Best Bike Rack for the Money – 2025

Cycling is one of the most popular hobbies around the world and people like bicycling wherever they go. The only thing that troubles them is carrying their bike along when they are traveling in their car or any other vehicle. However now different types of bike racks have come which can easily be attached to your vehicle and carry your bikes along. These racks can easily be attached to any automobile over which the bikes can be mounted and carried along in an easy way.

The place where the racks are to be attached depends on the type of vehicle you are traveling in. These racks can easily be placed and removed from any vehicle without causing any changes or damage to their body. For cars, these racks are fixed over the roof, rear trunk or the rear tow hitch. Other than cars, you can easily fix these racks on other vehicles like auto, pickup truck, RV or a SUV.

The big question is, What’s The best bike rack for your vehicle? but before going in to details I want to tell you that you can also read article about Best Motorcycle Helmets too on my blog.

Types of Best Bike Rack

There are many options for bike racks on the market today. This only makes the selection process even harder. Among all the options, you should pick the rack that is best suited for your needs and the type of bike that you have. There are generally four different types of bike racks that you can choose from. To make a good decision, you should know what each bike rack is.

1. Roof Mounted Bicycle Racks. Many people prefer these because they can be used to store and transport bikes conveniently. The rack is mounted on top of the roof of the car. Some models of the roof mounted bike rack can complement an already present roof rack on the car. However, some car models work better without a roof rack.

2. Trunk Mounted Bicycle Racks. These are ideal for transporting the bike on short travels. These are also popular for being affordable. In fact, these are the cheapest types of bicycle racks on the market. By being stored in the trunk, the bike is perfectly hidden from rocks and debris. This can keep the bike safe.

3. Hitch Bicycle Racks. These enable hitching of the bike as a convenient arrangement. However, the car should be installed with a hitch or a receiver. Some hitch racks are solidly placed to the back of the car which can secure the bike. Other types of hitch racks are installed in a swinging manner. These are convenient for getting access to the back of the car. These racks can secure the bike.

4. Truck Bed Bicycle Racks. These make use of the bed of your truck. The truck bed can accommodate more than two bikes. These work for the security and protection of the bikes. However, the bikes will consume the space on the truck beds. When you travel with bikes, you cannot bring many items with you.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Bike Racks

1. Roof Mounted Bicycle Racks: This is a convenient arrangement because the back of the car is not blocked in any way. Secondly, the rack is complimentary to cars that already have a roof rack.

There are certain disadvantages to these racks though. First, the bicycle is bare on top of the roof, and thus exposed to the elements. Second, the bike is also prone to being damaged when hit by debris or rocks. Third, some drivers tend to forget and be careless about driving through low ceiling areas.

2. Trunk Mounted Bicycle Racks: The main advantage is that this is the most affordable rack on the market. In addition, the bike is shielded from rocks and other debris ensuring bike safety to some extent.

Some disadvantages of these racks through include the fact that the bike may continue bouncing in the trunk. The storage position is not as secure as the other types of racks. With the bike in the trunk, access to the rear hatch is blocked.

3. Hitch Bicycle Racks: The main advantage is the fact that bike security is guaranteed. In addition, the rack can be installed in a swinging manner to ensure the back of the car is still easily accessible.

The disadvantage of these racks though is that the back of the car would be inaccessible, except when you use the swinging rack.

4. Truck Bed Bicycle Racks: The main advantage of this type of rack is the fact that it allows you to travel with more than one bike comfortably, without risking damaging your bike.

The main disadvantage is the fact that it limits the items you can bring along.

Below you will find bike rack reviews for the best bike rack for each type of vehicle.

1.) Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Mounted Bike Rack

Ardent bikers do not leave their bikes while travelling far away. Whether the travel is for new biking experience or for other purposes convenience in transporting your bike on your car is the ultimate solution. A well designed bike rack is the perfect remedy to the challenge of hauling your bike with you. The Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Mounted Bike Rack is designed to meet this purpose.

Product overview:

Allen Sports Ultra Compact 1-Bike Trunk Mount Rack is manufactured by the well known Allen sports which prides in making simple high quality bike products. The rack is built on rugged steel frame and offers ease of use and that convenience of Allen’s patented folding design. It is backed by Allen’s renowned customer service and lifetime warrants.

