We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We tested 26 different bike racks from Kuat, Thule, RockyMounts, Yakima, 1Up USA, Hollywood, and more to take the guesswork out of your buying experience.
There are loads of different bike racks on the market, we hope this review helps you find the right rack for your vehicle, needs, and budget.
Credit: Laura Casner
By Joshua Hutchens ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Updated May 15, 2025
The right bike rack can keep your bike safe, protect your car and bike from damage, and keep the mud and grime on the outside. We've been testing bike racks for over eight years with a team of testers that ride year-round, chasing the perfect trail conditions up and down the Pacific coast.
Finding the right bike rack for your bike, vehicle, and budget can be tough. Our bike-obsessed testers spent months testing hitch, trunk, and roof-mount racks across cars, trucks, and SUVs, driving on dirt roads, freeways, and parking in town to find the best rack for you.
Our clear favorite rack is the Kuat Piston Pro. Its stellar construction, easy load and unload, and strong security features help it stand out among a crowded field. It's expensive, but it costs a small fraction of the bikes we transport on it.
If you're more budget oriented, the RockyMounts MonoRail is an excellent bike rack for the money, It's highly versatile, easy to use and fairly lightweight.
No hitch? No problem, the Thule Outway Hanging 2 straps onto the back of your sedan, hatchback, or minivan and can safely carry two bikes up to 66 pounds.
Editor's Note: We updated our bike rack review on May 15, 2025, to remove one model, add more video on high durability, and make or award recommendations for concise.
No front wheel removal, holds any axle type, easy install
Versatile, easy-to-use, great tilt system
Svelte, solid construction, user-friendly tilt release, includes chain and locks
High-end construction, capable of carrying a wide range of bikes, slightly easier to load than wheel on models
Durable, Small storage size, All metal construction
No frame contact, 60 pounds per tray, Ramp compatible
Sturdy, user-friendly, no wheel removal, compatible with most roof bars
Ramp design allows for easy loading of heavy bikes, compact storage size, easy to move and store
Affordable for hitch mount, lightweight, no frame contact, low profile design, fits both 1.25" and 2" receivers
More security features than other trunk racks, comes in 2 and 3 bike versions, lightweight, folds small for transport or storage, more stable than other trunk racks
Carries up to six mountain bikes, 300-pound carrying capacity, no seatpost/handlebar interference
Comes fully assembled, available in 2 and 3 bike versions, security features, lightweight, folds small for storage, Yakima sells replacement parts
No frame contact, Optional wheel locks, 66 pounds per tray, Easy access fold
Ramp design allows for easy loading of heavy bikes, compatible with heavy e-bikes and 4.5" tires
Very inexpensive, no assembly required, lightweight, folds small for storage
Lightweight, fits a wide range of vehicles, does not require front wheel removal
Cons
Very expensive
Expensive, one color, ramp is aftermarket, can be foiled by ice
Hefty, pricey
Expensive, heavy and bulky
Sits slightly closer to vehicle than some, some assembly required
Lacks versatility, expensive, 40 lbs per bike weight limit
Design seems a little over-complicated, limited to vehicles with low roof height, you have to lift bike to height of roof to load
Works best on lower vehicles, harder to load bike, lock cores not included for integrated lock
Heavy, expensive, more difficult assembly, no tray adjustability
Heavy, pricey, limited tray clearance
No locks included, difficult to load, not fat bike compatible
After extensive testing, I'm confident the Kuat Piston Pro and Kuat Piston Pro X are the best bike racks on the market. They're easy to assemble, simple to load, and gentle on your bike. Because they only touch the tires, there's little risk of scratching paint or damaging rims. You can deploy the rack with one hand or the foot pedal, and a single button lifts the load arm into place—no extra effort needed. Adjusting for different wheel sizes is just as easy, requiring no tools and only one hand. You can load bikes in any position or direction with two identical arms without tangling. The Piston Pro skips the fancy finish and LED brake lights of the Piston Pro X but works just as well—and costs $300 less, earning it our Editor's Choice award. If price isn't a concern and you truly love your bikes, the Piston Pro X is hands-down the best.
It holds 67 lbs per tray, fits bikes with up to a 53" wheelbase, and supports tires up to 5" wide. It can carry most electric fat and cargo bikes (with batteries removed). “These two racks are the easiest to use and most versatile racks we've tested to date,” says one tester. Want room for four bikes? Expansion available. Need help loading heavy e-bikes? Ramp available.
SPECIFICATIONS
Bike Capacity
2 (Up to 4 with add-on)
Style
Hitch (tray)
Lock?
