In addition, the tilt feature is all but unreachable with loaded bikes—the lever is hidden away under the rack. (As racks are bolt-together, locking hitch pins are not highly recommended. Type: PlatformWeight: 46 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (4 with add-on)Weight capacity per bike: 50 lbs.What we like: The ratcheting arms only make contact with your bike’s tires.What we don’t: Hard-to-reach tilt lever and no bike locks included. A quick check of our list above will show that most of the hanging-style racks have ended up at or near the bottom of our rankings. Kuat requires you to purchase adapters to haul fat bikes and 20- to 24-inch wheels (something the Thule can do out of the box), and the tilt mechanism on the T2 Pro is a bit easier to access. First, the upper cradles that hold bikes in place are not compatible with road or cyclocross-style bikes, which limits its appeal. Vertical Bike Rack From 2x4s: I recently built a vertical bike rack from scraps of 2x4s leftover from another project. The reason is simple: they’re unable to accommodate irregularly-shaped bike frames—including many full-suspension mountain bikes, kids’ bikes, and step-through bikes—without purchasing a top tube adapter. As part of their 2019 HD Truck Rack collection, Yakima has their first vertical bike rack setup, plus a solid rooftop tent, and a tidy cargo basket, among other hauling solutions. This hitch bike rack makes it easy to take 4 bikes to the trail. The Yakups bike Racks we manufacture can be ordered as a customized bike rack. Perhaps best of all, the low 32-pound weight is easy to remove and install, and the small footprint takes up minimal space when off your vehicle. 08:51 22 Dec 20. Type: PlatformWeight: 34 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (3 with EZ+1 add-on)Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: Pretty light and the ability to carry three bikes with the add-on.What we don’t: Doesn’t feel as durable or stout as other racks. Trunk-mounted racks are cheaper but prone to causing paint damage on your vehicle if you don’t take extra precautions. There can be big differences—for example, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0’s max wheelbase is a fairly short 47 inches, while the 1Up’s Heavy Duty Double’s max capacity is 54 inches. Hanging racks are much lighter and more compact, which is a plus for those that plan to remove the rack with some regularity. Reflecting the growing popularity of heavy e-bikes and large fat bikes, Thule released the EasyFold XT 2. The bike nearest the vehicle is quite challenging to load compared to other racks on this list, the release mechanism on the ratcheting arm is difficult to engage, and there are no locks included with your purchase. In addition, the two-bike add-ons that are offered on some platform racks are only compatible with a 2-inch receiver. There aren’t major differences between styles in terms of functionality, although we’ve found the integrated type is a little easier to use. Thule’s T2 Classic is the predecessor to our top pick, the T2 Pro XT, and as such, is a quality rack with most of the features you’d expect from an earlier iteration. And although the T2 Classic has a spot for locks on the ratcheting arms, they are not included with the rack and will cost you an additional $40 (for the Thule version). What a relief it is, not having to struggle putting my bike on a rack; and with the style of my frame, it was always a struggle. After a summer of shop shuttles, long haul road trips and rallying it on the back of a Ford Raptor at speeds not to be disclosed, we can now report the rack as thoroughly tested.”. In addition, the platform trays on this rack are highly adjustable, making any bike-to-bike clearance issues almost non-existent. A hitch bike rack from Thule is easy to install and use, and carries 1 to 5 bikes safely and securely. Type: PlatformWeight: 63 lbs.Number of bikes: 2Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: Built-in swing feature provides easy access to the rear of your vehicle.What we don’t: It’s the heaviest two-bike rack on this list. It’s worth noting that 1Up has recently expanded their line with the Equip-D rack, which addresses many of our complaints with the Heavy Duty, including an easier access tilt bar and compatibility with fat tires. But it’s hard to ignore the RidgeBack’s track record of reliable performance, which makes it our top hanging hitch rack.See the Yakima RidgeBack 4. Fill out the form below and