Product features:

• Its patented ultra-Compact design of the AL and the MT racks fits most vehicles be they SUV’s, sedans, hatchbacks and minivans. This design allows you to fold the rack down to a size tinier shoe box.
• It comes with patented tie-down system which secures and protects the bike. Though these tie downs are in position on the carry arm, they rotate and thus can engage a wide range of bicycle sizes and shapes.
• It boasts of padded spine to protect the bike and the vehicle and its patented design fits a wide spectrum of vehicles. It features a large soft TPR landing pad on the main spine. This protects the bike while on transit and keeps it out off contact with the vehicle thus preventing any damage on either the vehicle or the bike.
• As part of the deal the Allen Sports Ultra Compact 1-Bike Carrier, comes with a nylon carry bag to enable you carry and protect the rack when it’s not in use.

On the overall the Allen Sports Ultra Compact 1-Bike Trunk Mount Rack is surely worth of consideration.

2.) Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack

So to the chagrin of most cycle lovers, the thought of stuffing one’s bike behind the trunk is a total NO! And for sure only the wearer of the shoe absolutely knows where it pinches. From the simpleton imagery of a hanging bike to the perturbed thoughts of theft are just some of the myriad of concerns that cyclists encounter. Well, if you want your bikes right next to your heart; safely guarded without frets, then you might want to consider a rack in particular the Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack.

This unique rack is a recent premiered model from Allen Sports with its fast set up design features and dual compound tie-down cradle, the rack has proved to be user friendly in a seamlessly flawless manner! Moreover, you will most definitely kiss your security problems goodbye. Its 100% secure and your bikes will assuredly be cudgel proof.

With a rich history of rear bike modeling, (a good 50 years! Mind you) Allen Sports have racks diversely jam-packed with innovation. For instance, the Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Trunk Rack comes with options of being mounted on both bare trunks or on spare tire carriers where the former has a new wide profile snap on feet that abates in full distribution of the bicycle load over the vehicle. Simply superb!

Below are some of its best features:

• Quick Set-up Frame: Running out time? This will be the least of your concerns. The fully assembled patented design allows one to set up in seconds and furthermore, the model can be flatly folded with absolutely one hand! The rack simply just snaps into place once from opening.
• Wide profile feet for vehicle protection: Its wide profile, dual compound feet help to distribute the load’s weight evenly across the vehicle. At the end of the day your vehicle won’t suffer damages. This is attributed by their hard black plastics that engage the rack accompanied by a soft gray material that automatically put your vehicle safe from scratches.
• Quick Secure Straps and Dual Compound Cradle: the model comes with a UV resistant rubber cradle that straps quickly and ultimately secures your bicycle in place. It can also work with a wide range of tube sizes. In addition, during transportation, bicycles are fully protected due to its tie downs which have a soft cradle board.
• Narrow Set Carry Arms: For easy installation, it also comes with an S-102’s set of carry arms that will handle a myriad of bicycle models including the conventional adult size bikes as well as most women and children’s frames.

Pros:

Solid Construction: This is one of the up-side about this new premiered set of racks. A vast majority of reviewers out there have aired on some of the erstwhile models which were quite flimsy and didn’t come with secure snap buttons but this is contrary to this particular model. The metal frames aiding in its support are firm and secondly, snap buttons are way much bigger enhancing its rigidness. Besides this, its firmness is further increased with the use of straps which run both vertically and horizontally. So on the side of built and strength, this is a thumb up for me.

Cons:

Cost: Its cost is a bit on the high side, but most assuredly, with the level of expertise invoked into this new model, one can’t just help but ignore the cash part of it. It’s also good to note that costs and quality pretty much go hand in hand. So I’d highly recommend one not to compromise costs to top notch quality products.

Just do a bit of saving; it won’t bite.

3.) Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Hitch

Are you planning an inclusive weekend or holiday excursion for you and your family or friends? A memorable excursion is well planned to integrate several activities that imbue fun and excitement. One of the best activities to participate in during outings is bike riding. However, the desire to bring along bikes in your jaunt may be inhibited by lack of space in the vehicle.

