10 Best Bike Racks For Cars 2025 in the United States

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 Thule Pro XTR 2 Hitch Bike Rack is a versatile rack designed to accommodate a wide range of bikes, including e-bikes, with a load capacity of 60 pounds per bike. It's an excellent choice for those who need to transport various types of bikes such as carbon frames, mountain, downhill, or fat bikes, due to its compatibility with 20 to 29-inch wheels and tires up to 5 inches wide without requiring adapters. One of its standout features is the tool-free installation through the AutoAttach system, making it user-friendly and convenient.

The rack's HitchSwitch lever allows for easy tilting to access the vehicle's trunk or to store the rack upright when not in use, adding to its practicality. Additionally, the integrated wheels make it easy to maneuver the rack when off the vehicle, which is a thoughtful touch for users who frequently detach the rack. Security is well addressed with integrated cable locks that secure the bikes to the rack and a locking knob that locks the rack to the hitch receiver. The 12.5-inch spacing between bikes and adjustable side-to-side positioning help prevent bike interference, ensuring your bikes remain secure and undamaged during transport.

It's worth noting that while the rack can carry up to 4 bikes with an additional add-on, this add-on is sold separately, which could be an extra expense for users needing to transport more than 2 bikes. The durability and build quality are robust, supported by Thule's reputation and a limited lifetime warranty. This rack combines ease of use, security, and flexibility, making it an excellent investment for bike enthusiasts looking for a reliable and versatile transport solution.

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.