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BIKE RACKS 101

When it comes to hitting the road with your beloved bikes, the possibilities are endless. With a variety of bike rack options available, you can find the perfect match for your bike style, vehicle type, cargo needs, and adventure preferences. So, gear up and explore the world with confidence, knowing that we've got the right bike rack solution for you.

 


Types of Bike Mounts and Racks

Hitch Rack – Tray Style


Easiest to load and stow.

Vertical Hitch Rack


Can carry up to 6 mountain bikes.

Hitch Rack - Mast Style


Can carry up to 5 bikes.

Trunk Rack


Easy to store when not in use.

Roof Mount


Low profile, keeps hitch receiver open.


The Two Main Carry Options:

Rear of Car Bike Rack

REAR OF CAR

Easy to load and stable with their hold, hitch-mount bike racks let you load your bikes without lifting them overhead or removing a wheel. They require a rear tow hitch, and you’ll need to ensure your hitch size is compatible with the rack you select.

Top of Car Bike Rack

TOP OF CAR

Roof mounted bike racks keep your bikes out of the way, allowing free access to your vehicle’s trunk area and keeping a compact footprint when parking. They require a crossbar system, which also allows for additional rack options—like a cargo box or other sport-specific mounts.


Bike Rack Comparison


Hitch Tray Rack


$$$

HIGHLIGHTS

Pros

  • No bike-to-bike contact on most hitch tray racks
  • Fits a range of bike types
  • Simple loading and unloading
  • Easy trunk access on tilt and swing model racks

CONSIDERATIONS

Cons

  • Vehicle hitch receiver required
  • 2-bike limit on light-duty hitches (1.25” receivers)
  • Increases overall vehicle length
  • Some models reduce trunk access

Hitch Mast Rack


$$

Pros

  • Can carry up to 5 bikes
  • Easy trunk access on tilt and swing model racks

Cons

  • Bikes may have contact with each other
  • Some frame designs will require TubeTop for compatibility

Roof Bike Mount


$$

Pros

  • Securely mounts bikes by the fork or front wheel
  • Unrestricted truck access
  • Roof Bike Mounts can be easily swapped out seasonally with other mounts such as ski, water, or cargo

Cons

  • Requires lifting bike overhead
  • Reduces vertical clearance
  • Requires a roof rack on top of the vehicle

Trunk Bike Rack


$

Pros

  • Portable, removable, and easy to store
  • Folds flat and easily stash-able
  • Lower cost

Cons

  • Impedes access to trunk or hatch
  • Bikes may require TubeTop accessory
  • Not compatible with all vehicles
  • Limited load capacity

Hitting the Road, Family Style

Hitch Mast


Simple to install and load, the BackRoad is an inexpensive hitch mast option that delivers the goods for family weekends on two wheels. The BackRoad lets you load up more bikes, with less hassle, thanks to its 2-Bike and 4-Bike options.

Party of Six? Your Rack is Ready

Vertical


Sometimes the best approach is to get vertical. The HangOver vertical hitch mountain bike rack is the go-to option for shuttle runs and buddy rides. So many bikes, so little worry.

Up Top, Out of the Way

Roof Mounted


Roof mounted racks hold bikes securely by the front wheel or fork, avoiding potential frame damage. Easily adjustable to accommodate different wheel sizes, they’re ideal for riders with a range of bikes.


Need More Help? Check Out Support Articles

Can I carry e-bikes?

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Can I carry e-bikes?

Nulla et vehicula ligula. Curabitur fermentum turpis porttitor vulputate va.

READ MORE >


Mountain Bike Racks

Modern mountain bikes require support somewhere other than the top tube—either at the fork crown via a Vertical rack, or at the wheels with a Tray style.

Road Bikes

No matter what style of road bike you have—or if you have more than one—we have a rack that will work. Both roof mounted and hitch tray style bike racks deliver safety and security for your ride, and offer you a choice of carrying your bike via the frame, fork or the front wheel.

Family Friendly Bike Racks

From National Park road trips to bike-friendly weekends, hitch mast styles are a solid value. Safe, secure, and with the ability to carry multiple bikes (up to 5 on certain models), they are a go-to for families seeking an easy loading, durable option.

Trunk Racks

Portable and versatile, trunk racks are a great option for occasional use. Easy to switch between different vehicles, they are also typically less expensive.

Truck Bed Carry

Trucks can carry a lot of stuff! Adding a secure bike rack option to transport your bike just ups the ante on fun, helping turn your pick-up bed into a multi-sport tool.