Cycling enthusiasts who wish to go on road trips are often faced with the challenge of carrying their bikes in their cars. This is because some of these bikes are way too big to fit in the trunk of the car. Again, placing the bike at the backseat of the vehicle will mean inconveniencing the passengers. If you are looking for the best way to carry your bike in your car, you simply need a bike rack.
Bike racks for cars will secure your bike safely at the car’s exterior. Provided that you pick the best bike rack, you can be sure of stress-free driving experience. It is a fact that the actual shopping might be a bit challenging now that there are so many options available. You should, however, avoid the hours of research by reading this comprehensive guide. We assure you that it has all the information you need.
The Best Bike Racks for Cars Reviews
Table of Contents
- 10. Swagman Standard Roof Mount Bike Rack
- 9. Retrospec Lenox Car Bike Rack; 2 Bicycle Carrier
- 8. CAR DRESS Bike Carrier for Cars, SUV and Minivans
- 7. IKURAM Bike Rack for Cars, SUV's, minivans, and Trucks with a 2-inch Hitch Receiver
- 6. Gongde 2-Bike Car Rear Carrier Rack
- 5. RockyMounts WestSlope Bike Rack
- 4. CyclingDeal 2 Bike Car Roof Carrier Rack
- 3. Kuat Transfer Bike Rack Black, Accommodates Two Bikes
- 2. SeaSucker Talon Bike Rack for 1 Bike
- 1. yakima - Dr.Tray Tray Rack for Bikes
- Factors to consider when buying bike racks for cars
- Conclusion
10. Swagman Standard Roof Mount Bike Rack
We begin this review with the bike rack which comes from one of the best brands today. The good thing about this bike carrier is that it will fit the square, oval as well as the round bars which have a maximum width of three inches. Assembly will be hassle-free due to the fact that no tools will be needed for that. This is a standard roof rack which fits only one bike. It has been made in a way that it will not cause any damage to the roof of your car. What’s more, it comes at a relatively affordable price.
Pros:
- It will fit the square, oval and round bars with a maximum width of 3 inches
- The 9mm skewer will attach to the front fork of the bike once the front wheel has been removed
- Tie-down and quick-release straps for the wheels are included in this package
- You will have a simple assembly time now that it does not require tools for assembly
Cons:
- The instructions are a bit confusing though it works just fine
9. Retrospec Lenox Car Bike Rack; 2 Bicycle Carrier
This is a bike rack which features a sturdy steel construction which gives you the assurance that it will last. What’s more, its quality construction allows it to support a maximum weight capacity of 35 lbs. for every bike. You will have the convenience of carrying up to 2 bikes with this rack.
As opposed to other bike racks, this one only requires some minor assembly. You do not have to worry about that since everything you need for assembly has been included in the package. It comes with tie-down straps which will help to secure your bike and protect it from damages.
Pros:
- Comes with an adapter which will minimize wobbling of the bikes amid transportation
- This bike rack has a sturdy steel construction which allows it to support a maximum weight capacity of 335 lbs. per bike
- The bike rack only requires a minor assembly and the needed tools for assembly are included in the package
- It has a compact and convenient design such that it can be easily folded down once it is not in use
Cons:
- Some people complained that it is not as sturdy as they expected
8. CAR DRESS Bike Carrier for Cars, SUV and Minivans
This bike carrier for cars features s sturdy construction which allows it to carry up to two bikes conveniently. Just like other quality bike racks, this one has the tilt-down feature as well. It is therefore easy to have a clear view of the rear of the vehicle when driving. Another important feature about this bike rack is that it easily folds down when not in use. You will, therefore, have a convenient time storing or transporting it. Additionally, it comes with an anti-rust coating which will help to ensure that it lasts for a long time.
Pros:
- The bike rack features sturdy steel construction with a powder coating to protect it from rusting
- Optimized dual-arm carrier whose spacing can accommodate so many frame sizes and carries up to 2 bikes
- It offers convenient access to the rear of the vehicle with its easy-to-use and tilt-down feature
- Quick-release arms which will fold compactly making the bike rack easy to transport or store when not in use
Cons:
- There is none for now
7. IKURAM Bike Rack for Cars, SUV's, minivans, and Trucks with a 2-inch Hitch Receiver
This is a unique bike rack which has been made to accommodate a wide range of frame sizes. With this rack, you will comfortably transport a maximum of 4 bikes in the most stable manner. Its rigid steel construction is the reason why it is very strong and fit for the task. You will also appreciate that it has a convenient tilt-down feature. This is very important as it gives the driver a clear view of the rear of the vehicle for safe driving. What’s more, the manufacturer has placed a lifetime warranty on this product to cover for any manufacturing defects.
Pros:
- Features a rigid and all-steel construction which makes it durable. It also comes with a rust protective coating
- Dual-arm design where the spacing can accommodate a wide range of frame sizes. It carries up to 4 bikes
- An easy tilt-down feature which offers convenient access to the rear of the car for safe driving
- Buy with confidence since this bike rack comes with a lifetime warranty to cover for any manufacturing defects
Cons:
- The holes in the straps are way too small
6. Gongde 2-Bike Car Rear Carrier Rack
This bike rack will be good for you if you are looking to transport up to 2 bikes. The capacity for this rack is 35 lbs. for every bike. It comes with an innovative tray-style which gives you a stress-free means to transport the bikes. The frame for this bike rack will provide a stable and very safe ride. You will also appreciate that it has a rigid steel construction which contributes to its sturdiness. The manufacturer has also made it with a black powder coating allowing to resist rusting. Another convenient feature is that it will easily fold down when not in use ready for storage.
