The 7 Best Bike Racks to Buy in 2018

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Last minute road trip? If you and your bike are attached at the hip, you’d probably rather leave behind other comforts like extra clothes so you can slide your bike in the back of your SUV, in the bed of your truck, or even take it apart and put it in the back of your compact car. But all of those options can be full of hassle. They can dirty or scratch both your car and your beloved bike. They take away room, and they don’t offer the security and stability your bike needs.

That’s where bike racks come in handy. No matter what kind of vehicle you own, there’s a rack for that, so you don’t have to spend countless hours trying to find a way to fit your bike in your car, or taking out the tools to deconstruct it into a compact shape. The basic bike rack options include the carriers that sit on top of your roof rack, the ones that attach to your trunk lid using straps and the ones that mount in your hitch, and each is great depending on your car size and needs, and will help you to effortlessly get your bike ready for the ride.

So what should you get? The right one for you depends on your budget, vehicle, bike, and personal priorities. Here, the top bike rack for your needs.

Best Overall: Saris, Bones, Trunk Mounted Bike Rack, 2 Bikes

Saris, Bones, Trunk mounted bike rack, 2 bikes, Grey — Courtesy of Walmart

For the price, for the quality and for versatility, Saris Bones’ trunk rack is the best overall option. It’s what cyclists can rely on for easy transport of their bikes no matter the vehicle. The rack is very light, offers a solid structure, is affordable and proves very easy to mount.

Reviewers note that the fact that it is made of lightweight molded plastic ensures that it’s easier to lift onto the back of a vehicle and strap on than most trunk racks, which are typically made of steel. The rack provides ultimate stability during driving, no matter the speed or the quick stops.

Another notable feature is the fully adjustable curved arms that fit over almost all rear trunk spoilers, while the entirety of the rack folds into a compact and flat shape for easy storage when not in use.

Best Budget: Hollywood Racks T970 Fork Block 1 Bicycle Fork Mount

There are quite a few reasonably priced bike racks on this list, but if you want something reviewers have found to be simple, cheap and reliable, try Hollywood Racks’ bicycle fork mount. It’s easy to adjust, won’t damage your vehicle or bike, comes pre-assembled, can be used in a van or truck, as well as the floor or wall, features a limited warranty against defects, and has a heavy-duty base that can be bolted to any solid surface.

The simple rack has glowing reviews saying you really can't go wrong with this!

Best Hitch: Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack with 2-Inch Receiver

The Allen Sports 4-bike hitch will make your biking trip with the family much easier, as it provides a quick way to load up the bikes and get on the road. What’s nice about this rack, along with being able to carry multiple bikes, is that it’s very easy to assemble. The rack tilts back allowing for easy lift-gate access, while the carry arms, which are designed for various frame sizes and designs, fold out of the way when not in use.

Other notable features include the patented tie-down cradle system, which ensures each bike is individually secured for the utmost protection, while the no-wobble belt keeps the rack in place, and the retainer clips are attached with lanyards so you don’t have to worry about losing parts.

This Amazon Choice has over 4,000 reviews with customers raving about how sturdy it is and loving the affordable price.

Best Compact: Allen Sports Ultra Compact Folding 1-Bike Trunk Mount Rack

The Allen 1-bike trunk mount rack is a superior option for compact vehicles, as it features all the benefits you would hope for in a bicycle carrier, but in a folding design, which makes for wonderful ease of use and convenience. The dual compound cradles ensure the bike and the vehicle are protected, as does the padded spine pad. The design allows for a great fit for a range of vehicles, comes fully assembled to take the stress out of installing, and even provides a carry bag. You can’t beat Allen’s lifetime warranty either!

Another Amazon Choice, this model also comes in a two bike model. Reviewers comment this is great for a hatchback car and provides sturdy support and an affordable price.

Best Roof: Yakima ForkLift Fork Mount Rooftop Bike Rack

Yakima offers a great rooftop bike rack, as the fork-style mount fits just about every crossbar without having to use tools to make the adjustment, while the sliding wheel tray ensures a wide range of bike lengths are accommodated and fits most disc brakes. The design keeps your bike from rubbing against anything else that would cause damage to the painted surface, while also being super solid and locking your bike down with total confidence.

Installation is super fast and easy, and so is taking it off. Customers noted to make sure you have the locking skewer since it is easy to take off for anyone who wants to steal your bike.

Best for SUV with Spare Tire: Yakima SpareRide Bike Carrier

If your SUV features the rare spare tire on the back of the car design, Yakima offers a great bike carrier option. The mounting plate of a spare tire mounted SUV bike rack can oftentimes prove tricky to fit, but the SpareRide product seeks to make it as effortless as possible.

The design features a universal mounting plate, while also providing an efficient extension that will fit nearly any spare tire lug pattern, and any spare size, including oversized truck tires. The tool-free locking knob makes for easy assembly, while the cradles provide a construction that inhibits the swaying of the bike when mounted.

Many people comment that this rack has solved the transporting a bike problem with cars with a spare tire like a Jeep Wrangler. Installation is easy and it provides ample support.

Best for Pickup Trucks: Inno RT201 Velo Gripper Truck Bed Bike Rack

For use in your pickup bed, try Inno’s Velo Gripper bike rack, which is designed to hold the bike out of the driver’s line of sight, as it rests against the side of the bed. You’ll be able to save up to 90 percent of your pickup truck bed space this way, allowing for you to store plenty of other gear for your adventures.

As for assembly, the rack includes two mounts for attaching to the truck bed side rail and securing the front fork of the bike. You also don’t have to go inside of the bed of the truck to mount the bike rack, and don’t need tools or drilling. Should you want to use the mounts to attach tie-down straps, you have the opportunity to do so thanks to the D-ring available on both mounts.