The 10 Best Vertical Bike Rack Hitch Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts
By, Katie FinnUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Get on the road with your bikes safely and securely with the new Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack. This rack fits both 1 1/4-inch and 2-inch receiver hitches and is designed for quick installation in less than 5 minutes. The 22-inch long carry arms allow you to transport up to four bikes with ease, while the folding carry arms make storage a breeze. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Get ready to hit the road with the Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack. This rack has upright ratchet arms that can accommodate bikes up to 59 cm (23.2") and it can carry up to 2 bikes at 35 lbs. per bike. Its built-in anti-wobble hitch device ensures a wiggle-free ride and its quick-release tilt feature allows you to easily access your vehicle’s rear hatch or trunk without having to remove the rack. Read Review
3. Best Design: Hollywood Racks Vertical Bike Rack Hitch
Transport up to four bikes with ease with the Hollywood Racks Vertical Bike Rack Hitch. It mounts easily to your vehicle's hitch and features a locking threaded hitch pin for added security. The adjustable ratchet straps provide a secure fit for multiple types of bikes, and can accommodate a maximum wheelbase of 48" and max tire width of 3". Read Review
4. Best Style: YAKIMA Vertical Bike Rack Hitch
Take your biking adventures to the next level with the YAKIMA Vertical Bike Rack Hitch. This ultra-durable rack can support up to 6 mountain bikes or 4 road bikes, and has a rotating rear wheel cup that fits up to 50” wheels. With a built-in lock loop, bottle opener, and 2” hitch receivers, you can rest easy knowing your bicycles are safe and secure. Read Review
5. Best Choice: Ride KAC S4 Hitch Mounted 4-Bike Suspension Rack
Get your bikes safely to your destination with the Ride KAC S4 Hitch Mounted 4-Bike Suspension Rack. This hanging-style hitch-mount bike rack easily and securely accommodates up to four bikes weighing up to 120 lbs total, with ultra-durable rubber frame holder straps for added protection. Read Review
Are you looking for the best vertical bike rack hitch to conveniently and safely transport your bikes? With vertical bike rack hitches, the task of getting your bikes from one place to another is made easier and safer. These racks are designed to fit onto your vehicle's hitch and offer a secure and effortless way to transport your bikes. They are also easy to use and provide a safe, reliable way to get your bikes to your destination.
With the right vertical bike rack hitch, you can be sure that your bikes will remain safe and secure while you're on the road. From easy-to-install options to heavy-duty racks, the options are endless. No matter the size of your vehicle or the number of bikes you need to transport, there's a vertical bike rack hitch that can meet your needs.
Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 15 hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. As result, We believe the best vertical bike rack hitch is a Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack. With a built-in lock loop, you can rest easy knowing your bicycles are safe and secure.
If you want to pick another product, you can check out the Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, you may check out the following buying guide & FAQs.
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Our Top Picks
Folding carry arms quickly drop out of the way when rack is not in use. Minor assembly required.
4 bike rack fits vehicles with a 2 inch trailer hitch only. Vehicle will require professionally installed Class III or IV 2 inches hitch to use this product
Allen's warranty does not cover items purchased through third-party sellers
Rack sets up and installs in less than 5 minutes; Included no wobble bolt secures rack inside of receiver hitch with a movement free installation
22 inch long carry arms individually secure bicycles with Allen's patented tie down system
ACCESSORIES SOLD SEPARATELY: Fat tire wheel trays (64674), 1/2" Locking Hitch Pin (64029) or 1/2" Locking Hitch Pin and Security Cable (64031)
VERSATILE: Easily transports up to 2 bikes and is compatible with 1-1/4" and 2" receiver Hitch. Maximum weight capacity is 35Ibs per bike and fits 20" to 29" tire sizes
KEEPS YOUR BIKE STABLE: Sturdy design includes a built in anti-wobble hitch device to keep bikes in place
SAVES YOU STORAGE SPACE: Rack folds easily in to compact mode so that you can conveniently store when done using it
EASY TO ASSEMBLE & USE: Only takes a few minutes to assemble and the upright ratchet arms easily adjusts to different bike frame sizes, will accommodate bike frames up to 59 cm (23.2")
Quick and Easy Loading and Unloading: Our hitch mount bike rack features individual wheel trays for fast, hassle-free loading and unloading. This SUV bike rack fits a standard 2" hitch and carries four bikes with a maximum of 35 lbs per bike.
