The Best Bike Racks of 2025

Best Overall Hitch Bike Rack

Thule T2 Pro XTR

Why it’s Great

For its ease of use, high-quality materials used throughout, and full set of features, Thule’s T2 Pro XTR is hands down the best bike rack we’ve ever used. Platform style hitch racks are one of the most versatile and secure ways to transport bikes, and the T2 Pro XTR exemplifies these characteristics.

The Thule’s adaptable carrying system accommodates everything from 20-inch kids bikes to fatbikes, without the use of adapters. And its robust arms tightly fasten down on the front wheel, allowing very little movement even on rough roads. Thule’s tilt feature is also one of the easiest to use out of all the options tested, which makes accessing the rear of a vehicle a breeze–even while bikes are loaded. We’ve put tens of thousands of miles on the Thule T2 Pro XTR and haven’t had a single issue. So while its high price tag is certainly hard to ignore, rest assured that this rack will last a lifetime.

How it Compares

Simply put, the T2 Pro XTR’s user friendliness outperforms all other platform style hitch racks we’ve ever used. The Yakima StageTwo (listed below) and 1UP USA Heavy Duty Double are both very worthy competitors, but the overall package of the Thule is just impossible to beat.

To be specific, the T2 Pro XTR’s ratcheting arms and tilt mechanism are easier to use than both the Yakima and 1UP USA. And out of the box the Thule works with a greater range of bikes whereas the other two options require you to purchase adapters separately, making the Thule the more versatile option. However, and this is an important one for those who own electric bikes, the Yakima StageTwo has a higher max load capacity (70 pounds per bike compared to the Thule’s 60) and is our recommended choice for heavier loads.

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Wanna know more?
Read our In-Depth Review of the Thule T2 Pro XTR hitch rack.

Best Budget Hitch Mount Bike Rack

Swagman XTC2 Tilt Bike Rack

Why it’s Great

For about a quarter of the price of premium models, the Swagman XTC2 Tilt is the best budget hitch mount bike rack you can buy. Put plainly, it provides everything you need to transport a bike from point A to point B.

The padded foam hooks and two wheel straps do an excellent job of securely holding a bike while on the way to a trailhead, and the adjustable trays fit wheel sizes from 20 to 29 inches and tires up to 2.5 inches in width (fatbike trays are sold separately). We also like that the Swagman tilts down and out of the way to allow easy access to the back of a car, a feature not commonly found on budget hitch racks. Finally, the Swagman carrier folds up nicely and only weighs about 30 pounds, making it one of the easiest hitch-mounted platform options to store. All things considered, the Swagman XTC2 Tilt has a lot going for it.

How it Compares

First things first, it’s important to have realistic expectations with a budget hitch rack, and the Swagman XTC2 Tilt is no different. Compared to premium options, like the Thule T2 Pro XTR (lised above), the Swagman falls far behind. Based on our first-hand experience, the Swagman is more difficult to load (especially the bike nearest the car), the materials used are of much lower quality, and the max load capacity is 35 pounds per bike–which automatically excludes e-bikes. It also doesn’t include locks of any kind, and the threaded hitch pin that keeps the rack from wobbling back and forth is sold separately. Having said all that, not everyone has the need for an $800 Thule, and for you we think the Swagman XTC2 is a solid choice.

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Best Bike Rack for Electric Bikes

Yakima StageTwo Bike Rack

Why it’s Great

With its sturdy frame, high load capacity (70 pounds per bike), and an optional ramp for easy loading, the Yakima StageTwo is the best bike rack for electric bikes. We’ve been using and abusing the StageTwo around the Pacific Northwest this season and have come away impressed by its ease of use and overall package.

Highlights of the Yakima StageTwo include a very high max load rating of 70 pounds per bike, excellent build quality and durability, and an optional ramp that makes loading and unloading electric bikes a breeze. Other premium features we’ve come to love are the tilt mechanism that allows easy access to the rear of vehicles, as well as integrated locks for peace of mind. Finally, the tiered trays keep bikes from touching one another and improve ground clearance, and the anti-sway knob eliminates side to side movement on rough roads. Overall, the Yakima StageTwo is an excellent choice for those who need to carry heavy e-bikes.

