The 10 Best Bike Carrier For Car, Tested And Researched

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Bike Carrier For Car
Best Bike Carrier For Car

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Allen Sports Deluxe Bike Carrier

This secure and convenient hitch insert fits into almost any hitch receiver and quickly installs and tightens without the need for tools. The padded lower frame keeps your bike safe from scratches, while the wide range of bicycle frame designs ensures your bike will stay securely on the rack. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack

This bike rack features a vertical post that can be adjusted to secure and stabilize bikes. The convenience of this product is further increased with rubber straps included, making sure your bikes remain firmly in place no matter the terrain. Read Review

3. Best Reliable: IKURAM R Bike Carrier

Featuring a rigid all steel construction, this long-lasting and durable bike carrier is designed with dual-arm mounting for extra stability and easy accommodation of different types of bike frames. With its easy tilt-down access and fold-down arms, you can easily access your trunk without removing the rack from your car. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: Saris Bike Carrier

Transform your car into a bike transporter with the Saris Bike Carrier. This carrier is designed for style, convenience, and durability. With its rubberized feet to protect your car and coated straps to protect your bike, you can trust that your ride will get there safely. The Bones Trunk model provides a clean and sleek look that is both strong and rust-free. Read Review

5. Best Flexible: BV Bike Carrier

With its tilt back design, you can easily open the rear gates while transporting your bike. And when you're done, its fold up design allows you to save space. Safety Reflectors are also included, enhancing visibility and ensuring night driving safety. Plus, it helps protect your bike from scratching and other damages. Read Review

If you have a car and an adventurous kid, then you may want to buy a bike carrier for your car. Car and bike are two different things. Therefore, the bike carrier must also be designed in a way that it can fit into your car with ease as well as protect your child while they ride.

Car and bike are two different things, therefore the bike carrier must be designed in a way that it can fit into your car with ease as well as protect your child while they ride. The good news is that there are many options available on the market today; however, it does not mean that all of them are good. This article will help you pick the best one for your requirements. Read on for more details….

After 17 hours of product research and analysis, We are able to identify the best bike carrier for car is Allen Sports Deluxe Bike Carrier. This bike carrier can be quickly installed and secured. It also offers protection for your bikes from scratches, dirt and other debris while you travel. Consider MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack as an alternative if you're still undecided. Other suggestions on this list are definitely worth considering, and we've put up a useful shopping guide to help you decide!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Allen Sports Deluxe Bike Carrier
Our Score:
9.7
Allen Sports

Accommodates a wide range of bicycle frame designs

Quick install hitch secures and tightens rack inside of receiver hitch; Includes 2 keys

Allen's warranty does not cover items purchased through third-party sellers

Hitch insert fits either 1 1/4 or 2 inch receiver hitches (2 and 3 bike models) or 2 inch receiver hitches (4 and 5 bike models)

Individual tie downs secure and protect bicycles

Arms fold out of the way when not in use and rack tilts back when needed

TOP Choice #2 MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Our Score:
9.6
MAXXHAUL

Vertical post can be quickly removed for compact storage

Includes two foam-padded hooks to secure and stabilize bikes to the rack without scratching bike's finish. Hooks and tire cradles adjust to fit most bikes frames with 20" to 26" wheel sizes

Bike tire cradles can be adjusted along horizontal bars using quick knobs for convenience and includes rubber straps for added stability.Material:Steel

Fit Type: Universal Fit.Patent Pending.PLEASE SCROLL DOWN AND BROWSE OUR A+ PAGES FOR MORE PRODUCT INFORMATION..Unique hook design adjustments using quick hitch pins assist in accommodating different size bike frame for safe and reliable transport.

Fits Class III and IV standard 2" hitch receivers. 80 lbs Maximum Capacity or up to 40 lbs per bike

TOP Choice #3 IKURAM R Bike Carrier
Our Score:
9.5
IKURAM R

🎄Easy fold-down Arms: Be folded up quickly when bike racks not in use for compact transport and easy storage.

🎄Backed by IKURAM Lifetime Warranty: All IKURAM bike carrier racks are backed by professional consulting services and warranty. Please visit the IKURAM web site for full details.

🎄Rigid All Steel Constructed Bike Hitch Rack: Long-lasting and durable all steel construction with protective powder paint finish

🎄Easy Tilt-Down Access £ºConvenient access to rear of vehicle with easy-to-use tilt-down feature

🎄Dual-Arm Mounting Design: Optimized dual-arm bike carrier rack which spacing accommodates bicycles of a wide range of frame sizes and designs, more stable and easily accommodates up to 4 bikes.

