The Best Hitch Bike Rack

Once you have your bike in tow, you are ready to hit the road for your trip. Whether you are having a vacation with your family, or you and some of your friends want to have a fantasy trip, you have always wished for and need bikes for your R&R.

This means you would need a bike rack. If you delve into the bike rack market, you will discover loads of choices you can easily select from, but they are all not the same, and the quality is totally different. We would be ranking the best hitch bike racks in 2019, exposing what makes them different from each other, the Pros and Cons of each bike rack, and what makes each rack unique.

We all agree that trying to discover the best bike rack that would give you quality returns for the money you would be paying could be quite tasking, time-consuming, and cost more. Due to this reason, we have taken the time to review the best 10 hitch bike racks available.

List of Reviewed Hitch Bike Racks

1. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch

Fortunately, the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Rack Hitch would be the only type of four-bike hanging system which would make it to our ranking. The performance of this rack has been rated top-notch by regular users. This hitch bike rack has plenty of space for at least five bikes, and each bike has its own cradles on each arm.

The rack also has a feature of the Allen Sports innovative tie-down system, which helps secure the bike while in transit. It should be noted that this rack works only with two-inch hitches; class III and class IV. The installation is quite simple and easy. It also takes a few minutes, depending on how fast the person installing it is. The rack easily slides into the hitch which has already been mounted on your vehicle. It is easily fastened with a nut and bolt.

Anytime it is out of use, the arms would easily fold out of your way. Even when the rack has been loaded, it tilts outwards by removing the locking pin, which would give you access to the rear part of your vehicle. The rack is made from steel, and it has a durable powder-coated finish which comes with a lifetime warranty from its manufacturers directly. It requires a little bit of assembly, but this has been considered, and the required tools would be shipped with the rack after purchase.

Three Reasons to Buy the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch

Issues to be Aware of

2. The Yakima RidgeBack 4 Hitch Bike Rack

I really cannot say about your preference. Still, after seeing the Yakima RidgeBack for the first time, I fell in love with it automatically, and apart from this, its use made it completely distinct. This hitch bike rack has a distinct style which is the hanging style, and it is a worthy contender compared to other hitch bike racks available.

It can easily carry two bikes. However, if you want to carry more than two bikes, several versions are available that extend up to the five-bike carriers. The fits receiver measures just 1.25 or 2 inches. The rack has been confirmed to weigh just 32 pounds ( light, right?). This means that only one person can easily install and manipulate the rack.

The rack comes with a SpeedKnob, which allows you to easily mount and remove the hitch mount bike rack in few seconds, and it also alleviates the need for pins, bolts, and other hardware. A lever can be conveniently pushed to make the rack tilt down and backward to allow easy access to the rear of your vehicle. The rack also comes with a unique ZipSecure system that gives your bike utmost security while in motion. There is also an anti-sway technology that helps to keep the bikes as still as possible when transporting them.

Three Reasons to Buy the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Hitch Rack

Issues to be Aware of

3. Thule 9028XT Vertex Hitch Carrier

Whenever you talk about one of the most innovative platform-style hitch bike racks on the market, you have to talk about the Thule T2 Pro XT. This rack offers easy mounting and also an easy removal process. A simple lever would let you easily fold up the rack whenever it is not in use. This lever is multi-functional because it allows you to tilt the loaded or unloaded rack downward for easy access to the remaining part of your vehicle.

Another interesting part of this hitch bike rack is that it employs ratcheting arms to help secure the wheels to the rack platform. This is to make sure that your bike frame does not come in contact with the rack. Also, the arms can fit wheels that are up to five inches wide and about 20 to 29 inches when measuring their diameter. Only two bikes can be mounted on this variation, and both bikes can be easily mounted side by side to get a perfect fit.

The security of this rack is top-notch because there is an integrated cable lock that ensures that your bike is completely secure in just a snap. It should be noted that there is an option of add-on, which allows you to carry a maximum of four bikes. However, this would require a two-inch hitch.

Three Reasons to Buy the Thule 9028XT Vertex Hitch Carrier

Issues to be Aware of

4. Kuat Racks NV 2.0

This Kuat NV 2.0 is another innovative hitch bike rack with wonderful features, offers convenience and boundless capabilities. This rack is a platform-style rack that uses wheel securement to help hold your bike steady without touching the frame. There is also the feature of an adjustable front tire cradle system which helps ensure that all bikes fit perfectly on the rack regardless of their wheel size.

