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10 Best Hitch Bicycle Racks 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

KUAT 1.25" Piston Pro X LED Dual Ratchet Hitch Rack - Secure Rugged Kashima-Coated Portable Foldable Easy-to-Use No Frame Contact 2-Bike Hauling Platform with 53" Max Wheelbase & 5" Max Tire Width

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,438
Security Features
Ease of Installation and Use

Most important from
74 reviews

Security Features
I am 100% confident that our bikes are safe while driving on our severely unmaintained, rough roads.
Ease of Installation and Use
This bike rack is the best money I have spent since I can remember. It is rock solid and aesthetically pleasing, and an absolute breeze to use.

The KUAT 1.25" Piston Pro X LED Dual Ratchet Hitch Rack stands out as a premium option for serious cyclists looking to transport two bikes securely and conveniently. With a robust construction and a maximum load capacity of 60 lbs per tray, it accommodates a wide range of bike types with wheelbases up to 53" and tire sizes from 18" to 29". One of its most notable features is the innovative OneTap technology, which simplifies loading and unloading bikes with just a single touch, making the process quick and effortless.

This ease of use is further complemented by the rack's foldable design, allowing for convenient storage and enhanced vehicle accessibility when not in use. The integrated LED taillights bolster safety during night drives, improving visibility for both the driver and other road users. Additionally, the rack includes a cable lock system, ensuring that your bikes remain secure during transport.

However, the Piston Pro X's premium build and advanced features come at a higher price point, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Despite this, its rugged build, sleek design, and ease of use make it an excellent investment for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich bike rack.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,438
Security Features
Ease of Installation and Use

Most important from
74 reviews

Security Features
I am 100% confident that our bikes are safe while driving on our severely unmaintained, rough roads.
Ease of Installation and Use
This bike rack is the best money I have spent since I can remember. It is rock solid and aesthetically pleasing, and an absolute breeze to use.
#2

Thule Revert Verticle Hitch Bike Rack, Mountain Bike Rack for Trucks and Vans, Assisted Lift and Lower, 6 Bike Hitch Rack, e-Bike Compatible Verticle Rack, no Frame or Fork Contact

Rating
8.8
Capacity
Weight Capacity
Tilting and Folding Features

Most important from
28 reviews

Capacity
The bike rack is impressively strong and built with high-quality materials, ensuring reliable support for multiple bikes.
Weight Capacity
It handles electric bikes effortlessly, especially when batteries are removed to stay within weight limits.
Tilting and Folding Features
Accessing the trunk is simple and convenient even with bikes loaded, thanks to the easy-to-use tilt-down feature.
Hitch Size Compatibility
The rack fits securely on a variety of vehicles, including vans and SUVs, showcasing its versatile hitch compatibility.

The Thule Revert Vertical Hitch Bike Rack is designed to cater to both trucks and vans, and it offers several impressive features. One of its main strengths is the hydraulic damper which assists in lifting and lowering the rack, making it easier to handle even when fully loaded with bikes. This feature is particularly useful for users with heavier bikes, including e-bikes, as the rack can support up to 55 pounds per bike, with a total max carrier load capacity of 250 pounds.

Another positive aspect is the accessible tilt release handle, which allows the rack to be tilted down, granting access to the trunk without needing to unload the bikes. This convenience is enhanced by the memory function, which lets users secure the rack in the tilted position and use both hands for other tasks. The wheel baskets are designed to accommodate a range of tire sizes, from 20 to 29 inches, and up to 5-inch-wide tires, although additional accessories may be required for smaller wheels and wider tires. The rack’s universal fit and hitch mounting type make it versatile and compatible with many vehicles.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. It is not foldable, which might be a concern for users looking for more compact storage options when the rack is not in use. Additionally, the package weight of approximately 72 pounds means it might be cumbersome for some users to handle during installation. Despite these points, the Thule Revert Vertical Hitch Bike Rack is a robust and user-friendly option for those needing to transport multiple bikes securely and conveniently.

Rating
8.8
Capacity
Weight Capacity
Tilting and Folding Features

Most important from
28 reviews

Capacity
The bike rack is impressively strong and built with high-quality materials, ensuring reliable support for multiple bikes.
Weight Capacity
It handles electric bikes effortlessly, especially when batteries are removed to stay within weight limits.
Tilting and Folding Features
Accessing the trunk is simple and convenient even with bikes loaded, thanks to the easy-to-use tilt-down feature.
Hitch Size Compatibility
The rack fits securely on a variety of vehicles, including vans and SUVs, showcasing its versatile hitch compatibility.
#3

Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack , Black

Rating
8.2
Capacity
Security Features
Ease of Installation and Use

Most important from
1097 reviews

Capacity
The rack holds bikes tightly, even at high speeds like 75 mph, without wobbling.
Security Features
The rack is worth the money for the security it offers. You can lock both the rack to the hitch and the bikes to the rack.
Ease of Installation and Use
Very easy to install and use. The rack doesn't move at all once it's in place.
Tilting and Folding Features
The tilt feature is perfect for accessing the back gate of an SUV with bikes on the rack.

The Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-capacity, durable bike rack. It is designed to accommodate heavy bikes, such as e-bikes and mountain bikes, with a maximum load capacity of 130 lbs (65 lbs per bike). The rack fits both 1.25" and 2" hitch receivers, making it versatile for different vehicles.

One standout feature is the integrated folding bike loading ramp, which simplifies the process of loading heavy bikes. Additionally, the rack includes torque limiting knobs and ratcheting wheel straps for secure bike attachment. The fully foldable design, along with transport wheels and a carry handle, enhances portability and storage convenience. The smart foot pedal tilt allows easy trunk access without removing the bikes.

Security is well-addressed with locks included to secure both bikes to the rack and the rack to the receiver. However, potential buyers should note that the Thule Fat Bike Wheel Strap Kit, necessary for fitting longer wheelbases and wider tires, is sold separately. Installation is user-friendly, requiring no tools, making it accessible for everyone. While the rack is slightly heavier, its robustness and the convenience features it offers make it a worthwhile investment for cycling enthusiasts.

Rating
8.2
Capacity
Security Features
Ease of Installation and Use

Most important from
1097 reviews

Capacity
The rack holds bikes tightly, even at high speeds like 75 mph, without wobbling.
Security Features
The rack is worth the money for the security it offers. You can lock both the rack to the hitch and the bikes to the rack.
Ease of Installation and Use
Very easy to install and use. The rack doesn't move at all once it's in place.
Tilting and Folding Features
The tilt feature is perfect for accessing the back gate of an SUV with bikes on the rack.

Buying Guide for the Best Hitch Bicycle Racks

Choosing the right hitch bicycle rack can make transporting your bike easier and more secure. The right rack will depend on your vehicle, the number of bikes you need to carry, and how often you plan to use it. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a hitch bicycle rack to ensure it meets your needs and provides the best fit for your lifestyle.
CapacityCapacity refers to the number of bikes a rack can hold. This is important because you need to ensure the rack can accommodate all the bikes you plan to transport. Hitch racks typically come in capacities ranging from 1 to 5 bikes. If you only need to transport one or two bikes, a smaller capacity rack will suffice. However, if you often travel with family or friends, a higher capacity rack will be necessary.
Hitch Size CompatibilityHitch size compatibility indicates the size of the hitch receiver the rack can fit into. This is crucial because it must match the hitch receiver on your vehicle. Common hitch sizes are 1.25 inches and 2 inches. Check your vehicle's hitch receiver size and ensure the rack you choose is compatible. Some racks come with adapters to fit both sizes, offering more flexibility.
Rack TypeThere are two main types of hitch bicycle racks: platform (tray-style) and hanging (mast-style). Platform racks support bikes by their wheels, providing more stability and easier loading, making them ideal for heavier or more expensive bikes. Hanging racks support bikes by their frames, which can be lighter and more compact but may require more effort to load and secure. Choose a rack type based on the ease of use and the type of bikes you have.
Security FeaturesSecurity features include locks and anti-theft mechanisms that protect your bikes and the rack itself. This is important to prevent theft, especially if you leave your vehicle unattended. Look for racks with integrated locks for both the bikes and the hitch, or consider purchasing additional locks if security is a concern. The level of security you need will depend on where and how long you plan to leave your bikes unattended.
Ease of Installation and UseEase of installation and use refers to how simple it is to mount the rack on your vehicle and load/unload bikes. This is important for convenience and efficiency, especially if you use the rack frequently. Some racks come with tool-free installation and quick-release mechanisms, making them easier to use. Consider how often you'll be installing and removing the rack, and choose one that fits your comfort level with these tasks.
Weight CapacityWeight capacity indicates the maximum weight the rack can support. This is crucial to ensure the rack can handle the combined weight of your bikes. Check the weight of your heaviest bike and ensure the rack's weight capacity exceeds this. If you have heavier bikes, such as electric bikes, look for racks specifically designed to support higher weights.
Tilting and Folding FeaturesTilting and folding features allow the rack to tilt away from the vehicle for trunk access or fold up when not in use. This is important for convenience and space-saving. If you need frequent access to your vehicle's trunk or want to minimize the space the rack occupies when not in use, look for racks with these features. Consider how often you'll need to access your trunk and how much storage space you have for the rack.

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