There is nothing better than you and the open road while on a bicycle; just you, a wide opened bike trail, and nothing but time to test your skills, endurance levels, and to be at one with nature. There is something innately satisfying about a long bike ride, either alone or with friends, which brings out the competitor in you to conquer the trail.
There can be one hitch in this feeling, however, and that is when that open road is outside your jurisdiction. Unless you own a pick-up truck, it can be difficult to transport your bike (or bikes) to each of those trails you want to conquer. Maybe there isn’t room for your bike aboard the back of your vehicle due to other items taking the top spot or there isn’t enough clearance between the roof of your vehicle and the floor to safely store your bike. This is especially true if you drive a smaller vehicle due to living in a bigger metropolitan area and it is impossible, not to mention impractical, to bike to the locations of the trails.
Table Of Contents
Best Bicycle Hitch Rack Comparisons
Brand | Details |
|---|---|
 Kuat Racks Trio - Fork Mount Carrier | |
 Thule 9034XTB T2 Pro XT 2 Bike | |
 Allen Sport Deluxe 4 | |
 Thule 944 T2 Classic 2 Bike Rack |
Diving Deeper
There is one product on the market today that can help with this problem and that is a bicycle hitch rack; a solid metal rack that installs on the back of your vehicle through the use of hitch and can safely transport up to three bikes at one time (depending on the model). So the purpose of this article today is to narrow down of the best bicycle hitch racks that can have you riding those open trails before you know it!
Ease of Installation
Before even looking at what model of bicycle hitch rack to purchase or considering how many bikes you need to transport, the most important thing to consider is the ease of installation. A well-made bicycle hitch rack should be easily installed onto the hitch of your vehicle without any fuss or considerable effort. It shouldn’t be something that you need a full toolbox for or a product that can’t be used unless you visit your local vehicle service shop.
The bicycle hitch rack should be easily lifted into place by a single person or a two-person maximum and can be held in place with the use of a support. The top models will have the option to be moved downwards of the vehicle or swung to the side in order to access the trunk space. If you want to remove the bicycle hitch rack from the back of your vehicle upon returning home, this shouldn’t be an issue and simply take a couple tools from your bike tool kit to loosen the bolts holding it place. It should also be something that can be stored with ease within your garage and not take up valuable floor space.
To find out how easy the bicycle hitch rack you are interested in can be installed, make sure to read reviews that are offered on bicycling blogs and global biking group websites. You can also read the reviews on the website for the brand of the bicycle hitch itself, but keep in mind some negative reviews can be censored or deleted by the company.
Model/Features/How Many Bikes Need Transport
The next thing to consider when looking at different bicycle hitch racks is to narrow down what model would be the best fit for your lifestyle. If you’re an avid cyclist and use your bicycle hitch rack on a frequent basis than you want one that can withstand the elements of the weather and handle the weight of your bike without strain. The model should rest several inches from the back of your vehicle to avoid nicks or scratches in the paint and not touch the back hatch door or trunk in any way.
Another thing to consider is the features offered in a particular model from a particular brand. Can be installed easily without effort (as mentioned above), can it handle multiple bikes, does it feature individual slots for the tires of each bicycle? What about the fact that some bicycle hitch racks require the removal of the front tire of your bicycle, which can be an annoyance for many, or perhaps there is options to swing the bicycle hitch rack from side to side or lower the platform to easily offload the bicycles without having to lift them up and over the hitch rack itself.
Don’t purchase the first product that fits your budget but instead browse through numerous models within your budget to determine what would be the best bicycle hitch rack for your needs.
Customer Service
As with any purchase or investment, it is important that the brand you choose to purchase offers competitive customer service for each individual. If it is a company that you have had dealings with in the past, then you know what their customer service rating is and if it can be better or worse in your mind.
You want a company that puts the customer first, not the commission. Look for a company with positive reviews online in terms of their customer service and visit business bureau websites to see what their official rating on a company would be. On these sites, you can also search through complaints lodged against the company and how it was handled.
