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The latest generation of hitch racks makes it easier than ever to transport your bike without the hassle of wrestling it into your car. These racks are designed to haul your pedaled possessions without a rattle; they make loading and unloading your bike easy. Our rack picks vary by mounting position, actuation of the rack for trunk access, and the number of bicycles they carry. But all are dependable options for your next two-wheeled adventure.
The Best Hitch Racks
- Best Overall: Küat Sherpa 2.0 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 Hitch Rack
- Sturdiest Double: Yakima StageTwo Hitch Rack
Type Of Hitch Bike Racks
Hitch racks fit into your vehicle’s receiver tube and come in three basic styles: hanging, tray, and vertical.
Hanging racks hold your bike, cradling its top tube and downtube on horizontal bars. These racks usually cost less and weigh less than tray and vertical racks, but they do not hold bikes as securely and have limited carrying capacity. Many contemporary mountain and aero road bikes cannot fit on these racks. Unless your budget is tight, we recommend tray or vertical-style bike racks for the best compatibility and ease of use.
Tray-type racks use a series of trays into which you rest your bike’s tires and are the go-to choice for most buyers. These racks swing out of the way or fold down for trunk or lift-gate access. Tray-style racks (like the Kuat Sherpa 2.0) typically are heavier but accommodate mountain bikes better than hanging variants (which secure the bike by its top tube). Per-bike weight limits vary between 35 and 100 pounds, and most of our picks have choices to fit 1.25- and 2-inch hitch receivers.
Vertical racks are a newer design and are most often used for transporting mountain bikes. These racks sometimes fit up to six (or even seven) bikes in an upright carrying configuration, minimizing how far the rack sticks off the back of your vehicle. Most are designed to enable easy bike loading and access to your trunk or tailgate. They come in front wheel, fork crown, and handlebar carrying styles. However, some types are unable to carry road bikes. Some are even rated up to 300-pound total load capacity. A vertical rack might be your best solution to haul more than two electric mountain bikes. Because these racks are robust (and carry many bikes), they also often cost more than hanging or tray racks, and most are only offered in 2” hitch versions.
Hitch Rack Features and Extras
Most hanging and tray hitch racks hold one or two bikes, although some can carry more with optional add-ons. Many vertical racks can hold six bikes. Some hitch racks feature integrated cable locks to secure bikes to racks and locking hitch pins to secure the rack to your car. The Küat NV 2.0 has an integrated repair stand, and the Yakima Holdup Evo has a built-in bottle opener for post-ride beer o’clock. We also included an accessory (at the end of our list) that allows non-pivoting racks to swing out of the way.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to our testing roundups, we’re not just writing to write—Bicycling’s office is full of die-hard cyclists who thrive torturing gear in its natural habitat. Not only do we test equipment formally in-house, but we also take it with us on the leisurely outings we enjoy irrespective of our employment. Like you, we care about our gear working, especially when it’s the only thing holding our bikes to our cars traveling at highway speeds.
In this story and many others, we only recommend what we’ve gotten our hands on. Though you can figure out the ins and outs of plenty of bike gear without necessarily seeing it in the flesh, the stakes of an effective hitch rack necessitate an extra level of tact and attention. We don’t want to be the reason your crit racer ends up folded in half on the freeway, because we’d be equally devastated if ours met the same fate.
How We Tested
Our bike-crazed editors drove hundreds—in some cases, thousands—of miles with their bikes entrusted to these racks. We hauled road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, and city bikes, all with a medley of awkward disc brakes, big wheels, and fat tires. We kept each of these racks on our vehicles for months, using and abusing them in every environment from the salty winters of Pennsylvania to the arid, gritty Arizona desert. We even put one to the “kid” test, giving an 11-year-old the responsibility of loading and unloading the bikes to see if he could do it without adult supervision (he had no problem).
We’ve tested at least a dozen more racks than we elected to put on this list—these are just the ones that made the cut. These racks stand out for their ease of installation and use, lack of play in key areas, manageable weight and weight capacities, and prices that aren’t too eye-watering. Storage and organization were also strong considerations, as poorly lined-up trays can make loading a rack to capacity damn near impossible. One we whittled the list down to that extent, we struck down whatever else gave us even a shred of doubt that it could hold onto our bikes securely. Dubious straps or trays, cruddy materials, poor customer service, and plenty more hitch rack “icks” were automatic disqualifiers. We’re not playing around with an investment like this.
