Best 5 Bike Hitch Rack - Complete Buying Guide 2024
By, Katie FinnUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Allen Sports Premier Locking Quick Release 5-Bike Carrier for 2 in. Hitch
Designed to hold up to 5 bikes, this carrier by Allen Sports offers a variety of features including a padded spine shield and quick-release arms. The carrier's arms fold away to protect your bikes during transport, and the quick-set carry arms make it easy to install the carrier. Read Review
2. Best For The Price: YAKIMA, RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Rack, 5 Bike
The Yakima RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Rack is a great solution for carrying your two, four, or five traditional geometry bikes to your next adventure. The rack's built-in wheel straps provide superior bike security and the tilt-away design frees up precious cargo space. The RidgeBack folds down for easy storage, in case you're not taking your bikes on a big ride. Read Review
3. Best Easy To Assemble: Thule Apex XT 5 Bike Hitch Rack , Black
The Thule Apex XT 5 Bike Hitch Rack is the perfect solution for carrying your bike and gear when you're on the go. The arms fold down when not in use, giving you a sleek, low-profile look for carrying bikes and gear. This rack mounts to any 2" receiver hitch, so it's compatible with most vehicles. Read Review
4. Best Easy To Install: SportRack Ridge 5 Bike Hitch Bike Rack , Black, 2 inches
Get the most out of your bike with the SportRack Ridge 5 Bike Hitch Bike Rack. The rack arms fold down when not in use, and straps fit all bikes with a standard 2" hitch receiver. The anti-rattle hitch pin secures the rack to your vehicle for safe cycling. Read Review
When you own a car, you never know when you might need to transport your bike. If you live in a city or have limited space, carrying your bike by hand can be a hassle. Thankfully, there are several solutions available that allow you to easily transport your bike safely and efficiently. Hitch racks are an ideal way to safely and easily transport multiple bikes at once.
These bike hitch racks let you transport two bikes or four bikes with minimal effort and space. They’re also an affordable option for those on a budget who want to safely transport their bikes with the minimum of fuss and expense. Here are the top best 5 bike hitch rack reviews of 2024 to help you choose one.
Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing your requirements. Then we found the Allen Sports Premier Locking Quick Release 5-Bike Carrier for 2 in. Hitch is the greatest choice for its high-quality performance. If you're looking for another one, consider YAKIMA, RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Rack, 5 Bike.
Our Top Picks
- Internal tilt away release allows for easy lift gate access
- Quick install locking hitch insert fits 2 inches; Receiver hitches; includes 2 keys
- Dual compound tie down cradles & quick set straps individually secure and protect bicycles
- Protect your bikes from dents and scratches with the anti-sway cradle that eliminates bike-to-bike contact; Zero-hassle ZipStrips secure your bikes to the rack
- Want more peace of mind? Lock your bikes to the rack with the HandCuff locking cable (sold separately) so you can adventure without worry
- Comes fully assembled and installs quickly and easily with no tools required; The SpeedKnob tightens to secure the rack to your vehicle’s hitch
- Please check the Compatibility Guide (under Product Details) to confirm the fit with your vehicle's receiver hitch.
- Bike arms fold down when not in use
- Rack tilts down for rear of vehicle access
- Anti-sway stability cradles prevent bike to bike or bike to vehicle contact
- Anti-rattle hitch pin secures the rack to your vehicle
- Load capacity: 200 lbs
- SECURE TRAVEL. This hitch mount bike rack holds up to 5 bikes (225 lbs. max), keeping them secure for travel using adjustable rubber cradles. The rubber cradles fit multiple bike sizes and will not scratch the bike frames
- VERSATILE FIT. For versatile use, this trailer hitch bike rack features tapered arms, allowing you to mount bikes with large or small frames. It's great for families with adult bikes and kids' bikes
- INTEGRATED SAFETY. This bike carrier hitch features integrated reflectors to enhance safety on your vehicle. It also comes with a support strap for improved stability (use of support strap is required)
- 🚲 Heavy-Duty Bike Racks For Tow Hitch: Made of solid Stainless Steel, with a protective powder coating, our bike stand is extra-durable, stable, break-resistant, and withstands the elements without getting covered in rust.
- 🚲 Carry All The Family's Bikes Easily: Looking for a safe, efficient, and secure way to transport up to 5 bikes on your nature escapes, weekend trips, or camping holidays? This convenient hitch bike rack is the way to go.
- 🚲 Foldable Bike Car Rack For Easy Carrying: This bike rack for car hitch is designed for your convenience with a tilt-down feature allowing easy access to the rear of your vehicle and folding arms for carrying the bicycle stand when not in use.