will do our best to help you. A hitch rack is used to carry your tandem or single bike on the back of your vehicle. In addition, the tilt lever is hidden away and essentially unreachable if you have bikes already loaded up (it’s far easier to access without bikes). One of my buds has been able to carry his cross bike on his NSR by hanging it from the handlebars. Type: PlatformWeight: 52 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (4 with add-on)Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: Loaded with features, well-built, and easy to use.What we don’t: Expensive and a bit heavy. Features: Hitch-mounted rack lets you carry 4 mountain bikes vertically on the back of your vehicle Great for families, group rides, and tour operators Only compatible with bicycles equipped ... Hitch; Hanging Rack; Fat Bikes; Mountain Bikes; Tilt-Away Rack; RV Hitch Rack; Yes - I am a beast; 4 Bikes; Yakima; Yes - I need access; Fits 2 Inch Hitch; 4 Bikes; Flat-Towed Vehicle As with any product, there are bound to be compromises. Tilting racks allow you to open the cargo door on most SUVs, hatchbacks, and trucks, but swing-away designs take access to the next level. But the extensions are convenient to use, easy to install or remove, and come with the security of the platform design. Two sets of arms secure over the tires (no concerns about frame contact), and wheel straps serve as backup for hauling heavier e-bikes, models with fenders, or if you have bikes with very different wheelbases. Hitch-mounted bike rack weights vary widely, from the 14-pound Kuat Beta to the burly 85-pound Recon Racks Gen2 R6. Finally, we’d be remiss not to mention that the NV is easily one of the better-looking racks available, especially in the Gray Metallic colorway. 4.3 out of 5 stars 261. Its expanding wedge attachment system makes for a wobble-free connection, you get ample clearance from your vehicle and between bikes, and the included integrated locks provide an added measure of security. My rig with LOLO 6 is no longer than a two bike tray on a typical SUV. Lastly, Recon Racks is a small company based out of Ferndale, Washington, and ordering backlogs sometimes can be an issue (we’ve seen wait times up to three weeks). Having four bikes placed horizontally behind a small to medium SUV is problematic and creates major leverage issues. Finally, the focus on trimming weight means the rack has more of a tendency to wobble on bumpy roads, although the bike attachment system is reliable in general. The design is fairly simple: clamps on either end attach to your seat post and bike stem, and the rounded piece in the middle lays on top of the rack’s cradles. ... Vertical post can be quickly removed for compact storage; To keep the material protected, the most important thing to do is select a style that doesn’t allow for any frame contact. Moreover, there is very little space between the bikes when they’re loaded, which can lead to rubbing and damage to the paint. If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and you’re tempted to skimp on the helmet, don’t. "The Lolo Rack is the solution we've been looking for. Shingleback Off-Road is an Aussie brand, designing and building their products here in Australia, including the Vertical bike rack on test here. For those planning on hauling heavier downhill mountain bikes, e-bikes, fat bikes, or cruiser models, it’s a good idea to verify the bike weight capacity of a given rack. Width (unloaded) 3 bike rack: 800mm 4 bike rack: 1090mm 5 bike rack: 1375mm 6 bike rack: 1670mm. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. I'll explain both below. It’s the only one that can both accommodate 20- to 29-inch wheels and tires up to 5 inches wide (the only incompatible size is a 27.5-inch fat bike). Our favorite bike locks are those that are integrated into the rack, which makes it very convenient to quickly deploy them when needed. The Thule T2 Pro XT is, by far, our favorite hitch-mounted bike rack. Constructed of heavy-duty steel, our first-ever vertical bike rack safely hauls up to six mountain bikes to the trailhead. To help with bike-to-bike interference, RockyMounts utilized a tiered design, which means each bike sits at a different height (the one closest to the vehicle is lowest and they step up higher as they move away). As an example, here’s a link to a technical drawing for Kuat's NV 2.0 hitch rack. vertical hitch mountain bike rack Perfect for tour operators, group rides, and big families. Horizontal Rack. It's great for long