The Best Trunk Rack For Bikes For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Trunk Rack For Bikes
Best Trunk Rack For Bikes

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Allen Sports 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack

The Allen ZNUC2 Ultra-compact 2-bike carrier has all of the benefits of a full-featured bicycle carrier, in addition to the ease of use and convenience of Allen's revolutionary folding design. Read Review

2. Best For Price: Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Trunk Rack

The completely constructed and patented design of the Allen Premier Rack makes assembly possible in a matter of seconds. When not in use, the rack can be folded entirely flat with one hand and snaps into position immediately after being removed from the packaging. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: Saris Bike Racks

This trunk rack guarantees that nothing gets damaged. At the same time, it is being transported by providing features such as ratchet straps that keep your bike firmly to the rack arms, an innovative anti-sways feature, and articulated rubber feet that protect your vehicle's finish. Read Review

4. Best Effective: Tyger Auto Deluxe 3-Bike Rack.

This deluxe rack features soft cradles to protect your bike frame and secure your bikes with OE standard black E-Coating for rust resistance. When not in use, the foldable carry arms make it easy to store away. Get ready for miles of adventure! Read Review

5. Best Adjustable: Bell Cantilever 300 3-Bike Trunk Rack

Have a cycling adventure with the Bell Cantilever 300 3-Bike Trunk Rack. Made of heavy-duty, non-corrosive steel with a powder-coated finish, this 3-bike rack is designed to transport your bikes securely. Read Review

Are you looking for the perfect bike rack for your car? You've come to the right place! Whether you're planning a long road trip or need an easy way to transport your bike to the park, the best trunk rack for bikes is the best option. With a trunk rack, you'll be able to transport your bike without worrying about additional weight or storage space. Not only are trunk racks easy to install and use, but they also offer a secure way to transport your bike.

Many trunk rack options are available, so it's essential to research and finds the one that best fits your needs. We'll discuss different types of trunk racks, their features and benefits, and how to choose the best one for you. So, let's start finding the perfect trunk rack for your bike!

After nearly -research hours, we think the best trunk rack for bikes is Allen Sports 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack. It is built on a sturdy steel frame, and when it's not being used, it's pretty easy to move about and store. Or you can check the Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Trunk Rack as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Allen Sports 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
Our Score:
9.9
Allen Sports

The ZNUC2 is built on a sturdy steel frame, and when it's not being used, it's pretty easy to move about and store. Your bicycle will be protected and kept safe with the help of dual compound tie-down cradles. The tie-downs are mounted in a stationary position on the carry arm; nevertheless, they swivel to accommodate a wide variety of bicycle frames, both in size and appearance. On the other hand, some of the nuts, bolts, and other components may rust if you use them in a location that gets a lot of rain.

The innovative construction of the tiny racks enables them to be installed on most cars, SUVs, hatchbacks, and minivans. Additionally, the racks can be folded to a size comparable to that of a shoe box. The ease of carrying and storing your bike rack when it is not in use is greatly improved due to this feature. The main spine of Allen Ultra Compact Racks is equipped with a sizable and cushioned TPR landing pad, which serves two purposes: it protects your bicycles while in transit and keeps the bikes away from your vehicle.

TOP Choice #2 Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Trunk Rack
Our Score:
9.7
Allen Sports

Your vehicle will be protected while also benefiting from the comprehensive profile and dual compound vehicle feet that assist in dispersing the load of the rack and the bicycles. The feet are a rigid black plastic that engages with the frame and a pliable gray substance that shields your vehicle's finish. Rubber cradle straps that are not only long-lasting but also resistant to ultraviolet light can swiftly keep your bicycle in place and work with various tube sizes.

During transport, your bicycles will be kept in pristine condition thanks to the tie-downs, which have a plush cradle bed. The carry arms of the S-102 are designed to handle a wide variety of bicycle frames in terms of style and size. The rack can accommodate most conventionally sized adult bicycles and the edges of most women's and children's bikes.

There can be a bit of difficulty attaching the rack to the trunk of the vehicle. The situation calls for some skill in striking a balance. Make sure that the straps are pulled in as tightly as possible.

TOP Choice #3 Saris Bike Racks
Our Score:
9.6
Saris

This product has spring buckles and vinyl-coated hooks that provide a tight attachment to the vehicle, allowing for a speedy and straightforward installation of the bones. The arched shape is suitable for virtually any automobile, from compact cars to minivans and even the most spoilered sports cars. Your bicycles are not only easily accessible but also simple to secure on the rack because it is fastened on the trunk. Even though it may obscure the view of the rear lights, this bike rack does an excellent job.

Because there is no requirement for you to lift anything above your head, twist, balance, or have anything, you can save your energy for the trip. The bones rack is the most durable option because it is manufactured from a high-strength plastic that is entirely recyclable. Injection-molded arms and legs will not rust and can easily support up to three bicycles. They can also separate the bicycles on different levels to provide the highest confidence that the bikes will not rub or contact each other while transported. 