This rack was recently redesigned, and it has been upgraded with new features such as the; pivot system and its integrated foot assist. This would allow you to pivot the rack just the way you want easily, and the only thing you would need is your foot, which would make the loading and unloading process quite easy and safe. The rack also comes with an integrated cable lock which helps to ensure adequate security for your bike when in transit. The provision was also made for a Trail Doc work stand, allowing you to effortlessly hold your bike steady while repairs and maintenance are going on when on the move.

Three Reasons to Buy the Kuat Racks NV 2.0

Issues to Be Aware of

5. Yakima HoldUp 2-Bike Hitch Rack

This type of platform-style hitch bike rack ensures that your bike is securely held without letting its frame touch the rack. Like the Thule and Kuat Racks mentioned earlier, this rack also offers adjustable tire cradles, and it comes with a locking clamp that hooks over the top of the tire, which keeps your bike in place without causing any form of damage to the frame. There is also an interesting feature of the StrongArm, designed to help mount and secure your bike on the rack simply regardless of the bike’s weight.

Another essential characteristic of this particular hitch bike rack is that there is an offer of 60 pounds weight limit per bike, and there is space for just 2 bikes. This means that there is an entire capacity of about 120 pounds for both bikes. This rack also has an add-on that allows you to carry up to four bikes at a go, just like the Thule T2 Pro XT.

Three Reasons to Buy the Yakima HoldUp 2-Bike Hitch Rack

Issues to Be Aware of

6. Saris Superclamp EX

Here is another platform-style rack, but this hitch bike rack comes with wheel clamps. The other racks mentioned earlier have their wheel clamps located to the side of the rack, but this is not the case with Saris Superclamp because its wheel clamps are located side by side, and they are parallel to the body of the rack. This is one of the lighter racks available on the market, and it weighs just 35 pounds, but this does not affect the weight of the bikes it can carry because this rack can carry two bikes of 60 pounds each conveniently.

The rack would tilt downwards anytime you need to access the rear part of your vehicle, and it easily folds up anytime you are not using it. The hooks meant to secure the wheels would fold down and lock themselves in place for easy installation; there are reflectors for when you find yourself in low-light driving situations. The rack also possesses integrated locks that help to keep your bike secure when in transit.

Three Reasons to Buy the Saris Superclamp EX

Issues to Be Aware of

7. Kuat Sherpa 2.0

This rack is sort of similar to the NV 2.0. It also utilizes a pivot system that was just redesigned, and it comes with an optional foot assist. It also comes with a front tire ratchet system which is usually used to lock your bike’s front wheel in place. The rear tire, on the other hand, is cradled in a molded cup for additional security.

This rack comes with a no-tool assembly, installation, and removal. This innovation is appreciated by most buyers, as well as the low-profile design. It should be noted that this rack has been made available in three different colors, which include; gray, black, and pearl. The rack is made from full aluminum, and it is available in a 1.25 inch or 2.0-inch assembly.

Three Reasons to Buy the Kuat Sherpa 2.0

Issues to Be Aware of

8. Swagman Cross Country 2 Bike Hitch

This is a popular heavy-duty hitch bike rack that has been designed to hold 2 bikes securely while in transit satisfactorily. It has a wheel stirrup on both sides, with individual tie-down straps for each stirrup and a locking hook for the bikes. It should be noted that the hook fits over the bike’s frame, not over the wheel itself. The hook is covered with soft grip materials to prevent any metal-to-frame contact, which would cause potential damage. The stirrups can also be adjusted to fit any bike regardless of their tire size.

This hitch bike rack has the capacity of holding bikes with wheels sized 20 to 29 inches, and each bike has a maximum capacity when it comes to weight. Each bike cannot weigh more than 35 pounds, and 70 pounds for both bikes. It should be noted that this rack can fit 1.25 inch and 2-inch hitches. Another interesting feature about this rack is that; it has push-button ratcheting arms, and there is also a limited lifetime warranty courtesy of the manufacturers.