Locking hitch pin, security key, and 12mm security cable
Rack Weight
62 lbs 11 oz
Max Weight Per Bike
67 lbs (42 lbs RV) - dedicated 2" receiver version only, 60 lbs per bike - 1.25" receiver version
Expensive? Yes—but it delivers top-tier security and exceptional durability. The high price gave us pause initially, but it's redefined our expectations for bike racks. I've long used (and loved) the Thule T2 Pro XTR, but it takes longer to load and can scratch your wheels. Nothing we've tested matches Kuat's ease of use and thoughtful design. If your bikes block your vehicle's taillights, the extra cost for the Piston Pro X with built-in LED lights could be a smart upgrade.
Besides the price, is there anything I don't love about this rack? The Piston Pro has a rougher, bead-blasted finish that holds onto road grime more than the smoother coating on the Piston Pro X. If you're hauling snow bikes in freezing temps, bring deicer—the Piston Pro's ratchet arms can freeze up in snow or freezing rain, a problem I didn't encounter with the Piston Pro X. After countless miles and dozens of bikes on both racks, I fully recommend them both.
I've long been fond of the Thule T2 Pro XTR. This rack has consistently ranked at the top of our test group for several years in a row, thanks to its winning combination of user-friendliness and versatility. With a carrying capacity of up to 60 pounds per tray, it safely and easily hauls your bike from point A to point B. Boasting many intuitive and ergonomic features, such as a low loading height and a ratcheting wheel clamp that you can adjust one-handed, Thule designed the T2 Pro XTR with keen attention to detail. It features wide wheel trays compatible with 20- to 29-inch wheels and tires up to 5 inches wide. Thule has recently released the new Thule Verse as an update to the T2, but it doesn't offer significantly more for your dollar.
SPECIFICATIONS
Bike Capacity
2 (Up to 4 with add-on)
Style
Hitch (tray)
Lock?
Yes
Rack Weight
51 lbs
Max Weight Per Bike
60 lbs
The T2 features a tilt-release mechanism at the end of the main support arm, allowing easy access to your vehicle's rear. I also tested the T2 Pro with the 2 Bike Add-On, our favorite option for carrying four bikes. The difference with the more recent XTR model is that it features wheels on the bottom of the rack, making it much easier to move around your garage or storage space. The new Verse does not have the option to carry four bikes and has transport wheels sold separately.
None of the nicer hitch racks are inexpensive, but with some newer, high-end racks entering the market, the T2 is now firmly a mid-level offering. The T2 Pro XTR rack is still somewhat expensive, large, and weighs 52 pounds, making it difficult to transport or store. “All in all, the T2 Pro XTR is about as much quality and performance as you can get at that price,” says one tester. My favorite budget bike rack is the RockyMounts MonoRail. Consider the lightweight Allen Deluxe 2-Bikeif you're really on a shoestring.
The Thule T2 has a long been a favorite bike rack of ours, while some more expensive racks have bested it recently we still think it is one of the best bike racks.
The RockyMounts MonoRail is a budget-friendly hitch rack with features and performance that rival pricier models. It secures bikes by the wheels, keeping the frame untouched. Versatility is a strong point, thanks to well-designed wheel trays and strap extenders that fit various tire sizes. “I loved how user-friendly the design was without going overboard,” said tester Pat Donahue. It has a one-hand tilt release that works even when bikes are loaded, plus a 6-foot cable lock and hitch pin lock for added security. Weighing just 39 pounds, it's much easier to carry and store than heavier racks like the Thule Verse.
SPECIFICATIONS
Bike Capacity
2
Style
Hitch (tray)
Lock?
Yes
Rack Weight
44 lbs 2 oz
Max Weight Per Bike
60 lbs
The MonoRail feels sturdy, with a solid metal receiver arm, support arm, and trays. However, it does include some plastic—especially in the wheel trays—which may affect durability if not stored properly. It also uses a standard bolt to attach to your vehicle's hitch. While it works fine, it's less convenient and secure than the tool-free, locking systems on some competing racks. Still, the MonoRail delivers excellent performance for the price. If you want a plastic-free alternative, the 1Up Heavy Duty Double is a highly durable choice. Another strong option is the Yakima StageTwo, which features an ergonomic tilt handle and is especially easy to use.
The Thule UpRide is a high-quality bike rack with many useful features. For those used to more traditional fork-mount roof racks, the UpRide may seem like an odd design. Removing your front wheel isn't necessary, and the bike is secured by two counteracting cradles, or hoops, that squeeze the front wheel from both directions. This wheel-holding design ensures no contact with the frame or the bicycle's fork, providing an exceptionally secure hold. Perhaps more importantly, the absence of frame or fork contact makes this an excellent choice for riders with fancy carbon frames or those who take pride in the cleanliness or appearance of their bike. While other designs can lead to scuffing on the fork or top tube, your beloved bike will be safe and pristine on the UpRide.
