🔥 Top 15 Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews [NEW LIST]

So, are you in need of a bike rack to travel along with your bike? Sweet! But take note that shopping for a good one might be overwhelmed and tricky; that’s why we’ve written this review post on the best hitch bike rack in 2021. See also:

• Top 14 Best Bike Racks for Garage Storage
• Top 10 Best Comfort Bikes Reviews
• Top 10 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500

At Bamargera.com, our target is to simplify shopping for you. And in this guide, we will look at some top-rated bike racks for cars out there. Besides, is an ultimate guide on how to choose the most suitable bike rack. For more information, just keep reading.

Top 15 Best Hitch Bike Racks Review 2021

Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch Mounted Bike Rack

The Allen Sports Deluxe is one of the most innovative hanging bike rack on the market. It offers secure mounting for up to 4 bikes. The most interesting aspects of this model are the L-shaped frame that you can slide into the hitch and lock solidly with a nut and bolt. When not in use, just fold the rack down through a convenient pin to access the vehicle rear. There is 22-inch long rack arm to cup safely bicycle and the Allen’s patented tie-down system to protect from contact with its metal rack. Take note that it is only compatible with either IV 2” or Class III hitches. The max recommended the weight of this rack is 140 lbs., which means each bike should be less than 35 lbs. Though the rack doesn’t arrive in pre-assembled, it just takes you less than 5 minutes to full installation. Pretty quick and easy. Just don’t try to use it on the front of vehicles or trailers.

Yakima Products Ridgeback Hitch Bike Rack

The Yakima Products Ridgeback Hitch Bike Rack might be a bit pricey, it is backed by a lifetime warranty. It features the same rack style as the Allen but way more compact and lightweight to easily assemble or remove on your own. As you need to install the rack to lock your bikes, Yakima thoughtfully offers a tool-free Speedknob. Plus, a simple-to-use lever can fold the rack up when not in use or tilt it down for the vehicle’s rear access. There are four capacity options to fit the number of bikes you need to pack for traveling (maximum are 5 bikes, but require a 2” hitch). Don’t worry that the more you carry, the higher the risk of bike-to-bike contact because of the Anti-sway cradles to efficiently avoid that problem. Its removable ZipStrips are good at securing the vehicles to the rack or easily detaching for storage.

Swagman XTC2 Hitch Bike Rack

One of the most interesting features of the Swagman XTC2 Hitch Bike Rack is push-button ratcheting arms. They are grippy, soft, adjustable, and frame-friendly to hold vehicles in place whilst avoiding all metal-to-frame contacts. In addition, the foldable center arm helps you with easy access to your vehicle’s rear without removing the rack. Take note that the XTC can support a bike weighing maximumly 35 lbs. for a total of 70 lbs. in capacity. It includes a wheel stirrup on each side that is adjustable to fit tire sizes of within 20” to 29”. The best thing is its two hitch size options: The 2” and the 1.25” so that you can pick the most suitable for your vehicle construction. Last up is their lifetime warranty to give you more confidence in the purchase.

Yakima Products Hold Up Tray Style Bike Rack

The Yakima Products Hold Up is another platform-style bike rack that focuses on loading your bikes in the fastest, easiest way without touching the frame. Whether it’s a 29” wheel or a 20” er, the StrongArm design helps with a quicker load of your vehicles with zero contact to their frame. In comparison to other same-style counterparts, this one highlights stronger performance due to its beefed-up arm pivot. And besides, you can adjust the side of the bike to side to prevent unwanted bike-to-bike interference during travel. One consideration is their weight limit of 60 lbs. PER BIKE, which is synonymous with a 120-lb capacity. Conversely, the rack itself is amazingly lightweight (only 49 lbs.) to stow away in the back of your car or trunk when not in use. Note that this is a 2-bike rack, but an optional +2 attachment is allowed. And as a result, it is up to 4 bikes at a time.

Critical Cycles Lenox 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack with 2-Inch Receiver

Another worth-considering hanging rack on this collection, the Critical Cycles Lenox 4-bike mounting capacity with a familiar L-shaped frame. Like the Allen, this mounting rack can easily access your vehicle’s rear even when it’s loaded fully. But before picking the product, remember to check if your car/truck has an IV 2-inch or class III hitch to match with it. Customers who love the Critical Cycles Lenox also comment on its individual cradles. They are attached to each rack arm to deliver extra protection from unwanted contact with the metal rack. Besides, it is a worry-free operation thanks to the tie-down straps. Take note that it can withstand a total max weight of 80 lbs. with a 2-bike capacity. Thus, the weight of each bike is leveraged up to 40 lbs. Great!

Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack

The first platform-style rack with an attached easy-to-use lever on our list, this Thule T2 Pro XT emphasizes its tool-free installation and easy removal process. This innovative design also comes up with special ratcheting arms to avoid contact with the metal frame and are able to match with wheels sizing 20” to 29” in diameter. Fitting isn’t a matter for this rack because both bike mounts are adjustable side to side. And plus, the integrated cable lock secures your bikes in place. Though the carrying capacity is 2 bikes, with an optional add-on, the number can be up to 4, as long as you attach a 2” hitch into it (sold separately).

Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0-2 Bike Rack

The Kuat Racks, with emphasis on the re-designed pivot and its integrated foot assist, allows you to pivot the bike rack with your foot as needed. Thus, ensure an easier process of loading or unloading. It’s crafted fully from premium aluminum to assure you the decent lightness. Though the rack just comes in a modest capacity of 40 lbs. that can’t be built up to a 4-bike carrier, it can hold firmly two bikes with ease. Fans of the Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0 also give compliments for its tool-free assembly and the low-profile design. Take note that there are two available assembly options of the hitch size: The 1.25” and the 2”.

Saris Freedom SuperClamp 2 Bike Rack

The Saris Freedom SuperClamp is the second platform-style rack with side-by-side wheel clamps on our list. And, it’s a worthy contender to feature one of the most stable with no-frame contact tray racks available on the market. Though lightweight, it can carry two bikes (maximumly 32 lbs./each) of any types and the integrated locks keep them secure during travel. It’s rather easy to install as well as to use. Just tilt it down to access your car/trunk rear or fold it up for storage. Despite a small extra detail, the reflectors are very appreciated for visibility improvement when you drive at night. Lastly, it’s 100% USA-made.

Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack

The Kuat Racks NV 2.0 shares the same DNA as the Kuat Sherpa 2.0. It inherits all available strengths from the previous lines, such as the newly redesigned pivot system with an additional foot assist, the molded cup, and the front tire ratchet system. At the same time, there are many advanced features added. First, the NV 2.0 carries more weight (up to 60 lbs.), and it can take an add-on unit to build up to a 4-bike carrier. Second, with an adapter, this bike can handle a wheel’s diameter up to 29” – much bigger than usual. Third, your bike will be held securely without wobbling due to the well-built locks. And finally, the integrated trail dock work stand allows some adjustment before departing.

Thule T2 Classic hitch mount bike carrier

One of the most unique selling points of the Thule T2 Classic is the fact that it can fit a wide range of wheels’ diameter (within 20”-29”) and tires up to 5” with no adapters needed. In other words, whether it’s a mountain, carbon frames, fat, or downhill bike, this robust rack can carry like a breeze with no bike-to-bike interference guaranteed. It’s a big thank you for the rack mounts. They allow you to fully adjust your bike before travel and the frame-free ratcheting system protects bikes rapidly with no frame contact. Another bonus is the HitchSwitch lever that can be tilted down to keep the carrier away from your car/trunk whenever you want to access its rear.

Saris Superclamp EX 2-Bike Rack

Saris is well-known for its two major lines: The Superclamp and the Superclamp EX. And this version is highly recommended for those people who are finding a bike rack with wider tire trays and additional reflector for better visibility when driving at night. But the biggest difference between the two of them is the EX allows you to fold up and tilt away from your vehicle for easier rear hatch access, even when it’s loaded fully (same operation as the Thule T2 Classic above). Contrast to its lightness, this rack can easily handle two bikes weighing up to 60 lbs./each. That’s amazing! Additionally, its integrated locks combined with the dual wheel-camping hooks can help each bike stay in place securely.