Suitable for a Variety of Bike Sizes and Frames: This 4 bike hitch rack features padded frame holders with 360-degree rotation to accommodate bike frames of every shape and size. Travel securely and confidently with this versatile bike rack for hitch.
Expand your Cycling Experience: Explore quiet country roads or take a cross-country tour with our 4 bike rack hitch mount. This bicycle rack for car with a locking threaded hitch pin and ratchet straps ensures safe and secure transport for up to four bikes.
Perfect for Traveling with Friends and Family: This bike carrier hitch mount accommodates most bike models. With a max wheelbase of 48" and max tire width of 3" this 4 bike rack carries most kids, ladies, hybrids, road and mountain bikes.
Compact, Lightweight and Foldable: One of the lightest models available, this bike mount for car is only 42 lbs. Our bike car rack is foldable for added safety and convenience when not in use. Light and compact, this bike hitch is easy to store.
6 Mountain Bikes, 4 Road Bikes, Kids Bikes, BMX, Fat Bikes, Lighter E-Bikes
Includes SKS lock - locks to vehicle, Built-in lock loop for rider’s own bike lock, Built in bottle opener
Holds 20"-29" tires up to 4.8" wide, 37.5 lbs per bike
2" hitch receivers only, Compatible with BackSwing and StraightShot
Rotating rear wheel cup fits a wide range of wheelbases up to 50”
SNUG AND SECURE RIDE: Ultra-durable rubber frame holder straps, safety straps, and anti-wobble locking hitch system fasten your bike tight to this heavy-duty, powder-coated steel rack—keeping your bike safe and secure for years of adventure to come.
MADE FOR YOUR BIKE: This hanging-style hitch-mount bike rack features dual arms to support most road, gravel, and mountain bikes, and even accommodates step-through style frames with our KAC frame adapter (sold separately). Transport up to four bikes weighing up to 120 lbs total. It fits perfectly on your car, truck, or SUV with a 1.25-inch or 2-inch hitch receiver.
NO-SWEAT SETUP: Spend more time on your bike and less time in the garage. Assemble and install this bike rack in a flash and hit the road (check out our assembly videos). Easy-to-follow assembly instructions and all assembly and installation hardware included.
ANYTIME ACCESS: Reach for gear in your trunk or hatchback 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 folding bike rack creates a low profile and stores easily when not in use.
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.)
STURDY CONSTRUCTION: This 4-bike platform mount carrier is crafted from a rust-resistant reinforced steel frame and black powder coating, making it highly durable. It incorporates folding arm cradles for easy storage and transportation. The innovative locking mechanism on this rack is strong enough to keep parts and gear in place.
VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: The BC-204 Folding Hitch Mount Bike Rack is compatible with most bike frame sizes and has a 2-inch hitch receiver. Its flexible frame allows it to accommodate most bikes of various sizes, shapes, and styles. However, this mounting bicycle rack is not intended for use with e-bikes, a bumper, or a hitch behind a fifth wheel or travel trailer.
ABOUT US: Stromberg Carlson, based in Traverse City, Michigan, is a third-generation, family-owned business supplying the recreational vehicle aftermarket since 1959. We are committed to designing, creating, and improving our products while adhering to strict quality standards to provide simple yet effective products that will make your next adventure more pleasant.
RELIABLE BIKE RACK Our hitch mount bike rack is another rider travel essential. It can support 4 bikes weighing up to 160 pounds in total. Furthermore, compared to a roof rack, a hitch-mount bike rack can save you up to 30% on fuel costs by lowering wind resistance.
EASY INSTALLATION: This platform bike rack is easy to assemble and install. It includes simple installation instructions and all the necessary hardware, allowing you to spend more time riding your bike and less time in the garage. The BC-204 Folding Hitch Mount Bike Rack provides freedom for more bicycle riding adventures.
👍🏻DESIGN FOR RV. WARNING❗❗ - DO NOT exceed 120 lbs of capacity when installed behind a RV. DO NOT use this bike carrier for transporting or carrying other items or materials besides bicycles.
👍🏻2 INCH HITCH RECEIVER: ONLY fits vehicles with 2" receivers, the rack is sturdy and does not wobble easily. Most parts come pre-assembled for easy installation. Parts including locking hitch pins, instruction manual and hardwares.
👍🏻FOLDABLE & TILT BACK DESIGN: Users can fold up this rack to save space when not in use, convenient for garage parking. Quick release tilting down feature allows easy access to trunk without detaching the hitch rack.
