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10 Best Hitch Bike Racks 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Saris Bones 3-Bike Hitch Rack Bicycle Carrier, with Easy Fold Design and Tilting Base

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,435
Ease of Use
Vehicle Compatibility
Bike Capacity

Most important from
4371 reviews

Ease of Use
The rack feels sturdy and the foldable arms make it convenient to lower when not carrying bikes, enhancing everyday usability.
Vehicle Compatibility
It works surprisingly well on vehicles with class 1 hitches, securely holding heavy e-bikes without stressing the trunk or bumper.
Bike Capacity
For bikes with suspension below the top bar, an additional bike beam accessory is necessary to ensure a proper fit.
Rack Type
The rack offers a solid, stable carry that eliminates the hassle of fitting bikes inside the trunk or on the roof.

The Saris Bones 3-Bike Hitch Rack is a solid choice if you need to carry up to three bikes, supporting a combined weight of 105 pounds. It fits both 1.25” and 2” hitch receivers, which makes it compatible with most cars, SUVs, and crossovers. The rack’s tilt feature is especially handy, allowing you to access your trunk without unloading the bikes. Its foldable arms make storage and parking easier by reducing the rack’s size when not in use.

Made from rust-resistant materials, it’s both lightweight (16 pounds) and durable, which helps with handling and long-term use. However, this rack lacks built-in security features like locks to secure your bikes or the rack itself, so you might want to add separate locks for peace of mind. While the design is user-friendly, installing and removing it might require some effort if you’re not used to hitch racks.

This rack performs well for casual to regular cyclists who want a dependable, easy-to-store solution without extra security bells and whistles.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,435
Ease of Use
Vehicle Compatibility
Bike Capacity

Most important from
4371 reviews

Ease of Use
The rack feels sturdy and the foldable arms make it convenient to lower when not carrying bikes, enhancing everyday usability.
Vehicle Compatibility
It works surprisingly well on vehicles with class 1 hitches, securely holding heavy e-bikes without stressing the trunk or bumper.
Bike Capacity
For bikes with suspension below the top bar, an additional bike beam accessory is necessary to ensure a proper fit.
Rack Type
The rack offers a solid, stable carry that eliminates the hassle of fitting bikes inside the trunk or on the roof.
#2

Yakima DoubleDown 4 Tilting Aluminum Hitch Bike Rack for Car, SUV, and Truck with 1.25 or 2 Inch Bike Rack Hitch Receivers, Black

Rating
9.8
Bike Capacity
Security Features
Ease of Use

Most important from
877 reviews

Bike Capacity
Accommodating four bikes is a real bonus, making it a fantastic choice for group adventures.
Security Features
Loading and securing bikes onto the rack is a breeze, thanks to individual cradles and secure straps that prevent any wobbling or potential damage.
Ease of Use
The ease of use is truly remarkable, with straightforward setup and installation that takes just a few minutes.
Vehicle Compatibility
Being bolted onto the hitch makes the rack very stable, but can be inconvenient to remove, especially in areas with specific parking regulations.

The Yakima 4-Bike Hitch Mount Carrier, also known as the DoubleDown 4, is designed to securely transport up to four bikes, making it suitable for families or groups of friends. It features a sturdy and durable anti-sway design, which minimizes bike movement and potential damage during transit. This rack can easily be tilted down, providing convenient access to the rear of your vehicle without the need to unload the bikes, a feature that's particularly handy for road trips and frequent stops.

It accommodates both 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitch receivers, making it compatible with a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. The rack is built with heavy-duty materials, supporting a weight capacity of up to 140 pounds, ensuring stability and security on the road. Additionally, it offers compatibility with the optional DeadLock system for enhanced security of both the bikes and the carrier itself, which can be an attractive feature for added peace of mind.

However, it weighs 31 pounds, which might be a bit cumbersome for some users to handle or install alone. This hitch-bike-rack is best suited for those needing to transport multiple bikes regularly and who value robust construction and easy vehicle access.

Rating
9.8
Bike Capacity
Security Features
Ease of Use

Most important from
877 reviews

Bike Capacity
Accommodating four bikes is a real bonus, making it a fantastic choice for group adventures.
Security Features
Loading and securing bikes onto the rack is a breeze, thanks to individual cradles and secure straps that prevent any wobbling or potential damage.
Ease of Use
The ease of use is truly remarkable, with straightforward setup and installation that takes just a few minutes.
Vehicle Compatibility
Being bolted onto the hitch makes the rack very stable, but can be inconvenient to remove, especially in areas with specific parking regulations.

Buying Guide for the Best Hitch Bike Racks

Choosing the right hitch bike rack can make transporting your bikes easier and more secure. The right rack will depend on your vehicle, the number of bikes you need to carry, and your personal preferences. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a hitch bike rack, along with explanations to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Hitch Receiver SizeThe hitch receiver size is the dimension of the opening on your vehicle's hitch where the bike rack will be mounted. This is important because the bike rack must fit securely into the hitch receiver. Common sizes are 1.25 inches and 2 inches. If you have a smaller vehicle, you might have a 1.25-inch receiver, while larger vehicles often have a 2-inch receiver. Make sure to check your vehicle's hitch size before purchasing a rack to ensure compatibility.
Bike CapacityBike capacity refers to the number of bikes a rack can hold. This is crucial because you need a rack that can accommodate all the bikes you plan to transport. Racks typically hold between 2 to 5 bikes. If you only need to carry one or two bikes, a smaller capacity rack will suffice. However, if you have a family or frequently transport multiple bikes, opt for a higher capacity rack. Consider your current and future needs when deciding on bike capacity.
Rack TypeThere are different types of hitch bike racks, including platform racks and hanging racks. Platform racks support bikes by their wheels, making them easier to load and providing more stability. Hanging racks support bikes by their frames, which can be lighter and more compact. If you have heavier bikes or want easier loading, a platform rack might be better. If you prefer a lighter, more compact option, a hanging rack could be the way to go. Think about how you will use the rack and what features are most important to you.
Security FeaturesSecurity features on a hitch bike rack help protect your bikes from theft. These can include locking mechanisms for both the rack and the bikes. This is important if you plan to leave your vehicle unattended with the bikes on the rack. Look for racks with integrated locks or the ability to add locks. If security is a high priority for you, choose a rack with robust locking features to give you peace of mind.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how simple it is to install the rack on your vehicle and load/unload bikes. This is important because a user-friendly rack will save you time and effort. Features like tool-free installation, tilting mechanisms for trunk access, and easy bike loading systems can make a big difference. If you frequently use the rack, prioritize ease of use to make your experience more convenient and enjoyable.
Weight CapacityWeight capacity is the maximum weight the rack can support. This is crucial to ensure the rack can handle the combined weight of your bikes. Racks have different weight limits, typically ranging from 30 to 60 pounds per bike. If you have heavier bikes, such as electric bikes, make sure to choose a rack with a higher weight capacity. Consider the weight of your heaviest bike and ensure the rack can support it safely.
Vehicle CompatibilityVehicle compatibility refers to how well the rack fits with your specific vehicle model. This is important because not all racks fit all vehicles. Some racks are designed for specific types of vehicles, such as SUVs or sedans. Check the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure the rack is compatible with your vehicle. If you have a unique vehicle or specific needs, look for racks that offer adjustable features to fit a wider range of vehicles.

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