Outdoors Gear The Best Hitch Bike Racks so You Can Travel Easier Kuat's Sherpa 2.0 impressed because of its lightweight and elegant design By Krystin Arneson Krystin Arneson Instagram University of Edinburgh Krystin Arneson is a writer and editor based out of Berlin, Germany. She covers an array of hotels, products, and destinations for TripSavvy. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/22/22 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Tripsavvy / Chloe Jeong TripSavvy's Pick Our tester liked the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 bike rack (view at Amazon) thanks to its ease of installation, space between bikes, lightness, and, yes, elegance. We like the Thule Camber 2-Bike Hitch Rack (view at REI) for a budget option. There’s so much freedom to be found cycling: the open road, the horizon before you, the miles behind you. At some point, however, the adventure will take you away from your front door, and getting your bike to the start of the adventure can be a challenge—especially if you’re still maneuvering your bike around folded back seats to stuff it in the car. For those frequently taking their bikes out on the road or trail, it’s vital to get a bike rack, whether it mounts to the top of your car or, the often easier option: a hitch bike rack that attaches to the back of your vehicle. Plenty of easy-loading bike racks pop right into Class II hitches, making it easy to transport bikes and access them once you’re at your destination. Just be aware: the more feature-packed a rack is, the more it’s probably going to run you—but there are definitely trade-off costs to spending your day struggling with rack installation and unlocking your bikes. Not sure which setup suits your needs? We’ve rounded up the top options in the industry, considering compatibility, bike capacity, and more. Read on to learn more about the best hitch bike racks available. The Rundown Best Overall: Kuat Sherpa 2.0 at Amazon "Kuat's Sherpa bike rack has been recently redesigned with a pivot lever that can lower the rack hands-free." Best Value: Thule Camber 2-Bike Hitch Rack at REI "Boasts a friendly price tag and fits 1.25-inch and 2-inch receivers." Best for Two Bikes: Thule T2 Pro XT 2 at REI "Leaves enough space between locked cycles so they don’t get tangled up in each other." Best for Budget: Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack at Amazon "Features adjustable frame grips to accommodate wheel sizes measuring 20 to 29 inches." Best for Three Bikes: Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Racks at Walmart "The rack sets up in less than five minutes, decreasing your garage-to-trail time." Best for Four Bikes: Yakima RidgeBack 4-Bike Hitch Rack at REI "Has a 160-pound weight limit and comes with anti-sway cradles that keep bikes from touching." Best for City-to-Mountain Biking: Tyger Auto TG-RK3B101S at Amazon "Holds three city bikes and two mountain bikes with a 1.25- or 2-inch receiver." Best for SUVs: Kuat NV Base 2.0 at Backcountry "The foot-assisted pivot system makes getting into the back of an SUV easier." Best Rear Cargo Access: Kuat NV 2.0 at Amazon "The clever design of the rack allows for super-easy rear cargo access." Best Overall: Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on REI What We Like High-quality materials Easy to install Heavy duty What We Don't Like Not good for weighty e-bikes Lower ground clearance The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack Can Handle Any Bike The Kuat Sherpa wins our best overall pick for a few reasons. It's a little lighter than other models at around 45 pounds, and it's made of aluminum, making it as light—and elegant—as it can be for all the features it brings to the table. It's also tool-free, so you don't have to mess around with a time-consuming installation. The rack's been redesigned recently with user experience put first, with a few critical improvements in the design, like a foot-assisted, hands-free pivot lever that lets users lower the rack without having to set all their gear down first. Kuat's also designed the front tire ratchet to make releasing the wheel much easier, while a co-molded strap keeps wheels protected in the back. Our tester loved that the Sherpa holds two bikes—up to 40 pounds each—with over a foot of space between them. So there's minimal risk of bikes rubbing against each other or pedals or handlebars bumping each other while driving. Designed to handle wheelbases up to 47 inches and tires up to 3 inches wide, our tester had no problem fitting her road bike and mountain bike, which have 2.6-inch wide (road) and 29-inch diameter (mountain) tires. And thanks to a smaller inner channel, her smaller 0.9-inch-wide road bike tire felt just as safe. Keep in mind that the Sherpa 2.0 isn't as wide as other racks, leaving some of the back tire unsupported. This makes the rack look unbalanced and concerned us at first, but it's clear the bikes are just as secure as they'd be in other racks with a full-wheel cradle. Thanks to the lightweight aluminum frame, foot-deployable pivot lever, and one-hand adjustments, it's easy to load and unload bikes even if you're tired from a 3,000-foot downhill or 50-mile road climb. Weight: 45 pounds | Capacity: 2 bikes | Wheel Sizes: 20-29 inches | Locking: Yes TripSavvy / Suzie Dundas Best Value: Thule Camber 2-Bike Hitch Rack Buy on REI What We Like Affordable Lightweight Bikes stay put What We Don't Like Installation requires tools Not great for heavy e-bikes or fat tire bikes The Thule Camber 2 bike hitch-mounted rack boasts a friendly price tag, especially for occasional users. It fits both 1.25-inch and 2-inch receivers and has arms that fold down when the rack is not in use. The cradle design is suitable for accommodating various bike sizes (though large fat-tire bikes and e-bikes might be challenging to get on). The cradle extension offers more stability, so even when driving on bumpy mountain roads, you can rest assured that your bikes aren't going anywhere. The rack can tilt back so you can get in your trunk without having to dismantle the entire operation. The installation isn't completely tool-free, though it's not terribly tricky: only three bolts are needed to put the hitch rack together. There's a maximum capacity of 75 pounds for two bikes, eliminating carrying two e-bikes and even many mountain bikes. Weight: 37.5 pounds | Capacity: 2 bikes | Locking: No Best for Two Bikes: Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Courtesy of REI Buy on Amazon What We Like Can stay on your car 24/7 Easy to use Keeps bikes secure What We Don't Like Expensive Heavy Thule T2 Pro XT Bike Rack Review Yes, this one has a pretty hefty price tag, but this bike rack is top-of-the-line for a few reasons, not least ease of use. It requires no tools to install into a 2-inch hitch—the AutoAttach knob takes care of that—and when it's not in use, the HitchSwitch lever tilts the rack up against your trunk car. Need to get into the trunk? The lever can also tilt the rack down so you can get into the back. Secure storage is one area where the Thule T2 Pro XT excels—an excellent feature for a bike rack. Deep, large wheel wells on the front tires ensure there's no way the wheels could slip out. And the back wheel cup is adjustable to ensure it's directly under the back tire of bikes ranging from extra small to extra large. Once the adjustable arms are tightened on the front wheel, the bikes are well-secured. The only way they will fall off would be if the whole hitch fell off. The only downside our testers found to this durability and security is that the rack is much bigger than other racks, and it takes a lot of muscle to adjust. When folded, there's a pull handle to bring the rack down (give it another pull, and it tilts the rack downward to accommodate opening the trunk.) However, our tester with less upper arm strength couldn't squeeze the handle or pull the rack down with just one hand as intended. The rack feels exceptionally stiff and tight. We ultimately felt that using extra arm strength to adjust the rack was a fair trade-off for security and durability. At 51 pounds, this is heavier than some racks, but it definitely gets the job done. If you don't mind spending top-dollar for this burly bike rack, you'll be rewarded with a rack sure to give you the peace of mind that your bikes won't be slipping or adjusting on longer drives. Weight: 51 pounds | Capacity: 2 bikes | Wheel Sizes: 20-29 inches | Locking: Yes Suzie Dundas / TripSavvy The 10 Best Places to Buy Bikes in 2022 Best Budget: Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack Buy on Amazon What We Like Compact Fits many different frame sizes Folds down to allow access to the trunk What We Don't Like Locking hitch pin and security cable sold separately Assembly required The Swagman XC2 makes taking multiple bikes on the go stress-free. This affordable bike rack can hold two bikes and carries a maximum weight of 70 pounds. Reviewers loved this rack's well-made and noted that the setup was straightforward. They also liked how quick it was to put their bikes onto the rack and go. The bikes are secured at the wheels via ratchet arms, and the frame grips are