The 10 Best Bike Carriers Of 2024, Researched By Us
By, Scott NelsonUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Allen Sports Bike Carrier
This easy-to-install bike rack is designed for quick and secure loading, with a locking hitch insert that ensures your bikes stay safe on your travels. The foldable carry arms and individual tie-down system make it compatible with a wide range of bicycles and frames, while the tilt-away main mast provides added convenience. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: KAC Bike Carrier
Featuring a 2-inch hitch receiver, our carrier can take up to 120 lbs and comes complete with tire and frame straps, adjustable padded frame hooks, and a locking anti-wobble hitch system. The quick-release tilt lever allows for easy access to your vehicle's trunk or rear hatch while the compact folding design ensures easy storage when not in use. Get ready to hit the road! Read Review
3. Best Warranty: Allen Sports Deluxe Locking 2-Bike Carrier
This durable and secure bike rack fits 1 1/4 inch or 2 inch receiver hitches and is designed to fit a wide range of bicycle frame designs. It features foldable arms to make storage easy and comes with Allen's exceptional warranty for added peace of mind. Read Review
4. Best Affordable: YAKIMA Bike Carries
This carrier is designed to fit any type of bike, from traditional frame geometry to modern designs. Featuring a TubeTop adapter for even more compatibility and TriggerFinger technology for easy loading and unloading, this carrier is the perfect solution for your biking needs. Read Review
5. Best Easy To Assemble: KAC E2 2-Bike Carrier
This heavy-duty, powder-coated steel frame can carry up to 60 lbs, making it perfect for transporting your bikes wherever you need them. The adjustable wheelbase trays and padded frame hooks make installation a breeze, while the included step-by-step assembly instructions ensure that everything is put together correctly. Read Review
Are you looking for the best bike carriers for your next cycling adventure? With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you and your bike. Whether you’re looking for a trunk-mounted bike rack, a hitch-mounted bike rack, a roof-mounted bike rack, or something else entirely, we have you covered.
We’ve rounded up the best bike carriers available on the market, so you can find the perfect fit for your vehicle, your bike, and your needs. With our comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and get the best bike carrier for your next ride.
After nearly 19 hours of research, We think the best bike carriers is Allen Sports Bike Carrier. Its foldable carry arms and individual tie-down system make it compatible with a wide range of bicycles and frames. Or you can check the KAC Bike Carrier as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.
RELATED: The top best 4 bike rack of the 2024 on the market, but the only one you should be aware of. We analyze and evaluate all of the top-rated products for your specific needs.
Our Top Picks
Accommodates a wide range of bicycle frame designs
Hitch insert fits either 1 1/4 or 2 inch receiver hitches (2 and 3 bike models) or 2 inch receiver hitches (4 and 5 bike models)
Arms fold out of the way when not in use and rack tilts back when needed
Allen's warranty does not cover items purchased through third-party sellers
Individual tie downs secure and protect bicycles
Quick install hitch secures and tightens rack inside of receiver hitch; Includes 2 keys
LIMITED LIFETIME MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: KAC will replace defective parts or materials for as long as you own your rack. (Please note that use on RVs and 5th-wheel trailers is prohibited.)
MADE FOR YOUR BIKE: This platform-style, hitch-mounted bike rack fits your 2-inch hitch receiver and supports the skinniest road bike to the fattest e-bike— and everything in between. Transport 1 or 2 bikes weighing a total of 120 lbs.
SAFE AND SECURE, EVERY TRIP: With tire and frame straps, locking adjustable padded frame hooks, and a locking anti-wobble hitch system, your bike is safe and secure from bumps, bangs, and theft on this powder-coated, heavy-duty hitch bike rack.
NO-SWEAT SETUP: Spend more time on your bike and less time in the garage. Quickly assemble and mount this bike rack on your car, truck, or SUV and hit the road (check out our assembly videos). Easy-to-follow assembly instructions and all assembly and installation hardware are included.
ANYTIME ACCESS: Reach for your gear without removing your bike rack. A quick-release tilt lever provides easy access to your vehicle’s rear cargo area, no bike unloading required. This rack creates a low profile and stores easily when not in use, thanks to its compact folding design.