This is why Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Hitch makes a lot of sense to outing lovers. This is a vehicle-mounted bike rack that conveniently tackles the challenge of how to carry bikes to your outing spot. It is sturdy and pedantically designed to hold up to 4 bikes thus fulfilling your desire for an interactive bike riding interlude with family or friends. This bike rack has thoughtful features that ultimately promote its efficacy.

Features:

• 22 Inch Long Carry Arms and Patented Tie Down System: This securely holds up to 4 bikes with their safety guaranteed even when you are driving in bumpy roads. The tie down system is adjustable to accommodate different arrays of bicycle frame styles and sizes.
• Foldable Carry Arms: They conveniently get out of the way when the rack is not in use.
• Firm Hitch Installation: The bike rack is equipped with hardware to firmly attach it to your vehicle’s receiver hitch without any fuss; this eliminates wobbles even when the rack is loaded with 4 bicycles.
• Main Mast Designed to Tilt-Away: This allows convenient access in lift gates when the rack is installed on the vehicle.
• 2 Inch Receiver Hitch: It is designed to fit in vehicles with trailer hitches of 2 inches. However, for a vehicle fitted with spare tire to the back a trailer hitch extension can be used for convenient installation of the rack.
• Steel Metal Construction: The steel metal results in a sturdy rack that can withstand the weight of bicycles thus ensuring their safety and smooth transportation.

Final Verdict:

Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack is a must have for outing lovers who would like to revamp their outing experience with bike riding. The convenient price range of this bike rack is also a bonus.

4.) Allen Sports-Deluxe Trunk-Mount 2 Bike Rack

The Allen Sports-Deluxe Trunk-Mount 2 Bicycle Rack is one of the great solution for travelers who wish to take their bikes when they decide to go for long trips. It is very easy to store due to the way it is manufactured. Fits with almost any vehicle and for additional setup-instructions one may contact the manufacturer. Additional protection for bicycles is assured with the patented tie down technology. The powder coated material is long lasting and strong. It can hold the weight of two bicycles easily. Allens life-time warranty assures that you have the best return on the investment.

Features Of The Bike Carrier:

The patented design will enable the bike rack to fit many types of minivans, hatchbacks, sedans, and SUV’s.

• Individual tie-downs protect and secure bicycles.
• Padded lower frame keeps bicycles away from vehicle.
• Side straps for increased lateral-stability.
• Ships in Certified-Frustration-Free-Packaging.
• Comes fully assembled, set-up and installs in second.

When looking for a bike rack, the Allen bicycle rack is a no frills, get the job done kind of trunk mounted bike rack. This is an in-expensive yet very functional rack. It is made to be very simple to install and uninstall and it also has been built to protect your vehicle from scratches. The included side-straps helps mounting the carrier and keep both it and your bikes from moving around too much. Certified Frustration-Free-Packaging has a nice ring to it , actually never knew there was such a thing until reviewing this product. It may sound a little silly to millennial button us more mature folks, it sounds great. Another bonus is that when you open the box your carrier is ready to throw right on your car.

This is a great buy for someone who wants an inexpensive carrier and can do without any bells and Whistles. You also need to accept a couple of minor glitches which do have easy work around.

5.) Hollywood Racks F4 Heavy Duty 4-Bike Trunk Mount Rack

Who doesn’t need a heavy-duty bike rack when going for a biking trip while traveling in a vehicle? ‘Virtually nobody’. Getting a reliable bike rack may be tricky if you have little or no information concerning them. What about when you want to go with some friends? You will need to get a bike rack that can hold several bikes securely and that is where the Hollywood Racks F4 Heavy Duty 4-Bike Trunk Mount Rack comes in. An awesome bike rack that has received a lot of positive reviews online.

The F4 heavy-duty rack can hold up to 4 bikes at once, so its capacity is big enough to carry even your friend’s bikes. It can also be used during holidays or buy a whole family traveling using a single minivan because of its huge capacity. Since it is affordable and of good quality, buying, at least, one of them makes a lot of sense.