Three Reasons to Buy the Swagman Cross Country 2 Bike Hitch

Issues to Be Aware of

9. BV 2 Bike Bicycle Hitch Carrier

This hitch bike rack gives you the most effortless way to transport your bikes. The hitch bike rack has also been designed so that it is quite easy for you to access the rear door of your vehicle without having to detach the rack from the vehicle. This is because of the backward design feature.  There is a three-point connection system, two tray-style arms at the bottom of the rack, and another vertical arm on top of the rack. This is to help you keep the bike from swaying while driving—bike swaying while in transit would affect your driving negatively.

The rack has amazing features such as; the foldup design; with this design, the user can fold up the rack whenever it is not in use, which would effectively save space. There is also the safety reflector, which helps to enhance visibility and ensure safe night driving. A solution has been created for the wobbling that always occurs between the rack and the hitch. The Anti-wobble design is the solution provided to this problem. The rack comes with tray-styled loops and padded arms, which would not only hold your bikes firmly, but the padded arms would also help protect your bike frame from any form of scratches.

Three Reasons to Buy the BV 2 Bike Bicycle Hitch Carrier

Issues to Be Aware of

10. Tyger Auto TG RK 4B102B Receiver

This is a universal hitch mount hitch bike rack made by Tyger. This is a 4 hitch bike rack that has a hitch pin lock and cable lock. This is a handy and trusted bike carrier. It fits all types of dual-arm bikes on vehicles that have been equipped with either a 1.25 or a 2-inch hitch receiver. This rack comprises a heavy-duty 2.5-inch marine grade stainless steel tubing frame in a mirror-polished finish, just for the rack to be rust-resistant and make it have a customized look and seamless welding for a sturdy structure.

Once you purchase this rack, convenient vehicle access with tilt-down features and foldable carry arms when the rack is not in use. The rack is covered with soft cradles and a protection pad designed to secure your bikes and protect your bike frames. The installation of this hitch bike rack is quite easy and simple, and it comes with a Do It Yourself (DIY) instruction manual included in the package. The rack fits on most vehicles that have either a 1.25 inch or 2-inch hitch receiver. There is also a limited lifetime warranty like other hitch bike racks

Three Reasons to Buy the Tyger Auto TG RK 4B102B Receiver

Issue to Be Aware of

Popular Hitch Bike Rack Brands

Most purchases made by customers are always done because they are familiar with the names. Most people are familiar with company names such as Nike, Apple, HP, DELL, and Samsung. However, this familiarity only ends with items that are often purchased.

For items that are rarely purchased such as hitch bike rack, there is a very high chance that most people would not know any company names associated with manufacturing them. It would be difficult for newbies in the bike rack market to know any company which is leading the industry, and which of the options could be considered as low budget. Some brands in the hitch bike rack manufacturing industry which ought to be considered as household names include the following:

Loads of questions are regularly asked regarding hitch bike racks on the market, there is a very high chance that you would also have some of these questions to ask when it comes to sorting through your options. People regularly ask about how the rack works, the warranty involved, and lots more. Some of the Frequently Asked Questions regarding hitch-based bike racks would be addressed here.

Hitch Bike Rack Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Hitch Bike Rack Buying Guide: What You Need to Know

Riding a bike is a wonderful experience without even owning a bike. Owning a bike can be likened to the experience you would feel when you purchase your first car. Your bike would easily take you to wherever you want to go, but the only thing you would be required to do is; PEDAL! However, if you wish to go further with it, you would need to find a way of transporting your bike on your vehicle.

This is where hitch bike racks come in. hitch bike racks are perfect for situations such as this. However, several types of hitch bike racks are available on the market; these bike racks are different when critically compared, just like we have done above. If your vehicle has a trailer hitch, or you have been considering purchasing one for installation, this means a hitch bike rack is the most simple and convenient option you can go for.

What is a Hitch Bike Rack?

Whether you are a first-timer in the hitch bike rack market or an oldie, most people often get overwhelmed when researching the hitch bike rack that fits their needs and budget. There are different types of bike racks in the market, such as; roof racks, cargo racks, hitch racks, spare-tire racks, and many more. These racks totally differ from one another, and they all offer unique benefits, though they also have their disadvantages. These been said, what is a hitch bike rack?