SPECIFICATIONS
Bike Capacity
1
Style
Roof
Lock?
Available but not included
Rack Weight
17 lbs
Max Weight Per Bike
44 lbs
While I appreciate the secure hold provided by this rack, it may require adjusting for the appropriate wheel size if you frequently switch between bikes. “During testing, I felt this like the inconvenience slightly detracted from its user-friendliness,” remarked one tester. As the rack is located on the roof, you must lift your bike to roof height to load it, making it more suitable for lower vehicles and lighter-weight bikes. Lock cores are not included but can be purchased separately. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting and load your bike more easily, the Yakima StageTwo bike rack fits practically any tire size and is one of the more user-friendly models for everyday use.
Thanks to smart design features that solve common trunk rack issues, I was impressed by the Thule Outway Hanging 2 in testing. Weighing 18.3 lbs, it's lightweight and folds down small for easy transport or storage. After the initial setup, I found it quick to install and remove thanks to its unique attachment system. “For a hanging rack, this is the most stable and secure trunk rack I've ever used,” said tester Jeremy Benson. It holds up to 33 lbs per bike, with adjustable horizontal arms for better fit. Ratcheting straps and anti-sway stabilizers keep bikes secure and steady during transport. Instead of nylon webbing, the Outway uses locking steel cables to attach to your vehicle, plus a built-in lock to protect your bikes and the rack. A 3-bike version is also available.
SPECIFICATIONS
Bike Capacity
2
Style
Trunk
Lock?
Yes
Rack Weight
17 lbs 1oz
Max Weight Per Bike
33 lbs
While I loved the Outway Hanging 2, it shares the same limitations as most trunk racks. Its lower weight limit and design work best with lighter bikes with horizontal top tubes (unless you add the Thule Frame Adapter). It fits many vehicles, but not all—check compatibility using Thule's Fit My Car tool. Some bike-on-bike contact may be unavoidable depending on your bikes' sizes and shapes. Still, if it fits your setup, this is the best trunk rack we've tested. For heavier e-bikes, we recommend a more robust option like the Yakima StageTwo, which supports up to 70 lbs per tray.
The Allen Deluxe 2-Bike is an affordable, basic trunk-mount rack that fits many cars and SUVs. It holds two bikes with a total weight of up to 70 lbs. When fully assembled, it takes just one step to get ready. Five straps with rubber-coated hooks secure it to the trunk's top, sides, and bottom. Rubber frame cradles hold bikes by the frame, fastened with nylon straps and plastic buckles. Its design works best with traditional bike frames. Weighing only 7 lbs 9 oz, it folds compactly for easy storage.
SPECIFICATIONS
Bike Capacity
2
Style
Trunk
Lock?
No
Rack Weight
7 lbs 9 oz
Max Weight Per Bike
35 lbs
Given its very low price, the Allen Deluxe 2-Bike is understandably basic. The rack and bike support arms are fixed, offering little to no adjustability for different vehicles or bike frames. This design may not fit all bike styles, especially some full-suspension mountain bikes. It also lacks security features—locking the rack or bikes isn't possible. One tester noted, “All told, I feel this is a good option for the infrequent user searching for a simple and affordable trunk-mount rack.” The Outway Hanging 2 is a better choice if you want a trunk rack with more adjustability and security.
This rack is quite easy to attach to and remove from the vehicle with 5 straps that hook into the top, sides, and bottom of the trunk or rear hatch of the vehicle.
If you need to haul a lot of mountain bikes, the North Shore NSR-6 is an obvious choice. It can carry six (yes, six) bikes using a vertical/hanging orientation. This is a slick rack best suited for pickups or large SUVs. North Shore did an excellent job designing this product to eliminate virtually all interference between bikes. Even on super bumpy roads, there is no need to worry about handlebars bumping into saddles or a dropper seat post. Ground clearance is also excellent, making it a prime option for shuttle laps or when you'll be on rougher roads. It can carry up to a whopping 360 pounds, so you can load this thing up with downhill or electric mountain bikes with little worry about overloading. The sturdy construction is all metal and feels built to last. It also comes in a 2-bike or 4-bike configuration, cheaper than the 6-bike version tested here.
SPECIFICATIONS
Bike Capacity
6
Style
Hitch (hanging)
Lock?
No
Rack Weight
68 lbs
Max Weight Per Bike
60 lbs
This rack is not without its eccentricities. The NSR-6 has a much narrower variety of applications than other racks. It's specifically designed for mountain bikers. DH and Enduro riders will be pleased, but roadies and hybrid bikers won't be able to load their bikes on the suspension fork crown mounts. BMX, road, gravel, and rigid hybrid cycles are not supported either.