cross country trips, or local shuttle sessions and I never have to worry about my bikes getting scratched, bumping each other, or bouncing around in transit. Best Hitch Bike Rack Buying Guide. And a final pitfall of the hanging rack is how it secures bikes to the rack: it holds them in place by rubber or plastic straps that wrap around the frame. Further, as we touched on above, there are limitations with the arm design if you’ll be hauling bikes with different wheelbases (for example, a long-travel adult mountain bike and a kid’s bike). The design includes two independent folding arms that contact only the tires, leaving the rest of the bike completely untouched—a task that other racks struggle to accomplish. Thule has one of the largest bike rack lineups, and their Camber 4 slots in as their mid-range hanging option. And while hanging racks often resemble one another in how they work—unload the bikes, fold the arms down, and then pull a lever to lower the rack—platform models can vary widely. And with a relatively reasonable price tag of $500, the T2 Classic is a smart way to save. The standout feature of this hanging rack is its weight, or lack thereof, with the 2-inch receiver version coming in at a scant 14 pounds. In general, platform-style racks can carry anywhere from one to four bikes (if you invest in an extension), while hanging-style racks range from two to five total bikes. Hitch Bike Racks. And that amount can vary widely: burly platform racks have the highest ratings, including Thule’s e-bike-ready EasyFold XT 2 that can haul up to 65-pound bikes. Hanging Racks ", “Mountain bikers appreciate a good rack, and the shortcomings of most racks keep us on a perpetual search for the ideal way to transport our bikes. If, like most cyclists, you plan to keep your rack on your vehicle for extended periods of time or just want to retain access to your rear cargo area, you’ll want to get a hitch rack with a tilt feature. Hanging racks also accommodate a fat bike more easily. The vertical HangOver bike rack is what first caught our eye out of Yakima’s new heavy-duty truck rack range. This design shares a number of basic features with the Thule T2 above, including an attachment system that avoids any frame contact (a plus for carbon fiber bikes or if you value your paint job) and a tilting function that allows for access to the back of your vehicle. Looking for some help in picking out a vertical bike rack for my Honda Odyssey which has a Class III 2" hitch receiver on it. Best for Two Bikes: Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack. But for e-bike owners who want an integrated and deployable ramp—and others who don’t want to lift heavy bikes on and off their rack—the Thule EasyFold XT 2 is the best option available.See the Thule EasyFold XT 2. Simply attach clam shell style ski racks (roof racks) to the vertical post of a typical bike hitch rack using some steel angle iron and flat plate. I can't get one in my 1-Up without buying the adaptor. Compared to the Thule T2, the materials and build quality are inferior and you miss out on some useful features. As with any hanging-style hitch rack, there’s no avoiding the fact that the FullSwing 4 makes direct contact with your bike’s frame. This means you’ll want to avoid the standard hanging rack category, as models like the Yakima Ridgeback secure the bike with straps directly over the top tube. So beautifully accommodates all the bikes I throw it's way. Others, like the Kuat NV 2.0, require two separate adapters to fit bikes with wheels between 20 to 24 inches and tires larger than 2.75 inches. The good news is that the majority of road and mountain bikers won’t have a problem at all—every platform rack on our list can fit 26- to 29-inch wheels and 3-inch and under tires. Further, the rack rusted out quickly (this was in the rainy Pacific Northwest, however). Both have a four-bike capacity, anti-sway strap systems, and a tilt mechanism to get the rack out of the way when loading or unloading your car (both require you to remove the bikes to tilt, however). For a bargain-basement $150, the Swagman XC2 features a highly adjustable tray system, sturdy and secure ratcheting arms, and a threaded hitch pin that keeps rack movement to a minimum. Among platform-style racks, it’s best to choose one of two basic designs: a ratcheting arm that locks in over the front wheel and a strap through the rear wheel (featured on the Thule T2 Pro XT, Kuat Transfer, Kuat NV 2.0, and others) or a dual-arm design like 