8 Best Bike Carrier Racks For Cars 2024 – Transport Your Bike Safely

Bike Carrier Racks for your Vehicle

There are people who love riding bikes and bicycles and then there are areas that are best for riding. Imagine being on an empty road with a beautiful forest on the sides and a cool breeze blowing. And then there are you riding your bike on that road and enjoying the surroundings. If you do not live in such a place, you can travel there. But what about your bike? You can take it with you.

You can get a bike carrier, attach it to your car and hang your bike there. Thus, you will be able to take your bike anywhere you want. However, when you go to buy the carrier, you will find a number of choices there. So which one will you choose? The choice will be difficult, therefore, we are shortening the list for you.

Top Picks for Your Vehicle

1. BougeRV Hitch Bike Rack

BougeRV Hitch Bike Rack

The first product that we have here is offering wide use. You must have read the word “rack”, right? It has this name because of the option of carrying 4 bikes at a time. Therefore, it is best for a family car or if you are going out with your friends. It offers 4 cradles with anti-sway technology and rubber protection. Thus, they won’t do any harm to your bike. Furthermore, the ratchet straps will double the protection.

Assembling the parts and setting them up is quite easy. Furthermore, you can also lock the rack to your car by just tightening the knob. It will protect it against thieves. You can unlock the knob with a key. So if you have the key, no one will be able to remove it. Furthermore, the rack is strong enough to bear a total of 165 pounds of weight.

There is a pin in the back of the rack. This pin allows you to set up the position of the rack. If you are done using it, you can remove the pin to fold the rack. Thus, it will be easier to store without removing it from your car. Ultimately, less effort and better results. In addition to this, you will also get a 12 months warranty for every single piece. A good deal, right?

2. AA products – Bike rack platform

AA products – Bike rack platform

Here we have another rack but it is suitable for two bikes. You will get all the parts in the package, assemble them and you are ready to go. It offers quick and easy assembly. So you won’t face any issues. In addition to this, you will also get two rubber straps. These straps will keep the bike in place and won’t let it collide with the car.

It is made of steel tubing that provides enough strength to carry the bike. It can lift a weight up to 80 lbs. Furthermore, the steel is powder-coated which makes it look good. So you get both design, appearance and strength.

In addition to this, it also offers a foldable feature. So you can store it safely when not in use. Or you can fold the arms downward after use.

3. Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack

Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack

This Thule XT 2 is offering a premium quality bike rack, especially for e-bikes. So if you love your bike too much and cannot stand watching it hanging on the rack, you can buy this stand. It offers a platform with straps. You can keep your bike standing on the carrier and tighten the straps.

In addition to this, it offers a quick and easy installation. Therefore, you can do it by yourself. Furthermore, it offers easy trunk access. So you can fold it and keep it in the trunk of your car. No need to leave it hanging outside.

In addition to this, it is easy to carry around as it comes with a handle and transport wheels. Thus, easy access.

Buying guide

Car Bicycle Universal Carrier

Before buying the bike carrier, you need to make sure that it is worth the price. Furthermore, it should be safe for both your vehicles (car and bike). So we are providing you with the buyer’s guide that will help you out with your selection.

1. Lightweight yet sturdy

The carrier should be lightweight. If it is too heavy, it is likely to cause damage to your car. In addition to this, you need to make your bike stand on it. If the carrier itself is too heavy and then there will be the weight of the bike, overall weight will increase.

However, being lightweight does not mean a fragile stand. It should be tough enough to bear the weight of the bike and support it.

2. Ease of use

First of all, the assembling of the carrier should be easy. If the process of setting it up is too complex, you might rather leave it. Secondly, it should be foldable. If you often go to some remote place for bike riding, you would like the carrier to remain attached to your car. It will be easier this way.

However, if the carrier is not compact and foldable, it will create a problem when you are on the road. Furthermore, it won’t look nice. Therefore, you should get a carrier that is foldable.

3. Warranty

This is the most important thing to have with every product that you buy from the market. A warranty and guarantee from the supplier and manufacturer show their confidence in their product. Therefore, you can buy it without any worry.

However, if there is no warranty, it means that no one will take the blame if it gets damaged. And a damaged bike carrier won’t only cause a single loss. It will also damage your bike and your car. In the worst case, it can also lead to a road accident. Therefore, with choosing a bike carrier, you need to look for the best quality and most durable product. And the only way to check the quality is by checking the warranty card.

FAQ

Can I use a bike carrier rack on any type of car?

Yes, most bike carrier racks are designed to fit on any type of car, including sedans, SUVs, and minivans. However, it’s important to check the compatibility of the bike carrier rack with your car’s hitch receiver size before purchasing.

Can I transport more than one bike on a bike carrier rack?

Yes, most bike carrier racks can transport more than one bike at a time. The number of bikes a rack can transport varies from two to four, depending on the model.

Is it safe to drive with a bike on a carrier rack attached to the car?

Yes, it is safe to drive with a bike on a carrier rack attached to the car, as long as the rack is properly installed and the bike is securely fastened to the rack. However, it’s important to take into account the weight of the bikes and the rack, as this can affect the handling of the car.

Can I use a bike carrier rack for electric bikes?

Yes, there are bike carrier racks designed specifically for electric bikes. These racks have a higher weight capacity and can securely transport electric bikes without causing any damage to the bike or the car.

How do I choose the right bike carrier rack for my needs?

When choosing a bike carrier rack, consider the number of bikes you want to transport, the weight capacity of the rack, the compatibility with your car’s hitch receiver size, the ease of installation and use, and the warranty offered by the manufacturer. It’s also a good idea to read reviews and compare different models to find the best option for your specific needs.

Can I install the bike carrier myself or do I need to hire a professional?

Most bike carriers come with installation instructions and can be installed by yourself, especially hitch-mounted carriers. However, it’s important to read the instructions carefully and ensure that the carrier is properly secured to your car. If you’re not confident in your installation skills, it’s recommended to hire a professional to ensure the carrier is installed correctly and safely.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bike carrier for your car is crucial to ensure the safety of both your bike and car while traveling. When selecting a bike carrier, consider the weight and number of bikes you’ll be carrying, the type of hitch receiver on your car, and your budget. It’s also important to look for features such as ease of use, durability, and warranty. With the right bike carrier, you’ll be able to take your bike wherever you go and enjoy the thrill of cycling in new and exciting places.