It has a unique rear mount strap rack different to almost all the other bike racks that only holds a maximum of three bikes. Its proprietary hardware and ultra-heavy-duty steel tubing make it much better. Regarding compatibility, it virtually fits in all vehicles and supports all bicycle designs, sizes and styles. For many years, the F4 bike rack has remained a top-seller in the Hollywood racks line-up indicating their popularity and high trust ratings from consumers.

Best Features:

• Can carry up to four bikes at once.
• It has an extra-heavy-duty hardware and steel tubing.
• It has a dual positioning bumper/trunk system that makes it fit on virtually any minivan, SUV or sedan.
• It has quality motorcycle tie-down straps.
• It supports integrated tie-down straps.
• It has extra side straps.
• It comes fully pre-assembled.
• It folds flat for stress-free storage.
• It has a day glow safety flag.

6.) Hollywood Racks E3 Trunk Mount 3-Bike Rack

The Express 3-Bike Trunk Mount Bike Rack from Hollywood Racks is a three-bike trunk-mount rack designed with the word “economical” in mind, as it was advertised by the specific company as one of the cheapest and “supposedly” most effective trunk racks. Along with it you will find adjustment tubs and six attachment straps made to help with the exact calibration of the rack to any type of car.

Best Features:

This product has some great features to boast about. Specifically one of them is that it is extremely simple to install it on your car and use it, and this is due to the fact that the amount of straps and tubs you will get along with this rack will aid you in effectively adjusting it, making it ready for action in the blink of an eye. Furthermore, another great aspect of it is that its price is incredibly low considering that you will get a solid product overall and a good amount of extras too, like the ones mentioned directly above.

Pros:

• Apart from the easy-to-adjust feature and its great price, this trunk mount bike rack has some more crucial positives we should take into consideration. First of all we should point out the fact that this mount rack can really fit a very broad number of cars and car-types, just like Hollywood Racks claims, which is probably because of the extensive adjustability it offers; the good volume of accessories it has also promote that.
• What is more, with this brand you can be sure that your car or bike will be completely safe of any potential scratches caused from it, for the reason that it features a lot of soft cradles and special cushion, precisely made to stop any scrapes from occurring in the first place.
• To the list of advantages we should also add that this bike rack is foldable. What does this mean? It means that you will face no difficulties in storing it in your house or car.
• Last but not least, a very important aspect of it is its ability to support the mounting and transportation of up to three bikes, meaning that it is specially made to carry the bikes of a whole family with no problem at all.

Cons:

• As far as the negatives are concerned, the only possible one is the fact that the quality of the material the straps are made of could be better. These and especially the fasteners included are of somewhat disappointing grade which is something to be aware of, exclusively if you are planing on making long road trips.

Conclusion:

To sum up, the Express 3 bike trunk mount bike rack produced by Hollywood Racks is a very good product worth buying. Its pros largely outweigh its cons and its great price makes it seem like a steal.

7.) Saris Kool 2-Bike Truck Bed Mount Rack

Saris Kool 2-Bike Truck Bed Mount Rack is a truck rack specifically designed and engineered to keep the bikes on it. Now, many people may think there is no need for it, but at the end of the day they realize that they needed this product when they see their truck bed damaged or bike pedals and paint is damaged. This rack can carry two bikes simultaneously and hence it is useful to take in your truck even when you have your friend along. This rack is ideal if you want to go cycling but cant find a cool place near your home. You can just install the rack and take your bike along to that cool place you found.

Best features:

• It is made up of 100% recyclable and non rusting materials: This because you can recycle the rack once its life is over and also eco friendly. And it does not rust also which gives it longer life.
• It’s hydraulic pump with quick release valve: If you need to remove the rack quickly for any reason, you can without any fuss.
• It’s design and cool look: It has a very good design such that it doesn’t let the bikes fall or vibrate or make any noise while transporting. Along with that, it blends in with your truck and gives a cool look as an accessory.
• Rubber grips to adhere on metal surface: It makes sure your bike stays in place and upright.
• Wide range of trucks support that is 50-74 inch bed support: If you buy a new truck or going in friend’s truck, it will fit in.

Pros:

• It’s has quick release skewers and fork blocks which hold the bike easily.
• It is easy to install and easier to remove from your truck.
• It is made up of light weight materials so you will not have to strain your muscles in moving it.
• Does not occupy lot of space and easy to transport or store when not in use.