Furthermore, shorter cyclists may have difficulty loading this rack. “Loved the rack but found it quite heavy and cumbersome, with a bulky and awkward shape that's difficult to move and store,” said tester Pat Donahue. For a rack that can handle more types of bikes, the Thule T2 Pro XTR may be more suitable for your needs. Whether hauling a road, mountain, or fat bike, this low-loading rack is easy to use.
Rack Updated
The North Shore NSR-6 was revised since our test period with a more durable coating to resist scratching and corrosion, as well as an updated cradle design intended to make loading heavy bikes onto the rack easier.
Suppose you've been bitten by the travel bug or drawn into the “van life” scene to chase endless biking adventures. In that case, you're probably already aware of the possible difficulties of transporting bikes on your travel rig. RockyMounts has you covered with the BackStage platform bike rack, which can swing out of the way and is designed to meet the specific requirements of the contemporary van-dwelling nomad or anyone who wants easier access to the back of their vehicle. All of the other hitch-mounted racks we tested interfered with using the back doors of a van, even when tilted down. The BackStage has an impressive tilt mechanism that can be reached at the back of the rack, but the show's star is the arm.
SPECIFICATIONS
Bike Capacity
2
Style
Hitch (tray)
Lock?
Yes
Rack Weight
60 lbs 3 oz
Max Weight Per Bike
60 lbs
We still have some gripes with the BackStage, though. The tray clearance from the vehicle is somewhat cramped, so bikes with very wide handlebars need to be placed in the outside tray, and the rack itself can be cumbersome due to its weight and size. Despite its imperfections, I still think this is a great option for those needing easier access to the back of their vehicle. I also feel it is a good value, as other brands sell pivoting swing-away accessories that can add several hundred dollars to the price of an already expensive rack system. The Thule UpRide may be a better route for those with low vehicle clearance and roofs. The roof rack design means you have unobstructed access to your trunk, and it will leave some money in your pocket for gas to get to the trailhead.
You have to remove the front wheel to load the bike
Kuat maintains the top spot on our podium for fork-mount roof racks with their Kuat Trio. True to its name, it's ready to handle the three most common axle configurations right out of the box. An improvement over the tried and true design of the fork mount rack, Kuat has devised an innovative solution that can carry bikes with any axle standard at the fork. It's ready to handle your 9mm, 15mm, or 20mm axles. The Trio does not require an expensive adapter to hold your through-axle-equipped bike, although an additional adaptor can be purchased to accommodate the wider fork spacing of fat bikes and bikes with plus-sized tires.
SPECIFICATIONS
Bike Capacity
1
Style
Roof
Lock?
Yes
Rack Weight
7 lbs
Max Weight Per Bike
45 lbs
Versatility is high on the list of the Trio's strengths, and it can be mounted to almost any crossbar style using a U-bolt style clamp. They also designed a convenient cut-away to supply clearance for disc brake calipers found on many modern road, mountain, and gravel bikes. A cable lock that extends from the back of the rack rounds out the great design, making the Trio the most versatile, secure, and easy-loading fork mount roof rack I've tested. And yet, I know some riders will not want to remove their front tire every time they head out for a ride. If that's you, we suggest looking at the Thule UpRide, which lets you transport your bike on the roof but skips the hassle of removing a wheel.
The Kuat Trio can securely hold any bike from road to downhill.
Credit: Curtis Smith
Compare Products
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
How We Tested
I led our team of bike gurus through extensive research before purchasing and testing this fleet of racks, in addition to keeping an ear to the ground on what's new in the cycling world. We loaded and unloaded as many bicycles as feasible. We tested each rack on drop bar road cycles, hardtail mountain bikes, full-suspension bikes, and e-bikes to see how it worked with each style. Following that, we drove around… a lot. We drove on various roads, from fast and straight freeways to bumpy mountain roads leading to trailheads and distant gravel excursions. We thoroughly evaluated each rack based on performance metrics, such as ease of use and removal.
I then took notes from all our testers and compiled the full assessment on each metric below.
See our full How We Test article for more detailed information on how we tested.
Why Trust GearLab
This review is led by senior bike editor Joshua Hutchens and multi-disciplinary bike racer Curtis Smith. Joshua is a lifelong cyclist and long-time Lake Tahoe resident with experience in almost every cycling discipline and the bike industry. He's traveled the world guiding cycling trips, owned and operated retail bicycle shops and an indoor bicycle park, and works as a professional mountain bike coach. He's passionate about sharing his love for two-wheeled exploration with the world and grateful for the opportunity to share his observations and testing results.
