Truck Bed Bike Rack Systems

How to Choose aTruck-Bed Bike Rack

Benefits of a truck-bed bike rack

• Does not require a hitch
• Towing possible with bikes in truck bed

When choosing a truck bed mounted bike rack that is compatible with your vehicle and bikes, it is important to consider four simple points:

• Vehicle Compatibility
• Bike Compatibility
• Vehicle Accessibility
• User Compatibility

Vehicle Compatibility

Do you drive a pickup truck?

• Truck-bed bike racks are designed to securely carry bikes in the bed of a pickup truck

Does your truck have a bed liner?

• Drilling through or removing a section of your bed liner may be necessary for installation of some styles of truck-bed bike racks

Bike Compatibility

Bike racks come in a variety of styles. Consider what style of bike rack would be most compatible with your bike frames and transportation requirements.

Styles of Truck-Bed Bike Racks

Fork Mount

• Bike is anchored by mounting the fork of the bike frame to the rack
  • Fork is held in place by tightening a skewer
• Front bike wheel must be removed
• If you have disc brakes, ensure that your bike is compatible with the fork mount
• Very stable
• Capacity: up to 4 bikes

Frame Mount

• Arm attaches to the side of truck bed using an I-bolt; the opposite end of the arm clamps to the crossbar of the bicycle frame
• Extra arms can allow additional bikes to be securely clamped alongside one another
• No wheel removal necessary
• Accommodates most bike frames and sizes
• Capacity: up to 4 bikes

Wheel Mount

• Front wheel of bike is placed into mount, and wheel clamp holds wheel in place
• No wheel removal necessary
• Compatible with all bike frames and sizes
• Easy loading and unloading
• Capacity: 1 bike

Does your bike require a fork adapter to be compatible with a Yakima fork-mount bike rack?

• A fork adapter ensures that a bike's fork can be mounted onto any fork-mount rack
• Great for Maverick bikes and bikes with lefty forks or Specialized forks
• See available fork adapter sizes

Vehicle Accessibility

Truck-bed bike racks do not limit accessibility to your truck. However, they do take up space in the truck bed and leave you with less room to haul other cargo.

Use caution opening the tailgate when using tailgate-mounted bike racks with bikes installed because the rack can become unstable.

User Compatibility

Choose a rack with features that make it convenient and easy for you to handle.

Installation

Bolt-On Racks

• Many styles bolt onto the truck-bed rails
• Can be installed almost anywhere in the bed

Tailgate Mount

• Mounts in the truck tailgate hinge
• Two straps drop through hinge before tailgate is closed
• Secure the bike rack into place by tightening straps once tailgate is closed
• Secure rack to vehicle by locking tailgate
• Use an additional cable lock to secure bike to rack
• Easy, hassle-free installation
• No tools required

Rod Mount

• Rod stabilizes across truck bed
• Rubber feet hold rod in place on truck rails without drilling
• Different styles of racks offer various built-in locking devices
  • See individual racks
• Simple installation
• May not be compatible with tonneau covers