You want a company that offers the following in customer service:
Top 5 Bicycle Hitch Rack Reviews
Kuat Racks Trio - Fork Mount Carrier
This bicycle hitch rack has been listed as many editor choice racks, for multiple publications, during its tenure on the market. With a sturdy design that can carry up to three bicycles at one time, this bicycle hitch rack is on the pricier side, but offsets the cost by offering a foot assist feature so you never have to lift the bicycle into place which reduces the possibility of nicks in the paint of your vehicle.
This model also comes complete with a Trail Doc work stand, so if repairs are needed to your bicycle while you are on that open trail, you are covered without having to lay your bike down into the dirt. This model requires no tools for installation and instead can be simply secured in place onto the hitch of your vehicle, using an improved cable locking mechanism to hold everything in place.
Kuat also offers a No Worries warranty on your purchase, so if it isn’t everything promised, you aren’t stuck with an expensive product gathering dust in the corner of your garage.
Pros
Cons
Thule 9034XTB T2 Pro XT 2 Bike
The Thule 9034XTB T2 Pro XT 2 is the king of bicycle hitch racks. It is a very expensive item but the reviews stand to the price by earning five star reviews and a steady spot on any publication’s recommendation list for bicycle hitch racks. This bicycle hitch rack features tool-free installation, a hitch-switch lever to easily move the rack around even while installed onto the vehicle, and a frame free ratcheting arm too easily but securely hold the bicycles in place when used with the cable lock and knob system that comes complete with this purchase.
This model also features deep enough grooves to fit mountain bike tires without needing any add-ons and can handle the tires of a bicycle up to five inches in height. With the grooves designed to leave approximately a foot of space between each bicycle, it is no wonder that this model makes the top reviewed each time.
Pros
Cons
Allen Sport Deluxe 4
This bicycle hitch rack has not only garnered a four and a half star rating on Amazon, it is also picked as the Amazon Choice when it comes to the Allen Sport products. This bicycle hitch rack comes complete with twenty-two inch carrying arms to safely and securely store your bicycles for transport. With a decent amount of space between the vehicle and the rack itself, you never have to worry about damages to either item and instead can complete your drive with a clear mind.
To further ease your mind about transporting your bicycles using this hitch rack, you are protected by the patented Allen Tie-Down system, which allows for easy and efficient strapping down. The carrying arms can also be moved out of the way when you have to get into the trunk space of your vehicle, so there is no need to install and remove this product unless you choose to.
Pros
Cons
Thule 944 T2 Classic 2 Bike Rack
There is a reason that classic models are still loved today and can be deemed classics, and that is because they have proven their worth by still holding their own against the flashier models of today. This is the case in the Thule 944 T2 Classic 2 Bike Rack, which securely holds two bicycles on the back of your vehicle for that next adventure. Using a free ratching arm, this model secures both bikes without coming close to the frame of either one, saving them from expensive damage. The bike mounts located on this bike hitch rack are free-standing, so there is no interference if you want to load one bike or two on this rack. With its durable construction and solid back color, it is no wonder that a large number of people still purchase this classic rack today. Fitting bike tires ranging from 20 to 29 inches, it doesn’t matter if you have a standard road bike or a mountain bike or an off-trail bike meant to go places others can’t; you are covered.
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
Regardless of the recommendations given in this article today, the bicycle hitch rack that you choose to purchase should suit your every need and fulfill your every want when it comes to a bicycle hitch rack. Don’t settle for the first cheap model you stumble across or you might find yourself spending more money in repairs to both your vehicle and bicycle.
Choose a product that will safely and securely transport all the bicycles you need to bring to a certain location. Don’t let something as easily conquered as distance stop you from hitting those trails that you know will challenge you and make you a more accomplished bicyclist. Consult with other bikers in your area or visit your local bicycle shop to discuss the pros and cons of bicycle hitch racks with the experts. You might even find that you would prefer a different model altogether such as roof rack or you might consider purchasing a utility trailer that caries your bikes and camping supplies for those long weekend getaways. Enjoy those open trails with the sun beaming in your face and the breeze ruffling your hair under the helmet to live in the moment.