Single Bike Carrier for Car: Ultimate Buying Guide and Comparison

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Action-packed mountain biking in Trutnov forest, capturing a rider's thrilling dirt trail maneuver.
Credit: pexels.com, Action-packed mountain biking in Trutnov forest, capturing a rider's thrilling dirt trail maneuver.

If you're in the market for a single bike carrier for your car, you're likely looking for a convenient and safe way to transport your bike. This type of carrier is designed to hold a single bike, making it a great option for those with limited space or who only need to transport one bike at a time.

There are several types of single bike carriers available, including hitch-mounted, roof-mounted, and trunk-mounted models. Hitch-mounted carriers are the most popular type, as they are easy to install and provide a sturdy platform for your bike.

When choosing a single bike carrier, consider the weight capacity and the type of bike you'll be transporting. Some carriers are designed for road bikes, while others are better suited for mountain bikes. Make sure to choose a carrier that can handle the weight and type of bike you have.

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Installation and Compatibility

The Saris Solo 1 Rear Mount car bike rack is designed to offer a secure fit for a huge range of bikes and vehicles. It's lightweight, weighing in at under 1kg, making it easy to handle and install.

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

The rack's rust-free injection-moulded design is made with 100% recyclable materials, which is great for the environment. This eco-friendly design also ensures the rack is durable and long-lasting.

The Solo 1 is capable of carrying 1 bike with a maximum load capacity of 15kg. This means you can safely transport your bike, whether it's a road bike or a mountain bike.

Related reading: Blue Carrier 1

Hitch Racks

Hitch racks are a great option for carrying bikes, but they do come with some drawbacks. They're often the most expensive type of bike rack, which can be a significant investment.

One of the main advantages of hitch racks is their ease of use. They're designed to fit into your car's hitch receiver, providing a secure and stable place to store your bikes. This is especially useful for those who want to avoid the hassle of roof racks or trunk racks.

However, hitch racks can be a pain to remove, especially if you need to take them off frequently. Most options weigh over 40 pounds and require tools to detach, which can be a real hassle.

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.

If you're considering a hitch rack, make sure your car has a hitch receiver. Not every car comes equipped with one, so you'll need to install one yourself or opt for a different type of bike rack. Some popular options include the Küat Piston Pro X Hitch Rack and the Hollywood Racks HR200Z Trail Rider Hitch Rack.

Here are some popular hitch rack options:

Some hitch racks, like the Küat NV 2.0, offer additional features like built-in repair stands and adjustable cradles. These features can be really useful, but they may also add to the overall cost of the rack.

Tailgate and Trunk

Accessing the trunk or tailgate can be a challenge when using a bike rack. For most vehicles, this is restricted when the rack is in use or folded up.

Many top picks offer tilt-down designs that allow you to open the back of your vehicle even with bikes loaded. This is a game-changer for those who need full access.

Gray Commuter Bike Parked on Road Beside Sea
Credit: pexels.com, Gray Commuter Bike Parked on Road Beside Sea

A simple hitch extender can provide the additional clearance needed, as Senior Reviews Editor Bobby Lea discovered when fitting the Thule T2 Pro XT to his F-150. This can be a cost-effective solution for those who want more room.

Using an anti-rattle clamp with any rack you choose can add stability and peace of mind. This is a must-have for those who want a secure fit.

Roof-Mounted Racks

Roof-Mounted Racks are a popular option for bike owners, offering a convenient and secure way to transport bikes on the roof of a vehicle.

The prices of Roof-Mounted Racks vary, with the FrontLoader costing $229.00 and the HighRoad (2017-2023) costing $299.00.

Some Roof-Mounted Racks are specifically designed for certain bike types, such as the ForkLift, which is compatible with bikes that require a bike price drop.

The Thru-Axle Adapter (WheelHouse) is a specialty item that adapts to 15MM or 12MM axles, and it's priced at $19.00.

A man secures a red bicycle on top of a car's roof rack in an urban setting.
Credit: pexels.com, A man secures a red bicycle on top of a car's roof rack in an urban setting.

Here's a list of the Roof-Mounted Racks mentioned in the article section, along with their prices:

The prices of the Roof-Mounted Racks are also listed as "Regular price", "Sale price", and "Unit price/per Regular price", which can be useful for comparing prices.

Part Compatibility

Part Compatibility is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a car bike rack. This Saris Solo 1 Rear Mount car bike rack is designed to fit a huge range of bikes and vehicles.

The rack is lightweight, weighing under 1kg, making it easy to install and remove. This is especially useful if you plan to use your bike rack on different vehicles.

The Saris Solo 1 Rear Mount car bike rack is capable of carrying 1 bike with a maximum load capacity of 15kg. This means you can safely transport your bike without worrying about overloading the rack.

Here's a quick rundown of the part compatibility features of the Saris Solo 1 Rear Mount car bike rack:

The rust-free injection-moulded design, made with 100% recyclable materials, ensures a secure fit and a unique modern design.

Product Comparison

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

If you're in the market for a single bike carrier for your car, you've got a lot of great options to choose from. The Küat Piston Pro X Hitch Rack is the best overall, offering a sturdy and reliable design.

For those on a budget, the Hollywood Racks HR200Z Trail Rider Hitch Rack is the way to go, offering great value without sacrificing too much in terms of quality.

If you're looking for a high-end option with the latest features, the Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Hitch Rack is definitely worth considering. It's an update to their classic design, and it shows.

Here are some of the top single bike carriers on the market, grouped by their key features:

The 1Up USA Equip’d Double Hitch Rack is actually designed for two bikes, but it's also super easy to operate, making it a great option if you need to carry a friend's bike or something.

