand taller than it ever dreamed to lightweight hitch racks that have our SUV ready for any cycling adventure at a moment's notice. So, whether you're a fellow bike (or e-bike!) enthusiast or someone simply tired of trying to fit a bicycle in the backseat (we've all been there), join us as we pedal through our findings to discover the best car bike racks on the market.

Of course, if you need a helmet, the best cycling clothes, a new e-bike, or accessories, we’ve got guides for those, too. For now, let's dive into bike racks.

Sherpa 2.0

The Küat Sherpa 2.0 has been our own trusty companion for years, and it's not hard to see why it's the top pick. This rack is like the best biking buddy you never knew you needed—light as a feather for easy setup and take-down, and it's got your back with unfettered access to your car's trunk, even when fully loaded.

It's versatile enough to handle our cycling adventures, from mountain trails to city streets, securing our bikes like Fort Knox. In the world of bike racks, it's truly in a league of its own.

Talon Bike Rack forOne Bike

The Talon shines as our top compact bike rack, beloved for its no-fuss fork-mount design and the latest HUSKE Fork Mount tech. Its trio of robust vacuum cups keep your bike locked down but ensure your car remains mark-free, offering peace of mind alongside unmatched security.

Lightweight and portable, it's a dream for cyclists on the move, fitting snugly in luggage. The beauty of the Talon lies in its simplicity and speed in setting up or removing, catering to virtually any car out there.

Destination, Hitch Mount Rack

Rolling out with the crew just got a whole lot easier with the Hollywood Racks 4 bike hitch mount carrier. This lightweight champ means you can load up everyone's bikes without weighing your car down.

It's like having a personal bike valet for your car, SUV, or truck, thanks to its padded frame holders that rotate to fit bikes of all shapes and sizes. Plus, it folds down when flying solo, keeping things sleek and safe.

Saris Bike Racks, Bones EX Car Trunk Rack

No hitch? No problem. Upgrading the trunk rack game, the Bones EX sails in with a clever twist. Designed by the talented Fabio Pedrini and produced in Wisconsin, it sidesteps the spoiler issue with a nifty leg design, boosting the amount of vehicles it'll work with.

Lightweight yet tough, it securely holds up to 3 bikes and respects your car’s paint with articulate rubber feet. With its sleek look and made from recyclable materials, it's good for your car, bike, and the planet.

UpRide

The Thule UpRide stands out for its innovative approach to roof-mounted bike transport, securing bikes without touching the frame or fork. This feature ensures your bike remains pristine, no matter the journey.

Thanks to its versatile design, it easily accommodates a wide range of bikes. While its setup might initially seem complex, its performance, once mastered, is unmatched, offering a stable and secure transport solution. It's especially suited for vehicles with lower roofs and lighter bikes, making it a top pick for cyclists who value their bike's condition and easy loading.

StageTwo

The StageTwo hitch rack has won over our team with its ease of use and remarkable versatility. It effortlessly accommodates a wide array of bike sizes and weights, up to 70 pounds each, making it a haven for hefty e-bikes. The optional loading ramp is a back-saver, and its security features give you peace of mind.

Although its robustness means it's a bit on the heavier side and not the easiest to stash away. Still, its sturdiness and high weight capacity make it a standout choice.

VelociRAX 5

The VelociRAX 5 takes mountain biking adventures to a new level of convenience. Designed for hitch attachment, it easily holds up to five mountain bikes, with generous spacing to prevent any overlap.

Its standout feature is the hassle-free roll-in loading, which is perfect for kids and adults alike, eliminating the need to lift bikes high. The integrated hydraulic dampers ensure the gentle lowering of bikes, including a garage wall mount for storage. However, while it’s ideal for flat handlebar bikes, drop handlebar bikes only fit at the end.

XTC2 TILT Bike Rack

This budget-friendly 2-bike rack is a game-changer for the occasional rider. Not only is it light and easy to manage, but its foldable wheel trays mean you can stash it away in a closet when not in use. With features like platform carrying, padded hooks, and sliding wheel hoops, it's versatile enough for different bike sizes.

Plus, the ability to tilt down with bikes loaded offers convenient access to your car's cargo area. Though extra accessories like fat bike hoops are sold separately, this rack's blend of functionality and affordability makes it a solid starter choice.

Why Trust Esquire?

Listen, we're not claiming to know everything under the sun, but we do our homework and consult the pros. We've got plenty of recreational cyclists in our network, so we get insider knowledge on the best and worst bike racks out there. Combine that with our thorough research and feedback from real cycling experts, and you've got trustworthy and practical advice. We're here to help you navigate the maze of options, cutting through the noise to recommend bike racks that truly stand out for durability, ease of use, and security.

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