Cons:

There are no specific cons but some users mention that it is not possible to carry heavy bikes on bumpy tracks so that the rack may get damaged. Also few people have very minor issues with clamps loosening. But I have not experienced anything of it.

Conclusion:

If you love your truck and your bike, definitely go for it, Full value for money.

8.) Thule Passage 2 Bike Trunk Mount Carrier

The Thule Passage 2 Bike Trunk Mount Carrier is a carrier that has been receiving positive reviews of satisfaction from many users. It is professionally designed to do its job efficiently. The trunk mount carrier is a great option for those with cars that do not have a tow bar. They are uniquely designed to hold your bikes firmly during their transportation.

This is a bike carrier designed to be mounted on the hatchback or trunk of your vehicle. It holds your bikes firmly and steadily while not scratching or spoiling them. It can carry up to three bikes without a hassle. The carrier contains various features that ensure that your vehicle remains unharmed and unscratched. The trunk mount carrier comes with the following features.

Features:

• Fit dial system of adjustment – This is a system that helps in firm fit of the carrier to the vehicle. This makes sure that your bikes remain firmly attached to your vehicle.
• 6 straps of attachment – The straps help in securely mounting the bike rack on your vehicle. They are many enough to offer reliable support of attachment.
• Double support arms – The support arms firmly holds your bicycles and are adjustable to ensure that they can hold most types of bicycle arms stably. They can also be folded down when not in use.
• Cushioned anti-sways – The anti-sways prevents any sways of the bikes while avoiding any abrasions.
• Carriage of 3 bikes – The carriage can hold up to 3 bikes firmly without failing.
• Rubber pads – The carrier contains soft rubber pads on its base so as to prevent any scratching or abrasion of your vehicle.

Thule Passage Trunk Mount Carrier basically ensures that your bicycles are safely carried without any damages. Using the rack to carry the bikes of your family leaves you enjoying the following benefits.

9.) Thule Insta-Gater Truck Bed Cycle Rack

The Thule Insta-Gater Truck Bed Bike Rack is an excellent bike rack that will offer you high quality services that you will definitely love. It is very ergonomic and has a quick loading system that makes it very reliable and convenient. The device is also very compatible and can easily be installed as it requires no bolting or drilling. This is one of the best bed bike racks that will guarantee you the best services ever. It is also able to carry up to 50lbs and you need to ensure that the tailgate gap doesn’t exceed half inch. Get it today and it will amaze you with its excellent services.

Features:

Easy installation – It is always very elementary to install the Thule Insta-Gater Truck Bed Bike Rack. This is because it needs no bolting or drilling when installing it in the pick-up bed. Besides these, it requires no frame contact and the removal of the wheels. This therefore implies that it saves on time and even cash as you don’t have to hire a specialist to install it.

Compatibility – The device is a single key compatible. This makes it very user-friendly and reliable. It also has a ratcheting quick loading system that enables it to offer the ultimate services. This is the best bed bike rack that you will definitely love.

It is very strong – The bed bike rack is very strong as it is able to carry a weight of up to 50lbs. This therefore implies that it can always carry more than you may expect. It fits wheels ranging as from 20-29 inches for bikes as wide as 3 inches wide tires. This is just more than you may expect from this excellent device. It will always serve you at its best.

Besides the above features, you should always ensure that the gap of the truck’s tailgate-bed is more than half an inch. You can also use up to 3 Insta-Gaters on the tailgates with above 51 inches.

These are some of the umpteen reasons why you need this classic rank. It works perfects and suitable for all trucks. Despite its high quality nature, it is pocket friendly.

10.) Tow Tuff 2-in-1 Cargo Carrier with Bike Rack

Adventure freaks who like to ride their way through different terrains and explore new places  accompanied by their beloved bikes, are always on the lookout for credible and dependable bike racks to make transportation of their bikes hassle free. Making your own travel arrangements with regards to the artillery,
meaning the ‘bikes’ in this particular case has its own advantages associated with it. Having said that, finding a good bike rack could prove to be a daunting task and to make that task easier we have an option one ought to consider, the Tow Tuff 2-in-1 Aluminium Cargo Carrier with Bike Rack. It proves to be a dual purpose asset which works both like a cargo carrier and a dependable bike rack, which facilitates all hauling needs an individual might have.