Whether you’re a roadie on the way to your next criterium or today’s designated shuttle driver, this range of racks will cover whatever needs you and your riding crew may have. And we’re certain you’ll have the same number of bikes at your destination that you had when you left your house.
Pros
Easy assembly, installation, and adjustment- Weight limit suitable for most bikes
- Folds out of the way of your hatch
Cons
- Can’t fit super large frames or tires
You’re officially free to forget every complaint you’ve ever had about hitch racks. The Küat Sherpa 2.0 is sturdy and stylish as well as convenient and intuitive. Available for both 1.25- and 2-inch hitch sizes and in three colors, the Sherpa pivots up and down with ease via a large lever and fits two bikes (max: 40 pounds each, 47-inch wheelbase, 3-inch tires) on its lightweight aluminum platform (it also tilts down to get out of the way of your car’s hatch).
Assembly is fairly simple (make sure you follow the directions when removing parts, as the packaging acts as an assembly fixture), and a hitch cam lets you hand-tighten the rack to the receiver for a secure connection. Loading bikes on the trays is a breeze: A ratcheting strap secures the rear wheel in its cradle, while an adjustable, hooked arm battens down the front.
The entire system locks to your hitch, and a semi-integrated cable lets you lock your bikes to the rack. Tip: When unloading your bike, release the rear wheel before the front so you don’t inadvertently let your bike tip over and smash into your rear window. (This may or may not have happened to one of our testers.)
Key Specs
| Bike Capacity | 2 |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 40 lbs. per bike |
Pros
- Can hold most bikes reliably for a good price
- Folds away neatly
Cons
- No positioning adjustability
The Trail Rider is a great, lower-cost alternative to the premium racks on this list. It holds two bikes in fixed wheel mounts, secured with a single ratcheting arm that clamps down over the frame. The upright beam that holds the frame clamps folds back and out of the way for trunk access, which also came in handy for loading up two bikes: We could fold it down, set a bike on the rack closest to the car without having to lift it up and over the arm, lift the arm back up into place, and then position the second bike.
When not in use, the rack can be folded up flush with the back of the car. It’s super sturdy—our tester drove from Philadelphia to Phoenix with a bike on the rack, and the lock on the securing arm let her comfortably leave bikes on the car in the hotel parking lots.
The trade-off for a rack at this lower price has nothing to do with stability or strength, but adjustability: the bikes sit in a fixed location with minimal ability to adjust them away from each other if two bikes don’t fit well together. That said, you can stagger the wheel cradles so the bars and saddles don’t interfere. But it accommodates wheelbase lengths up to 60 inches, tires up to 3 inches wide, and is appropriate for bikes that weigh up to 45 pounds.
Key Specs
| Bike Capacity | 2 |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 45 lbs. per bike |
3
Best Update
Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Hitch Rack
Pros
- Impressive weight capacity—can hold plenty of e-bikes
- Integrated locks operate smoothly
Cons
- Heavier and pricier than similar racks from other brands
When the T2 first released over a decade ago, it raised the bar for what riders expect from a hitch-mounted bike rack. Over the years, Thule updated the T2 to accommodate wider tires and different wheel sizes. Plus, it made the rack better looking and easier to operate. Topping the list of recent upgrades is a handle with a wide trigger that allows you, with a single hand, to raise and lower the rack (and dip it out of the way for access to rear hatches).
Integrated cable locks keep your bikes from growing legs, and the rack’s arms have a wide, comfortable grip and slide easily to secure the front wheel, with tires up to 5 inches wide. Instead of using a bolt, the T2 secures to your hitch receiver with an expansion wedge that tightens with a locking knob. The system makes installing and removing the T2 easier (though it weighs 52 pounds, so you might still need an assist), but it’s not foolproof.
The T2 is heavier and costs more than most racks, and the convenient features mean it requires a little more care. But the same was said when we moved from hardtails to full-suspension bikes, and few have looked back.
