Bike Carrier for Car: Top Picks and Solutions

If you're looking to transport your bike safely and efficiently, a bike carrier for car is a must-have accessory. There are several types of bike carriers available, including hitch-mounted, roof-mounted, and trunk-mounted carriers.

For a hitch-mounted carrier, you'll need a 1.25-inch or 2-inch hitch receiver on your car, which can be installed at home or by a professional. This type of carrier is ideal for families or those who frequently transport multiple bikes.

Roof-mounted carriers are a great option for cars without a hitch receiver, and can carry up to three bikes depending on the model. They're also a good choice for those who want to save space in their trunk.

A trunk-mounted carrier is the most convenient option, as it doesn't require any installation and can be easily removed when not in use. However, it's only suitable for smaller bikes and may not be as sturdy as other types of carriers.

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There are several types of bike carriers to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Hitch-mount bike carriers are a popular choice, requiring a 2-inch hitch receiver on your vehicle.

Hitch-mount bike carriers can hold up to five bikes, making them ideal for families or groups of riders. They usually require a 1.25- or 2-inch hitch receiver, which may limit their availability on certain vehicles.

Trunk bike carriers are another option, requiring a trunk lid or hatchback on your vehicle. They can hold up to three bikes and are generally less expensive than hitch-mount carriers.

Roof bike carriers are a good choice for vehicles with crossbars on the roof, holding one bike per rack and allowing for two to four bikes per car.

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There are various types of vehicles that can be carried on a bike carrier, each with its own unique requirements and considerations.

Cars can be carried on a bike carrier, but they require a specific type of carrier that can handle their weight and size.

Motorcycles are a popular option for bike carriers, as they are relatively lightweight and can be easily secured with tie-downs and straps.

SUVs and trucks can also be carried on a bike carrier, but they often require a more heavy-duty carrier that can handle their increased weight and size.

Vans can be carried on a bike carrier, but they may require additional support and tie-downs to ensure they remain secure during transport.

If you're looking to transport multiple bikes, some bike carriers can hold up to seven bikes, while others are limited to just one or two.

The number of bikes a carrier can hold varies greatly, with some models designed for up to seven bikes and others limited to just one. This is an important consideration if you plan on transporting multiple bikes regularly.

Here's a breakdown of the number of bikes different types of bike carriers can hold:

Some bike carriers, like those that mount to a truck bed, offer more flexibility in terms of bike quantity, while others, like roof-mounted carriers, are limited to just one bike per rack.

If you need to transport multiple bikes, a carrier that can hold up to seven bikes, like a vertical bike carrier, may be the best option.

The weight capacity of each bike also varies depending on the carrier type, with some models able to handle bikes that weigh up to 65 pounds per bike.

If you need to carry up to four bikes, consider the Saris SuperClamp EX 4-Bike hitch rack, which provides a nice balance of features, ease of use, and price.

This rack can accommodate bikes up to 60 pounds each, in the two positions nearest to the car, and 35 pounds each, in the two positions farthest from the car.

The Saris SuperClamp EX 4-Bike is one of the lightest four-bike tray racks available, weighing 63 pounds, making it easier to get on and off of the vehicle than its competitors.

It features integrated cables for locking bikes to the rack and comes with a hitch lock for securing the rack to the vehicle.

The SuperClamp EX 4-Bike is available only for 2-inch hitch receivers, so you'll need to have that type of hitch on your vehicle.

Securing the SuperClamp to the hitch requires using a wrench to tighten a lockable bolt in the hitch receiver, rather than turning a knob.

The rack also comes with a U-shaped tensioner that fits inside the hitch shank to stabilize it, but this can be tricky to line up with the hitch hole when mounting the rack.

For a four-bike rack, the Saris SuperClamp EX 4-Bike is a solid choice, offering a secure fit for a wide variety of bikes.

The Küat Sherpa 2.0 is a lightweight bike carrier that weighs less than 32 pounds.

It's also one of the easiest to mount on your vehicle and load bikes onto, thanks to its tray-style design that holds bikes securely by the front wheel.

The Sherpa 2.0 is available for 1.25-inch and 2-inch tow hitches, making it a versatile option for many car owners.

