10 Best Bike Racks For Cars 2025 in the United States

The KUAT NV 2.0-2" is a sturdy hitch-mounted bike rack designed to carry two bikes, making it a strong choice for riders who need to transport heavier bikes, including e-bikes up to 60 pounds each. Its all-metal construction and use of a 2-inch hitch receiver means it attaches firmly to your vehicle, reducing wobble and ensuring safer transport. One standout feature is its adjustable front tire cradle system, which fits a wide range of bike sizes and tire types, from road bikes to fat tires, holding the bikes securely in place. The rack also includes a convenient Trail Doc repair stand, allowing you to perform basic bike tune-ups on the go—very handy for cyclists who like to keep their bikes in top shape during trips.

Accessibility is enhanced by a foot-operated pivot lever, so you can tilt the rack down to reach your car’s rear without unloading your bikes. This is particularly useful when the rack is loaded. Installation is described as easy, which is important if you want a hassle-free experience. The rack’s durable aluminum build and high weight capacity make it a long-lasting investment for those who frequently travel with multiple or heavy bikes.

One limitation is that the rack is designed only for vehicles with a 2-inch hitch, so it won’t fit smaller hitch sizes without an adapter. Also, while the rack holds two bikes, those with larger bike collections might find the capacity limiting unless they invest in an expansion. This rack is well suited for active cyclists, especially e-bike owners, who seek a reliable, user-friendly, and durable solution to transport their bikes safely.

The Thule Epos 3 bike rack is designed to offer a hassle-free experience for loading and unloading all types of bikes, including heavy e-bikes. It features patented telescopic bike arms with pivoting cradles and steel-reinforced straps, ensuring a secure attachment to the bike frame or rear wheel. With a high load capacity of 66lb per bike and a total maximum load capacity of 160lb, this rack can comfortably handle even the heaviest bikes.

The generous 9.8-inch spacing between bikes reduces the risk of damage due to bike-to-bike contact. Additionally, extra-long wheel holders make it easy to transport bikes with long wheelbases of up to 53 inches, and ratcheting pump buckles and wheel straps simplify tire fastening for tires up to 3.2 inches wide (or up to 5 inches with an additional accessory). The rack is built with durability in mind and comes in a sleek black/silver frame.

Some users might find the package weight of 27.17 kilograms (approximately 60 pounds) a bit cumbersome during installation. While the Thule Epos 3 bike rack ranks #130 in bicycle car racks, its ease of installation and robust security features make it a compelling choice for avid cyclists, especially those with e-bikes.

The Kuat Piston Pro X is a high-quality hitch bike rack designed for carrying two bikes, making it ideal for serious cyclists or those with heavier bikes like e-bikes and mountain bikes. It supports bikes with wheelbases up to 53 inches and tires up to 5 inches wide, offering a strong load capacity of 67 pounds per tray. The rack stands out for its innovative OneTap hydro-pneumatic levers, which make loading and unloading bikes quick and easy—no wrestling with awkward clamps. Its rugged build features stainless steel and genuine Kashima-coated struts, ensuring durability and a sleek look in Galaxy Gray finish.

Security is well thought out, with an integrated cable lock system to help keep your bikes safe while on the road. The built-in LED taillights improve visibility for added safety during night drives and connect simply to your vehicle. Installation is straightforward on a 2-inch hitch, and the rack folds for convenient storage and transport. It also offers expandability and is rated for RV use on certain hitches, adding flexibility for various travel needs.

The rack is relatively heavy at 64 pounds, which could make handling it alone a bit challenging. Also, it’s a premium product, so it comes with a higher price point that may not suit casual riders or those with occasional bike transport needs. If you want a durable, easy-to-use, and secure rack that handles larger bikes and frequent use, the Kuat Piston Pro X provides thoughtful features designed to save time and enhance safety.