The following guide will help you decide which bike rack is best for your vehicle and how many bikes to fit.
A bike rack is essential if you want to travel the world, bike on remote roads and be completely free. We understand that every person has different needs and that bike designs and car models will require different bike rack options. This guide is designed to help you find the right bike carrier for your needs.
Can all cars be fitted with bike racks?
When choosing a bike rack for your car, the first thing you should do is determine what kind of vehicle you have and how many bikes it would be suitable to store.
There are many options for bike racks. They can be attached to the roof of your vehicle, the hitch receiver or the trunk of your pickup truck, or they can be placed in the bed of your truck. You will need to know what type of vehicle you have in order to determine which bike rack options you have. To find the right bike rack for your vehicle, please refer to the Thule Buyers guide. After you’ve determined which options will fit your vehicle, you can narrow down the style according to how many bikes you wish to transport.
Different types of bike racks
Once you have determined how many bikes you intend to transport, you can decide how you want your bikes to be carried. There are four options.
- Rooftop bike racks
There are three styles for the rear of your car:
- Hitch bike racks
- Trunk bike racks
- Truck bike racks
These are the benefits and features of each type bike rack:
Choose a rooftop bike rack.
Rooftop-mounted bike racks allow you full access to your vehicle’s trunk. They can hold one bike, have a dropout or thru-axle attachment point that allows you to attach the fork to the rack, such as the Thule Thule ThruRide. Or, you can mount the bike without taking off the front wheel with upright roof racks. These are an easy-to-use solution, such as the Thule UpRide, which is quick and easy to load and unload These styles can be installed factory-installed or aftermarket, but they are ideal for smaller SUVs or sedans that have a lower loading height.
Rooftop bike racks have many benefits
- You own a roof rack but don’t have a hitch receiver.
- Your vehicle’s roof is lower
- Access to the rear of your vehicle is required
- There is not much storage space.
Hitch bike racks
A hitch bike rack is the most popular type of bike carrier. They are great if you have a Class 1- 5 receiver hitch or are planning to install one. These racks are lightweight and easy to mount and can hold up to five bikes. There are two types of hitch racks: platform and standard. They can hold up to four bikes and fold up for storage when not in use. The Thule Helix Platform is a great option for this style. It offers the best-in-class usability and styling and comes in either 1 or 2 options. Hanging hitch racks can hold up to five bikes. They attach them to the top tube of the bike. There are two options for racks: swing-away or tilt-down to provide trunk access. These racks can be used to attach 1 1/4″ and 2″ hitch receivers. The Thule ApexXT Swing offers superior protection for 5 bikes and cushioned cradles to protect the frames. There are also 7 inches of clearance between each bike.
Bike racks with hitch mounts offer many benefits:
- A 1 1/4″ or 2 hitch receiver is available.
- You may want to transport multiple bikes
- They must be easy to load and unload
- Different bike frames are needed
- You need extra security when transporting your bikes
Trunk bike racks:
A trunk bike rack is a great option for vehicles that don’t have a hitch receiver or roof rack. These racks can hold 1 to 3 bikes and are easy to store when not in use. It is one kind of best full suspension mountain bike under 1000
Trunk bike racks have many benefits
- You don’t have a hitch receiver or rack system and don’t want to purchase one.
- You are a casual rider who doesn’t ride often
- You are looking for an economically viable option
- There is not much storage space.
Truck bike racks
Owners of light-duty trucks have two options: they can either load their bikes on an in-bed rack to mount inside their truck’s bed, such as the Thule InstaGater Pro. Or, they can strap up to eight bikes onto a tailgate pad using the Thule GateMate Pro.
Truck bike racks have many benefits
- You don’t have a hitch receiver or roof rack and don’t want to put one in.
- The hitch receiver can be used for other purposes.
- You would like to transport your bikes in your truck bed
- You live near where you ride and require a simple way to commute.
There are many bike rack options for you to choose from, regardless of what vehicle you have or how many bikes you intend to take with you on your next trip. It’s crucial to do your research before you decide on the right bike rack. Our interactive Thule Buyer’s Guide will help you choose the right rack for you. It includes a step-by-step tutorial on which rack is best for your vehicle, the type of bike, and how many bikes you want to store.
