(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best bicycle car racks

I've owned two Blackburn EX-1s. I foolishly sold one with the matching kid's seat, but the other has seen near daily commuting use for five years. I love everything about it, with one exception: it has no place to mount a rear tail light. It's light, made from bar stock rather than tubes, and despite constant heavy use, it has held up great. I've used it for a bit of bike-packing as well and have probably exceeded the 40lb max many times without issue.

I also unfortunately own this POS. I bought it to replace the EX-1 I sold and it is not worth even half the $25 I paid for it. It's constructed from tubes instead of bar stock and has the wide, flat plate on top. As a result, it bangs and clangs with every single bump. It was on my wife's bike for a while, and she could sometimes be heard from half a block away. It also mounts using aluminum spacers, resulting in a less solid rack that can sway and jiggle (just a little) when loaded. The tubes are thick enough that some panniers aren't able to be mounted without modification. The only good thing about it is that I can mount a taillight to the little tab that hangs off the back.

For rear racks, the #1 thing I would look for is one constructed from bar stock. Tubes simply make too much noise. I would avoid the flat plate on top as well unless you're buying from a B&M store where you can bang your hand on the rack to see how much noise it makes. Mount points on the rear for a taillight would be a huge plus. If Blackburn made one like the EX-1 with a mount, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Aluminum is obviously lighter than steel and perfectly OK for your uses; most of the steel ones are intended for long-haul touring where they can be welded if they break. Look for a rack that can mount without spacers for a more secure attachment.

I own this Nashbar front rack, which seems to be a clone of this Blackburn rack. For the price, it's worth it, but I had to modify mine to fit 35mm knobby tires. I also needed spacers to mount it, which the rack did not come with. My fork has mount points in the middle of the blades, so I can't comment on how well it mounts using the U clamps.

I've never used a front rack that holds the panniers up higher, but I'd be hesitant to buy one (unless it could be returned at no cost) without trying it first. The lower the load, the lower your center of gravity. Having a higher center of gravity can change your handling dramatically. I would also be extremely hesitant to buy a front rack that did not have a cross bar for stability (like this one). My first time out using the front rack, I put my floppier set of panniers up front, and my handling was so bad it was dangerous. I swapped them, learned my lesson, and wouldn't dare set out with any load in the front that could possibly sway.

You have probably gotten a lot of great advice.

I have a civic, I got my hitch open box for 80$, normal 100$.

They are super easy to put on, lots of YouTube videos on how to install if your car isn’t brand new. Most cars use basic tools, harbor freight torque wrenches are 10-20$. I lazily managed to do it without raising the back if my car but it would have been easier.

I have a 1up rack and it’s great, kinda pricey new. I got mine used.

Platform racks are the best.

I use to have a trunk rack and it was a pita to put on and take off.

What ever you do get a name brand rack. Don’t trust your nice new bike to a 20$ rack. Bell makes a good basic bike rack for cheap.


Bell Right Up 350 3-Bicycle Platform Hitch Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYRIUA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_w4oXCb2CNQYMT

Make sure to get your hitch size.

The wobble you got from your Schwinn rack may have been because the bikes were just suspended from their top tubes, and were free to swing around. The rack also might not have utilized an anti-sway pin to attach it to the car. If your new car has a hitch, I'd recommend a platform style rack. To hold 4 bikes, you'll need a 2" receiver, but it's definitely the way to go.

Nice ones from Saris, Thule, and Kuat are going to be expensive, but I've had good luck with the moderately priced offerings from Hollywood and Swagman. These brands use more metal than Saris, Thule, and Kuat, who often opt for high-density plastic. This makes them heavier and not as pretty, but they work just the same. All racks from these brands will have an anti-sway pin to remove most of the wobble the actual rack has.

If you don't have a hitch, and you're looking for a secure hold on your bikes, you probably aren't going to find a solution that will hang from your car.

Can you give us any additional information about your car? and whether or not it has a hitch?

Example of a Swagman 4 bike rack.

I have this Bell Bike Rack. Pretty sure I paid under 40$ on Amazon when I bought it.

Does it work? Yes

Can it haul two bike safely? Yes

Have I had any problems? No

I will note that it scares the shit out of me though. When I am cruising down the highway and there is nothing more than a plastic buckle and a thin nylon strap holding my pride and joy to my trunk deck, it really freaks me out. I am currently contemplating putting a hitch on my car (180$) and getting a hitch mount bike rack (40$ on craigslist) just to have that peace of mind. The only reason I haven't put a hitch on is I rarely car my bike someplace.

Best (expensive) or affordable and works great?

I can only say what I did, similar to others here: [Curt hitch (self-install, under $100 shipped from Amazon)] (https://smile.amazon.com/CURT-11276-Class-Trailer-Hitch/dp/B007D5480S) and a Swagman XC Cross-country 2 bike rack for $130 on Amazon. This rack is easier than most because you can just load the wheels of the bikes into the rack itself.