A hitch bike rack is attached to your vehicle’s trailer hitch. You remove the ball and hitch and install the rack into the receiver. They would lock firmly in place with a nut and bolt, as well as safety chains. The rack could be L-shaped or straight. This largely depends on the rack model you have purchased. The rack can also hold a maximum of one to four bikes; this also depends on the configuration and capabilities of the rack.

Some of these racks have saddled which the frame of each bike would rest on, and they also have straps with lockdown tabs which would allow you to keep the bikes securely in the right position. Some hitch bike racks employ the use of Velcro in addition to tension tabs.

You would also discover that there are advanced and basic hitch bike racks available on the market. The simplest rack available on the market would give you the basic feature of carrying your bike securely, but it would likely deny you access to the rear or tailgate of your vehicle. More advanced types of hitch bike racks come with the swing-out feature, which allows you to fold the rack down or to the side. This way, you can easily access the trunk, rear, or tailgate of your vehicle.

After you know what a hitch bike rack is, the next question that might come to mind is; why would you choose this particular style over the remaining styles available? It should be known that there are different types of bike racks available on the market; why is hitch bike rack a better choice than others?

Why Should You Choose a Hitch Bike Rack?

Why should you give hitch bike rack consideration over a roof-mounted bike rack or a strap-on rack which would easily fit across the back of your vehicle? There are some reasons for this, and they shall be discussed in this write-up.

Carrying Multiple Bikes:

A significant reason to consider a hitch bike rack over other types of rack such as roof rack or a truck rack includes; a hitch bike rack can carry two bikes at a go, but most times, that is the limit. However, you would find some hitch racks on the market that can carry three or four bikes simultaneously without putting either the rack or the bikes in danger.

No Worries About Loose Straps:

Some bike racks, if not almost always, require straps for you to tie the rack to the vehicle. This is really evident, especially with strap based system, which would fit over the back of a minivan, or over the back end of your trunk. This is not a totally secure system of transporting your bikes because the bikes are only as secure as the straps used to hook them in place and the person that actually tied the strap to the car.

If a strap is loose or damage to one of the straps behind the securement hook, this would mean total disaster for your bikes, and if the worst should happen while you are on the road, it could cause an accident.

Keep Your Vehicle Clearance the Same:

Even though roof racks allow you to carry two bikes, there is a standard that must be adhered to, and that is, the bikes are required to remain in an upright position. This would add to the height of your vehicle and can put you in danger of encountering low-clearance obstacles, especially with restaurants that have drive-through lanes and many more like that.

No Need to Break down Bikes:

Some bike racks available on the market are fork mounted and required you to remove at least the frontal wheel of your bike to secure it within the rack. This would consume more of your time and effort and also the hassle of storing the wheels separately in your vehicle. On the other hand, a hitch bike rack allows you to slide the bike over the racks, strap them in place, lock the bikes down, and you are on the move.

Maximize Bed Space:

If you own a truck, there is at least a chance that you must have considered getting a bed bike rack at one point or the other. Hitch bike rack is a wonderful option, which allows you to carry your bikes upright in a more protective way. However, there are chances that this would eliminate space for storage of other items such as your luggage.

This is more apparent when you have shorter bed trucks or bed trucks with in-bed toolboxes, in-bed storage boxes, and lots more. Hitch bike racks let you maximize the use of your truck’s bed while still carrying your bikes.

From the information presented above, you would discover that there are lots of reasons why you should consider hitch a bike rack over any other type of rack available in the market. As you can see, there are both favorable and unfavorable things about these racks. Still, it is imperative to consider everything necessary before purchasing any rack in the market. These would take us to the section where we would discuss the Pros and Cons of hitch bike racks in general.

Hitch Bike Racks Versus Other Types of Bike Racks

Hitch bike rack is not the only available type of bike rack in the market. There are other types, which includes; Roof mount racks, Trunk mount rack. Just as the name implies, the roof mount rack is mounted on the roof of your vehicle, while the trunk mount rack is always mounted on the trunk of your vehicle. These racks shall be compared with each other and then you can select the best by yourself.

Cost:

It is true that hitch bike racks are expensive, this does not apply to only this rack, the other types of racks available are also expensive. However, the features of the hitch bike rack make the price of the rack worth it. The rack has some indispensable features which have been mentioned earlier that most of the other racks do not have.