Quick install hitch secures and tightens rack inside of receiver hitch; Includes 2 keys
Accommodates a wide range of bicycle frame designs
Locking hitch insert fits either 1 1/4 inch or 2 inch receiver hitches
Individual tie downs secure and protect bicycles
Allen's warranty does not cover items purchased through third-party sellers
Arms fold out of the way when not in use and rack tilts back when needed
Easy to install and load and designed to tilt out of the way when not in use; TriggerFinger technology lets you fold down the arms with one press of a button for a lower profile
The SwitchBlade anti-sway cradle eliminates bike-to-bike contact, preventing interference and scratches; Durable powder coat finish stands up to adventure
This hanging rack allows you to carry any type of bike with traditional frame geometry; Bikes with slanted top tubes require the TubeTop adapter (sold separately)
Protect your gear by adding a DeadLock (sold separately) to lock your bikes to your hitch mount and the hitch mount to your vehicle
Compatible with both 1-1/4" and 2" hitch receivers (class I, II, and III) right out of the box
LIMITED LIFETIME MANUFACTURER WARRANTY: We’ll replace defective parts or materials for as long as you own the rack. (Please note that use on RVs and 5th-wheel trailers is prohibited.)
NO-SWEAT SETUP: Assemble and install this double bike rack quickly and easily for more time on the trail (check out our assembly video). Step-by-step assembly instructions and all installation hardware included.
SPACE SAVER: Navigate crowded parking lots, your garage, and offseason storage. This flat bike rack folds behind your vehicle’s bumper when not in use, giving you the freedom to maneuver any tight space.
SECURES YOUR BIKE: Keep your bike safe driving around town or across the country. This rack features a heavy-duty, powder-coated steel frame, adjustable wheelbase trays, padded frame hooks, and a safety strap included for added peace of mind during transport.
MADE FOR YOUR BIKE: This platform-style, hitch-mount bike rack supports most road and mountain bikes. Transport 1 or 2 bikes weighing up to 60 lbs total using your car, truck, or SUV with a 1.25 inch hitch receiver (2 inch hitch receiver adapter included).
đBacked by IKURAM Lifetime Warranty: All IKURAM bike carrier racks are backed by professional consulting services and warranty. Please visit the IKURAM web site for full details.
đRigid All Steel Constructed Bike Hitch Rack: Long-lasting and durable all steel construction with protective powder paint finish
đEasy Tilt-Down Access £ºConvenient access to rear of vehicle with easy-to-use tilt-down feature
đEasy fold-down Arms: Be folded up quickly when bike racks not in use for compact transport and easy storage.
đDual-Arm Mounting Design: Optimized dual-arm bike carrier rack which spacing accommodates bicycles of a wide range of frame sizes and designs, more stable and easily accommodates up to 4 bikes.
Easy Tilt-Down Access Rear RackďźFits 2-inch standard hitch receivers,and Convenient access to rear of vehicle with easy-to-use tilt-down feature
Reliable Protection: Dual compound tie-down cradle secure and protect bicycles. No-wobble bolts eliminates movement of rack inside of hitch.And the rack also suit for 5/8" diameter pin,if you don’t want to use No-wobble bolts.
Dual-Arm Mounting Design: Optimized dual-arm bike carrier rack and adjustable mounting saddles which spacing accommodates bicycles of a wide range of frame sizes and designs, more stable and easily accommodates up to 2 bikes or more.
Heavy Duty: More thicker about 2.5mm carry arm tube max load to 80LB. NOTE: The clearance from the exit of the hitch to thr vertical bar of the tack is 7.87", please measure the distance to make sure have enough clearance to accommodate a spare tire on the cars.
Easy Fold-down Arms: Folding carry arm design allows the rack’s arms to be folded up quickly when bike racks not in use for compact transport and easy storage.
đ˛ăQUALITY 2-BIKE CARRIERă: With high-quality powder-coated steel tubing structure and stable platform style you can tell from the pictures, this bicycle rack for car transports 2 bikes up to 65lbs each. Adjustable soft-foam padded clamp and rear tire base secure your valuable ebike and prevent it from scratching, when your SUV is bumping along the mountain road.
đ˛ăANTI-WOBBLE SYSTEMă: No-wobble bolt inside the hitch successfully eliminates the shake and movement of rack, increases safety during the journey.
đ˛ăSMART TILT FOR CARGO ACCESSă: Quick Release and Tilt design allows hitch mounted rack carrier to be swung down from the vehicle for rear cargo access while loaded, or folded up for storage when not in use.