Our testers have deep knowledge of racks and how they've evolved. Pat Donahue also provides his expertise to this review. He is a mountain bike fiend who has experience with all types of bike racks, from trunk racks to bike racks, over his cycling career. He is also skilled in the art of breaking stuff, so he's particularly adept at evaluating durability.
We assemble each rack ourselves at the start of our testing process.
We loaded and unloaded bikes from these racks hundreds of times to determine their ease of use.
Weight is determined by weighing each rack using our hanging bike scale.
Analysis and Test Results
These bike racks were analyzed while attached to many types of vehicles, from small hatchbacks to giant vans and everything in between. Utilizing different vehicle styles is important because performance can vary wildly based on what you're driving. To help you find the best rack for your specific needs, we paid attention to the main characteristics and nitty-gritty details to rate these racks on the chosen metrics. Their performance in each area is discussed below.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
A bike rack is important for transporting your beloved bike from point A to point B. You can spend quite a lot of money on a bike rack, and some price tags even approach the value of a bicycle. Although we don't score products based on price, we know value is important. When you swipe that credit card at the bike shop or punch the digits into your favorite website, you want to feel like you are getting a solid bang for your proverbial buck.
We believe the RockyMounts MonoRail is the best value among all these hitch mount racks. While it requires a little more assembly than some other models, your efforts are rewarded with a solid, tray-style mount and an easy-to-use tilt release that's complete with locks. The Allen Deluxe 2-Bike is also an outrageous value for folks who prefer trunk mounts. It may be relatively basic, but it costs a mere fraction of the competition's price.
Hitch mount tray-style racks like the RockyMounts MonoRail and BackStage make life easy with a low loading height and front wheel clamps that are quick and easy to adjust.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Everyday Use
Generally speaking, the easier something is to use, the more likely you are to use it. With bike racks, it means you'll waste less time loading and unloading bikes, leaving you more time to ride. We feel that ease of use breaks down to two principle things: how easy it is to load bikes and whether the rack interferes with access to your vehicle. (locking systems will be discussed in our security metric). The primary aspects we considered while evaluating loading the bikes are the loading height and attachment method. In general, vehicle access issues are a problem for hitch mount and trunk mount racks, so the method and effectiveness of manufacturers' efforts to mitigate these problems led us to our score.
The highest-rated bike rack we tested is the Kuat Piston Pro-X. Loading bikes on this rack couldn't be easier — it can be deployed with a foot pedal, and the tire-hold arms snap into place with the push of a button. Some models, like the 1Up Heavy Duty Double, necessitate a more choreographed approach to bike loading to ensure there are no awkward moments when the bike is teetering and you've run out of hands. In our opinion, one of the standout features of the Thule T2 Pro XTR is the well-executed one-handed tilt release lever located on the end of the rack, which makes lowering or raising the rack very easy. The Yakima StageTwo also tops the charts for its impressive ease of use. Much like the Thule, the StageTwo is incredibly easy to load and has an easily accessible tilt-release handle that folds the rack up and down. RockyMounts has also joined the user-friendly tilt release handle club with their BackStage and MonoRail racks.
Vertical hitch racks are relatively easy to load and can carry up to 6 mountain bikes.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Looking to carry a lot of bikes — and we mean a LOT of bikes? Vertical bike racks like the North Shore NSR-6 are made for the task. Vertical racks orient loaded bikes in a hanging fashion, packing up to six bikes while keeping them close to the bumper. This type of vertical-mounted rack is a great option for the gravity and enduro crowd, but keep in mind that they only work with bikes with suspension forks. The NSR-6 is the most user-friendly of the vertical racks we've tested. This rack also boasts a huge payload that can accept e-bikes or heavy downhill steeds. In addition, there are no awkward straps to fuss with, only a small length of rope to secure the rear wheel.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are exploding in popularity. The need to transport these heavier bikes creates a challenge that some rack manufacturers are beginning to address. Lifting a 50+ pound bike onto even a low bike rack can be difficult for some riders. Several of our favorite bike racks have started to offer high-weight capacity racks and loading ramps. The Yakima StageTwo has a 70 lbs weight limit, and it also works with the optional RampUp ($99) loading ramp to skip the lifting. Kuat has also addressed this issue by offering an aftermarket ramp compatible with most of their bike racks. Adding a ramp to your existing rack is a cost-effective way to make loading heavy bikes much easier.
Loading ramps like this one can help with the loading of bikes, especially heavy electric bikes.
