We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Bike Hitch Racks 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack - E-Bike Compatible - Fits 2" and 1, 1/4" receivers - Tool-Free Installation - Fully Foldable - Easy Trunk Access - Fully Locking - 130lb Load Capacity

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,216
Bike Compatibility
Ease of Use
Security Features

Most important from
1186 reviews

Bike Compatibility
The wheel straps are customizable with a ratchet system, making it adaptable for different wheel sizes.
Ease of Use
Very easy to install and use. The rack doesn't move at all once it's in place.
Security Features
Security is top-notch; you can lock both the rack to the hitch and the bikes to the rack.

The Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack is a robust choice for those in need of a reliable bike transport solution, especially for heavy e-bikes and mountain bikes. It boasts a high load capacity of 130 lbs, allowing you to carry two bikes weighing up to 65 lbs each, which is a great advantage for avid cyclists. The built-in folding ramp makes loading bikes simple and convenient, making it user-friendly, particularly for those who may struggle with lifting heavier bikes.

This rack fits both 1.25" and 2" hitch receivers, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of vehicles. Installation is tool-free and quick, which is a big plus for those who prefer to avoid complicated setups. Additionally, the rack features a smart foot pedal tilt that allows easy trunk access, which is crucial for everyday usability.

Security isn't overlooked either, with locks included to secure both the bikes to the rack and the rack to the vehicle, offering peace of mind while on the road. However, it’s important to consider its weight of about 50 lbs, which could be cumbersome for some users to handle when mounting or dismounting it from the vehicle. While it includes features for heavy bikes, the optional fat bike wheel strap kit is sold separately, which could add to your investment if you need that specific capability. Its fully foldable nature with transport wheels and a carry handle makes it more manageable, but it might take up significant space in your garage or vehicle when not in use. This rack is tailored for cyclists who require a durable, easy-to-use solution for transporting heavier bikes, making it a worthwhile investment for serious bike enthusiasts.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,216
Bike Compatibility
Ease of Use
Security Features

Most important from
1186 reviews

Bike Compatibility
The wheel straps are customizable with a ratchet system, making it adaptable for different wheel sizes.
Ease of Use
Very easy to install and use. The rack doesn't move at all once it's in place.
Security Features
Security is top-notch; you can lock both the rack to the hitch and the bikes to the rack.
#2

Yakima 4-Bike Hitch Mount Carrier, Swing-Away Bike Rack for Car, Truck, & SUV, FullSwing 4 - Heavy-Duty Bicycle Storage Equipment and Accessories for Vehicles

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Bike Compatibility
Ease of Use

Most important from
452 reviews

Capacity
The Swing-Away design allows easy access to the back of your vehicle, even when fully loaded with bikes.
Bike Compatibility
It accommodates various bike sizes, including mountain bikes, women's step-through bikes, and kids' bikes.
Ease of Use
The Yakima 4-Bike Hitch Mount Carrier is simple to install and remove, thanks to the SpeedKnob feature.
Security Features
The ZipStrips keep bikes secure during transport, though additional padding may be needed to prevent scratches.
Weight
This rack is heavy but extremely solid and well-built.

The Yakima 4-Bike Hitch Mount Carrier is a versatile and user-friendly bike rack designed for cars, trucks, and SUVs. One of its standout features is the Swing-Away design, which allows you to swing the fully loaded rack away from your vehicle with ease, providing effortless access to your car's trunk or rear area. This is particularly useful for families or groups needing frequent access to their vehicle during trips. The installation process is quick and secure, thanks to the tool-free setup with the locking SpeedKnob and AutoPin features, which automatically position and lock the rack to a 2-inch hitch receiver. This makes the setup process hassle-free, even for those who are not particularly handy with tools.

The rack can hold up to four bikes, each weighing up to 40 pounds, and features fully padded arms and ZipStrips to keep the bikes secure and scratch-free during transport. This ensures that your bikes remain in good condition while on the road. It also boasts versatility, fitting a wide range of bicycle styles and sizes, from mountain bikes to road bikes, with a total weight capacity of 150 pounds. When not in use, the rack folds down compactly, saving storage space.

On the downside, the rack's weight of nearly 38 kilograms makes it quite heavy, which might be a challenge for some users when installing or removing it. The Yakima 4-Bike Hitch Mount Carrier is ideal for families or groups who frequently travel with multiple bikes and need a reliable, easy-to-use hitch rack that offers convenient access to their vehicle's rear.

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Bike Compatibility
Ease of Use

Most important from
452 reviews

Capacity
The Swing-Away design allows easy access to the back of your vehicle, even when fully loaded with bikes.
Bike Compatibility
It accommodates various bike sizes, including mountain bikes, women's step-through bikes, and kids' bikes.
Ease of Use
The Yakima 4-Bike Hitch Mount Carrier is simple to install and remove, thanks to the SpeedKnob feature.
Security Features
The ZipStrips keep bikes secure during transport, though additional padding may be needed to prevent scratches.
Weight
This rack is heavy but extremely solid and well-built.
#3

KUAT Sherpa 2.0 Durable Lightweight Aluminum Compact 2 Bike Transporting Hitch Rack with Cable Lock & Foldable Tire Cradles | Capacity - 40 Lbs per Tray, Gray Metallic & Orange Anodize, 1.25"

Rating
9.1
Ease of Use
Security Features
Weight

Most important from
1735 reviews

Ease of Use
Assembly is straightforward and quick, with clear instructions and all necessary high-quality tools included, making setup a breeze.
Security Features
The rack installs rock solid with no wobble, providing a stable and secure hold for two bikes during transit.
Weight
Its lightweight aluminum design makes it the lightest in its class while maintaining impressive stability and durability.
Bike Compatibility
The rack accommodates a wide range of bike sizes and weights, including mountain bikes up to 50 pounds, making it ideal for MTB enthusiasts.