Key Specs
| Bike Capacity | 2 |
|---|
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Pros
- T-handle on end allows for easy folding
- Positioned well above the exhaust of most cars
- Smooth pivots
Cons
- High-position trays can make it harder to insert bikes
1UP USA built a cult-like following with its industrial-looking racks that take a simplistic approach to securing your bike. Its two ratcheting arms clamp down on your wheels; there are no hooks, straps, or adjustments for different sizes or bases necessary. This model specifically features wider and taller arms to better accommodate 29-inch wheels and fat tires.
The Equip-D’s pivot mechanism felt smooth, and a T-handle release positioned at the end of the hitch bar doesn’t require reaching through the rack to fold it up. Tiered trays allow bikes to sit closer together, and the rack rides high enough to be out of the way of most exhaust pipes.
Also, check out our colleague Brad Ford’s review of 1Up’s Heavy Duty Double on Popular Mechanics.
Key Specs
| Bike Capacity | 2 |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 50 lbs. per bike |
Pros
- 70-pound weight capacity
- Optional add-on gives you two more bike slots
- Offset trays make it easier to line up bars and saddles
Cons
- Offset makes the rack wider
This Yakima two-bike rack goes head-to-head with premium offerings from Küat and Thule. In about 2,500 miles of on-car testing, the Stage 2 impressed us with its ease of use and flex-free performance. Compared to competitors, this rack weighs a little bit more (at 66 lb.) but is rated at up to 70 lb. per bike when used on the road; which is an important consideration when transporting e-bikes.
Yakima also has an optional ramp accessory that makes loading e-bikes a bit easier. Another helpful feature is the Stage 2’s offset trays, which means less chance of contact when carrying two similarly sized bikes (it does make the bikes sit wider, so watch those tight spaces). The rack has two SKS locking cables (they don’t auto-retract, so make sure you tuck them back in when not in use) and an integrated lock loop for extra security when parked or locking up your rack off of the vehicle.
The Stage 2 is offered in 1-1/4” and 2” sizes. The 2” variant can accommodate four bikes with an additional kit. A final note: make sure to check Yakima's fit guide carefully before purchase as we encountered fitment issues on a tester's car.
Key Specs
| Bike Capacity | 2 (4 with extra kit) |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 70 lbs. per bike |
Pros
- Built-in stand holds bikes at ideal height for on-the-fly maintenance
Cons
- Rack needs to fold up to use repair stand
The last thing you want to see in your rearview mirror as you hurtle down the road is thousands of dollars worth of bikes rattling behind your bumper. But thanks to an expanding-wedge design that secures the rack in your vehicle’s receiver hitch and locks in place with a theft-preventing thru-bolt, the NV 2.0 stayed wobble-free throughout our testing.
This rack especially stands out from the pack thanks to 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.
A stout pivot lets you flip the rack up when you’re not hauling bikes, deploy it flat for when you are, or drop it to a 45-degree angle for easy access to trunks and pickup beds. Other nice features include integrated cable locks and adjustable cradles offering better clearance for stacked bikes when loaded.
The only hiccup we noticed is that the ratcheting system can get gunked up, making it hard to remove bikes. We also found that, as long as we paid attention to cleaning dirt and grime off the ratcheting system after driving on dirty or dusty roads, the problem disappeared.
The NV 2.0 is available for 1.25- and 2-inch receivers. Extras include a 20- and 24-inch wheel adaptor for $15, the $98 bike ramp, the $359 one-bike, or $598 two-bike add-ons (compatible with 2" versions only).
Key Specs
| Bike Capacity | 2 |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 60 lbs. per bike |
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Pros
- Easy to modify on the fly
- Sturdy weight limit on inner section of rack
Cons
- Lower weight limit on outer section(s)
Saris’ latest offering is one of the most configurable hitch-mount systems available. Since this rack is sold as a Base with add-on bicycle or cargo basket attachments, you can build this rack to meet your carrying needs or budget.
