How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
Available in a large variety of styles Make it easy to load and unload bikes More aerodynamic than roof-mounted racks Eliminate overhead clearance problems with garage doors compared to roof-mounted racks Available with greater capacity than most trunk-mounted bike racks More secure than trunk-mounted racks Work with more vehicle models than trunk-mounted racks
What are the Different Kinds of Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks?
Hold 1-4 bikes Make minimal frame contact Much easier to load and unload than hanging bike racks Can accommodate a variety of bikes, including women's step-through and kids' bikes, but may require adapter for some Provide a stable platform to eliminate sway
Hold 2-6 bikes Typically make frame contact (except for a few wheel-mount racks) May require adapter bar for alternative-framed bikes (such as women's step-through bikes) May be too wide or bulky to hold kids' bikes Cost less than platform racks Weigh less than platform-style racks
What's the best bike rack for...
Road and mountain bikes: Standard-frame bikes work well with all types of hitch-mounted racks. However, platform racks are easier to load, and many avoid making frame contact. Bikes with step-through frames: Platform racks will hold step-through bikes without an adapter. Most hanging-style racks, however, do require an adapter. Children's bikes: Some children's bikes require an adapter, but many can fit on hanging racks with closely spaced dual arms or single arms with small cradles. There are also platform-style racks designed to accommodate smaller bikes. Carbon-fiber frames: To avoid scratching carbon-fiber frames, the best choice is a platform-style rack that avoids any frame contact. Bikes with suspension: Platform racks with wheel clamps won't compress your bike's suspension.
What Kinds of Racks are Available for Specialty Bikes?
Which Bike Rack Will Fit My Vehicle?
Class I Hitches: Up to 2k lb capacity, 1-1/4" receiver size Class II Hitches: Up to 3,500 lbs, 1-1/4" receiver size Class III Hitches: Up to 8,000 lbs, 2" hitch receiver size
What Special Features are Available on Different Bike Racks?
Swing-Away Bike Racks
Tilt-Away Bike Racks
Fold-Up Bike Racks
Bike Racks with Integrated Locks
Kristia
6/26/2022
I have a hybrid suv (Kia Niro) and want a trailer hitch and bike rack recommendation for 2 mountain bikes.
David B.
6/27/2022
I need to know the year as well as the make and model to get you a hitch receiver. Once I know that I can get you the information you need.
David B.
6/28/2022
Okie doke Kristia, you need this # e33AR for a hitch receiver. For a bike rack that will hold two mountain bikes I think this linked page will give you a great place to start and pick from, we have so many options I would hate to take away some of them from you without you seeing. I do feel platform racks are better and for mountain bikes I favor hollywood racks over the other brands due to the versatile nature of the rack itself. If you have any questions about a specific item let me know!
Angela B.
1/14/2022
If you do not have an receiver on the back of your Honda, that should be the first thing to purchase. this receiver can be used for bike racks, cargo racks, and even towing. I recommend the # C11525 Class -1 hitch for 2019 Honda excluding Hybrids. This will give a 200 pounds of tongue weight( That is the part that supports the bike rack and bikes. And also gives you 2000 pounds of towing capacity. For the bike rack I recommend the Swagman # S64683 2-bike rack. It has a tilting function so you access your trunk.
Patrick R.
11/17/2021
Have a 2016 Subaru Outback. We have two adult bikes (one of them a women's bike) and two kids bikes smaller than 14 inches. My wife would like a rack that still allows access to the trunk. Any suggestions?
Les D.
11/23/2021
Since you have bikes a varying sizes and styles, you will want to use a platform rack.
Your Subaru has a hitch tongue weight limit of only 200 pounds. your rack and 4 bikes have to be less than this. (Same for either engine,)
It seems that your Outback came with a 1-1/4 inch hitch receiver. If it did not you could install the EcoHitch # 306-X7267 Class-3 receiver hitch. (25 pounds) This is a 2 inch receiver that will offer you more future flexibility for accessories like a cargo basket.
I would use the Saris Freedom Bike Rack part # SA4414B that holds four bikes and it can fold up when not in use, or tilt away to access the back of the vehicle. (56 pounds)
I have attached a link to all of the other 4-bike platform bikes.
Johnny
10/10/2021
Can you please help me pick out the best bike rack for my wife’s 2019 Honda accord. I’m thinking I want a style that fits into some kind of a receiver. Thank you for your time. PS it only needs to fit two bikes
Les D.
10/22/2021
@Johnny If you do not already have an accessory receiver on the back of your Honda, that will be there first thing to get. This receiver can be used for bike racks, cargo racks, and even towing. I recommend the Curt # C11525 Class-1 hitch for 2019 Honda Accords - excluding hybrids. This will give you 200 pounds of tongue weight (the part that supports a bike rack and bikes, and 2000 pounds of towing capacity.
For the bike rack the Swagman # S63400 2-bike rack is light and offers tilting function so you can access the rear of your vehicle.
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Mindy
8/19/2022
I have a 1 1/4 receiver on my 2008 Scion xD. I have a curt bike hitch that isn't able to keep adult mountain bikes high enough from the ground. Is there a way I could add or modify something to make the bikes lifted higher? If not, can you recommend the lowest cost best option for my vehicle? I'm not concerned with trunk access or being able to fold it while it's not in use. Thanks