The KUAT Sherpa 2.0 is a lightweight aluminum hitch rack designed to carry two bikes, each up to 40 pounds, making it suitable for most standard and some heavier bikes. Its 1.25-inch hitch receiver size is common but may limit compatibility with some larger vehicles requiring a 2-inch hitch. One standout feature is the foot-assisted pivot system, which lets you easily tilt the rack away from the car to access your trunk without removing bikes—great for convenience.

The rack secures bikes by their tires using an adjustable ratchet arm, which protects your bike frames from scratches and keeps them stable during transit. It fits a wide range of bike sizes, including fat tires up to 3 inches wide, and offers optional accessories for smaller wheel sizes or longer wheelbases. The included cable lock adds a layer of security when you need to step away from your bike. Weighing just 35 pounds, it is easier to install and remove compared to heavier steel racks.

If you have a vehicle with a 2-inch hitch or carry more than two bikes, this model won't suit your needs. Also, its price and lightweight aluminum build might feel less rugged compared to some heavy-duty steel racks. For riders looking for a compact, user-friendly, and secure two-bike rack that minimizes bike frame contact and makes trunk access simple, the Sherpa 2.0 is a solid choice.

Rating
9.1
Ease of Use
Security Features
Weight

Most important from
1735 reviews

Ease of Use
Assembly is straightforward and quick, with clear instructions and all necessary high-quality tools included, making setup a breeze.
Security Features
The rack installs rock solid with no wobble, providing a stable and secure hold for two bikes during transit.
Weight
Its lightweight aluminum design makes it the lightest in its class while maintaining impressive stability and durability.
Bike Compatibility
The rack accommodates a wide range of bike sizes and weights, including mountain bikes up to 50 pounds, making it ideal for MTB enthusiasts.

Buying Guide for the Best Bike Hitch Racks

Choosing the right bike hitch rack can make transporting your bike easier and more secure. The right rack will depend on your vehicle, the type of bikes you have, and how often you plan to use it. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a bike hitch rack to ensure it meets your needs and preferences.
CapacityCapacity refers to the number of bikes a hitch rack can carry. This is important because it determines how many bikes you can transport at once. Hitch racks typically come in capacities ranging from 1 to 5 bikes. If you usually ride alone or with one other person, a rack with a capacity of 1-2 bikes should suffice. For families or groups, a rack that can hold 3-5 bikes would be more appropriate.
Hitch Receiver SizeThe hitch receiver size is the dimension of the hitch on your vehicle that the rack will attach to. Common sizes are 1.25 inches and 2 inches. It's crucial to match the hitch receiver size of the rack to your vehicle's hitch receiver. If you have a smaller vehicle, you likely have a 1.25-inch receiver, while larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs typically have a 2-inch receiver. Ensure compatibility to avoid any installation issues.
Rack TypeThere are two main types of hitch racks: platform (tray) and hanging (mast). Platform racks support bikes by their wheels, making them more stable and easier to load, especially for heavier bikes. Hanging racks support bikes by their frames, which can be lighter and more compact but may require more effort to secure the bikes. Choose a platform rack if you have heavy or expensive bikes, or a hanging rack if you need a more compact solution.
Bike CompatibilityBike compatibility refers to the types of bikes a rack can accommodate. Some racks are designed to fit specific bike frame styles, wheel sizes, or tire widths. This is important to ensure your bikes fit securely on the rack. If you have a variety of bike types (e.g., road bikes, mountain bikes, fat bikes), look for a rack with adjustable features or one that explicitly states it can handle different bike styles.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses how simple it is to install the rack on your vehicle, load and unload bikes, and store the rack when not in use. This is important for convenience and efficiency. Look for racks with user-friendly features like tool-free installation, tilt mechanisms for rear vehicle access, and foldable designs for easy storage. If you plan to use the rack frequently, these features can save you time and effort.
Security FeaturesSecurity features include locks and anti-theft mechanisms that protect your bikes and the rack itself. This is crucial for preventing theft when your vehicle is unattended. Some racks come with integrated locks for both the bikes and the hitch, while others may require you to purchase locks separately. If you often leave your bikes on the rack in public places, prioritize racks with robust security features.
WeightThe weight of the hitch rack itself can affect how easy it is to install and remove from your vehicle. This is important for handling and storage. Lighter racks are easier to manage but may have lower capacities or fewer features. Heavier racks can be more durable and offer more features but may require more effort to handle. Consider your physical strength and how often you'll need to install or remove the rack when choosing the weight.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now