Features:
One of the best features of this particular product, is probably the high credibility with regards to the light weight aluminium used to manufacture the product, which is capable of holding large loads, accompanied by its durable nature they helps it last long. This sets it apart from the other heavy weight products of the same genre. The bike rack measures 27″ x 62″ x 3″ deep catering to a spacious comfort filled experience. The bike rack can house 4 bikes efficiently with the help of effective clamping mechanism facilitated by adjustable wheel holders and tie-down holes. Like mentioned earlier, by simply manipulating some pin systems the bike rack can be modified to a multi-purpose cargo carrier. The best part is that all this can be very easily attached and detached to the prime mover, which in this case could be any powerful automotive.

Pros:
The first thing that puts this product on a different orbit altogether when compared to other steel versions of product of similar genres is the light weight and durable add-on that use of aluminium caters to it. Like mentioned the dual purpose application of the product as a carrier as well as a conventional bike rack provides it with a cutting edge over all its competitors. It houses 4 bikes quite comfortably. Also, adventure junkies will understand the importance of this 2-in-1 bike rack more than anyone else, in crunch times it could prove to be the perfect rescue aid. All this comes at an affordable price accompanied by 1 year limited manufacturer’s part warranty.

Cons:
It does come with certain issues. Use of straps is inevitable, thus tolling the completeness aspect of the product on offer. Bikes could wobble at times if the supporting straps falter. It could get one in to complicating situations with regards to the strapping on and off chores. Packaging after effects could also
hamper the functionality, so better check on delivery the condition of the product entirely. Other than it works fine, but for those who have issues dealing with complications of strapping mentioned earlier, it could be very irritating at times.

In totality, it is a good product which has a lot of positive attributes incorporated in its functioning and not to forget the affordable cost it comes with. The steel versions are cheaper but heavy. Also might deter in quality and effectiveness with passing time. By and large this bike rack cum cargo carrier is a good buy and a trustworthy partner on thrilling adventure trails.

11.) Yakima Beddy Jo 2 Cycle Truck Bed Mount Carrier 

Here is a well-researched truckload of truck bed bike review, after an unlimited deal of checking the product features and most significantly analysing customer’s feedback it has been clear that the Yakima BeddyJo 2-Bike Truck Bed Mount Rack is the winner in more ways than others.

When you look at the bike accessories and bike racks, Yakima can certainly be considered as the best brands out in the marketplace. When you look at the price, ruggedness and durability of Yakima beddy, it is at par with most other recognized leading brands. But can the same thing be said about the BeddyJo 2-Bike Truck Bed Mount Rack? Only way to find out is to keep on reading what this one has to offer.

Features:

Here are the some of the features that the Yakima Beddy Jo Bike Truck Bed Mount Rack has for its customers:

• It has some good unique features that make the Yakima Beddy Jo Truck Bed Bike Rack’ more flexible and user friendly.
• The Yakima beddy Jo rack system is easy to install and make use of the rack system. There are precisely designed straps that can hold the rack system ultra-tight against tailgate by being firmly anchored between the truck and the tailgate.
• The Yakima Beddy Jo has sustenance of up to 2 bikes at a single time.
• It showcases a truck bed rack system that is unique and can fit varying truck sizes from the compact, to the mid-range all the way to the full-sized trucks.
• It is very informal to install, and it does not have any tools compulsory for you to do the installation. It can also work closely with bed liners.
• This unit’s fork bike mount design has a 9 millimeters long throw skewer to maximize its stability and rigidity. To protect your truck’s paint, it has soft foam pads for that purpose.
• It features the bike Wonder Wedge that enables it for everything to be in a stable state during transport without needing drilling holes.
• The bike rack weighs about 8.8 lbs. and measures 36 x 15 x 9 Inches.
• There is also an optional locking incorporated system that is bought distinctly but it is perhaps easier to buy a worthy locking cable and then loop it through the frames and front wheels and locks them to the truck to keep your bikes secure and safe.