How it Compares

If you’re looking for the best electric bike rack on the market, then Yakima’s StageTwo is an easy choice for the reasons listed above. However, in the greater field of hitch-mounted bike racks, there’s stiff competition.

The Thule T2 Pro XTR (listed above) very slightly edges out the StageTwo in terms of ease of use (the tilt mechanism of the Thule is easier to engage). However, the Thule isn’t rated to carry very heavy e-bikes as its max load rating is 60 pounds per bike. The 1UP USA is also another formidable choice, but again, it maxes out with a load rating of 50 pounds per bike. And as much as we personally love the 1UP USA, it’s not as user friendly as the StageTwo. All things considered, Yakima nailed the execution of the StageTwo for electric bikes, making it a standout carrier.

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Wanna know more?
Read our In-Depth Review of the Yakima StageTwo hitch rack.

Best Trunk Bike Rack

Saris Bones Bike Rack

Why it’s Great

The Saris Bones is affordable, easy to use, and very lightweight, making it the best trunk bike rack on the market. The curved arms help eliminate bike-to-bike clearance issues that plague those with straight bars, and the plastic ratcheting straps do a good job of holding everything in place. We love how quickly and easily the Saris stores away when not in use, and weighing in at a scant 9 pounds, the rack is exceptionally easy to move around the garage. If you’re in the market for the best trunk-mounted bike rack, then it’s really hard to beat the Saris Bones 2-Bike.

How it Compares

It’s no real secret that trunk bike racks have their limitations–they aren’t strong enough to carry heavy e-bikes, and curvy full-suspension mountain bikes frames don’t play nice with the arms. However, for road bikes or hardtail mountain bikes, they make a lot of sense.

Another popular option is Yakima’s FullBack trunk rack. Priced at about $260, the Yakima rack has a metal frame that feels a bit more robust compared to the Saris, and the ratchet straps are a bit easier to use. We also like that it includes an integrated lock. However, as much as we appreciate those premium features of the Yakima, we don’t think it’s worth the cost when compared to the Saris. In the end, the Saris carries bikes just as well as any trunk rack we’ve used and is the smarter choice.

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Best Roof Bike Rack

Yakima HighRoad Bike Rack

Why it’s Great

For those with an existing base rack system, a quality roof top bike carrier is a quick, easy, and economical way to transport a bike. And for the best roof bike rack, look no further than the Yakima HighRoad.

Obvious from the get-go, the Yakima HighRoad employs a very user-friendly design. The rack comes completely assembled (no tools required), it has a relatively low weight (18 pounds) that’s easy to lift overhead or move around the garage, and it can mount to most crossbar shapes (we tested it on square, round, and oval without any issues). In terms of loading and unloading a bike, the Yakima is among the easiest. The front hoop guides the wheel into place and is then secured via the tightening knob, which clicks to let you know when it’s cinched down. Finally, the rear wheel strap runs over the rear wheel and ratchets into place. From carbon frame gravel bikes to full-suspension 29ers, the Yakima HighRoad provides a seamless experience and exceeds expectations.

How it Compares

Thule’s UpRide roof mounted bike rack is another popular choice that matches the security and build quality of the Yakima HighRoad. Both models cost about $300, work well with a variety of wheel and tire sizes, and can be installed in as little as five minutes (with some practice). With that being said, there’s one major advantage of the Yakima HighRoad, and that’s convenience. Specifically, the Yakima’s front wheel attachment system is significantly easier to use than the Thule’s awkward two-piece design.

If you prefer a fork-mounted model–which are a bit easier to load–then have a look at the Kuat Trio. It’s a high performing roof biker rack that works well with 9, 12, 15, and 20 mm thru axle forks. That said, removing the front wheel on a regular basis to load and unload a bike gets old quickly and is why we prefer the HighRoad.