4 Saris Bike Carrier
Our Score:
9.3
Saris

CAPACITY: Carries 2 bikes (35lb/bike), ratcheting anti-sway straps for a secure hold

STRONG & RUST FREE: Strongest frame on the market; injection-molded arms and legs are the strongest on the market

MADE IN USA: Hand built in Madison, Wisconsin with 100% recyclable materials

BONES TRUNK: The iconic Bones rack has been a cornerstone of bike racks for decades; it's a tested statement of style, design, convenience, and durability (11lbs)

COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with most vehicles frame fits over most spoilers; rubberized feet protect car and coated straps protect bike

CLEAN, SLEEK LOOK: Arc–based design separates bikes on different levels; spring buckle straps with vinyl-coated hooks

5 BV Bike Carrier
Our Score:
9.1
BV

Safety Reflector – This rack includes a rear safety reflector to enhance the visibility, ensuring the night driving safety.

Tray-styled Loops and Padded Arms – Not only can firmly held your bike in place, the padded arms can protect your bike from scratching.

Tilt Back Design - The tilt backward design enables users to open the rear gates without detaching the hitch rack.

Bike Compatibility- For bikes under 35 lbs each, and 3" maximum tire width (Not for fat tire bike)

Fold Up Design – User can fold up the rack when not in use. Smart idea to save space!

6 Leader Accessories Bike Carrier
Our Score:
9.0
Leader Accessories

[ EXTRA GIFT FOR YOUR SAFETY ] - Extra safety reflector and tie down strap including. Safety reflector to ensuring the night driving safety. And highly recommended to use safety strap to secure bikes more safely.

[ QUICK RELEASE TILT DESIGN ] - Quick release handle easy to operate. Smart Tilting construction used to fold up and down rack more easily than hitch pin when carrying bikes.

[ ANTI-WOBBLE SYSTEM ] - No-wobble bolt is designed to eliminate movement of rack inside of hitch.And the rack also suit for 5/8" normal pin or locking hitch pin,if you don’t want to use No-wobble bolt.

[ FOLDABLE AND TILT BACK DESIGN ] - The tilt backward design enables users to open the rear gates without detaching the hitch rack. User can fold up the rack when not in use. Smart idea to save space!

[ QUICK RELEASE TILT DESIGN ] - Quick release handle easy to operate. Smart Tilting construction used to fold up and down rack more easily than hitch pin when carrying bikes.

[ BIKE COMPATIBILITY ] - Easily transports up to 2 bikes and is compatible with 2" hitch receiver. Fits most frame sizes, shapes and style including Fat Tire and Electric Bikes . Bikes with low Y-frame may require the use of an Bike Frame Adapter for better support .Maximum capacity of 70Ibs per bike

7 GUDE Bike Carrier
Our Score:
8.8
GUDE

🚴‍♂️Individual Tie-down System: The bike rack durable UV resistant individual tie-down cradles and straps can be fixed or rotated in position on the carry arm, to engage a wide range of frame bike sizes and designs while protecting your bicycles.

🚴‍♂️Folding Carry Arms: Optimized 16.5" folding arm mounting design can be easily folded down out of the way when not in use to improve safety and save space, which allows for greater flexibility in using your vehicle with the rack installed.

🚴‍♂️Tilt-away Main Mast: The tilt-away main mast swing away design enables users to open the car rear gates easily when the bike rack is in place on your vehicle, even when your bikes on the rack. And the rack can be quickly released to its original position with locking pins.

🚴‍♂️Superior 3 Bike Capacity: Sturdy heavy duty alloy steel construction carry up 3 bikes max load to 110LB, which is powder coated on the bicycle carrier rack to prevent bicycle scratches. The round hitch insert fits any 2 inch receiver hitches.

🚴‍♂️Carry Any Bike: Strong and not easy to damage during use and running, anti-rust and environmental protection, solid and anti-rust injection molding arm and leg keep frame solid for many years. Accommodates a wide range of bicycle frame designs (bikes with slanted top tubes require TubeTop adapter, sold separately)

8 Leader Accessories Bike Carrier
Our Score:
8.7
Leader Accessories

[ EXTRA GIFT FOR YOUR SAFETY ] - Extra safety reflector and tie down strap including. Safety reflector to ensuring the night driving safety. And highly recommended to use safety strap to secure bikes more safely.

[ BIKE COMPATIBILITY ] - Easily transports up to 2 bikes and is compatible with 2"" hitch receiver. Fits most frame sizes, shapes and style including Fat Tire and Electric Bikes . Bikes with low Y-frame may require the use of an Bike Frame Adapter for better support .Maximum capacity of 70Ibs per bike.