Credit: Laura Casner
Roof-mounted racks are, as the name suggests, mounted on the roof of your vehicle. Consequently, the loading height is invariably higher. This higher and less convenient loading height automatically lowers the ease of use score compared to the close-to-the-ground convenience of a hitch-mount rack. That said, roof-mounted models can still be user-friendly, but we found the Kuat Trio to be the leader of the pack. The fork mount design is slightly easier to load than a wheel mount roof rack like the Yakima FrontLoader or the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles due to the fact the bike doesn't need to be lifted quite as high. However, the front wheel must be removed. The Trio's innovative system that makes it compatible with through-axle forks without the need for additional adapters also helped it outscore other fork mount racks.
The Thule UpRide is a high-end roof-mounted rack. Riders hoping to keep the most secure hold of their bike will likely love this model. It grips the front wheel in an extremely secure manner via two cradles with counteracting forces. This results in a firm, safe hold that leaves little chance of a bike falling off the rack on the freeway. In addition, there is no contact with your frame or fork. Loading the UpRide involves lifting the bike to roof level, so it works best on lower vehicles and lighter-weight bikes.
None of the trunk-mount racks scored particularly well in this metric, but some fared better than others. They aren't particularly difficult to load (though the difficulty varies depending on frame shape). Still, there is almost always some bike-on-bike interference, and numerous steps are involved in attaching them securely for transport. Of the trunk racks we tested, the Yakima FullBack and the Thule Outway Hanging were the most user-friendly.
Trunk racks like the Outway Hanging 2 have a fairly low load height, but attaching bikes takes several steps, and they don't work with all styles of bikes.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Ease of Removal and Storage
It sure would be nice if we could leave our racks attached to our vehicles all the time, but unfortunately, for most of us, riding bikes is a hobby rather than a full-time job. Therefore, bike racks are often mounted and removed from our vehicles as needs or seasons change. The ease of that process depends on various factors, including a rack's size, weight, and method of attachment.
In the case of roof-mounted racks, manufacturers assume that you're less likely to remove them regularly. Roof racks are more of a set-it-and-forget-it item that consumers often choose to just leave on the roof for extended periods after the initial installation. An exception is the Yakima HighRoad, which is impressively easy to remove or install on your vehicle. Everything can be done with your fingers without the need for any tools. Removing this rack is as simple as flipping a switch on three different contact points on the rack and loosening a screw. When the rack is unattached, it is light and easy to haul off your roof. It only weighs 18 lbs and can be conveniently shoved onto a high shelf or tucked into a tight space in the garage. Other models in our test selection, such as the Kuat Trio and the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles, require hex keys to take on and off, but they are mostly long and skinny, so you can stand them up in a corner or lay them on the floor when they're not in use.
Trunk racks are a good option for many users due to their ease of removal and storability.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Despite their bike fit and weight limitations, trunk racks are fairly easy to install and remove, and they are typically lightweight and fold down small for storage. The Thule Outway Hanging 2 has a unique attachment system that includes steel cables with torque limiting knobs to adjust their tension which makes it quick and easy to put on or take off the vehicle. At just 18.3 lbs and with a small collapsed size, it can also be stowed in the trunk and won't take up much room in your storage space. Likewise, once you get used to the installation and removal process, the Yakima FullBack is quick on and off the car and is easily storable. They may not be the most elegant or refined way to carry bicycles, but their low weight and small size make them quite convenient for the infrequent rack user.
The BackStage features a locking adjustment knob to assist in installing and and removing the rack.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Due to their heavier weights and larger size, hitch-mounted racks are inherently less convenient to install/remove and store. One rack that was notably easy to store was the 1Up Heavy Duty Quik Rack, as its wheel trays fold in half to reduce its footprint.
The 1Up USA Heavy Duty Quik Rack folds up smaller than any other hitch rack on the market.
Credit: Curtis Smith
The vertically oriented bike racks scored exceptionally poorly in this metric, and the reasoning is simple: these racks are gigantic and very, very heavy. Not only are they weighty, but their shape makes them cumbersome and awkward to carry. Once you have these racks pulled off your hitch, you might have to try and lug them through a garage door, shed door, or alley without smashing into anything. Getting someone to help you remove and store these racks makes life much easier and could save you a trip to the chiropractor.
Versatility
We assessed the versatility of the different models of bike racks by their ability to carry multiple different types of bikes. Bicycle frame type, wheel size, tire width, and accessories can present issues for some racks. Racks that use a bike's frame as the primary contact point often suffer in this metric due to the variety of frame shapes and sizes on the market. Racks that secure the bikes via other means, such as wheel-mounted trays, typically offer a larger amount of adjustability and can accept a larger variety of tire width and wheel sizes. The Kuat Piston Pro X scored among the highest in versatility due to its wide array of tray configurations and its ability to accommodate up to five-inch wide bike tires.