adjustable to accommodate different sizes. The frame grips also have a soft coating, so they won't scratch your bike while in transit. This rack folds up vertically when it's not in use for compact storage. The Swagman XC2 Hitch is compatible with 1.25 and 2-inch receiver hitches and works with 20 to 29-inch wheel sizes. Weight: 28 pounds | Capacity: 2 bikes | Wheel Sizes: 20-29 inches | Locking: Yes, sold separately The Best Hitch Bike Racks so You Can Travel Easier Best for Three Bikes: Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Racks Courtesy of Walmart Buy on Walmart What We Like Carry arms fold out of the way when not in use Individual tie-down system Lightweight What We Don't Like Not good for children's bikes This three-bike mount by Allen, one of the best in the business, fits cars with either a 1.25- or 2-inch trailer hitch. Allen’s patented tie-down system is an integral part of the design, with 16-inch long carry arms that individually secure each bicycle to the rack. The rack sets up in less than five minutes, decreasing your garage-to-trail time, and the carry arms drop out of the way when the rack isn’t in use. It also comes in two- and four-bike variations if you need a little more or slightly less room. Weight: 28 pounds | Capacity: 3 bikes | Wheel Sizes: 20-29 inches | Locking: No Best for Four Bikes: Yakima RidgeBack 4-Bike Hitch Rack Courtesy of REI Buy on REI What We Like Safety features protect bikes No assembly required Folds flat for storage Includes bottle opener What We Don't Like Expensive Heavier With a four-bike capacity and a 160-pound weight limit, there are plenty of spots for your family or caravan when using the RidgeBack Rack by Yakima. Cyclists love this rack because it protects their bikes using its safety features. It has anti-sway cradles that prevent bikes from coming into contact with each other and secures them while you're en route. You can also secure your bikes to the rack using zip ties, which are perfect for blocking would-be thieves from getting access to your bikes. The RidgeBack easily attaches to your car using a knob that tightens the rack into your hitch. To remove the rack, simply untwist the knob to loosen it. A lever also tilts the rack down so you can still access your trunk. Best of all, this rack doesn't require any assembly. Weight: 32 pounds | Capacity: 4 bikes | Wheel Sizes: Any | Locking: No The 9 Best Bike Bags of 2022 Best for City-to-Mountain Biking: Tyger Auto TG-RK3B101S Buy on Amazon What We Like Lifetime warranty Soft cradles to protect bikes Affordable What We Don't Like Doesn't work on campers Not a lot of clearance from the ground Built with versions for three and four bicycles, this Tyger rack is excellent for those who bike around town (it holds three city bikes) and on the trails (it holds two mountain bikes). It fits with a 1.25-inch or 2-inch receiver, but an extender might be needed for some cars and trucks. Bikes are protected by the soft cradles, which help to keep bike frames from scratching and scraping against the rack’s steel construction. It comes with a cable and hitch lock, as well as security straps to keep bikes in place—all of which are usually extras, especially at this price point. Like more expensive models, this rack comes with a tilt-down arm to get into your trunk without the rack getting in your way. Cyclists love how firmly this rack keeps bikes in place, even on bumpy gravel roads, though the few who experience wobbling add some shims to the receiver, which helps immensely. Weight: 20 pounds | Capacity: 3 bikes | Wheel Sizes: Any | Locking: Yes The 10 Best Places to Buy Bikes in 2022 Best for SUVs: Kuat NV Base 2.0 Courtesy of Backcountry Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on REI What We Like Can accommodate heavy bikes Handy foot-assisted pivot system Tilts for rear access What We Don't Like Expensive Heavy From industry-leading brand Kuat, the NV Base 2.0 is a workhorse of a hitch rack. It's the result of a process that took the best from Kuat's NV 2.0 model and removed the Trail Doc, leaving you only the handy essentials. This rack features a convenient foot-assisted pivot system, which lets you drop the rack down by pressing on a lever with your foot. This spec comes in handy when loading your bike onto the rack and makes getting into the back of an SUV easier. The NV Base 2.0 can hold two bikes up to 60 pounds each and fits with a 1.25-inch or 2-inch hitch receiver. You can add two more bikes to this model by purchasing an additional adapter. Bikes are kept safely on the road no matter where you're going with a hand-tight