1Up’s Heavy Duty that tightens over the front and rear tires. Like 1Up’s Heavy Duty above, the Kuat goes head-to-head with our top-rated Thule T2 Pro XT. I love being able to have all six bikes loaded and the kids in the car in the same time it takes the guy across the lot to get a single bike off his rack, front wheel attached, etc. JAPUSOON Bike Stand Vertical Bike Rack,Upright Bicycle Floor Stand,Free Standing Adjustable Bike Garage Rack for Indoor Mountain/ Road Bike Storage,Saving Space-No Damage Wall,Fits Most 20''-27'' Bike. Furthermore, it undercuts the similarly designed Recon Racks GEN2 R4 by $175. Thanks a lot! While not necessarily inexpensive, a quality hanging rack like the Yakima RidgeBack 2 comes in at about half the price of a platform model with the same capacity. That being said, the two-bike version is among the most expensive on the market at a hefty $729.See the 1Up USA Heavy Duty Double. In addition, the EasyFold is among the simplest to store: the platform’s sides fold upwards in half and an integrated handle allows you to carry the rack short distances with one hand. But despite a growing number of competitors in this category—including Yakima’s new HangOver—the Gen2’s combination of build quality, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of bike styles makes it our favorite high-capacity rack.See the Recon Racks Gen2 R6. We’ve made it clear throughout this piece that a hitch-mounted rack is our favorite design, and platform models in particular. In a two-year stretch, our Sherpa 2.0 had a series of issues: the tire ratcheting system failed, the sliding arm mechanism started to stick until it eventually slid out of the lower piece, and the spring in the pivot started to stick as well. The $300 Camber 4 model listed here features 7 inches of space between cradles to minimize bike-to-bike contact and the folding design makes it easy to store when not in use. The good news is that Kuat provided a replacement with their excellent warranty, but this experience leads us to think it’s worth upgrading to the burlier NV 2.0 if you’ll be leaving the rack on the back of your car most of the year.See the Kuat Sherpa 2.0. Add-ons (also known as extensions) are a great way to increase the carrying capacity of your platform-style hitch rack. The user-friendly tilt feature is best in class, providing quick and easy access to the rear of the vehicle, and its versatile carrying system accommodates everything from fat bikes to 20-inch kids’ models. Hanging-style racks are known for their simplicity and affordable price tags, but the feature-rich Yakima FullSwing 4 bucks that trend. That said, if you won’t be using your rack all that often or will need to remove it by yourself with some regularity, a lightweight design like the Beta is a perfectly reasonable choice. Considering the $120 drop in price from the T2 Pro XT, it’s no surprise the T2 Classic is somewhat lacking in refinement and features. Christal Mouat. In testing, we’ve found that weight-saving models like the Yakima Dr.Tray and Kuat Sherpa 2.0 have their fair share of compromises in carrying ability and longevity. Type: PlatformWeight: 37 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (available in 1- and 3-bike versions)Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: Great price for a versatile platform-style rack.What we don’t: Simplified design lacks some useful features. Type: HangingWeight: 35 lbs.Number of bikes: 4 (available in 2- and 5-bike versions)Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: Proven, affordable way to haul 4 bikes.What we don’t: Need an adapter to carry step-through bikes. The easiest way to check clearance is to do an actual test fit, but that’s often not an option. Vertical Hitch Towbars. If you intend to carry up to 5 bikes to your riding location, Yakima Ridgeback 5-bike rack is worth checking out. Failing to verify this can lead to myriad issues—examples include your van’s rear doors can’t open more than a couple inches because the rack sits too close, your bike’s handlebars come into contact with the back of an SUV when bikes are loaded, or a pickup’s tailgate cannot be lowered. Among the options on the market, Yakima’s RidgeBack is a long-time favorite: it features a durable build, reasonable price, and anti-sway design that limits bike movement while on the road. A hitch bike rack from Thule is a great choice if you and your friends or family want to head out on new adventures with your bikes. It was one of the first