- EXTRA HEAVY DUTY: Safety is the 1st priority. The rack passed the most strict tests which include driving, pulling, vibration and swinging tests. TUV Test Standard PASSED: With 1.5 times of max load weight, no bending or cracks after testing. Compatible with your 2" hitch car, easy to attach on with fixed stick. Weight: 15.1kg = 33.28lbs ( NOT for RV )
- ORDER NOW, WORRY FREE! We're so confident about our product quality that we can provide a life time warranty ! Made in Taiwan.
- REFLECTOR: The reflector is located at the end of the rack, which makes your trip much safer. Max Load : 15kg or 35 lbs Per Bike.
- Smart design: UpperHand lever tilts the rack down to access the back of your vehicle and folds flat for easy storage; AutoPin automatically positions and secures the rack into the hitch receiver
- Carry any bike: FullTilt 4 is a hanging rack, which allows you to carry any type of bike with traditional frame geometry (bikes with slanted top tubes require TubeTop adapter, sold separately)
- Simple and secure: Fully padded arms for ultimate protection for your bikes; Zero-hassle ZipStrips secure your bikes to your rack; Max weight of 40 lbs. per bike (total max of 150 lbs.)
- Features patented no wobble-no tools hitch tightening system for fast and secure installation; Fits 2" hitch receivers only; Not to be used with a 1-1/4"-2" hitch receiver adapter; Not to be used on a trailer or towed vehicle
- Tilts for easy cargo access; Arms fold when not in use
- Soft rubber Anti-sway bike cradles hold up to 5 bikes firmly in place
- CLASS II OR IV 2” HITCH: The Lenox Car Hitch Mount Bike Rack is made to fit 2-inch trailer hitch. Vehicle must have a Class II or IV hitch to use this product.
- SAFE & DURABLE DESIGN: Carry arm spacing is designed to accommodate an array of frame styles. Our tie-down cradles and straps take great care in individually securing your bicycles while protecting them from damage.
What to Look For in a best 5 bike hitch rack?
You may know that best 5 bike hitch rack is a kind of product many customers are hesitant to pay for. It is not due to its quality but the fact that there are many factors you must consider. Nevertheless, all your worry is not a problem for us. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with the right decision.
Tech-evaluated and high-rated products are available in our list of eligible items. Here are some indispensable things you shouldn’t ignore:
Security
It only takes seconds for someone to steal your bicycle from the rack, whether you are going to a shop or just to get you home at night.
Your entire rack can be taken if someone is equipped with the right tools. If you don’t own a garage, this can pose a problem.
Bike Wheelbase Compatibility
Wheel Size And Tire Width Compatibility
Bike Frame Compatibility
Hanging racks may not work well if your bike is a mountain bike or step-through, as well as a smaller child's bike.
Durability
Hitch Receiver Size
If you intend to transport several heavy ebikes, the 2-inch larger hitch will be able to hold heavier loads. You'll also find adapters for most racks to accommodate both sizes.
Bike Capacity
Bike Weight
Maximum weight capacity for a bike
If you plan on transporting heavy downhill mountain bikes or e-bikes, fat, and/or cruiser bikes, make sure to check the rack's weight limit. Each design listing will indicate the bike's maximum weight. This amount may vary greatly. For comparison, standard road and mountain bikes weigh less than 35 pounds. E-bikes, however, can be up to 50 pounds. We recommend that you upgrade to a more robust model if your weight is close to or above the max. It's worth it to avoid breaking the rack or invalidating your warranty.
Mounting Systems
This is most commonly used in platform racks. It is an arm that extends from the platform to ratchet down on your bike's tires. They secure the bike to the platform. They are often reinforced with straps that run around the wheel's bottom to increase security.
The strap system is used in every hanging rack that we have seen. It's strong and reliable, but it can be damaged or broken by users. Many straps secure bikes with at least two straps at every attachment point. Your bike could fall off if the shepherd's hook is broken (which happens very rarely).
Ease Of Use
Hanging racks are a great option for a common bicycle, the diamond-frame. You can lift the bike and slide it on the rack. Once it is secured, you can bungee it to the front wheel. It also gives you the opportunity to do some bicep curls before going on your ride.
A platform rack is a better choice for bikes with heavier frames or unique designs. It is easier to transport the bike because it has a lower frame. Once you get it on you won't need to move it around to make adjustments. It can be difficult to hang a bike on a rack.