Specifications

White and Black Bobber Bike
Credit: pexels.com, White and Black Bobber Bike

When choosing a bike rack, you'll want to consider the specifications to ensure it meets your needs. The rack type is crucial, and this particular model is designed for a Hitch 2” setup.

One bike can be carried on this rack, making it perfect for solo riders or those with a single bike. The primary material is aluminum, which is lightweight and durable.

The finish type is anodized aluminum, giving it a sleek and corrosion-resistant coating. A captive safety pin is included on the left side, but can be moved to the right for added convenience.

Here are the weight capacities and what's included with the purchase:

  • Weight Capacities: See FAQ
  • What's Included: Single bike rack with hitch; two keys (can be keyed to match other purchased components)

This rack is imported and doesn't require assembly, making it a hassle-free purchase. Only one person is needed to install it, and no tools are required. To keep the rack in good condition, simply clean it with soap and water, and periodically check the bolts and levers.

Küat NV 2.0 Hitch Mount

Black and white photo of a steel bike rack with a sticker in Magdeburg, Germany.
Credit: pexels.com, Black and white photo of a steel bike rack with a sticker in Magdeburg, Germany.

The Küat NV 2.0 Hitch Rack is a top-notch option for bike enthusiasts. It's designed to hold bikes securely in place, with a built-in stand that allows for easy on-the-fly maintenance.

The rack's expanding-wedge design secures it in your vehicle's receiver hitch and locks in place with a theft-preventing thru-bolt, keeping your bikes wobble-free. This design feature is a game-changer for peace of mind while driving.

The NV 2.0's standout feature is its built-in repair stand, which extends from the top of the rack when it's folded up to hang any bike by the seatpost with considerable ground clearance. This is a huge advantage for bike owners who need to make quick repairs on the go.

This rack is rated for up to 60 pounds per tray, making it suitable for many e-bikes. However, some users have reported issues with the ratcheting system getting gunked up, making it hard to remove bikes. Regular cleaning can help prevent this problem.

Explore further: Car Top Bike Carrier

Young Man Placing His Bike Near a Post
Credit: pexels.com, Young Man Placing His Bike Near a Post

The NV 2.0 is available for both 1.25- and 2-inch receivers, offering flexibility for different vehicle types. You can also purchase extra accessories, such as a 20- and 24-inch wheel adaptor, a bike ramp, or add-ons for one or two bikes.

Here's a summary of the NV 2.0's key features:

Overall, the Küat NV 2.0 Hitch Rack is a solid choice for bike owners who want a reliable and feature-rich solution for transporting their bikes.

Hitch Racks: Pros and Cons

Hitch racks are a great option for transporting bikes, but like with anything, they have their pros and cons.

One of the biggest advantages of hitch racks is that they provide a secure and stable way to carry your bikes, slotting into your car's hitch receiver with ease.

They also offer a balance between the ease of access of a trunk rack and the security of a quality roof rack. Many hitch racks are modular, allowing you to add extra trays, locks, and even bottle openers for more personalized functionality.

Black and White Hardtail Bike on Brown Road Between Trees
Credit: pexels.com, Black and White Hardtail Bike on Brown Road Between Trees

However, hitch racks can be quite expensive, with quality materials and construction driving up the price. Some options can weigh over 40 pounds and require tools to detach, making them a pain to remove.

They also add significant length to your vehicle when bikes are on the rack, which can be tricky if you need to parallel park. Not every car has a hitch, either, so you'll either need to install one yourself or forego this style entirely.

Here are some of the top-rated hitch racks to consider:

  • Best Overall: Küat Piston Pro X Hitch Rack
  • Best Value: Hollywood Racks HR200Z Trail Rider Hitch Rack
  • Best Update: Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Hitch Rack
  • Easiest to Operate: 1Up USA Equip’d Double Hitch Rack
  • Sturdiest Double: Yakima StageTwo Hitch Rack

Accessories and Features

This single bike carrier is designed to carry a bike that weighs up to 15kg. The carrier itself is made from 100% recyclable materials and is rust-free, injection moulded plastic.

The carrier is also very lightweight, weighing under 1kg. This makes it easy to handle and install on your vehicle.

Here are the key features of the carrier:

  • Fast and easy to fit
  • Ratchet hold down straps for secure fit
  • Compatible with most vehicles
  • Lightweight - under 1kg!

Weight and Dimensions

The weight and dimensions of our bike accessory are pretty straightforward. The product itself weighs in at 30.7 pounds.

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

You'll need to consider the shipping weight, which is a bit more, at 35.2 pounds. This is something to keep in mind when planning for delivery.

The bike tray is quite long, measuring 56 13/32 inches. This might be something to consider if you're planning to store it in a small space.

When folded, the dimensions are more compact, at 28 ½” x 17 ¾” x 7 ¾”. This makes it easier to store in a closet or on a shelf.

The shipping dimensions are slightly larger, at 31”x19”x9”. This is just something to be aware of when arranging for delivery.

A different take: Bike Delivery Apps

Features

The Saris Solo bike carrier is a fantastic accessory for cyclists. It offers a secure fit for your bike with zero mechanical frame adjustments.

The carrier is incredibly lightweight, weighing in at under 1kg, making it easy to fit and store away when not in use. This is a huge plus for those who don't have a lot of space in their garage or shed.

Bike Parked on Pavement
Credit: pexels.com, Bike Parked on Pavement

The universal design ensures it fits a huge range of bikes and vehicles, giving you peace of mind when it comes to compatibility.

Here are some key features of the Saris Solo bike carrier:

  • Carries 1 bike (15kg per bike)
  • Fast and easy to fit
  • Rust-free, injection moulded plastic
  • Made from 100% recyclable materials
  • Ratchet hold down straps for secure fit
  • Compatible with most vehicles
  • Lightweight - under 1kg!

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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