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Best Vertical Bike Rack

VelociRAX 5X

Why it’s Great

Capable of carrying up to seven bikes at once, the VelociRAX is versatile, economical, and convenient, making it the best vertical bike rack on the market. So when it’s time to haul as many bikes as possible–think road trips, family bike days, or shuttle laps with friends–VelociRAX is our top choice.

Offered in a number of models with capacities ranging from three to seven bikes, the five-bike 5X model is our favorite. The VelociRAX 5X is unique in that it has 15 inches of space between the baskets and lets you load five bikes regardless of handlebar shape, which is not possible with their other models that have 10 inches of spacing. Second, the combination of wheel basket and heavy duty rubber straps does an excellent job of securely holding bikes in place (even while shuttling rough roads). And finally, the VelociRAX undercuts the competition by a few hundred dollars while giving up nothing in return.

How it Compares

It would be impossible to talk about the best vertical bike racks and not mention North Shore Racks, the OG for shuttle days and DH bikes. That said, they are no longer our rack of choice for such purposes (and haven’t been for a while). Their carrying method quickly wears through paint, and we’ve seen many rusted out models at local trailheads. Not to mention, they don’t pair well (or at all) with drop bar bikes, which makes them very singular in purpose.

Other popular options include the 1UP USA Recon and Alta Racks. Each model differs slightly from the other, but all work and perform similarly. The main differences are country of origin (both the Recon and Alta are made in the USA whereas the VelociRAX is not) and price (the VelociRAX undercuts both by a couple hundred dollars). In the end, we prefer the VelociRAX for its ease of use and cost savings.

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Best Tailgate Bike Pad

Fox Mission Tailgate Bike Pad

Why it’s Great

In their infancy, tailgate bike pads were little more than a moving blanket thrown over the end of a pickup, but take a close look at newer offerings and you’ll see that things have clearly evolved. For the best tailgate bike pad in the business, we recommend the Fox Mission.

The Fox Mission stands ahead of the competition with its hard-wearing construction, heavy duty materials, and overall functionality. The integrated straps do an excellent job of holding bikes from bouncing around during long shuttles, and the thick padding protect bikes on rough roads. Other cool features include flip down padding that allows the use of a tonneau cover or pickup canopy, and the top of the pad is adjustable to accommodate curved tailgates. Fox also makes a few different widths of pads, which allows you to find the perfect fit whether you have a mid-size or full-size pickup truck.

How it Compares

Tailgate pads are a popular way to haul a lot of bikes on a budget, but with so many options available, what makes the Fox our top choice? It’s really the sum of the parts that makes the Mission the best tailgate bike pad on the market. Cheap Amazon models don’t have near enough padding to protect your bike and truck, and the overall quality and materials used are certainly suspect. And while well-known options from Dakine, Yakima, and Thule are viable alternatives, their lower-profile padding and foam blocks don’t hold bikes in place nearly as well as the Fox.

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Looking for more options?
See our in-depth guide to the year’s best bike tailgate pads.

Best Swing Away Bike Rack

RockyMounts AfterParty Bike Rack

Why it’s Great

For the best swing away bike rack that money can buy, choose the RockyMounts AfterParty. Featuring a sturdy frame, quality components, and a simple swing-away system, the AfterParty is a real treat to use.

The RockyMounts AfterParty uses two ratcheting arms that securely hold bikes in place, it’s super quick and easy to load, and it works well for everything from 20-inch kids bikes to full-suspension 29ers. And as the name suggests, the swing-away feature allows unencumbered access to the rear of the vehicle. One final praiseworthy trait is that it has a max load capacity of 60 pounds per bike, making it compatible with most electric bikes. If having full access to the rear of your van, pickup truck, or SUV is a top priority, the RockyMounts AfterParty is your best option.

How it Compares

There aren’t too many swing away bike racks on the market, making the RockyMounts AfterParty a standout option. However, there is one viable competitor, which is RockyMounts’ own BackStage.