Yakima HoldUp Tray Style Add On 2 Bike Rack

The Yakima Holdup Tray Style is designed as a two-bike rack but you absolutely enable to double that capacity up to 4 thanks to the 2” Yakima Holdup. The product is also foldable to store in your car/trunk when not in use. And, it can be tilted down (even when fully loaded) to access your vehicle’s rear with no interference. Not only strong, but the rack is also flexible to fit any wheel’s diameter (from 20” to 29”). Plus, it retains a certain space from bike to bike to save them from unexpected scratches. If you’re wondering about the rack’s weight, don’t get shocked, it’s only 32 lbs. I guess that’s one of the reasons people love it – very easy to assemble or remove.

Kuat Trio Rack

The Kuat Trio Rack comes in two color options (Black & Silver and Gun Metal Gray & Orange). Whichever you choose, they will give you two service choices: With or without expert installation. Of course, the added installation package will cost some extra fee, but it keeps your hands free as well as avoiding improper installation. The Kuat Trio Rack might have distinctive construction than other counterparts, it’s a wonderful fork mount roof rack that you can attach to any axle types and carry a wide range of bikes. In comparison to other wheeled lines, the Trio Rack is arguably the high-end version to be stronger, easier to use, and more durable. The only minor drawback is it doesn’t include boost hub adapters. Hope the manufacturer can fix it in the future.

Yakima Dr. Tray 2 Bike Rack – 2″

Most buyers of the Yakima Dr. Tray appreciate its phenomenal ability to prevent the potential for bike-to-bike interference. By giving unrivaled spacing between bikes which is up to 18”, you can rest assured of intact bikes (even the fat ones) during travel. Another big bonus is you can adjust your bikes while they are loaded with no tools needed. Hence, the change is done quickly and conveniently. If you want to tilt down or raise up the rack for easier rear hatch access, its easy-to-use remote control will make it cooler and more convenient. Take note that Dr. Tray can handle a range of wheel’s diameter of 26” to 29” whilst the tires are up to 5” wide.

RockyMounts Backstage Swing Away Platform Hitch Rack

The only 180-degree swing-away platform style to make our list. By this new model, it highlights the superior compatibility with the bike’s wheelbases within 34”-49”, securing them by the front wheel without contacting with the frame. In terms of the wheel’s diameter, it should be within 20” to 29” and the tires are maximumly 5” wide. Though this new design limits in a capacity of 2 bikes with no ability to built up with an add-on unit, it’s super strong to hold up to 60 lbs./each. And still, deliver 2” adjustment to prevent bike-to-bike interference. On top of that, no wobble bolt at all! It also allows you to tilt down 30 degrees for easier rear hatch access or when not in use, just fold it flat against your car/trunk. Easy, right?

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Hitch Bike Racks

 1. Type and Style

There are 3 common types of the bike rack on the market:

• Platform (it’s a metal tray to carry your bikes securely when traveling)
• Wheel only (your bikes are hung suspended by their wheels)
• Hanging (Like the wheel only, but your bikes are suspended by the frame, not the wheels)

In terms of styles, this is a biggie. There are three options with its own list of benefits that you need to touch on before making an informed purchase.

Whichever you choose, you need to refer to the manufacturer’s fit guide to ensure that rack is compatible with your vehicle. You can access this information on their respective websites.

2. Weight & Weight Capacity

When it comes to the rack weight, you need to consider these questions:

• What is the maximum weight of a rack that you still enable to carry, lift up or bring down?
• Do you intend to assemble it on your own or need help from other members?
• Is its lightweight enough to be stowed away in your vehicle when not in use?

And about the weight capacity, it’s closely related to the number of bikes you usually carry for travel and how much weight of each?

3. Bike types

Since there are many bike types out there, it’s essential to ensure your new rack can fit with the type of bike. From my experience, the standard men’s bikes are perfect to mount on a hitch rack while the kid’s and the women’s might require special adapters, especially if your choice is a hanging rack. Lastly, never mount a racing bike with a carbon fiber frame on the hanging-type rack. It’s scratched badly for sure.

4. Security

This last feature depends on where you live and ride to consider choosing a rack with locks to deter bike thieves. But it is optional. If you stick with your bikes and racks all the time then consider one without locks to save more money.

Conclusion

As you wrap up this phase of research, I hope that my selected suggestions and additional buying guide have helped your focus. Whichever you pick from my collection, quality and functionality are no worries. Just remember to consider what you’re looking for in a bike rack to find the right one meeting your need. And finally, thanks for reading!