SUV Bike Racks: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need

When you need to carry your bikes by car or SUV, you want to do it as smoothly and securely as possible. Think about a bike rack as a way to enable new adventures. But then it comes into the landscape various factors that will influence your purchase decision. There is a huge number of bike racks on sale today and many manufacturers who offer different options. First of all, there are mainly three types of bike carriers: hitch, roof and trunk. Hitch-mounted and roof-mounted attach to become semi-permanent extensions of your car, while trunk-mounted are designed to be more portable. Each one of these three types have advantages and disadvantages.

Then, it depends on your bike style: is it a road bike or a mountain bike? Or possibly you want to have a family weekend and you need to carry multiple types of bikes on the same carrier. If you own an electric bicycle, again, it will change the way you should choose. Ease of use, loading and unloading, versatility, security, ease of removal and storage, durability of any bike carrier are other factors you should consider. To make your life so much easier, we did a research and we can recommend you top amazingly good bike racks who will fit to almost any bike style so you won’t need to worry about details. However, this will come with a cost – these carriers are not cheap but will have a long life and will protect your bikes. ?

5 All-Time Great Bike Racks ?

1. Swing-Away Bike Rack: RockyMounts Backstage
2. Overall Bike Rack: Thule T2 Pro XTR
3. Electric Bikes: Hollywood Racks Sport Rider
4. Heavy Bikes: KAC K2/K4
5. Roof Bike Rack: Thule UpRide

1. RockyMounts Backstage Swing-Away Bike Rack

Said by many, Backstage from RockyMounts is the benchmark in bike racks. Even if it’s heavy, this platform style rack swings out 180 degrees (with bikes loaded) and tilts down at 30 degrees to give you full access to vehicle’s cargo compartment.

The Backstage has a good looking profile and promotes a safe distance from the vehicle. In terms of versatility it can fit a huge range of wheel sizes and tire widths – compatible with bike wheelbases from 34” to 49”, carries tires up to 5” in width without the need of any adapters and diameters from 20” to 29”. On top of that, with a 60 pounds per bike weight limit, it can handle any bike style, including mountain bikes and heavy electric models. However, make sure your bike’s fenders are removed because of the front wheel clamp.

In terms of durability, you will notice the robust mix of materials and their great quality which is something specific to all RockyMounts products, but it adds more weight, as a downside. The majority of the carrier is made of metal and the black finish is resistant to scratches. Although the assembling could take a little bit longer versus his contenders it scores higher on security and ease of use. The Backstage comes with a heavy-duty cable lock and 2 hitch pin locks for locking up the bicycles. The diameter of the cable is thicker, compared to other models which are thinner.

The BackStage is one of the best swing away bike racks that fits 2-inch receivers and can carry two bicycles that weigh up to 60 pounds each while the overall rack extra weight is one of the only drawbacks we noticed. It is a high-end rack and is not cheap but putting in balance the amazing swing-away feature, well-executed design, and the other great features you will find that it has an excellent value.

2. Thule T2 Pro XTR Platform Hitch Rack

With a bombproof design and execution, Thule T2 Pro XTR is incredibly user-friendly and highly versatile – one of the best bike racks on the market. An evolution of the popular T2 Classic and then T2 Pro XT, this is an improved version which brings more durability, versatility, security and ease of everyday use. Amongst T2 Pro XTR’s smart features we mention a tool-free vehicle mounting and easy-to-reach tilt release handle placed at the end of the carrier. The whole execution is impeccable compared to its contenders.

In terms of performance, T2 Pro XTR combines all the features you could possible need so any type of bike will fit and will be secure. V-shaped tire trays are capable of holding any tire, from road tires to 5-inch fat bike tires and electric bikes. In addition, its individual trays are adjustable laterally thus improving bike clearance. You can easily accommodate kids’ bikes, road bikes, fat bikes and mountain bikes without any adapter. If you need to carry more than 2 bikes you have the possibility to buy a separate add-on (this is available for the 2-inch receiver). This platform hitch bike carrier is able to handle two 60 lbs bikes while it fits 20 – 29” wheels being great for families who need to haul bikes 20-inch and up. In case you have an e-bike it might be worth checking Thule EasyFold XT2 which includes a ramp.

In terms of durability, the overall construction is stout, the moving parts and almost the entire rack being made of metal with small parts of plastic. It is probably the most user-friendly rack due to its release mechanism and ease of loading bikes.