The Thule T2 Pro XT, Rocky Mounts MonoRail, and Yakima StageTwo can accommodate tires up to five inches wide. Ratcheting arms that clamp down on the bike's front wheel are used on most of the hitch-mounted tray-style racks we tested, eliminating frame contact and boosting versatility. A small sliding strap secures the rear wheel and can be adjusted based on the bike's wheelbase. With this design, the shape or size of the frame is inconsequential. All the bike racks we tested utilize trays and have a two-bike capacity, but many can be increased to three or four bikes by purchasing a rack extension.
The peak capacity for many vehicles can be attained by using a roof mount setup with multiple individual roof racks. Please note that roof-mount racks, such as the Kuat Trio, can only hold one bike per unit, but the potential to add multiple units on the roof increases your total carrying capacity. Other roof-mount racks, like the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles and the Yakima Front Loader, are standouts for versatility due to their ability to accommodate bikes with differing axle standards by clamping onto the front tire instead of attaching to the bike's front axle.
The North Shore NSR can carry up to six bikes, but it can only accommodate bicycles with suspension forks.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
The North Shore NSR-6 and other vertical-style bike racks have gained popularity among mountain bikers. However, these racks have limited versatility and can only accommodate bikes with suspension forks. Bikes without suspension forks, such as road or BMX bikes, will not fit on this rack.
Trunk-mount racks have weight and bike fit limitations due to the nature of the horizontal arms that support the bikes. They all work best with traditional bike frames with horizontal top tubes. Of the trunk mount racks we tested, the Thule Outway Hanging proved to be the most versatile, with support arms that can be adjusted laterally and can accommodate a wider range of fit. Both the Thule and the Yakima FullBack can also fit non-traditional frames with the use of their aftermarket frame adapters, though they are limited to 33 lbs or 35 lbs per bike, respectively.
Some of the Kuat racks feature semi-integrated noose style cable lock that can be looped through frames and wheels.
Credit: Curtis Smith
Security
Unfortunately, bike theft is an issue in our modern world, and fancy bikes attached to an unattended vehicle can be tempting targets. Bike racks come with varying levels of security, from none at all to integrated locks that secure the rack to your vehicle and the bikes to the rack. However, given the right tools and enough time, a determined thief can compromise even the most secure bike rack. In addition to the included features on a given rack, we recommend adding an aftermarket bike lock to add another layer of security
Hitch Racks
In our opinion, the most secure bike racks are those that utilize cable locks, such as the Kuat Piston. The long rubber-coated steel cable on the Piston locks into the rack itself. The cable is long enough to loop through wheels to help deter theft. A similar system is employed on the RockyMounts BackStage and MonoRail. Both the Thule T2 Pro XT and the Yakima StageTwo use shorter cables that are only long enough to loop through the frame or fork. The StageTwo does have an additional welded metal loop between the bike trays. However, that is a convenient spot to attach an additional cable or chain lock. Most of the hitch mount racks in our test selection have a locking hitch pin or a lock that secures the anti-wobble knob, like on the Thule T2 Pro XT and Yakima StageTwo, to prevent would-be thieves from making off with the rack itself.
Although they can haul a half dozen bicycles, the vertically mounted bike racks fared poorly in this performance metric. The North Shore NSR-6 has no security features; we'd recommend adding a locking hitch pin, long cable, and sturdy lock to this setup.
The Kuat Piston Pro X locks at the hitch receiver and features an integrated cable. It's a very secure and clean way to keep the bikes and racks secure.
Roof Mount Racks
The most secure roof-mounted racks we tested use a cable lock to attach the rear wheel and also offer the ability to lock the fork mount. The Kuat Trio has the most secure design. Lower-scoring racks in our tests only allow the fork mount to be locked, leaving the rear wheel unsecured and vulnerable to theft.
While not infallible, the Thule Outway Hanging has more security features than other trunk racks.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Trunk Mount Racks
Of all the racks in our test fleet, the trunk-mount style racks seem the most vulnerable to theft. Most trunk racks are attached to the vehicle with nylon webbing straps that can be cut easily with a knife or a pair of scissors. The Yakima FullBack does have a small cable lock to secure the bikes to the rack. The Thule Outway Hanging goes a step further by locking steel cables to secure the rack to the vehicle and a cable lock to secure the bikes to the rack.
Simply pull it out of the box, unfold it, and you're ready to go
Credit: Curtis Smith
Ease of Assembly
Assembling and setting up your bike rack is typically a task that only needs to be completed once, so we don't weigh this rating metric as heavily as some of the others. It's only 10 percent of the overall score. That said, we do feel that it is worthy of your attention. Some racks were simple to set up with easy-to-follow instructions and quality craftsmanship. Others left us frustrated and confused.
