Have you got multiple vehicles or are you just looking for a bike rack that fits your needs? If you want to buy one bike rack for your entire fleet, you should have a rack that is compatible with all of your vehicles instead of buying separate racks. We will discuss which bike racks are best for all vehicles and what type of bikes each one fits.
So do bike racks fit all cars? Roof racks and hitch racks are the only types that will fit all cars. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Before you purchase, make sure you know if you need a rack that fits your vehicle, or additional equipment.
| STYLE | CAR | SUV | PICKUP |
| Trunk Rack | Yes | Yes | No |
| Hitch Rack | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bed Rack | No | No | No |
| Roof Rack | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Trunk Bicycle Racks
This bike rack attaches to a trunk, hatch or sedan on an SUV or sedan. These trunk racks must attach to the component so it won’t fit on pickup trucks.
Personally, I don’t like these bicycle racks. They can scratch the paint on your car because they are placed on other body parts.
It is easy to fit it on a car or an SUV. You don’t need to buy anything else and they are very affordable. This is my favorite option.
Racks for Hitch Bike Racks
These bicycle racks are among the most popular on the market. These racks can be fitted onto cars, trucks, and SUVs. They can be installed on a vehicle in minutes and are generally in a position that is easy to place the bike onto and taken from.
A hitch bike rack that allows the bike to rest on its wheels is recommended. This rack will allow the bike to be hung from cross bars, which can cause bikes to be too low.
These types of bike racks can only be installed onto vehicles with a hitch already installed. Sedans don’t usually come with a hitch installed. They can however be purchased at an additional cost. They are already installed in most cars and trucks. If you want to know “How Can Someone Be A Good Cab Driver in a Reliable Taxi Company?“
Truck Bed Bike Racks
The bike racks that fit into the pickup truck’s bed are only compatible with pickup trucks. This rack is great for pickup truck owners because it can be installed directly into the bed. You don’t need to take the wheels off your bike and they are extremely safe while driving.
The main problem is that it cannot be transferred to another vehicle other than a pickup truck.
Roof Bike Racks
This last type of bike rack works with every vehicle! It will fit on all types of vehicles, including sedans, coupes and SUVs. Pickups have cross bars that permit you to mount this type of bike rack on the truck’s bed.
These roof racks, like the one shown here, are versatile and easy to mount on any vehicle. These bike racks are also great for multiple bikes and are very affordable.
This bike rack has a major drawback: it can be difficult for heavier bikes to be lifted onto the rack.
If you don’t have any roof rack cross bars installed, you will likely need them.
How to Buy a Bike Hitch Rack
Style of Hitch Rack
Two types of hitch racks are available: platform racks that allow the bike to rest on a tray with an arm that clamps down on the tire/frame, or hanging racks where it hangs from an arm attached to the frame or fork.
Although platform racks are heavier and more costly, they are usually easier to use and can accommodate more types of bikes. Most racks come with wheels that can be secured by arms. It is easy and secure to load your best mountain bikes. Platform racks have higher weight limits for bikes.
This is especially important if you are transporting cruisers, heavy mountain bike, or e-bikes that can weigh up to 60 pounds. Some platforms racks have loading ramps that allow you to wheel your e-bike in place without lifting it. Some racks can be equipped with trays that allow you to convert your existing two-bike rack into a rack that can carry four bikes.
Hanging racks are cheaper and take up less space in your car’s back. However, there are some drawbacks. Many will not fit mountain bikes, or bikes with anything other than a straight top tube, without an adapter. To prevent the rear tire from spinning, you will need to attach it with a separate rope or cord.
The Hitch Rack’s Weight
It is important to consider the weight of the rack, especially if it is not going on your car’s back. It is difficult to lift a 70-pound rack. The Thule T2 Pro XTR, on the other hand, has an integrated wheel that makes it easy to transport. Hanging-style hitch racks are lighter so it is easier to remove them.
Compatibility with your Hitch
The rack’s connection point to the hitch is important. Car hitches can be equipped with either a 2-inch receiver or a 1.25-inch receiver. Although most racks can fit receivers up to 2 inches, a few on this list will work with smaller receivers. Many rack manufacturers sell adapters that will fit into smaller receivers to make it possible for a 2-inch rack to fit inside a smaller receiver.
Conclusion
There are many styles and types of bike racks available today. Make sure you have the right one for your vehicle! The roof rack is one the most versatile options, but it does have its limitations. The best thing about hitch-mounted bike racks is that they offer the best of both worlds. If you have hitch receivers on all your vehicles, it will work for them all.
We cover all aspects of bicycle racks and how to get from heathrow to london city airport?
Even if you need to purchase two different types of bike racks in order to make your hobby more convenient, it’s not the end of the world. Let’s face it, you spent more money on your bike’s pedals than on the bike rack you purchased.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my bike rack is compatible with my car?
Referring to our chart at the top is the best, but you can also check the packaging for the bike rack that you have purchased. Manufacturers will be more than happy to tell you all the ways that their bike rack solves your problems.
What bike rack is the best for my SUV’s cargo area?
A hitch bike rack is a great option for SUVs. Although I love the roof rack, it can be hard to fit your bike on an SUV.
Can I mount a bike rack to my SUV’s trunk?
Most trunk-mounted bike racks can fit both Sedans and SUVs. You can adjust them to fit an SUV’s trunk or the angle of a hatch.
What is the easiest hitch bike rack to use?
If you want a hitch bike rack that’s easy to use, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 (view at Amazon) is your best bet. The foot-assisted, hands-free pivot lever will save you time in your travels. If you’re looking for something more budget friendly, the Thule Camber 2-Bike Hitch Rack (view at REI) will meet your needs.
Bike racks are so expensive?
To transport your bike safely, a bike rack should hold it securely on your car. The material of the rack should be strong and durable in order to allow this to happen.
That is what manufacturers know. They invest heavily in material sourcing such as steel and composite plastic.
But they don’t stop there. To ensure their integrity, they also test and conduct research on these materials.
To ensure high quality, unique bike racks, manufacturers also use intricate engineering designs.
Many bike racks also have special features such as locking systems, swag control and adjustable padding.
All these costs increase the cost of bike racks. When the production costs are high, the market prices shoot up and you will pay more.
Do I need a cheap bike rack? Are they worth it?
It’s evident from our discussion that a good bike rack is not cheap. A quality bike rack may cost you $100 to purchase.
What about the bike racks that are less than $50?
My opinion is that cheaper bike racks are not worthwhile. They come in inferior designs and are not guaranteed to be safe for bike transport.
Your bike could fall or damage your car, and there is always the risk of it slipping off. Others rust quickly, so they have a shorter lifespan.
Despite the fact that you might think you’re saving money, the risks are greater and it isn’t worth it.
Which bike rack is the best?
These are the top bike racks available:
- Saris Bones EX trunk bike rack carrier: The best trunk-mount bike rack
- Mr. Hardware AO1 Kayak Roof Rack – Best roof-mount bike rack
- KAC Overdrive Sports K2 – Best hitch mount bike rack
- Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Tire Rack: The best spare-tire-mount bike rack