đ˛ăEASY TO ASSEMBLE & STORAGEă: Quickly assemble the bicycle carrier in just a few minutes on your car; it folds up easily for compact storage when not in use. Ideal for truck, trailer, suv or other style vehicles.
đ˛ăUNIVERSAL BICYCLE COMPATIBILITYă: Heavy-duty 132 lbs maximum weight capacity or up to 66 lbs per bicycle. Fits 16-29” wheels of road, mountain or other style bikes, secure fat tires up to 5” wide. â ď¸ATTENTION! Back tire base movable for bicycle wheelbase from 35.4'' to 49.2'' â ď¸fitting various type of bikes including children's one! Versatile bike rack compatible with 2" trailer hitch receivers.
RACKET STRAPS: Easy and adjustable to keep any size bike secure
WHEELBASE: This rack fits a wheelbase up to 48" right out of the box. If your bike has a longer wheel base, you will need our long wheelbase bar
FIT FOR ALL: Kids' bikes. Step-thru frames. Tri-bikes. Small recumbents. The list goes on. Basically, if you've got it, chances are the Freedom can move it (up to 60 lbs per bike)
UNIVERSAL HITCH: Fits 1 ¼" and 2" hitches
FEATURES: Protective rubber holders adjust to fit any frame
ăEASY TO ASSEMBLE & STORAGEă: Only takes a few minutes to assemble, rack folds easily in to compact mode to access the car rear boot or easy storage when not in use.
ăADJUSTABLE AND STABLEă: 4 wheel cradles with knobs can be adjusted along horizontal bars using quick, to accommodate bikes of different lengths. Ratcheting tire straps secure bike wheels into wheel cradle to added stability.
ăPLATFORM STYLE 2-BIKES CARRIERă: Sturdy Steel Structure and Stable Platform, easily transports up to 2 bikes to your destination. Car Fit Type: Universal Fit
ăVERSATILE BIKE RACK HITCHă: Designed to fit 2"x 2" trailer hitch receivers. 90 lbs Maximum weight capacity or up to 45 lbs per bike. and fits most bikes frames with 17" to 47" wheelbase. Distance between two bicycles is 14".
ăTWO PADDED HOOKSă: Two adjustable foam-padded hooks can slide down over the vertical frame for to fit different size bike frame for safe and reliable transport, while protecting from scratches or scuffs.
What to Look For in a best bike carriers?
Some of you may be reluctant to select one of the best bike carriers, to be honest. The main reason is that you didn’t study that before. There are pretty lots of factors that must be considered when investing in best bike carriers. You are expected to count on our expertise in best bike carriers to make the right choice.
So now we move on to the significant factors related to best bike carriers you must keep in mind:
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.
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).
Bike Capacity
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 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.
Tilting Feature
RELATED: Keep your e-bike safe and secure with the best best e bike racks on the market. We've rounded up the top racks for your e-bike that provide exceptional security and stability.
FAQs
What is the best bike carrier for my car?
The best bike carrier for your car depends on several factors, including the size and weight of your bike, the type of car you have, and how often you plan on transporting your bike. In general, roof-mounted bike racks are best for smaller and lighter bikes, while hitch-mounted bike racks are better for heavier and larger bikes. Additionally, some bike racks are specifically designed for certain types of vehicles, so it's important to do research and determine which type of bike carrier is best for your car.
Are bike carriers hard to install?
Generally, bike carriers are not difficult to install, however it will depend on the type of carrier you are using and your level of experience with car maintenance. Most bike carriers come with detailed instructions on how to install them and some may even require additional tools or hardware. If you are uncertain about how to install a bike carrier, it's best to seek the help of a professional mechanic or experienced friend.
What are the different types of bike carriers?
There are three main types of bike carriers: rack-mounted, hitch-mounted, and roof-mounted. Rack-mounted bike carriers attach to the back of your vehicle and allow you to transport up to four bicycles. Hitch-mounted bike carriers are mounted on the rear of your vehicle and can carry up to five bicycles. Roof-mounted bike carriers are mounted on the roof of your vehicle and can carry up to two bicycles.
What safety precautions should I take when using a bike carrier?
When using a bike carrier, it’s important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and use. Make sure the bike carrier is securely attached to your vehicle and that all bicycles are properly secured to the carrier. Before you drive, inspect the carrier to make sure it is secure and that all bicycles are properly secured. Additionally, it’s important to keep your speed down and be aware of your surroundings while driving with a bike carrier attached to your vehicle.
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