The ramp is often the most cost-effective option, but it's also the most convenient. You can simply place your bike on the platform rack using this feature. This feature is great for riders with heavy bikes such as e-bikes and cruisers.
Tilting Feature
FAQs
Can You Put A Bike Rack On Any Car?
You should find the right bike rack for your vehicle amongst many options. For some styles, you will need to attach a hitch or crossbars/tracks to the roof. Before you make a purchase, be sure to check the specifications on the rack.How Do You Transport A Bike Without A Rack?
Some bikes can be put in the trunk, back or under the vehicle. However, it may not work if the front wheel is removed. You may not be able to accommodate some bikes in your vehicle. A friend who has a van can help you to transport your bicycle.Do Bike Racks Damage Your Car?
A hitch-mounted rack has a greater chance of being preferred to a trunk-mounted one. This is because the hitch does not have contact with the vehicle's body. It reduces rubbing on the paint. This keeps the rack from contacting any parts of the body where it could damage or dent.No matter how careful a company takes when creating a rack system, human error is always possible. If the rack is not on the car, opening the hatchback can cause the rack to be lifted off the vehicle.
It can damage the rack and cause scratching. When you reach the back of your car, make sure that the rack is not in the way.
If you aren't careful, bikes can contact your car. Sometimes platform racks are used to transport the bike near a car's rear window. If the road is particularly bumpy, this can make it more likely that the handlebar will pass through the window.
This can be solved by moving the cradles closer to the windows. The front tire can hang unsupported, which could lead to it bumping into your car.
Although it's not as serious as breaking windows, the damage to the finish can be severe over time. This is a simple fix. To solve the problem, secure the wheel using a strap and bungee rope.
Do All Bike Racks Fill All Cars?
Although most bikes racks can be adjusted, they are not universally compatible. There are simply too many shapes and sizes of bikes to make this possible.You need to know the dimensions of your rear bumper if you are thinking of buying one. There are different rear racks that work well with various cars, such as saloons and hatchbacks. You can find the manufacturer's website to check which racks will fit your vehicle.
A roof rack that is not compatible with the current roof bars may also be incompatible. There are two types: the traditional square-profile or more modern, oval aero bars. Oval bars cut through air and reduce drag. They also produce less wind noise. Make sure your roof rack will fit with any shape of roof bar you choose.
Are Hitch Bike Racks Better?
Hitch racks can be a good option if your car has that capability. Mounts that attach to the hitch receiver are better than trunk racks and roof racks. They also protect your vehicle's finish.These racks are also easier to set up than any other option. This is great news for those who don't need a rack in their car all day. It's attached with a steel pin so it takes only one step to attach it to a trailer hitch and then one to take it off when it's time to go.
Which Car Bike Rack Is Best?
Each person will have their own opinion on the best bike rack for them. It's almost impossible to pick the right bike rack for each situation because there are so many factors.It is best to determine your requirements and then choose the rack that best suits you. A good hang rack will allow you to easily transport your bicycle around the house.
A platform rack can be a great choice if you are concerned about keeping your bike clean and safe. People who have difficulty lifting their bikes from the platform rack are also able to use it.
You get more features the higher your price. Racks with high-end features include security levers and buttons, which makes them more user-friendly. You can also access the trunk with these racks without having to remove your bikes.
Consider the things you can live without, and what you really need. You'll be able to find the right rack by balancing your needs and spending budget.
What Is The Best Bike Rack For Four Bikes?
There are versions of both platform and hanging racks that can accommodate four bikes. The hanging racks are more difficult to protect your bikes as they attach from the top. The bikes can swing or hit each other while traveling thanks to this.It is possible to space out fewer bikes, which reduces risk. Space is constrained with only four bikes. Make sure that your cradles are sufficiently spaced so the bikes don't collide, even with minimal swings.
Platform racks make this less problematic as bikes can be locked in place by both wheels. This adds stability and strength. Because the platform racks are lower, it's easier to place the bikes onto them.
Why Are Bike Racks So Expensive?
A high-quality bike rack is essential if you are to keep your bicycle safe. Racks made of durable materials will last for years, protecting your investment. A cheap rack will cause damage to your bike or vehicle.What Is The Easiest Bike Rack To Use?
Each type of rack has its advantages. Hanging racks can be used if you don't have to lift your bike. You can secure your bike by placing it on the arms. Then tie the straps and bungee your front wheel.The platform racks are easier to use than the cradles, but they require less muscle. They do require a little more effort to secure the bike. Swing-away racks make it easy to reach the rear of your bike. If you have a lot to carry (for example, camping trips), one of these racks might be a good choice. ).
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