It’s hard to believe after the neverending winter most of the country experienced, but we just finally (finally!) marked the official beginning of spring here in the northern hemisphere. That also means the start of the outdoor season (unless you’re the sort of masochist who relishes hiking, kayaking, cycling, and the like in sub-zero temperatures). What’s wrong with you?
Whatever brand of adventuring you’re into, you no doubt have plenty of gear to tote on your upcoming excursions. That means you need a way to transport all that gear safely and, if you’re a cyclist, you need a way to transport your two-wheeler from the garage to the trail. From hitch-mounted bike racks to specialized e-bike racks to more traditional roof-based alternatives, here are the best bike racks worth buying in 2023.
Best upright roof-mounted bike rack
Yakima HighRoad Upright Bike Mount
For a roof-mounted wheels-on solution, Yakima’s HighRoad Upright Bike Mount is as simple as it gets. It’s versatile enough to accommodate tires between 26-29 inches in diameter and up to 3.25 inches wide. The built-in locks protect your two-wheel investment, while the contact-free design helps protect your vehicle, too.
Best wheel-off roof bike rack
Thule OutRide Roof Bike Rack
For solo riders who appreciate an even more streamlined solution, there’s Thule’s OutRide Roof Bike Rack. The fork-mount design provides secure transport for one bike with a quick-release wheel strap to lock the rear wheel firmly in place. It’s adaptable to a variety of two-wheelers, including those with Quick Release axles, disc brakes, and up to three-inch-wide tires. Plus, it fits most factory vehicle roof racks and all Thule roof rack systems.
Best hitch-mounted double bike rack
1UP USA Equip-D Double Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
If money is no object, 1UP USA’s deceptively simple Equip-D Bike Rack is among the best on the market. The company has built something of a cult-like following in recent years with racks that are remarkably durable, versatile, and easy to use. The Equip-D Double features a hitch-mounted, clamping design with no straps, hooks, or other adjustments, making it dead-simple to transport your favorite two-wheelers. A smart tiered design allows the bikes to stow closer together and high enough to stay out of the way of your vehicle’s exhaust too.
Most hatchback-friendly bike rack
Thule T2 Pro XT 2-Bike Hitch Rack
For many reasons, hitch-mounted bike racks are often more convenient than their roof-mounted counterparts. But, they can also get in the way of trunks and tailgates. Thule sidesteps this common frustration with a clever swing-arm design that swings toward the passenger side of your vehicle, allowing easy access to your trunk or rear hatch. It’s heavier and more expensive than many of the best traditional bike racks, but it’s hard to beat the convenience if you own an SUV or other hatchback.
Best universal-install bike rack
Yakima Universal ForkLift Roof-Mounted Bike Rack
For riders on a budget, Yakima’s ForkLift is one of the most basic and affordable bike racks on the market. The nine-pound frame mounts quickly and effortlessly to almost any round or square factory crossbars (i.e., most factory rack systems). It also comes ready-to-go for fat-tire bikes and those with disc brakes, and a sliding tray makes for easy positioning of the rear wheel.
Best RV-friendly bike rack
Hollywood Racks RV Rider Hitch Bike Rack
RV owners love toting plenty of gear, including everything from the best recreational kayaks to premium grills and smokers to next-gen electric bikes. The latter tends to be big, clunky, and heavy, which is why you need a serious bike rack to get them safely from A to B. Hollywood Racks’ RV Rider is a purpose-built rack designed with e-bikes in mind. It mounts to most Class 3 hitches found on everything from fifth-wheel trailers to more luxurious RV motorhomes. But what truly sets it apart is a beefy construction that supports the weight of two bikes (up to 80 pounds each), including standard bicycles, fat tire bikes, and even the bulkiest electric bikes. Plus, it’s surprisingly affordable at less than $600.
Best value bike rack
Rock Bros Vacuum Bike Mount
Traditional trunk-, hitch-, and roof-mounted bike racks have been tried and trusted for years. But, they’re often a significant investment and, for the 95% of the time when you’re not transporting your bike, they affect your vehicle’s gas mileage and can cause a lot of unwanted road noise. This Rock Bros vacuum bike mount is compact, ultra-portable, and can be removed or swapped from your vehicle in seconds. It’s also great for travel and, at less than $150, costs a fraction of what its traditional competition charges.
Best truck-mounted bike rack
Saris Bones EX 3-Bike Trunk Rack
If roof- or hitch-mounted rack solutions aren’t options, a truck mount is the best alternative. Saris’ Bones EX 3-Bike Trunk Rack boasts a clever arc design that separates each bike onto a different level and will also fit over the factory spoiler of most cars. At just 13 pounds, it’s one of the lightest on this list and one of the easiest to uninstall and reinstall when needed. Plus, the roughly $250 price tag is very approachable.