All in all, T2 Pro XTR may be heavy and relatively pricey but giving its impressive features, ease of use, versatility and durability, you should definitely consider it.

3. Hollywood Racks Sport Rider for Electric Bikes

The Sport Rider from Hollywood Racks is THE rack for any electric bike; one of the best 12 bike racks for ebikes, in our guide. This platform bike rack will carry up to 2 electric bikes with ease and guess what – you don’t have to remove bike fenders. Specifically designed for electric bikes it has probably the highest rating on Amazon amongst carriers who can transport ebikes. This durable ebike carrier features extra heavy-duty wheel holders for heavy carrying capacity (max 80 lbs per bike) an internally reinforced frame and an external brace for heavy load capacity.

In terms of versatility there will be no issues with any electric bike as it comes with a maximum tire width of 5 inches and a minimum wheelbase of 36 inches (max wheelbase is 60 inches). It will fold flat against the car when not in use and can be tilted for easy access to the cargo area. Sport Rider includes a keyed-alike locking hitch pin, 8′ security cable, and locking frame to keep your rack and bikes secure during travel. In case of 20” tire rear wheels you will have to purchase a small wheel adapter and for step-through bikes you will also need an adapter.

If you need to transport electric bikes you should definitely consider Hollywood Racks Sport Rider and you won’t be sorry. We promise.

4. KAC K2 and K4 Platform Hitch Bike Rack

In a nutshell, KAC K2 or K4 hitch mount bike racks work with many bike and vehicle styles being ideal for bikes with tire fenders and capable of transporting any bike from road, gravel and mountain bikes to fat bikes and electric bikes. Heavy duty 5-inch wide trays are adjustable to fit most ebikes, fat tire, road, and mountain bikes. Low Y-frame bikes may require support of a KAC Bike Frame Adapter. Featuring a full metal construction, it can transport 4 bikes up to 60 lbs each with durable powder coated steel tubing. It might be a bold statement, but we can easily say it is one of the best weight capacities rack on the market.

KAC K4 is the perfect bike rack for a family of four, or better said a family bestseller. Featuring a unique anti-wobble unit technology and a rear tilt system, this is an extremely user friendly and easy-access car bike carrier. Smart Tilt design with quick release lever allows rack to be folded up when not in use or tilted down for rear cargo access.

The rack weighs 39 lbs and the parts come pre-assembled to make it easier for installation. It has padded clamps and a locking knob for increased security and a wedge attachment mechanism that makes the bicycles steady and stays on the carrier without wobbling even on rough terrains. Safety strap (to be used at all times during transport), locking hitch pin, key for hitch pin lock, instruction manual, and all installation hardware are included.

All in all, KAC K2/K4 platform hitch bike rack stays strong on durability, security and versatility while the price stays a bit over the average of other contenders, making it one of the most wanted bike carrier today.

5. Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack

Thule UpRide is remarkably secure and sturdy with a unique approach to carrying your bicycle. It scores very well on security, storage and ease of assembly while it promotes no frame contact for maximum protection.

It works with a huge range of wheel sizes and tire widths: fits most 20-29″ wheel bicycles with tires up to 3″ wide (you have to buy Thule UpRide Fat Bike Adapter to fit 5” tires). The lack of contact with the frame or fork makes it suitable for bikes with carbon frames, non-traditional designs, rear suspension and bottle cages. Downhill, kids or road bikes – they all fit on this carrier. Note that there is a 44 lbs load limit so any heavy bikes won’t be a match.

Thule UpRide roof mount bike rack promotes an innovative counteracting front arm design, something that is quite different vs traditional roof carriers. This system works by hooking on to a bike’s front wheel to hold it in place. The rack is going to be shipped pre-assembled promoting a tool-free installation.

No doubt this roof rack has a strong hold and a high level of security. It has a locking cable that extends out of the rear of the tray and it also locks onto the crossbars. While you might be considering to look at its contender, Yakima HighRoad, these two are similarly priced while Thule’s system is more innovative (although more complicated).

Best Sellers ?

We put together a distinguished collection of successful SUV bike carriers that did their job over time and made customers happy. Obviously these racks are doing what they promise so they become popular – a very strong hint that the chances of buying one of these and be disappointed are quite low.

Types of Bike Racks for SUVs

Disclaimer: bikerackforsuv.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs and may receive a commission if you purchase a product via a link on this page.