Hitch Racks
The 1Up USA Heavy Duty Double proved to be our highest-scoring bike rack in this metric. It features folding bike trays that are excellent for storage and allow the rack to be shipped fully assembled. After removing it from the box and folding the trays to their open position, it is ready to mount and be used on your vehicle.
Most hitch racks arrive in several pieces, like the Yakima StageTwo pictured here.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Every other bike rack in our test selection required varying levels of assembly. The Yakima StageTwo requires a fair amount of time and effort to make it ride-ready. Assembly and installation of the Kuat Piston Pro isn't difficult; the tools needed for this process are included, and the instruction manual is clear and easy to follow. There is also a QR code leading to Kuat's assembly video. Kuat recommends installing the center beam into your hitch and completing the assembly. Our video below shows a time-lapse of this process.
We completed assembly of the Piston Pro on the hitch of our vehicle in around ten minutes.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The vertical-mounted bike racks were also quite involved in terms of assembly. Given the sheer size of these racks, they need to be disassembled to a greater extent to fit in a box for shipping. Ensure you set aside a solid hour for assembly, and a second set of hands is quite helpful.
The Yakima Front Loader comes fully assembled.
Credit: Curtis Smith
Roof Mount Racks
Our highest-scoring roof racks posted a perfect 10 in this metric. The Yakima HighRoad knocked it out of the park. This rack arrived completely assembled and had a ridiculously easy, tool-free installation. The Thule UpRide also scored perfectly. It came out of the box completely assembled and was also a cinch to put on a vehicle.
The Yakima FullBack 2 arrives fully assembled and ready to use.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Trunk Mount Racks
The Saris Bones 2-Bike, Yakima FullBack 2, and Allen Deluxe 2-Bike were ready to use straight out of the box. These racks are small and are easily shipped fully assembled. Simply take them out of the box, fold them into position, and they are ready to be mounted on your vehicle. The Thule Outway Hanging had a small amount of assembly that took approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Durability
To evaluate durability, we used each rack as much as possible. By our logic, this repeated use gave us real insight into the durability of each rack. We also tested on rowdy roads with some pretty darn heavy bikes to see if any bike rack would falter.
Thankfully, none of the racks completely failed, and we never had a carbon fiber bike skid down the highway or tumble into a roadside ditch. Several factors must be considered when evaluating each rack's potential durability, including material, design, and the linkages of any moving parts.
The 1Up Heavy Duty Double's all-aluminum construction is nearly impervious to corrosion.
Credit: Curtis Smith
From a durability standpoint, the 1Up USA Heavy Duty Double stood out to our test team with a robust, if not overbuilt, design. A claimed weight capacity of 50 pounds per tray means you'll be hard-pressed to overload it. The 1Up has no plastic parts; it's constructed entirely of aluminum with stainless steel hardware. Despite some unfortunate contact with a tree while backing up that resulted in a bent ratchet mechanism, the Heavy Duty continued to function without issue. Though it's possible to scratch its aluminum finish, there is no paint to chip, and it won't rust, so the rack's overall appearance doesn't change much over time. Both the Kuat Piston Pro and the Kuat Trio are also top-performing products with powder coat finishes that are harder to scratch and resistant to the elements.
The Kuat Piston Pro is constructed almost entirely of metal, which means it's quite heavy but also durable.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
The North Shore NSR-6 is another rack with a built-to-last feel. The NSR-6 is constructed entirely of metal. It is assembled with wide-gauge bolts that seem very unlikely to give out. The fork cradles are strong, and the rope rear-wheel fasteners are simple and far more durable than rubber or plastic ratchet systems. If the rope breaks, simply replace it. The tilt mechanism may be a little more involved than other models, but the durability factor is sky-high.
The Hollywood CrossTrack's hitch mechanism has play in the receiver, causing the rack to rattle while driving, which may reduce the durability of both the rack and the bikes.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens
Get the Wiggles Out
Many bike racks will have a little play in them. This is not ideal for the hitch's durability, and if it's really loose, the bikes will jostle around. An effective quick fix is a hitch tightener.
A hitch tightener is an affordable and effective way to reduce play in a hitch-mounted rack.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Conclusion
Years upon years of buying and testing bike racks and our favorite bike gear have resulted in this in-depth comparative analysis. There is no doubt that any of these bike racks can perform dutifully. That said, each rack has inherent strengths and weaknesses. In addition, some of the designs we have tested truly are superior to others. Our best piece of advice for finding your bike rack soulmate is to start by evaluating your vehicle and bicycle type. Certain vehicles and bicycle types play much better with certain styles of racks. We hope this review helps you make a confident purchase decision.