A cheaper rack where the wheels just hang get the Pro-Series Eclipse for $73. This is what I have, works great!

If installing the rack yourself get a torque wrench to make sure it won't be falling off. Otherwise take it to a U-Haul where they'll install it for less than $100.

A Saris Bones is an OK trunk rack. That's as good as a trunk rack gets. It can rub on your paint, and I don't like the way it holds the bikes by the top tube.

In general, trunk racks are garbage though. If you're going to use it regularly, do yourself a favor and invest in a towing receiver and proper hitch mounted rack. You can get a Curt hitch with free shipping from Amazon for around $130. I installed it myself with one friend and a socket wrench. It's super no-brainer 100% easy. Then get a wheels-on hitch rack like a Kuat Transfer or something similar. They contact the bike only on the tires/wheels and don't touch the frame at all. The bikes don't sway, the wheels don't turn. The rack doesn't contact your paint at all, and can be tipped out of the way so that the hatch can open even with 2 bikes loaded.

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But if you're rarely going to move bikes around, the Saris Bones is fine. Roof racks are a pain in the ass.

I'm an avid mountain biker but am lucky enough to live within riding distance to some great trails. For further-away trails I have a Saris Bones 2-bike trunk rack. I used this extensively on my old 08 s GT sedan and never had any paint issues. I've only used it once on my new 15 s GT hatch but I don't see any strap rub anywhere that could cause problems.

On the other household vehicle - an suv - I have an older version of this hitch rack which I like quite a bit.

I've thought about a roof rack for some time but I bought myself a new fat bike this winter which AFAIK won't work on any roof rack.

There's two options in the hitch-realm.

1. Tray-style like this which is what I recommend, especially if you have a carbon-frame bike where resting the bike on the top-tube is ill-advised. I have this one but I think any similar would work just the same. Love the rack, only fixes I've needed after two years is some touch-up paint and a new corrosion-free cotter pin.
   
2. Arm-style like this which is great if you need to carry more than two bikes, but again not advised for higher-end bikes. Benefit is that you can buy conversion kits to allow you to carry skis/snowboards and kayaks.
   
   With both, find something that's going to allow you to tilt or swing the rack away from the hatch so you can open the trunk without removing the bikes.
   
   I can't speak to locking style - I would never leave my bike on the rack regardless of the lock. Any thief will be able to thwart whatever you're going to throw out there. I'll take my bike into the local 7-11 if I'm parking for 5 minutes. It's too simple to just lift and run.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MXQA1E/ref=wms_ohs_product_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Not currently available. I'm pretty sure they were less than 20 bucks shipped. I didn't know if I would like having panniers up front so I didn't want to spend a lot of money.

These had great reviews and I'm pretty dang impressed, especially since they were so inexpensive.

I have a cheap folding bike rack that I previously bought for my Honda CRV. Cost $50 and works just fine. It does take some extra time to get the bikes on the rack vs the fancier (and expensive) racks. Also, it does set off the backup camera "alerts" however I can still see just fine. The real bonus is that it folds up into almost nothing so it's very easy to store (I actually keep it in the trunk when I'm not using it-- just in case). Quoted prices in my area are about $280 for a hitch + install and the nice bike racks are easily $400. I'd rather spend that money on other things. Here's the rack I have if anyone is interested:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TRTS0JS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-102S-Premium-2-Bike/dp/B000NOMKYM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1409890551&sr=8-5&keywords=car+bike+rack). I have a Honda Fit Hatchback that it fit on pretty well. I drove my bikes 1900 miles across country with zero issues, so it is pretty sturdy. You can check out the manufacturer's list of cars that it fits. My roommate has the cheaper model that was pretty rickety when we drove out to Big Bend, so I don't recommend the lower model.

You'll have to try but these ones may fit under the kevlar.


If you are ever shooting in soft covers I highly recommend these ones. Super comfy.

Don't have my S1 yet, but I am planning on this bike rack for transport since I don't have a truck/SUV. Ive seen at least one other person with it who says it works great. Hoping to catch it on sale.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075FMFXFZ/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

You’d be better off just getting a small sit on top kayak and some Yakima easy top thingies [[link] ]

Cheaper and less of a headache. It’s completely possible to store a kayak on a balcony, if you have one

I'be been using this for the past two years without one single issue and plan to continue using it next year. It's a much more practical solution. Just make sure your tongue weight rating is over ~300lbs and you're good.

SportRack 2-Bike Lock and Tilt Platform Hitch Rack - Granite Gray by SportRack http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1SI03Y/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_r7Petb1WZ8TBT

Looks like they have raised the price since I bought it but there are other similar models to choose from for a good price. Only thing is recommend with getting the hitch is to have it professionally installed since it requires drilling into the frame of the car and you will get a warranty for the work so your not screwed if you make any mistakes installing yourself.

I know everybody gets the Yakima and Thule racks, but they're super-expensive. I've been very happy with this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-3-Bike-2-Inch-Receiver/dp/B00TRTSRVE/

The Curt brand hitches are fairly affordable, and installation is usually bolt-on. (Easy DIY.)