[ ANTI-WOBBLE SYSTEM ] - No-wobble bolt is designed to eliminate movement of rack inside of hitch.And the rack also suit for 5/8"" normal pin or locking hitch pin,if you don’t want to use No-wobble bolt.

[ QUICK ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION] - Rack can be quickly assembly and removed using our included quick hitch pins for safe and reliable transport and compact storage

[ FOLDABLE AND TILT BACK DESIGN ] - Quick Hitch Pins Design. The tilt backward design enables users to open the rear gates without detaching the hitch rack. User can fold up the rack when not in use. Smart idea to save space!

Protective Design: Your vehicle and bikes can be significantly protected from scratches with impregnated fitting hooks, EVA pads on the frame and EVA pads under alloy buckles.

Installation & Foldability: Requiring little assembling, this trunk mounted bike rack can be set up and installed in seconds with ABS adjusting knobs to adjust the angle and can also be folded down easily for storage when not used.

Universal Fitment: This car bicycle rack fits most sedans, minivans & SUVs except for 4x4 with a rear mounted wheel, and suits most mountain, road, kids bikes & bikes with large diameter top tubes thanks to flexible and tough clamps.

Durable Construction: Made of heavy duty steel and featuring TPR clamps & anti-degradation polyester straps with alloy buckles which allow micro-adjustment for perfect tie-down, this bike rack can provide reliable use & utmost security.

3-Bike Capacity: This Fieryred bike rack for car is engineered to accommodate 3 bikes up to 128 lbs at a time and the adjustable clamps can effectively reduce bike to bike interference.

10 Mockins Bike Carrier
Our Score:
8.0
Mockins

🏍️ The hitch bike rack is 73.5” long X 31.5" wide X 5.5” with a total weight of 61 lbs & can load bikes with tires up to 5" wide. The hitch mounted bike carrier is finished with an anti rust coating for many years of use

🏍️ The bike rack and ramp is made from heavy duty steel and can haul capacities up to 500 pounds. The carrier also includes a pair of ratchet straps to help secure your ride

🏍️ Can to be used on all vehicles with a 2 inch hitch receiver so you can save space on your truck and enjoy your wheels in style. Includes a bonus hitch stabilizer to eliminate noise and wobble.

🏍️ Nuestra Portamotocicleta Negra de Enganche ayuda a transportar su motocicleta, se puede utilizar en todo vehículo que tenga un enganche de 50.8 mm. Hecha con acero resistente y una capa antioxidante, fácil de instalar para hacer su viaje fácil y seguro transportando su motocicleta. Los accesorios incluidos son 4 correas de trinquete, 4 correas de conexión, y un estabilizador de anti-traqueteo de enganche de carga. Lim: 500 lbs. Dim: 1867 mm x 800 mm x 140 mm

🏍️ Anti tilt feature with 4 heavy duty ratchet straps and 4 loop straps to prevent your bike from shaking and wobbling during transit to avoid any damage or scratches to your motorized bike. A carry bag for the straps is also included for efficient storage. ✅ Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed: 1 Year Limited Warranty - Our customers are our #1 priority. If you have a questions or concerns about your dirt bike carrier please contact us and we will resolve any issues you may have. Transport your bike with ease!

What to Look Through Prior to Selecting the best bike carrier for car?

You may be aware that purchasing something is not actually an easy action. Your everyday life will be affected if you choose the most fantastic product. What variables, though, will make this acquisition successful? Whether you're seeking for best bike carrier for car to meet your needs, you'll be wasting your own time.

Nevertheless, it would be preferable if you weren't so worried. We've enlisted the help of a team of professionals to investigate best bike carrier for car, and we've provided accurate data.

There seem to be several important considerations to make. But only a few of them are really concentrated. Here are some crucial reviews while purchasing best bike carrier for car:

Bike Frame Compatibility

The shape of your top tube is important when hanging bicycle racks. To hang your bike, you'll need to have a triangular-shaped bike frame. This is the case for both traditional mountain bikes and hardtails.
Hanging racks may not work well if your bike is a mountain bike or step-through, as well as a smaller child's bike.

Tilting Feature

A tilt-feature hitch rack is a good choice if you are like many cyclists and plan on keeping your rack attached to your car for extended time periods or want access to your rear cargo space. With the exception of a few very inexpensive options, almost all bike racks with a hitch mount have this feature. Tilting racks are able to be tilted over using a lever. This allows you to lift the rear hatch of the vehicle or open its tailgate. Tilting is possible on platform and hanging racks. However, platform racks can be tilted with bikes loaded. Hanging racks must first unload bikes. It's another reason why we like the platform rack design.

