2 Bike Carrier for Car: Types and Features Explained

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Young Man Placing His Bike Near a Post
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If you're planning a bike trip or just need to transport your bike, a bike carrier for car is a must-have. There are two main types of bike carriers: roof-mounted and hitch-mounted.

Roof-mounted bike carriers are a popular choice for their convenience and ease of use. They can hold one or two bikes and are perfect for city driving.

Hitch-mounted bike carriers, on the other hand, are ideal for road trips and can hold more bikes. They require a hitch on your car, but offer greater stability and security.

The key features to consider when choosing a bike carrier include capacity, weight capacity, and durability.

Types of Bike Racks

Hanging hitch racks are a great option for carrying bikes, as they suspend them horizontally on two support bars, accommodating bikes with wheel sizes 16″ and up.

These racks are available in 2 to 5 bike capacities, making them perfect for couples or small families.

A mountain bike parked on a bike rack in a sunny urban park setting.
Credit: pexels.com, A mountain bike parked on a bike rack in a sunny urban park setting.

Platform hitch bike racks are another popular choice, where the bike sits upright on the rack with its wheels resting on wheel trays.

The bike is then secured with dual ratcheting arms over the front and rear tires, or a clamp directly onto the frame of the bike.

Older style racks with a "shepherd's hook" over the front tire are not recommended for kids' bikes, as they struggle to get a secure fit, even with adaptors.

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Bike Rack Features

A bike rack for your car is a must-have for any cycling enthusiast. Bike racks come in different types, including trunk-mounted, hitch-mounted, and roof-mounted models.

The trunk-mounted bike rack is a popular choice because it's easy to install and doesn't require any additional hardware. It's also a great option for smaller cars with limited space.

When choosing a bike rack, consider the weight capacity, which is usually around 2-3 bikes, depending on the model. This ensures you can safely carry multiple bikes without overloading the rack.

Robust Steel Construction

Classic Lada 1500 car with roof rack in outdoor setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Classic Lada 1500 car with roof rack in outdoor setting.

Bike racks are a crucial part of any bike-friendly setup, and their construction plays a significant role in ensuring safe and secure bike storage.

The robust steel construction of bike racks is a key feature that sets them apart from other storage solutions. This durable material can withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions.

One notable benefit of steel construction is its ability to support heavy bikes. For example, some bike racks can securely transport bikes weighing up to 30kg each, giving you peace of mind when storing your precious bikes.

Quick Adjustability

Quick adjustability is a game-changer for bike enthusiasts. It allows for easy adaptation to different wheel, tire, and frame sizes, streamlining the loading process for hassle-free use.

This feature is a must-have for anyone who wants to easily transport their bike, whether it's a road bike, mountain bike, or hybrid bike. It saves time and effort, making it easier to get your bike where you need it to go.

With a quick adjustable bike rack, you can say goodbye to tedious adjustments and hello to more time for the things you love. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, this feature is a valuable addition to any bike rack.

Product Information

A bicycle securely attached to a car roof rack set in a scenic outdoor area, perfect for travel and adventure.
Credit: pexels.com, A bicycle securely attached to a car roof rack set in a scenic outdoor area, perfect for travel and adventure.

A 2 bike carrier for car is a great way to transport your bikes safely and efficiently. These carriers come in different types, including roof-mounted and trunk-mounted models.

The roof-mounted type is ideal for those who want to free up space in their trunk, while the trunk-mounted type is better suited for smaller vehicles.

You can choose from a variety of bike carrier styles, including horizontal and vertical models. Horizontal models are generally more stable and easier to use.

The weight capacity of a 2 bike carrier for car typically ranges from 50 to 100 pounds.

All Models

If you're looking for a 2 bike carrier that can fit any car, you have several options to consider.

There are two main types of 2 bike carriers: roof-mounted and hitch-mounted. Roof-mounted carriers are ideal for cars with a roof rack, while hitch-mounted carriers are perfect for cars with a hitch receiver.

Roof-mounted carriers are usually more versatile and can be used on most car types, including sedans and SUVs. Hitch-mounted carriers, on the other hand, are more common on trucks and vans.

Some popular 2 bike carrier models include the Thule T2 Pro and the Saris Freedom 2. Hitch-mounted carriers like the Kuat NV 2.0 are also great options for carrying two bikes.

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Specific Bike Racks

Array of bicycles parked in an urban bike rack outdoors, showcasing a sustainable transport option.
Credit: pexels.com, Array of bicycles parked in an urban bike rack outdoors, showcasing a sustainable transport option.

If you're looking for a bike rack that can carry two bikes, you have several options to consider. One popular choice is the hitch-mounted bike rack, which can be attached to the back of your car and can hold two bikes.

For a more compact option, a trunk-mounted bike rack is a great alternative. These racks can be easily installed and removed, and can also hold two bikes.