I don't know, I use an Allen Sports bike rack and it works great. I've used it on highways and gravel roads, both were fine. It also doesn't scratch the paint, although the bike itself definately does.

I just got this today. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B1SI03Y/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=pe_385040_121528360_TE_dp_1

The top rack works great and I never had any issues with it. The only downsides are you can't see the bike when you're driving and you need to be careful you don't drive under something too low. I just needed a rack that could hold 2 bikes and already have a hitch on the car so I got that one.

you could use something like this. https://www.amazon.com/RockyMounts-LoBall-Track-quick-release/dp/B019709IBU/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=locking+bicycle+fork+mount&qid=1571923924&sr=8-9

i have something similar for my fat bike and wife's bike with my utilitrack but i haven't upgraded to locking ones yet.

here is what my set up looks like https://i.imgur.com/mAO5R9R.jpg

Thank you so much. Looks like this one will work too

http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-Deluxe-2-Bike-Trunk/dp/B00ASSQYK4

Love my Thule cam straps. I’ve used cheapo ones prior and will never go back.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002MBP7I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UWUzDbB299GW3

I bought a Capstone which in made of steel and requires a 2" hitch so it is a bit heavy. I've put around a 1000 miles on with not a hint of trouble carrying 2 ebikes. They have fixed the swing down lock so it no longer self releases. My only minor issue is that you have to carry a ratchet wrench to remove the hitch, but it sure doesn't wobble.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1304WW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here's a link to amazon where I ordered them:

RockyMounts LoBall Track quick release bike rack pick up truck https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019709IBU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2TYaBbVCRKBA4

I'm not entirely sure about your question, to be honest. I am new to bikes. Based on some of the "questions answered" on Amazon, it sounds like it might not work for a thru axel bike, but they may sell an adapter or different mount for that.

2 inch receiver/hitch or 1 1/4?

It is pretty easy to find 4 bike racks for 2" receivers and while 3 bike racks for 1 1/4" receivers are out there they aren't plentiful. If you have a 2" one of the 4 bike swagman or it's clones will probably work, not 100% positive about the 20" bike.
http://www.amazon.com/Swagman-Cross-Country-4-Bike-2-Inch-Receiver/dp/B000GKN45C
There are tons of copies. They aren't fancy and are a bit awkward to use but they will get the job done.

If you want to get fancy and you only have a 1 1/4 receiver
https://www.1upusa.com/
is damn nice, I have one, but would cost you $800 by the time you bought the single bike rack and two add ons.

Of coarse the other and cheapest option is just buy a 2 bike rack from swagman/clones for around $100 and throw the 20" bike in the back of the rav4 :).

Thule 523 Load Straps (2 Pack, 15 Foot) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002MBP7I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FiThDb9TBKPTC

Much better.

There a few brands that sell similar styled racks. It looks most like this Capstone branded rack.
https://www.amazon.com/Capstone-Hitch-Mount-Bike-Carrier/dp/B01N1304WW?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_2586780011

This is late, but I'm getting rid of my trunk mounted bike rack, it's an Allen Sports 2-Bike Rack, model 102DN. I have a new car and the rack doesn't fit it. I'll sell it for like, 15 dollars.

well there are some that say "Fits most cars" or "Universal fits" like this one made by Bell


I have heard good things about this one that is made by saris.

or theres this schwinn one but it didnt get very good reviews.


I know that on my local cl there's always a bunch of these for sale so you might wanna check on that.

This is the one I got. There are a few that all look the same.

Ordered and picked mine up at a local Walmart for $97 after tax since I needed it the next day.

I think it says not for scooters, but it works fine. My scooter (SYM HD200) is around the 300 lb max too.

I was able to get this one for $215 from a warehouse deal. I like it, but you might want to keep an eye on the facebook market place and craiglist for a used mount. New will be expensive, used for a quality one will still be a bit but cheaper.

I use this granted its for a much shorter rack but it allows you to use all the way to the front of the roof, then maybe you could get one of those trailer hitch goal post things.

I use an Allen 3 bike rack in the hitch. https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-3-Bike-2-Inch-Receiver/dp/B00TRTSRVE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494327816&sr=8-3&keywords=allen+3-bike+rack

I have this on my Fiat 500 - Allen Sports Ultra Compact Folding 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TRTS0JS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_U6vyzbNMQPFSB

This straps into your hatch and is only $40. I bought mine from Walmart

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ASSQYK4/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_kQIdvb151C8DG

And the rack is actually called the Thule T1, not x-1.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075FMFXFZ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

No class 2 for the Soul as the towing capacity is too low.

https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-3-Bike-2-Inch-Receiver/dp/B00TRTSRVE

Looks like this should work for you. Fits in a Class 1 and includes an adapter for a Class 2 should you ever need it.

I use this one. I usually always have two bikes on it with no problems. Its cheap, easy to use, and can be switched over to other cars without a hassle.