cam system, integrated cable locks, and adjustable tire cradles. This model includes a lifetime warranty, giving you one less thing to worry about. Weight: 51 pounds | Capacity: 2 bikes | Wheel Sizes: Any | Locking: Yes Best Rear Cargo Access: Kuat NV 2.0 Buy on Amazon Buy on REI What We Like Comes with integrated repair stand Easy to use Sturdy What We Don't Like Expensive Heavy Can be hard to assemble This platform-style Kuat holds bikes by their tires so their frames don’t come into contact with each other on the road. A clever rack design allows for easy rear cargo access, too: you can flip it up when you’re hauling bikes or tilt it down 45 degrees so you can get in the back of a car or truck bed easily. It also has an integrated repair stand, making it easy to inspect your bike and do any quick fixes before you hit the trail. The same design geniuses made this the closest thing to wobble-free we’ve come across. Weight: 52 pounds | Capacity: 2 bikes | Wheel Sizes: 20-29 inches | Locking: Yes What to Look for in a Hitch Bike Rack Compatibility Make sure that the rack you’re looking at is compatible with your car’s hitch receiver size before you buy—you don’t want to wind up with a rack that won’t fit your vehicle (and find out the day you’re trying to leave for a day on the trails). There are plenty of guides available on manufacturer sites, but if you’re unsure, it’s always best to email or call them. On that note, if having access to your trunk is vital for your travel, make sure the rack will clear it. Some styles don’t let you access the trunk while the bikes are loaded: instead, look for models with racks that swing away from the car or tilt down. Bike Capacity Hitch bike racks come in various sizes, and there’s a wide selection of racks ranging from a capacity for one to those built for four or five bikes. Of course, it’s better to buy once than twice, so if you’re thinking about investing in a bike rack and growing your family, you might look into an expandable bike rack you can adjust to add another bike in the coming years. Price Hitch bike racks come in various price points, and as usual, the best place to be is somewhere in the middle. The most sophisticated models cost a lot; the cheapest aren’t usually the most well-designed. Also, consider how much you’re using it and try to visualize the cost on a per-use basis: if you’re someone who goes on a road or trail ride after work a few nights a week, it might be worth it to invest in a better-built rack with a few more features. However, if you’re someone who heads out with the family a few times a year, you’ll probably be just fine with a well-regarded but less-expensive model. Frequently Asked Questions What are the different kinds of hitch bike racks? There are two main types. Hanging, or mast-style, racks tend to be the cheapest option: they support bikes by their frame. "They're good for families that need to haul a bunch of bikes and are budget-minded," says Ryan Stunkel, General Manager of Rack Attack in Denver, Colorado.While they can haul in quantity, they can’t handle diverse bicycle styles. Stunkel said that "hanging racks generally don't work with carbon frame bikes, eBikes, and fat-tire bikes." For those, there are platform-style bike racks, where your bike rests in a tray that holds two to four bikes by their tires and keeps them in place as you drive. They can accommodate many different types of bikes—there are models out there for everything from standard road bikes to electric ones. Which types of cars should use hitch bike racks? Many personal vehicles can use hitch bike racks, including cars, SUVs, and trucks. As long as it has a receiver for a trailer hitch, the vehicle should theoretically be able to carry a hitch bike rack. This versatility makes hitch bike racks one of the most popular styles out there. How should hitch bike racks be stored when not in use? As a general rule of thumb: the better a bike rack is treated, the longer it will last. If the bike rack isn't being used regularly, it's a good idea to take it off the car. Store it somewhere dry and clean—don't just leave it out in the backyard. When storing for winter, make sure to wash the seasonal gunk off first (but don't take it through the car wash, as that can damage it). Why Trust TripSavvy Author Krystin Arneson spent four hours researching bike racks for this article and sourcing recommendations from expert reviews, customer feedback, and industry publications. The Best Bike Trailers to Transport Whatever You Need Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 9 below. Continue to 9 of 9 below.