Pros:
- Features a rigid all-steel construction with a black powder finish which will protect it from rusting
- The user can fold up this bike rack once it is not in use either for storage or transportation
- Comes with ratcheting hooks and some padded arms which protects your car from getting scratched
- Features an innovative tray-style to take away the stress which comes with carrying bikes on cars
Cons:
- The arms do not hold the bike down in a proper way
5. RockyMounts WestSlope Bike Rack
This is another bike rack which will hold up to three bikes at a time. You can, therefore, rely on it if you will be cycling with your kid and your spouse. The frame body for this rack comes in a sloppy design. It, therefore, eliminates the handlebar interference between bikes. You will also appreciate the fact that this bike rack offers a secure fit to eliminate the damage that might be caused by bikes. Another convenient feature is that it folds down against the vehicle allowing for easy hatch access.
Pros:
- This bike rack accommodates up to 3 bikes making it perfect for a small family
- You need to buy with confidence since the bike rack comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
- The frame body has been sloped in order to create a tiered arrangement for mounting
- This rack offers a secure fit without necessarily leading to harmful contact between the bike and the car
Cons:
- There is none for now
4. CyclingDeal 2 Bike Car Roof Carrier Rack
Here is a carrier rack which is ideal for SUVs and UTE which have a flat roof. It comes with tie-down straps which will secure the wheels onto the roof of the car in a very stable manner. Mounting will be an easy task since it comes with a manual and all the needed accessories for mounting. This bike rack secures up to 2 bikes each with a weight of 45 lbs. some people will fear to purchase the bike rack as it is new in the market. The truth of the matter, however, is that this bike rack is worth your money.
Pros:
- This car bike carrier has been recommended for SUVs and UTE which have a flat roof
- It comes with tie-down straps which will secure the wheels on to the car in a stable manner
- This bike rack will fit all sizes of bikes whose front fork is 9mm
- You will have an easy mounting experience since it comes with a manual and the needed mounting accessories
Cons:
- It is still new in the market
3. Kuat Transfer Bike Rack Black, Accommodates Two Bikes
This is yet another bike rack which is made to accommodate a maximum of two bikes. You will appreciate that it comes with a limited warranty from the manufacturer. This will, therefore, give you enough confidence to purchase knowing that all defects will be covered. With this bike rack, you are sure to solve the struggles which come when you want to transport your bike in the car. It is made with sturdy materials to make sure that it serves you for the longest period possible.
Pros:
- Solves the travel issues with its easy-to-load setup which allows it to accommodate up to 2 bikes
- Features a third locking position which angles this rack down for convenience
- You need to buy with confidence since the bike rack comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
- Features an easy-to-use and a spring-mounted foot pedal
Cons:
- No customer service during the weekend
2. SeaSucker Talon Bike Rack for 1 Bike
This is a single bike carrier which has been made for sedans, SUVs, coupes among others. The fact that this bike rack for cars is made in the USA means that this is something that you can actually rely upon. You will also appreciate that it comes from a reputable brand. It has a heavy-duty clamp which will securely hold the bike on any type of car for convenience. The rack will hold at most one bike since its weight capacity is 45 pounds. This rack has a weight of 6 lbs. which means that it will give you the convenience of storing or transporting it.
Pros:
- A universal rack which easily attaches to any type of vehicle with 3 powerful and easy-to-use vacuum mounts
- It is ideal for mountain bikes, road bikes and any bike type which has the quick-release front wheel
- Features a heavy-duty fork clamp which will securely hold the bike via the front fork
- This is a single bike carrier meant for sedans, SUVs, vans and many more
Cons:
- Some people complained that it only worked when it was new
1. yakima - Dr.Tray Tray Rack for Bikes
If you are looking to get the best protection for your bikes when transporting them, this bike rack for cars is the best. It has an unrivaled spacing in between the bikes to make sure that you get the convenience you need. The maximum weight for every bike with this rack will be 40 lbs. You will also appreciate that it has a tool-free adjustment once the bikes have been loaded. The aluminum design for this bike rack, on the other hand, will make sure that raising and lowering the rack will be pretty easy. Although it is a bit pricey, you can be sure to get value for your money.
Pros:
- The bike rack securely carries from 26 inches to 29 inches wheels and the tires which have a maximum width of 5 inches
- It has a very simple assembly since it does not require any tool to have it installed on your car
- Its aluminum design makes lowering or raising this rack a very simple task
- The rack offers an unrivaled spacing in between the bikes which makes it easy to transport the bikes
Cons:
- It is too expensive
Conclusion
Getting the best bike rack is one way to make sure that you have the best travel experience. You will also have the spirit of adventure everywhere you go to. All the same, you should not buy a bike rack for the sake of buying. This is because not all bike racks will work for your car. This review has summarized on the top 10 best bike racks for cars you might want to consider. The brief guide provided above will also help you in selecting the best bike rack. What you need to do is read through the review after which you will make your decision.