Vehicle accessibility:

Out of these bike racks, only roof mount racks do not limit access to your vehicle. Most hitch bike racks limit accessibility to your vehicle, but that has been adequately provided for by most manufacturers by making sure that the racks can easily be removed completely or also slide downwards (for some racks) whenever you need to access the rear of your vehicle. The trunk-mount rack does not have this feature, you would need to completely remove the rack completely in most cases, and this is not quite easy to do.

Weight:

The rack with the least weight would be the hitch bike rack, and this has been tested and proven severally. Most other types of bike racks have been complained about to have more weight, and this would reduce the quantity of luggage which can be placed inside the car itself. This is because the car has its own maximum weight capacity, which is not advisable to ignore. Most of the bike racks apart from hitch bike rack give less regard to this weight factor

Installation process:

Most hitch bike racks require little or no installation at all. This, however, is not the same as the other types of bike racks available. Most of the roof mount racks available are always difficult to install, the same goes for the trunk mount rack. Most models of the hitch bike rack are easy to set up, with Do It Yourself instructions that are quite easy to follow, and when this is not the case in other types of bike rack models such as the; trunk-mount rack and the rooftop mount rack, this often leaves buyers frustrated and confused.

Removal:

It is usually assumed that you would not be frequently removing your rooftop mount rack, so most of the rooftop model bike racks are usually permanent. These racks can be described to be set it and forget it type of racks, but hitch bike rack, on the other hand, is usually easy to remove and re-install. This applies to virtually all the models of hitch bike rack models available on the market.

Additional Materials:

The hitch bike rack does not really require additional materials; however, if your vehicle does not come with a higher hitch than class I, you would need to purchase that for you to be able to use a hitch bike rack. On the other hand, a roof mount rack always requires additional materials, and these materials are always known to be expensive. Example of such materials includes costly adapters and many more.

Tire size:

Some models of hitch bike racks have been designed in such a way that they can easily adapt to any tire size of your bike, but some rooftop and trunk bike rack models cannot. This does not happen when you purchase some models of hitch bike racks. Regardless of your tire size, they would always work with it.

Frame Protection:

When talking about hitch bike racks, this happens to be one of the top priorities. Ensuring that no damage comes to the frame of your bicycle. Manufacturers of this bike rack have devised many measures that your bike frame does not have any scratch on whenever it is getting transported because of the rack.

They ensured that there is enough space, and they also use soft cradle and protection pads to secure your bike frame. This is not given much consideration when it comes to rooftop bike racks because most customers always complain that their bike frames have dents and scratches after transporting them.

Stability of Bike Rack:

Hitch bike rack is usually stable than other forms of bike carriage mechanisms available in the market, which is one reason why it has the upper hand.

Number of Bikes Capable of Carrying:

Hitch bike racks have the ability to carry more bikes than any other bike rack available on the market. If you wish to carry 4 bikes, there is a hitch bike rack for that. If you wish to carry 3, there is also the model for that, unlike most bike racks such as the rooftop bike rack and the trunk bike rack that can carry just one with a maximum of 2, nothing more.

Range of Styles Available to Fit Your Needs, Budget, and Vehicle:

There are loads of styles available which would fit your preference perfectly when you want to purchase hitch bike racks, all you need to do is do the right research and pick the one which fits your criteria most, and you are good to go. This, however, is not the same as other forms of bike racks that really do not have varieties when it comes to their designs.

After satisfactorily answering some of the frequently asked questions that you might have regarding hitch bike racks, you should be allowed to consider some really important areas of comparison, features, and selling point of these racks. Below, we would explain and explore some of the necessary information you would need to make an informed purchased

Type and Style:

After you must have decided that a hitch-style bike rack is the best option for you, you still need to select the actual style of the rack you would finally purchase. There are just three common types on the market. These platforms include; tray (holds your bike securely while traveling), hanging (the bikes would hang suspended from arms by their frames), and wheel only (the bike is suspended by the wheels in this case, not the frame).

Bike Types:

You have to ensure that the rack you intend on purchasing would be able to fit the type of bike/bikes you own. For example, a standard men’s bike would usually fit easily on almost any type of hitch-based rack, but women and children’s bikes may require special adapters, especially with some of the hanging racks available in the market. It is also quite possible that you would have a racing bike with a carbon fiber frame, which could be damaged by hanging from racks arms.

