The Best Bike Rack (Non-Hitch)

Buying Guide

When you are ready to pack up and head out of town, you want to be confident about the bike rack you’ve attached your bikes to for the drive. With countless bike racks on the market, it is not always easy to know which is the best fit for you. It may take some digging but with a few things to keep in mind and a good review of each rack, you’ll surely be able to find a rack that is a good fit for you.

There are several key things that you must know in order to buy the right bike rack. There are three main types of bike racks: roof racks, hitch racks and trunk racks. You will want to decide what will work best with your vehicle. Then consider the type of bikes you have. Most racks will note how much weight they can handle so be sure to opt for a heftier rack if you have heavy bikes. The size of your tires is another thing to check. Last of all you need to know how many bikes you’ll be hauling on the rack. All of these factors will help you determine the bike rack you need for your vehicle.

Of course, you will always have a budget in mind when you are buying a bike rack. They can range anywhere from low hundreds to over a thousand dollars. When you want to keep a reasonable budget, you’ll most likely turn to the trunk racks. This type is usually the most affordable and will get the job done.

If you are only transporting one bike, you can easily find a trunk bike rack for that. Look for a model that is fit for most vehicles that do not have rear spoilers and one that offers easy installation. For a two-bike rack, you’ll want to take a look at the Allen Sports Trunk Mounted Bike Rack, 2-Bike. A larger mount bike rack is ideal for three bikes in transit.

There is another type of modern rack designed for trucks. These tailgate pads are a cushy pad that drapes over the tailgate and feature a massive web that contains and locks the front tires in place against the tailgate. You can haul several bikes at once with this system.

• Always get a bike rack that’s durable and built to last.
• Choose a bike rack that will hold up in rough weather and is rust-resistant.
• Check the weight of your bike or bikes against the capacity of the rack before buying.
• It’s always nice to have the option of adding an additional bike onto your rack, in which case you’ll want to think about buying an expandable bike rack.