It folds up and out of the way when not in use, and can be easily unfolded by stepping on a foot release.

The Sherpa 2.0 has a beautiful finish, with a metallic powder-coated aluminum frame that looks great on any vehicle.

It also comes with locking systems for securing the rack to the vehicle and the bikes to the rack, providing an extra layer of security.

The Thule Epos bike rack is a game-changer for cyclists. It fits all types of bikes, making it a versatile option for anyone who wants to transport their bike safely and easily.

One of the standout features of the Thule Epos is its innovative telescopic bike attachment system. This system allows for numerous attachment options, making it easy to load and unload your bike.

The bike arms can be attached to the frame or the rear wheel of your bike, providing you with flexibility and convenience. You can load and unload up to two bikes in any order, and all types of frames and geometries are supported, including ebikes, mountain bikes, and bikes with fenders and racks.

The generous spacing between bikes is 25 cm, which is ideal for transporting multiple bikes. The high load capacity of 30kg per bike ensures that you can transport your bike safely and securely.

If you have a bike with large tires, you'll appreciate the easy fastening system, which can accommodate tires up to 3.2 inches wide. The fully foldable design makes it easy to transport and store the bike rack, and the tilt function allows for easy access to your trunk.

Here are some key specs to keep in mind:

The Thule Epos bike rack is designed to make handling your bikes easy and convenient. With its innovative features and practical design, it's no wonder that this bike rack is a popular choice among cyclists.

We talked to experts at top bike and bike-rack shops across the country, including Rack Attack stores in Boston, Minneapolis, and Portland, Oregon, to understand the pros and cons of different types of racks.

We also consulted with experts at REI's headquarters and surveyed more than 20 bike clubs across the country to get a comprehensive view of the market.

We looked for racks that mount securely to your vehicle and hold your bikes tightly, but we also considered other factors.

Here are the key things we looked for in a bike rack:

The Küat Sherpa 2.0 is our top pick for a hitch rack, making it easy to transport one or two bikes with minimal side-to-side movement and without frame contact.

This lightweight model weighs less than 32 pounds, making it easy to install in the hitch receiver or to remove for storage.

The Sherpa 2.0 has a beautiful finish with a metallic powder-coated aluminum frame and comes with locking systems for securing the rack to the vehicle and bikes to the rack.

It's also easy to use, with a smooth, lockable pin that makes installation a breeze. You simply insert the pin and turn a knob to tighten the rack in the receiver hitch.

The Sherpa 2.0 has a low lift height of only 26.5 inches, making it easy to load and unload bikes.

It also provides ample space between bikes, with 12 inches of clearance, minimizing the chances of bikes damaging each other.

The rack folds up and out of the way when not in use, and can be easily folded back down with a foot release.

This tray-style hitch rack is available for 1.25-inch and 2-inch tow hitches, making it a versatile option for many vehicles.

If you're in the market for a bike carrier for your car, you'll want to consider the types of bikes it can hold. Some bike carriers can accommodate up to 3 bikes at a time.

For a solo rider, a single-bike carrier might be the way to go, as they're often more affordable and easier to install. However, if you've got multiple bikes, a multi-bike carrier is a better option, as seen in the Thule T2 Pro XTR review.

When shopping for a bike carrier, make sure to check the weight capacity, as some carriers can only hold a certain amount of weight. The Saris Freedom 2-Bike Hitch Bike Carrier has a weight capacity of 135 pounds per bike.

We went through the whole ownership experience for each bike rack we tested, noting the necessary tools included and how easy the instructions were to follow.

We mounted each rack on one or more vehicles, loading bikes and noting how high we had to lift them and how easily they could be secured.

We drove along curvy, two-lane back roads, on highways, and over dirt roads, making frequent quick stops and sharp turns.

Our test vehicles included sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and pickup trucks. We used vehicles with 2-inch hitch receivers for hitch racks.

We tried each roof rack on four sets of crossbars, including the factory bars on our Toyota RAV4 test vehicle as well as on a Thule AeroBlade Edge system and Yakima JetStream bars.