👍🏻SAFE AND SECURE: Comes with soft padded hooks and locking hitch pin, that secure your bikes in place without swaying and scratching the paint. Slide down over the vertical frame with hitch tightener to fit different size bike frame for safe. With rear Safety Reflector to enhance the visibility in the dark.
👍🏻1 YEAR WARRANTY: If anything ever goes wrong with your hitch mounted bike rack , please contact our 24H Service Team.
👍🏻160 LB TOTAL CAPACITY: Easily transports up to 40 pounds per bike. 120lbs of weight capacity when installed behind a motor home.
More bikes, less space: Made of heavy-duty steel with a vertical orientation; Transports 4 to 6 bikes with suspension forks using minimal space, no multiple racks or trailers required
Nuts and bolts: Fits suspension-fork bikes only; Fits 2" hitch receivers only; HitchLock included; Built-in bottle opener
Supports and protects: Securely supports bikes and fat bikes by the fork crown (required for use); Soft padding protects the fork's finish; Rotating wheel cup accommodates bikes with various wheelbases
Convenient carrying: Foot-operated tilt mechanism changes rack position for easy loading and unloading; Tilts down and out of the way for easy rear-of-vehicle access with bikes unloaded
Improved ground clearance: 3 mast height positions for improved ground clearance and ease of loading; 3 mast angles to avoid bike-tire contact with your vehicle
Adjustable mounting saddles.Please ensure mounting saddles is tightened enough
Convenient access to rear of vehicle with easy-to-use tilt-down feature
Folding carry arm design allows the rack’s arms to be folded up quickly when bike racks not in use
Fits for vehicle's standard 2 inch trailer hitch
Heavy duty steel construction.2.5mm carry arm tube max load to 150LB
TILTABLE RACK: While bikes are not loaded, remove the safety pin and let the rack tilt downward for access to the rear trunk. Note: DO NOT tilt the rack before removing the bikes
90LB TOTAL LOAD CAPACITY: Carries 2 bikes up to 45 pounds each. Our Hitch Bike Rack is compatible with mountain bikes and road bikes. Step-through bikes require an adapter (not included) Note: Load heaviest bike first and load bikes in alternate positions
1.25 INCH & 2 INCH HITCH: Works with vehicles with 2-inch and 1.25-inch hitch receivers. Size can be adjusted by removing or installing the hitch adapter. Secured by a ½ inch pin and a key lockset, the rack is sturdy and does not wobble easily. Note: Not compatible with RVs, trailers, or any kind of Class B vehicle
SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND: Includes a steel safety cable that wraps securely around the bikes to prevent theft. Safety cable connects to the hitch pin and automatically locks into the hitch receiver for simple security
NO SCRATCHING: The metal rack is enclosed in a rubber tube which means that even if it comes into contact with your bike or car, there will be no scratches or damage to the paint
What to Look For in a best vertical bike rack hitch?
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.
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.
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.
Tilting Feature
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).
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FAQs
How much weight can a vertical bike rack hitch hold?
A4: The weight capacity of a vertical bike rack hitch depends on the specific model you purchase. Generally speaking, most bike racks are capable of carrying up to 60 pounds of weight, so you should be able to securely transport most bikes without any issues.
What is a vertical bike rack hitch?
A vertical bike rack hitch is a type of bike rack that is mounted to the back of a car, truck, or SUV. It is designed to securely hold up to two bicycles in a vertical position, allowing for easier transport of bikes than with traditional bike racks.
How do I install a vertical bike rack hitch?
Installing a vertical bike rack hitch is relatively straightforward. First, you will need to mount the hitch onto the rear of your vehicle. This typically requires some basic tools and hardware, such as a drill, wrench, and screws. Once the hitch is mounted, you will need to attach the bike rack to the hitch. This is usually done by tightening the included bolts with a wrench.
Are vertical bike racks safe?
Yes, vertical bike racks are generally considered safe for transporting bicycles. The racks are designed to securely hold the bikes in place, and they usually come with a locking mechanism for added security. As with any bike rack, however, it's important to properly secure the bikes to the rack before driving.
There are numerous points to pick from in general, but doing so well may help you be more convenient and save time! When selecting a best vertical bike rack hitch, pay close attention to the elements listed above, and don't forget to verify the safety.
Have you picked a product like that after reading our article on how to choose and top the best vertical bike rack hitch? Hopefully, the information provided will assist you in selecting the best option for you.
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About Katie Finn