Weight:

This is a really important consideration, and for different reasons, but the most notable of all is installation and removal. You should really consider how heavy the rack you are considering is. Is it a DIY (Do It Yourself) type? Can you easily install and remove it yourself? Is it considerably light enough for it to be stowed away in the trunk or back of your vehicle?

Hitch Size:

You would need to consider your hitch size because most hitch bike racks should fit a one or two-inch receiver. However, If you have a larger receiver (a Class V for instance), you might need to make use of an adapter, or might need to consider purchasing a different rack. If you have a Class I hitch, it might be better to buy a different type of rack entirely.

Bike Capacity:

How many bikes can the rack accommodate? If it’s you alone, or you and one other person, there are loads of choices you can easily select from. However, if you’re carrying bikes for the whole family, your options are more limited. This does not mean that you do not have any options you can select from. They are just limited.

Folding/Storage/Additional Features:

What other features and benefits does the rack offers? Does it fold out of the way so that you can access the trunk, tailgate, or rear door? Does it have large pads to protect your bike’s frame from rub-related wear? What sets the rack apart from others on the market?

Coming this far, a lot has been discussed, ranging from giving you the top 10 racks available, to answering the frequently asked questions to also provide you with an overview of really important considerations to make when purchasing a rack, and also why a hitch bike rack would be better for you than others

Buy More Than You Need:

Most times, purchasing a rack that is a little bit larger than what you believe is necessary is quite advisable. If you need a one-bike rack, it is advisable to go for a rack that can carry two bikes instead. If you need a three-bike rack carrier, purchase a rack that can contain four bikes instead. This would ensure that you have enough room for when your bikes are not steady, to avoid causing damages today to any of the bikes. If you go for the exact number you need, you would discover that your bikes would end up been tightly packed together. Also, having some free space is never a bad thing.

Know Your Payload Capacity:

Whenever you are adding a bike rack to your vehicle, you need to be really cautious of your total payload capacity. For example, adding a rack, plus four bikes, plus four additional people, plus all their associated luggage could put you well beyond what your vehicle is rated to carry. Know the limits of your vehicle, and always ensure that you buy or plan accordingly.

Never forget that you must always base your hitch purchase on the towing capacity of your vehicle, plus the hitches allowable tongue weight. These would go a long way in determining a great deal about your experience and also determine whether the rack would hold up or not.

If you have an unusually shaped bike or a bike that has more than one seat (tandem) or an extra-long frame, it may need special consideration to be transported. Depending on the bike, you may need to consider a roof rack, rather than a hitch rack.

Most hanging bike racks available on the market can only secure the frame of the bike to the rack. This would leave the tires of your bikes free to spin, and the handlebars to turn while you are riding. It is advisable to invest in additional bungee cords or tie-down straps to prevent unwanted motion or damage as the case may be.

Before you would need to pack up and leave, you should test the bike rack because some bikes do not fit well on hanging racks. After the testing, all you might need is just an adapter today to allow the hanging arm to fit the narrower frame. This might be too late if no test run is carried out.

Conclusion

After considering all the factors stated above, whether you then decide to go for platform style,  hanging style or wheel style rack, the factors should be enough to guide you safely and securely on How To transport your bike anywhere you need to go. These are excellent for families that are heading out for their vacation and have decided to take their bikes along, this would also work perfectly for camping trips, or you require a weekend away with your bikes.

Now, you should have all the necessary information you need to discover the right hitch bike rack which meets up your needs. Find out the number of bikes you are transporting, and then you can decide whether frame contact is a bad thing or not (frame contact is acceptable for metal frame bikes, but carbon fiber frames need extra protection and care). You would also need tops put into consideration, how important it is for you to access your rear/trunk door of your vehicle, the weight of your bikes, and the type or style of bikes you would be transporting.

After arriving at all this necessary information, you can now consider your options. We have been able to present 10 of the best hitch bike racks available in the market for 2019, and there are also lots of options available apart from these 10, with different features, benefits, and bike capacities. All you require is a little touch time to compare your options, and you can be assured of positive results. Even if you select out of the racks which have been compared for you.