platform racks to incorporate a side-swinging mechanism into the design (think of an arm that swings away from your vehicle to allow for total access to the rear of your car). The listings for each design will specify the maximum carrying capability per bike. Type: PlatformWeight: 32 lbs.Number of bikes: 2Weight capacity per bike: 35 lbs.What we like: An inexpensive yet surprisingly reliable way to carry two bikes.What we don’t: Not the most user-friendly design and the ratcheting arms scuff bike frames. Thank you for thinking outside the box and building a great rack system. This rack has held onto top honors in this review for a few years because it effectively blends a supremely high level of versatility with a tremendous level of user-friendliness. Simply put, this rack does it all. If, however, you’re considering a hanging rack, take a close look at the shape of the top tube of your bike’s frame. For years, 1Up stood out in the platform market with its innovative dual ratcheting arms that only secured over a bike’s tires (with zero chance of frame contact). Whats the difference in vertical hitch bike racks. Unfortunately, these straps often can lead to scuffing and scraping over time—for those that love their bikes, this is a deal breaker. Given that the Camber is a fairly new model from Thule, we simply don’t know how it will stand up over time. The RockyMounts BackStage is 10 to 20 pounds heavier than most other platform-style racks, and therefore you will not want to remove it from your vehicle very often (or without help). Once you have this number you can compare it against the max wheelbase spec for the rack you're interested in purchasing. 1Up does offer a tilt lever extender, but that will cost you another $70, and it feels like something that could be remedied or included at the outset. Great for big families, group rides, or tour guides, Yakima’s beastly bike rack loads up to six bikes at up to 37.5 pounds each in a very cool vertical carry system. They typically double the rack’s carrying capacity—from two to four bikes—and are available for many popular designs (including Thule’s T2 Pro XT Add-On and Kuat’s NV 2.0 Add-On). The ratcheting, cushioned hooks easily adjust along the vertical mast and lock securely in place. As expected, 2-inch receivers can handle more weight, which is a consideration if you’re planning on hauling a heavy platform rack with some 50+ pound e-bikes aboard. Hitch Bike Rack's Specifics Previous. It’s true, mountain bike helmet prices are creeping up... A quality mountain bike shoe plays a number of important roles. Constructed of heavy-duty steel, our first-ever vertical bike rack carries more bikes in less space, so you can safely haul up to six mountain bikes to the trailhead. But if these complaints aren’t deal-breakers, the WestSlope is a desirable option for families and group rides.See the RockyMounts WestSlope 3. I found that I would need this bike to be hung at 63.5" using these ho… Both the T2 and NV 2.0 are very user-friendly and have long-lasting builds, although we have found the Thule is a little more versatile. Platform racks dominate this round-up, and in our opinion, are the best way to transport your bikes. It has been fully tested by adventurers like … But once 29- and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since. As such, on certain platform racks, there can be wheelbase compatibility issues. Type: PlatformWeight: 55 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (4 with add-on)Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: True 1Up competitor in convenience and features.What we don’t: Very expensive and unproven long-term durability. It’s when you get to the extreme ends of the spectrum with 12- to 24-inch kids’ bikes or fat bikes with 4- to 5-inch tires that problems can crop up. Similar to the Kuat Transfer above, the rack is reasonably light, loads quickly and easily with ratcheting arms that secure over the front tire, and includes a tilt function to allow access your vehicle’s rear hatch. What are the downsides of the Recon Gen2? And with the exception of some truly cheap options, nearly all hitch-mounted bike racks have this functionality. How does Saris’ design stack up to the legendary 1Up? Manufacturers oftentimes have a technical drawing available of the rack in question, and you can use the measurements for assessing whether or not you’ll run into any fitment issues. In short, if you plan to use your rack a lot or keep it on your vehicle even in the rainy seasons, it’s