4 Tyger Auto Deluxe 3-Bike Rack.
Our Score:
9.5
Tyger Auto

Need to travel with your bike? The Tyger Auto Deluxe 3-Bike Rack is the perfect solution for you! The soft cradles protect your bike frame and quickly secure your bike. Plus, the OE standard black E-Coating helps ensure rust resistance, and our foldable carry arms make it easy to store when not in use. 

Designed to fit three bikes up to 99 lbs in capacity, this handy bike rack is constructed with sturdy materials for reliable support and optimal safety. The padded lower frame keeps bicycles away from vehicles, and the included safety strap ensures your bikes are securely fastened.

This rack is 100% assembled and fits most Sedans/Hatchbacks/Minivans and SUVs, so you can easily transport up to three bicycles. The soft rubber cradles ensure that your bike won't get scratched or damaged during transport, while its adjustable straps provide a secure fit. However, it would be best to remember that this rack couldn't fit vehicles with rear spoilers.

Get ready to hit the trails with the Bell Cantilever 300 3-Bike Trunk Rack. This heavy-duty and non-corrosive steel bike rack is designed for years of rugged use, with a powder-coated finish for added protection. It securely holds up to three bikes, so you can easily take your family or friends out on an adventure. Once the bicycles are loaded, the only drawback is that it will be rather tricky to raise your vehicle's rear gate.

This bike rack includes security straps that you can adjust to provide a semi-custom fit for your vehicle. It can accommodate up to three bikes for adults or children, and its lightweight design makes it easy to transport and store. With a lower portion of the rack frame that must contact the rigid, solid metal parts of the vehicle, you can trust that your bikes will be securely transported. Its adjustable arms can easily hold different-sized bikes and are compatible with most vehicles – even those with spare tires, luggage racks, spoilers, and bumper skirts.

6 Allen Sports Premier 4-Bike Trunk Rack
Our Score:
9.3
Allen Sports

The wholly constructed and patented design of the Allen Premier Rack makes assembly possible in a matter of seconds. When not in use, the rack can be folded entirely flat with one hand and snaps into position immediately after being removed from the packaging. Rubber cradle straps that are not only long-lasting but also resistant to ultraviolet light can swiftly keep your bicycle in place and work with various tube sizes. During transport, your bikes will be held in pristine condition thanks to the tie-downs, which have a plush cradle bed.

Your vehicle will be protected while also benefiting from the comprehensive profile and dual compound vehicle feet that assist in dispersing the load of the rack and the bicycles. The S-104 has a bottom foot that is particularly wide, which contributes to its ability to hold the weight of up to four bikes fully. On the other hand, the frame is prone to movement over the bumps, so you will need to tighten it carefully.

7 Hollywood Racks F4 Trunk Mount Rack
Our Score:
9.1
Hollywood Racks

With the Hollywood Racks F4 Trunk Mount Rack, you can transport heavy loads with complete peace of mind. The F4 Rack is designed to function with a customized fit on the trunk or bumper of most cars, SUVs, and minivans, thanks to its unique dual-positioning trunk/bumper system. This rack is constructed with extra-heavy-duty steel tubing and fasteners and can transport up to four bicycles.

Additionally, it has an integrated tie-down strap, which provides additional protection for your load. The Rack also features motorbike tie-down buckles and extra side straps to guarantee that even the heaviest cargo is safely accommodated. It will be sent to you wholly completed and folds down into a compact size for simple storage. The performance of this product is of good quality, and it will provide you with excellent experiences even though it is pretty expensive.

More To Consider

What to Look For in a best trunk rack for bikes?

Looking for the best trunk rack for bikes requires consideration of many criteria. Product learning varies in type, feature, and customer ranking. Overall, it comes with several difficulties in buying. So, we are available to support you occasionally.

It is beneficial for you to have a closer look at the things below to evaluate and then choose which one is suitable:

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

FAQs

What is a trunk rack for bikes?

A1: A trunk rack for bikes is a device that attaches to the rear of a vehicle to hold and transport one or more bicycles.

What types of vehicles can I use a trunk rack for?

A2: Trunk racks are designed to fit onto most types of vehicles including cars, SUVs, vans, and hatchbacks.

How do I install a trunk rack?

A3: Most trunk racks require the installation of straps or hooks onto the vehicle. The straps or hooks then attach to the frame of the trunk rack. Once the frame is in place, the bike can be loaded onto the rack.

How many bikes can I carry with a trunk rack?

A4: The number of bikes a trunk rack can carry depends on the size and design of the rack you have. Generally, most trunk racks can carry up to three bikes.

Are trunk racks secure?

A5: Yes, trunk racks are designed to be secure. Most racks have straps or hooks that attach to the vehicle, as well as straps that secure the bike to the rack.

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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

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