Some bike racks, like the roof-mounted bike rack, require a bit more setup but offer more storage space and can also carry two bikes.

Hanging Hitch Racks

Hanging hitch racks are a popular choice for bike enthusiasts, and for good reason. They're designed to carry bikes by their frame rather than the tires, which helps to protect the wheels and prevent damage.

These racks typically accommodate bikes with wheel sizes 16″ and up, making them suitable for a wide range of bikes. They're also available in various capacities, ranging from 2 to 5 bikes.

One of the key benefits of hanging hitch racks is their ability to suspend bikes horizontally on two support bars, which helps to keep them stable and secure during transport. This design also allows for easy loading and unloading of bikes.

Platform Hitch Racks

White and Green Bike Leaning on Wall
Credit: pexels.com, White and Green Bike Leaning on Wall

Platform hitch bike racks are a great option for transporting bikes, and they come in different styles.

The Kuat Piston Pro and RockyMounts GuideRail use dual ratcheting arms to secure bikes, which is a convenient feature.

These racks allow bikes to sit upright on the rack with their wheels resting on wheel trays, making it easy to load and unload.

Older style racks with a "shepherd's hook" over the front tire, like the Thule T2 Pro or Kuat NV, are not recommended for kids' bikes, even with adaptors.

They struggle to get a secure fit, which can be a problem when transporting bikes.

Lenox Hitch Mount Bike Rack (2-5 Bikes)

The Lenox Hitch Mount Bike Rack is a great option for transporting multiple bikes. It can carry up to 5 bikes, making it perfect for families or groups of friends.

This rack is designed to fit 2” hitches and can handle wheel sizes from 16” to 29” in diameter. If you have a bike with a wider tire, don't worry – it can accommodate tires up to 4” wide.

A row of bicycles parked in an urban bicycle rack outdoors, showcasing different bike styles.
Credit: pexels.com, A row of bicycles parked in an urban bicycle rack outdoors, showcasing different bike styles.

One of the standout features of the Lenox Hitch Mount Bike Rack is its strong steel construction, which ensures durability and stability. The ratchet latching and adjustable straps provide a secure hold on your bikes.

If you have a vehicle with a low hitch, you'll appreciate the rack's tiered design, which prevents bottoming out. This design also makes it easy to load and unload your bikes.

Here are some key specs to keep in mind:

Overall, the Lenox Hitch Mount Bike Rack is a reliable and practical choice for transporting multiple bikes.

Thule EasyFold Xt

The Thule EasyFold XT is a game-changer for bike enthusiasts. It's the easiest platform rack to install, remove, and store, thanks to its compact foldable design and built-in wheels.

This rack is perfect for solo travelers, as it can be set up and taken down without any tools. It's also significantly lighter than other racks, weighing in at just 45 lbs.

Black Restored Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 with a Roof Rack Entering the VW Car Show
Credit: pexels.com, Black Restored Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 with a Roof Rack Entering the VW Car Show

The Thule EasyFold XT can hold two bikes, with a weight capacity of 65 lb. per tray, making it suitable for e-bikes. It's also great for bikes with fenders, and comes with a ramp to help load heavy bikes.

One of the standout features of this rack is its ability to fold compactly, making it easy to store in tight spaces. It's also ridiculously easy to mount and take off the hitch.

Here are some key features of the Thule EasyFold XT:

  • Works great with front and rear fenders, and rear racks
  • Comes with a ramp (with onboard storage) to help load heavy bikes
  • Great for e-bikes (up to 65 lb.)
  • Ridiculously easy to mount and take off hitch
  • Compact, foldable design with wheels for easy storage
  • Extended wheel straps available to make it compatible with fat tire bikes
  • Works with most kids bikes 16″ and up

It's worth noting that this rack has some limitations, including a limited capacity of 2 bikes and incompatibility with bikes with carbon frames without Thule's carbon frame protector.

Rack Selection

When choosing a 2 bike carrier for your car, selecting the right rack is crucial. The type of vehicle you have will determine the best rack for you.

Cars with high or low-hitch receivers can present additional challenges, especially with raised SUVs and minivans. A high-capacity 2” receiver is ideal for these vehicles.

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A Side View of Sports Bike
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For mid-size SUVs, an OEM receiver is often the best option. This is because it sits higher on the vehicle, mounted in the bumper versus beneath the car.

A high-capacity 2” receiver can handle the weight and stress of carrying two bikes. This is especially important for vehicles with raised SUVs and minivans.

In some cases, an OEM receiver may be necessary to ensure a secure and stable bike rack installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bikes can you carry on a car?

You can typically fit 4 bikes on the roof of a car, or 2-3 bikes with a roof box, depending on the carrier and roof bars used. Check your car's specifications for more information on bike capacity and compatible roof bars.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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