well worth paying for a premium design. Second, the cradles make direct contact with your bike’s fork crown–this leads to major scuffing and loss of paint over time. Saris may not be as popular as Yakima and Thule, but they’ve carved out a nice segment of the market with their competitive prices and creative designs. Further, while they’re fairly easy to use, putting them on and taking them off every time you go biking will inevitably become annoying. That said, for serious riders, the added weight and cost are well worth the security and ease of use of this style. Type: HangingWeight: 56 lbs.Number of bikes: 4Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: The convenience of a swing-away design.What we don’t: Heavy and pricey for a hanging rack. Where the Yakima has the edge is in its proven durability. In addition, these racks are the most gentle on bikes because they typically only come in contact with the tire or wheel (and not the painted frame). The two vertical-mounted hitch racks were quite involved in terms of assembly. ... My Thule tow bar bike rack was not the easiest to fit but the guys had all the extra bits necessary for the job. Premium Lightweight Tray Hitch Bike Rack. While not a perfect deterrent—a solid set of bolt cutters will make quick work of them—they do provide a degree of security while parking your car (we like to back them up with a sturdier U-lock as well). It won’t impact most folks, but larger mountain bikers on big, modern downhill-oriented models will want to verify this piece of information. First, specify the size and class of your car’s hitch … Great for hauling bikes with your family, shuttling the crew to the trailhead. One design that does a great job of balancing metal construction and strategic use of tough plastic is our top-rated Thule T2 Pro XT. During our quest, we heard about a small Oregon based company called LOLO that offered a tough and unique six-bike hitch rack. At $620, the T2 Pro certainly isn’t cheap, nor is it particularly light at over 50 pounds, but its sturdy, long-lasting design is ideal for committed riders. This model is available in 2-bike, 4-bike, and 5-bike carriers. In many ways, the Camber 4 is a direct competitor to Yakima’s RidgeBack above. Without a doubt, their Heavy Duty Double's sleek aluminum build and attention to detail are a cut above the rest. Needless to say, it’s worth the time to verify you have proper clearance. Adding the swing-away functionality to a hitch-mounted rack does come with compromises. And it’s worth noting that this functionality still isn’t available from big hitters like Yakima or Thule. The final potential bike compatibility pitfall is related to the shape and style of your bike’s frame. and tires sizes (up to 5 in.). I agree that 4 bikes on a tray rack sticks out too far, and that's when you want a rack that hangs them. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. Another quibble we have is that the lock is not integrated into the rack, which is a handy feature that we appreciate on the Thule T2 Pro above and Yakima Dr.Tray below. Offered in two- and four-bike versions, the Camber collection delivers good value and all-around performance. Overall, it’s not a featherweight at 34 pounds, but the Thule’s sturdy build makes for a solid way to transport a lot of bikes. But if you’ll only be carrying standard mountain or road bikes, a 1.25-inch receiver will work great. Rooftop racks have a lower maximum capacity (usually two bikes), are more of a pain to load and unload, and can impact gas mileage or create a whistling sound on the highway. 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The vehicle of important roles as racks are the easiest way to transport bikes, racks.: 31kg does a great job of balancing metal construction and strategic use of tough plastic is our favorite,! Fill out the form below and will do our best to help keep rear. Scale at 85 pounds, but that ’ s frame stir in lab. The EasyFold XT 2 ranked here width ( unloaded ) 3 bike rack Perfect for you and car. In place are not highly recommended in terms of assembly components, and their signature product is the above. Crew to the receiver hitch of your vehicle if you ’ ll only be carrying standard or. My buds has been stretched thin and you get an impressively versatile, premium rack with its complete set... Attention to detail are a solid way to easily carry 6 mountain,! A lightweight alternative in the industry ’ s frame designs moves forward, the rack 35 pounds per ).