The Thule Epos bike rack is a top-notch product, but like any other, it's not perfect. The Sherpa 2.0 has some limitations that might make it less suitable for some users.

One major flaw is that it can't expand to hold more than two bikes. This is a significant limitation, especially for those who need to transport more than two bikes at a time.

The Sherpa 2.0 has a maximum weight capacity of 40 pounds per bike, which is lower than some other two-bike tray racks. This means it's not suitable for carrying some specialty and electric bikes that are heavier than average.

The hook that holds the front wheel may not work if a bike has fenders, which can be a problem for some users.

Here's a summary of the Sherpa 2.0's limitations:

The Küat Beta is a great option for city dwellers who want a hitch rack that's easy to use and store. It weighs only 18 pounds and folds down small enough to stash in a closet.

One of the main advantages of the Küat Beta is its ease of use. You can put it on and pull it off your car quickly, making it perfect for street-parking in the city. It's also relatively inexpensive compared to other hitch racks.

The Küat Beta is a hanging hitch-mount aluminum rack that's easy to load and secure bikes onto. However, it's not as easy as a tray rack like the Sherpa 2.0, and you'll need to unload the bikes to access the rear of your vehicle.

To secure the bikes, you'll need to use the straps, which are the easiest to use of any hanging-style hitch rack we tested. You simply set the bike in the cradle, pull the straps over the top tube, and cinch them down.

The Küat Beta doesn't hold bikes as solidly as the Sherpa 2.0 does, and the bikes may swing a little more on the rack's arms. However, they never came loose during our test drives.

If you're not sold on traditional bike carriers, there are alternative options worth considering. One such option is the roof-mounted bike carrier, which can be a great space-saver for smaller cars.

These carriers typically have a lower weight capacity than trunk-mounted carriers, so be sure to check the manufacturer's specs to ensure they can handle your bike's weight. For example, the Thule Evo 1 Bike Carrier has a weight capacity of 35 pounds.

Another option is the hitch-mounted bike carrier, which can be a good choice for those with larger cars or SUVs. These carriers often have higher weight capacities and can be more stable than trunk-mounted carriers.

Some hitch-mounted carriers, like the Saris Freedom 2-Bike Hitch Mount, can even be folded up for easy storage when not in use. This can be a big plus for those with limited garage space.

The bike carrier for car is designed for easy installation, with most models taking around 10-15 minutes to set up.

You'll need to choose a style that suits your car and bike, with options ranging from roof-mounted to hitch-mounted carriers.

For a sleek and streamlined look, consider a roof-mounted carrier that attaches to your car's roof rack, allowing for easy access to your bike.

This type of carrier is ideal for cars with a roof rack, and can hold bikes up to 35 pounds in weight.

The Yakima HighRoad roof rack is a breeze to install, thanks to its three rubber straps that slide under any type of crossbar. This makes it one of the quickest racks to mount to and remove from the vehicle.

You'll appreciate the simplicity of the HighRoad's design, which secures a bike using two hoops that clamp securely onto the front wheel, as well as a ratcheting strap that wraps around the rear rim.

The HighRoad's hoops can accommodate bikes with 26- to 29-inch wheels and up to 3.25-inch-wide tires, but may not work with wheels on some kids' bikes or fat-bike tires.

Some roof racks require crossbars, which can be an added expense if your vehicle didn't come with them. The Yakima HighRoad is no exception, but it does offer the flexibility to grip any type of roof rails firmly.

It's worth noting that roof racks can raise the height of your vehicle, which may lead to a risk of forgetting your bike is on the roof while entering a garage or carport. Just be mindful of this when loading up your bike!

For trunk installations, you have options beyond hitch mounts. This upgraded trunk rack offers sturdy construction and light weight at an affordable price.

If your car can't accommodate a hitch mount, this trunk rack is a great value. It's a good alternative for those who need a more versatile solution.

You'll need to lift your bike up higher to load it on this rack compared to a hitch mount.

Tray-style hitch racks are a popular choice for solo riders, but be aware that some models have had issues. The Küat Transfer v2 1-Bike tray rack was recalled in June 2024 due to problems with its design.