For 2-inch receivers, Saris offers the Base in two sizes: 2+1 (up to three bikes or one bike and a cargo basket) or 3+1 (up to four bikes or two bikes and a basket). For 1-1/4” receivers, the 1+1 Base fits up to two bikes and cannot fit a basket.
The bike holder options are 1Up-style dual-wheel arms (MHS Duo) or a slightly less-expense single-arm holder (MHS Uno). Both options held bikes securely in our drive-testing, though the MHS Duo feels more robust (the bikes did not sway as much).
The rack holds bikes up to 80 pounds in the inboard position(s) but only to 35 lb. in the outer add-on (+1) spot. This may limit some riders’ choices if carrying multiple e-bikes or downhill/enduro rigs.
Key Specs
| Bike Capacity | 3 |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 35-80 lbs. (increases as you get closer to hitch) |
Pros
- Easy to add and remove bikes quickly
- Ludicrous weight capacity
Cons
- Can’t hold road bikes
Commonly spotted in parking lots of mountain bike parks and trailheads at popular riding destinations, North Shore Rack pioneered and popularized vertical-style racks. The North Vancouver, British Columbia-based brand (hence the name North Shore) produces two, four, and six-bike capacity racks in folding and standard versions.
Rated to hold up to 60 lb. per bike (300 lb. total), the NSR-6 securely carries downhill bikes and electric mountain bikes. It should be noted that the NSR holds the bike by the fork crown, it is not compatible with road bikes. The NSR adjusts to fit a range of vehicles and folds down when not loaded. If you carry lots of bikes for large-group mountain bike trips or a NICA team, this rack is an excellent option.
Key Specs
| Bike Capacity | 6 |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 60 lbs. per bike, 300 lbs. total |
Pros
- Impressively durable
- Wide tire clearance
Cons
- Only holds one bike
For true off-road and Overlanding, you need a rack durable enough to handle anything thrown at it. Rig’d Supply’s RambleRack is purpose-built for off-road use. Fully customizable for your vehicle fitment or gear-carrying needs, the RambleRack hauls bikes up to 150 lb. (on-road use), tires up to 5” wide, and wheel sizes from 22” to 29”.
We tested the RambleRack paired with the UltraSwing, an adaptor that allows you to hinge the rack away from the hatch (and hold a spare tire!). We carried everything from lightweight road race bikes to heavyweight eMTBs without any flex or sway, which is pretty confidence-inspiring considering that extra pivot.
READ FULL REVIEW
Key Specs
| Bike Capacity | 1 |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 150 lbs. |
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Pros
- Lightweight construction makes it easy to install and remove
- Folds away when not in use
Cons
- Low weight limit
The Camber 2 is a two-bike hanging rack that’s a great lower-cost alternative to pricer tray racks. Bikes are hung by two horizontal arms that cradle the top tube. Rubber brackets with straps keep the bikes from sliding back and forth, but they aren't held as securely as tray racks. That's inescapable with this style of rack.
The Camber can be rotated back to allow for easy trunk access, and the arms are easily folded down when not in use. Unlike tray racks, which tend to be very heavy, the 28-pound Camber 2 is light and easy to install quickly, making it a great option as both a permanent fixture on your vehicle and as a rack that you put on only when you need it.
Thule recommends a maximum weight of 37.5 pounds for each bike, which makes it a poor choice for transporting electric bikes. It’s also not ideal for bikes with non-traditional diamond-shaped frames like some full suspension mountain bikes or bikes with step-through frames. That said, if you have some road bikes or light mountain bikes that need hauling, this is an ideal setup.
Key Specs
| Bike Capacity | 2 |
|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 37.5 lbs. per bike |
Tara Seplavy
Deputy Editor
As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.
Adam Schram
Adam Schram is an Assistant Editor of Commerce at Runner's World, though you might see his byline on Bicycling and Popular Mechanics, too. A lover of all things outdoors, Adam's writing career comes after six years as a bike mechanic in his hometown of State College, PA. His journalism experience is steeped in cycling and running gear reviews, and he's also a published creative nonfiction and satire author. When he's not writing, riding, or running, you can catch Adam at home mixing co*cktails, watching Star Wars, or trying in vain to do the Sunday crossword. You can check out his latest work below.