Security

Two main vulnerabilities of bike racks are theft. The bikes can be taken off the rack and the rack can be taken down. It doesn't matter if the bikes are there; racks can also be valuable items to potential thieves.
It only takes seconds for someone to steal your bicycle from the rack, whether you are going to a shop or just to get you home at night.
Your entire rack can be taken if someone is equipped with the right tools. If you don’t own a garage, this can pose a problem.

Bike Weight

Maximum bike capacity
Maximum weight capacity for a bike
If you plan on transporting heavy downhill mountain bikes or e-bikes, fat, and/or cruiser bikes, make sure to check the rack's weight limit. Each design listing will indicate the bike's maximum weight. This amount may vary greatly. For comparison, standard road and mountain bikes weigh less than 35 pounds. E-bikes, however, can be up to 50 pounds. We recommend that you upgrade to a more robust model if your weight is close to or above the max. It's worth it to avoid breaking the rack or invalidating your warranty.

Wheel Size And Tire Width Compatibility

While tire size and wheel width don't matter when selecting a hang rack, those who choose the platform design will need to ensure that their bikes fit into the provided trays. The good news? Most road or mountain bikers will not have any problems. Every platform rack in our collection can accommodate 26-to-29-inch wheels, and 3 to 4 inches under tires. Problems can arise when you go to extremes with fat bikes and kids bikes that are 12- to 24 inches in diameter or have 4- to 5-inch tires.

Mounting Systems

Two ways can you lock your bike on a mounting system are available. First and foremost is the strap system. The strap system is usually composed of an elastic or ratcheting strap that covers a portion of your bicycle. It's usually the frame in hanging racks, but it can also be used for platform racks to hold the wheels.
This is most commonly used in platform racks. It is an arm that extends from the platform to ratchet down on your bike's tires. They secure the bike to the platform. They are often reinforced with straps that run around the wheel's bottom to increase security.
The strap system is used in every hanging rack that we have seen. It's strong and reliable, but it can be damaged or broken by users. Many straps secure bikes with at least two straps at every attachment point. Your bike could fall off if the shepherd's hook is broken (which happens very rarely).

Bike Capacity

Generally speaking, platform racks are capable of holding anywhere between one and four bikes (if an extension is purchased), while hanging racks hold up to five bikes. The 1UP Recon Rack 6 can hold six bikes vertically and is a notable exception. Most riders prefer the 2-bike model, however families and those who plan to take their bikes on group rides may want to consider a hanging model with a larger capacity or one of these platform add-ons.

Ease Of Use

You've likely had to lift a mountain bike with full suspension onto a hanger rack. Or, if you have tried to Tetris on four bikes from a rack that was poorly made, then you understand the importance of ease-of-use.
Hanging racks are a great option for a common bicycle, the diamond-frame. You can lift the bike and slide it on the rack. Once it is secured, you can bungee it to the front wheel. It also gives you the opportunity to do some bicep curls before going on your ride.
A platform rack is a better choice for bikes with heavier frames or unique designs. It is easier to transport the bike because it has a lower frame. Once you get it on you won't need to move it around to make adjustments. It can be difficult to hang a bike on a rack.
The ramp is often the most cost-effective option, but it's also the most convenient. You can simply place your bike on the platform rack using this feature. This feature is great for riders with heavy bikes such as e-bikes and cruisers.

FAQs

How do I install a bike carrier for my car?

Installing a bike carrier for your car will vary depending on the type of bike carrier you have purchased. Generally, you will need to attach the bike carrier to the trunk or rear of your car, and secure the bikes onto the carrier. Refer to the instructions that came with your bike carrier for specific installation instructions.

What types of bike carriers are available?

There are a variety of bike carriers available for cars, including trunk racks, hitch racks, roof racks, and spare tire racks. Each type of bike carrier has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider which type is best for your car and your needs.

What safety features should I look for in a bike carrier?

Make sure to look for a bike carrier that has secure straps or locks to hold your bikes in place while you’re driving. Also, check to see if the bike carrier has a reflector or light to make your vehicle more visible while driving at night.

How do I know if my bike is compatible with a bike carrier?

Most bike carriers will come with instructions on what type of bike is compatible. Generally, most bike carriers will accept bikes with a wheel diameter of 26” or less and a frame size of 18” or less. To ensure compatibility, it's best to check the instructions that came with your bike carrier.

The figures we've presented here aren't all of them. Alternatively, we continuously update it as new information becomes available. It's advisable to keep in mind the points we discussed related to buying guide.

We always appreciate your feedback and handle it with the utmost importance. As a result, the most up-to-date data will come to your mind as soon as possible. You are supposed to contact us and give us your reviews as well as problems so that we will try to support you. Hope you have a pleasant shopping experience!


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

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