Like the AfterParty, the RockyMounts BackStage features a sturdy design, quality construction, and allows for unencumbered access to the back of a vehicle. Nevertheless, the AfterParty’s dual ratcheting arms are more refined and there’s less use of plastic throughout, making it the higher-quality option. Furthermore, the AfterParty can accommodate bikes that are five inches longer than what the BackStage can handle, which is important for extra-large bikes. If you’re looking for the best swing away bike rack, then the AfterParty is the easy choice for the reasons listed above.

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Wanna know more?
Read our In-Depth Review of the RockyMounts AfterParty hitch rack.

Best Lightweight Bike Rack

Kuat Beta Bike Rack

Why it’s Great

For one of the lightest hitch-mounted bike racks on the market, we turn to the Kuat Beta. Weighing in at a feathery 14 pounds (about half of similar racks from Yakima and Thule), the Beta includes everything you need to easily carry two road, gravel, or hardtail mountain bikes.

The sturdy horizontal arms have a max load capacity of 40 pounds per bike, the ratcheting straps do a good job of holding bikes secure, and the anti-sway hitch tightener keeps the rack from wobbling side to side. And perhaps best of all, the entire rack folds nearly flat for easy storage. Occam’s Razor often comes to mind when describing the Beta, which states: “the simplest solution is almost always the best”. So while we generally recommend platform-style racks over hanging models, the Kuat Beta is worth a look for weight conscious or space limited buyers.

How it Compares

Both the Yakima RidgeBack 2 and Thule Camber 2 are strong offerings for hanging-style racks, but neither can compare to the Kuat in terms of a lightweight hitch rack.

First and foremost, both the RidgeBack (32 pounds) and Camber (28 pounds) weigh significantly more than the Beta (14 pounds). And to our surprise, the Beta actually has the highest max load capacity of 40 pounds per bike out of the three. We also like how the Beta is able to fold up almost flat when not in use, something that the Camber and RidgeBack simply can’t do. Finally, the $270 Kuat Beta is the least expensive of the three and undercuts both the Camber ($330) and RidgeBack ($400) by a significant chunk of change. If you’re looking for a lightweight and inexpensive two-bike hanging hitch rack, then the Kuat Beta is worth checking out.

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Highest Quality Bike Rack

1UP USA Heavy Duty Double Bike Rack

Why it’s Great

Equally at home hanging in a high-end art museum as it is off the back of a beat up Tacoma, the 1UP USA Heavy Duty Double is a thing of beauty. The first thing you can’t help but notice about the 1UP is how it secures bikes on the rack. Unlike most other platform style bike carriers that use a single arm for the front tire and plastic or rubber strap for the rear, the Heavy Duty Double uses two folding arms that quickly and easily cinch down on both tires. The main benefit to this design is that the rack only comes into contact with rubber and never has the chance to scratch up your frame or wheels.

Diving a bit deeper into the 1UP, you’ll also notice that it’s almost entirely made out of aluminum (which is much lighter and more resistant to rust when compared to steel). And after nearly 50,000 miles of 100% trouble-free use, ours hardly shows any signs of wear. For a rack that will likely outlast your biking obsessions, the 100% made in America 1UP is an easy choice.

How it Compares

So if the 1UP is such an amazing rack, then why isn’t it at the top of our list? Really, it all comes down to ease of use and convenience, which is where the Thule T2 Pro XTR really shines (listed above).

For starters, the latching mechanism on the 1UP’s arms can be a bit finicky to engage and disengage–even with our extensive use they sometimes snag. Second, the tilt lever is all but impossible to use on the 1UP when loaded with two heavy bikes (yes, we know there’s an optional extender for another $80). Third, hauling fatbikes requires purchasing adapters, and to adjust to kids bikes you need to disassemble and reassemble part of the rack with tools. Finally, the 1UP does not include any type of bike locking mechanism, which the Thule does. All told, we love our 1UP and use it regularly, but we don’t think it’s the best option for most users.

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