Shopping | ES Best Home | Health & Fitness | Cycling | Bikes The Evening Standard’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Hitch bike racks are a great way to transport your bikes without taking up space inside your vehicle or on the roof.
They’re often easier to set up, less of a challenge to dismantle and ensure your car still fits under those suspiciously low bridges en route to your next adventure. There are two main types of hitch bike racks: platform and hanging. Platform racks hold your bikes by the wheels, while hanging racks hold them by the frame.
Platform racks are more stable, secure and easy to load, but they’re also usually heavier, more expensive and may not fit all bike sizes and styles. Hanging racks are lighter, cheaper, and more versatile, but they may sway more and require an adapter for some bikes. Before choosing your hitch bike rack, ask yourself how many bikes you want to carry.
Most hitch bike racks can hold two to four bikes, but some models can be expanded with add-ons to house more. Make sure your rack has enough capacity for your current and future needs, and check the weight limit of your rack and your hitch receiver. These tips apply to most standard cycles.
But if you have fat bikes , mountain bikes or other bikes with wide tires, you need a rack that can accommodate those extra features. Some racks have adjustable wheel cradles or trays that can fit different tire sizes, while others may require extra accessories or adapters. Check the maximum tire width that your rack can handle before buying.
We’ve rounded up all of the best hitch bike racks. Best bike trailers for dogs to take them along on cycling trips in comfort Best mountain bikes for beginners to get you riding whatever your budget Best e-bikes under £2000 to get you from A to B for less The Saris Bones Car Bike Rack might just be one of the most versatile bike racks around and comes in a huge variety of shapes and sizes to equip you with the optimal piece of kit. It fits 90 per cent of the top vehicles sold, including those with spoilers, and it also has the largest vehicle compatibility of any trunk rack on the market, of two bikes at around 35 lbs each.
Its integrated strap management eliminates flapping straps and it’s built entirely from recyclable materials. Widely regarded as one of the best in the game, this Thule EasyFold XT may come at a higher cost but also comes with a huge range of extra benefits. This fully foldable, compact, and easy-to-use towbar-mounted bike rack is suitable for all types of bikes and also gives you full access to the boot even when bikes are loaded.
For unusual bike geometries or oversized frames, you can even bring your bike to one of the brand’s dealers and test it out first. One of the most budget-friendly options around, this VEVOR hitch bike rack is made of heavy-duty steel that can handle up to 80 lbs of weight. Designed to fit small to medium-sized cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and RVs equipped with 1.
25-inch or 2-inch hitch receivers, it utilises a safety latch and anti-wobble device to reduce wobble during transport for a smoother journey. The bracket is equipped with adjustable knobs, ensuring a perfect fit for bikes of different sizes. You also have the flexibility to switch between one or two sets of brackets to meet your specific needs.
This universal bike rack is ideal for transporting up to three bikes at a time and is designed to fit any car with a towbar. Its rack is incredibly easy and quick to fit, just attach to your towbar and you’re ready to go. This design is also foldable, so it can be easily stored in your boot or garage when not in use.
If you’re looking for something versatile and straightforward, this is the rack to go for. Designed to carry two bikes, this Menabo carrier is constructed from steel with aluminium channels and features sliding straps to quickly secure bike wheels to the carrier. It also comes complete with padded arms to secure each bike to the support bar whilst protecting the bike frame, tilts for access to the boot of the car and Rapid-Lock for easy attachment and protection from theft.
Looking for something a little more heavy-duty? Try this BUZZ RACK Bicycle rack that has a capacity for three bicycles. With a maximum bicycle weight of 20 kg, it’s ideal for heavier bikes that may overwhelm smaller racks. It’s also compatible with ISO 50 mm tow bar and a 360º rotating padded base and it fits bike frames up to 80mm in diameter.
Better yet, the upright folds down when not in use to access the trunk without bikes. This HOMCOM bike rack easily attaches to the back of all kinds of cars and is able to connect to the power line so you can use the built-in brake and the lights. Unlike roof mounts which it is difficult to put a bicycle in, this carrier is easy to install and easy to load and unload.
It’s an easy-to-use piece of equipment for riding fans and is renowned for its ease of set-up. With its adjustable wheel chocks for different types of tires and high-quality taillight to ensure a safe distance, this hitch bike rack is for the safety-concerned drivers out there. It’s made of sturdy materials and promises to withstand plenty of wear and tear over the years.
Suitable for racing, mountain or touring bicycles, this Shield Autocare bike rack won’t let you down, even if you’re riding the heaviest bike around. A heavy-duty model with all of the trimmings, it’s fully adjustable, folds flat for easy storage and has a robust metal frame to bring it all together. This bike carrier is easy to assemble and just takes a few minutes to assemble and fit to your vehicle.
You can also make good use of its adjustable positioning arms, which allow for easy bike mounting and dismounting. Known as one of the brand’s five “Hall of Fame” all-time outstanding products, this hitch bike rack represents a quantum leap in bike carrier design. The bike platform slides away from the tow ball to allow good access to the tailgate, taking the weight of the bikes.
It has an innovative self-adjusting tow ball fixing system which also holds the carrier horizontally as soon as it’s placed on it, a triangular frame shape that allows you to come right in close to the tow ball (so you don’t have to lean across the bike carrier to access the boot space, with consequent risk to your back), and even UK legal fog lights. Verdict Versatile for your needs and made from recycled materials, the Saris Bones Car Bike Rack is our top pick for the best hitch bike rack. MORE ABOUT Have your say.
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From: standarduk
URL: https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/health-fitness/cycling/bikes/best-hitch-towbar-bike-racks-for-cars-b1126426.html