Some tray-style hitch racks, like the 1UP USA Quik Rack Single, require no assembly out of the box. However, our experience with it was that it wasn't as easy to use as other options.

The wheel hoops on the 1UP USA Quik Rack Single take two hands to operate, making it difficult to hold the bike while loading or unloading. This can be a challenge, especially for those who prefer a more hands-free experience.

The RockyMounts MonoRail Solo has a release handle that can be a dealbreaker. At least three of our testers had the handle snap back and pinch their fingers against the rack's frame as they used it, which can be painful.

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Hanging-style hitch racks can be a convenient option for bike owners, but some models have their drawbacks. The Saris Bones Hitch 2-Bike weighs 18 pounds, the same as the Küat Beta, but we like the Beta more.

Repositioning the arms of the Bones was more cumbersome than with other hanging-hitch racks we tested. Bikes wobbled more while driving on the Bones compared to other models.

The Yakima RidgeBack has a problem with getting four bikes onto the rack because of how close together they have to sit. A built-in lock is also lacking, which is something we expect to find in this price range.

The Yakima HangTight is a vertical-hanging hitch rack that holds bikes by their handlebars. This approach has several problems, including having to grab the bike by its underside to lift it into the rack.

The HangTight couldn't hold two of the four bikes we used for testing, one due to a simple handlebar reflector and the other because brake and shifter cables interfered with the straps.

If you need to carry up to four bikes, the Saris SuperClamp EX 4-Bike hitch rack is a great option. It's a good balance of features, ease of use, and price, and can accommodate bikes up to 60 pounds each.

For a 1.25-inch hitch, you'll need to use a hanging-hitch rack, such as the Yakima RidgeBack. This type of rack is available for up to five bikes.

Here's a comparison of some popular bike carriers:

The Saris Bones EX 3-Bike rack is a top-notch choice for those who want a versatile and easy-to-use trunk rack. It can fit almost any vehicle, except for pickups, without needing extra hardware.

The EX design is particularly noteworthy for its ability to reach over most factory rear spoilers, making it a great option for those with unique vehicle designs. It's also one of the lightest racks on the market, weighing in at just 11 pounds.

One of the standout features of the Bones EX is its innovative design, which relies on a central tube fitted with toothed and smooth sections. This allows for quick and easy adjustments to the legs, making it a breeze to get the rack onto your car.

We were able to get the rack onto the car in just 4.5 minutes, which is significantly faster than some other trunk racks on the market. The straps that hold the rack to the car also make it easy to secure, with anchors that can be placed at the top, sides, and bottom of the car.

The top legs of the Bones EX have a significant bend, allowing them to clear most spoilers, and the curve of the arms spaces your bikes out so they don't knock into each other as you drive. This is a big plus for those who want to transport multiple bikes without worrying about damage or inconvenience.

The rack itself is also easy to store, with arms and legs that collapse to make it compact. If you do decide to leave the rack on the car, the arms fold down and out of the way, making it a convenient option for frequent use.

It's worth noting that all trunk racks, including the Bones EX, can cause scratches on your car's finish over time. However, with a few precautions, such as placing patches of ClearBra where the rack attaches, you can minimize this risk.

If you're in the market for a heavy electric bike solution, the Thule Epos is worth considering. It's a two-bike rack that can carry up to 140 pounds, with each tray capable of holding a bike weighing up to 75 pounds.

The Thule Epos is a heavy-duty rack, but it's surprisingly light, weighing in at just 38 pounds. This makes it easier to manage and transport.

You can also buy a folding ramp for this aluminum rack, which slots into the end of the platforms and helps with loading your bikes. The ramp costs an extra $100.

One of the standout features of the Thule Epos is its hitch-locking system, which makes it simpler to secure the rack to your vehicle. This system uses a pinch arm and tension knob to lock the rack in place.

The Thule Epos also has a wide release lever that allows you to access your vehicle's cargo area by stepping on it and tilting the rack down. This works well on most truck tailgates and hatches that lift upward.

The Thule EasyFold XT is a great option for cyclists who want a hassle-free bike rack experience. It's designed for easy folding and stowing away.

Thule has bike rack accessories for every cyclist, so you're sure to find something that fits your needs.