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10 Best Bike Hitch Racks 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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, 2"

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,179
Capacity
Rack Type
Ease of Use

Most important from
1686 reviews

Capacity
Bikes have plenty of clearance between each other, and the adjustable position of the rack is very useful.
Rack Type
A worthy investment if you're invested in mountain biking. The rack is light, sturdy, and reliable.
Ease of Use
The KUAT Sherpa 2.0 is very easy to unlock the hatch and remove, which is great for car washes, auto work, or travel.
Security Features
The bike lock that comes with it is a nice touch, though not sufficient against professional thieves.
Weight
The design is clever, light, and super stable, with aluminum construction making it the lightest in its class.

The KUAT Sherpa 2.0 is a lightweight and well-designed hitch bike rack that caters to bike enthusiasts looking for a reliable way to transport their bicycles. Weighing only 35 pounds, it stands out in terms of ease of installation and removal, which is a significant advantage for users who frequently load and unload their bikes. The rack accommodates two bikes, each up to 40 lbs, and features a unique foot-assisted pivot system that allows for easy trunk access without removing the bikes—a thoughtful touch for those with hands full of gear.

A strong selling point is the no-frame-contact design, which secures bikes by their tires, preventing any scratches on the frame and ensuring stability. It also offers compatibility with a variety of bike sizes, supporting wheelbases up to 47 inches and tire sizes as large as 3 inches, making it versatile for different bike types. Additionally, the integrated semi-locking cable enhances security, allowing users to step away from their vehicles without worry.

However, while the Sherpa 2.0 has many benefits, it may not be the best fit for those with bikes that have oversized tires beyond 3 inches unless you purchase additional adapters. The rack's capacity is limited to two bikes, which might not suit larger families or groups. Moreover, the design, while sleek, may not provide as much protection against theft compared to more robust racks with heavier locks.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,179
Capacity
Rack Type
Ease of Use

Most important from
1686 reviews

Capacity
Bikes have plenty of clearance between each other, and the adjustable position of the rack is very useful.
Rack Type
A worthy investment if you're invested in mountain biking. The rack is light, sturdy, and reliable.
Ease of Use
The KUAT Sherpa 2.0 is very easy to unlock the hatch and remove, which is great for car washes, auto work, or travel.
Security Features
The bike lock that comes with it is a nice touch, though not sufficient against professional thieves.
Weight
The design is clever, light, and super stable, with aluminum construction making it the lightest in its class.
#2

Thule Apex XT Hanging Hitch Bike Rack, Carries 4 Bikes, Perfect for Traveling with Multiple Bikes - Quick, Tool-Free Installation, Suitable for a Wide Variety of Bike Sizes and Frame Styles, Black

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Hitch Receiver Size
Bike Compatibility

Most important from
960 reviews

Capacity
The bike rack is heavy duty and solid, exceeding expectations in terms of weight capacity and stability.
Hitch Receiver Size
Compatible with both 2" and 1.25" receivers without the need for an adapter, thanks to ingenious design.
Bike Compatibility
Solid construction and secure strap system make it suitable for multiple bike types, though assembly instructions could be clearer.
Ease of Use
The tilt feature is appreciated for providing easy access to the rear of the vehicle, especially useful for those with pets.
Security Features
The safety cable is easy to use, ensuring bikes stay securely attached.

The Thule Apex XT Hanging Hitch Bike Rack is designed for those who need to transport multiple bikes comfortably and securely. This rack can carry up to 4 bikes, making it ideal for family trips or outings with friends. One of its standout features is the anti-sway cradles, which help prevent bike-to-bike contact and ensure stability during transport.

The ratcheting cradle straps allow for quick and easy bike attachment, and the bike arms can be folded down when not in use to save space. Additionally, the rack tilts down to provide access to the rear of the vehicle, which is a convenient feature for loading and unloading other items.

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Hitch Receiver Size
Bike Compatibility

Most important from
960 reviews

Capacity
The bike rack is heavy duty and solid, exceeding expectations in terms of weight capacity and stability.
Hitch Receiver Size
Compatible with both 2" and 1.25" receivers without the need for an adapter, thanks to ingenious design.
Bike Compatibility
Solid construction and secure strap system make it suitable for multiple bike types, though assembly instructions could be clearer.
Ease of Use
The tilt feature is appreciated for providing easy access to the rear of the vehicle, especially useful for those with pets.
Security Features
The safety cable is easy to use, ensuring bikes stay securely attached.

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.

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