Bike Rack Types For Your Car & tips For Choosing The Best One

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Looking for a bike rack for your car? In this post, learn about all the different bike rack types from platform racks to hanging racks and more. Plus find a few tips on how to choose the best bike rack for you.

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Bike racks have come a long way over the past few decades. Long gone are the days where you only have one or two models and brands to choose from. Today, there are literally dozens of different bike rack types on the market and they all have their own unique features as well as their own pros and cons.

So how do you know which one is best for you? The answer depends on a lot of factors like what kind of car you drive, what kind of bikes you have (road vs mountain), whether you plan on doing road trips or you just want to commute to local trails or bike paths.

There is no one right answer for which type of bike rack you should get, but hopefully, the information below will help you choose the right bike rack for your needs!

(If you have a truck and you want to haul your bikes in the truck bed, head over to my Bike Rack Options For Trucks post).

(There’s a good chance that affiliate links are scattered throughout this post. If you click on one I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you and I’ll definitely be using it to buy bike gear.)

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Bike Rack Types

1. Platform Hitch Racks

Platform hitch racks are probably the most common bike rack type and they’re what you see on most vehicles these days. Platform racks slide into the rear car hitch mount and create a ‘platform’ with trays that the bike tires sit on. The front wheel is typically anchored by an extendable arm and the rear tire is typically secured by a strap.

Most platform racks accommodate two bikes, but there are 4-bike platform racks available and some even come with the option of adding/removing additional trays.

Some hitch racks also tilt down toward the ground or swing out to the side for easier access to the rear of the car and most (if not all?) platform racks fold up on a hinge when not needed.

Because they’re so secure, platform racks are great for all types of bikes from road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes (certain styles), and kids bikes.

One thing to keep in mind when looking at platform hitch racks is that they typically come in two receiver sizes: 2” and 1.25”. So be sure to check the size of your hitch receiver before buying a rack.

Platform hitch racks pros:

• Most versatile type of bike rack

• Can carry 2-4 bikes

• Compatible with most types of bikes including e-bikes and kids bikes

• Very stable and secure while driving

• Easily removed when not needed

Platform hitch rack cons:

• Expensive

• Require a rear car hitch which may need to be installed or welded on

• May limit access to the rear of the car

• Platform racks extend the length of your vehicle

• May not fit particularly long wheelbase bikes

Platform hitch racks are best suited for:

• Most bikes including e-bikes

• Frequent bike rack use

• Long road trips

Best Platform Hitch Racks

Thule T2 Classic Hitch Rack

• Weight: 56 lbs. 3.2 oz.

• Receiver size: 2” and 1.25”

• Number of bikes: 2 bikes with a 2 bike add-on

• Max weight per bike: 60 lbs

• Price: $549.95

Check price: Backcountry / Competitive Cyclist / REI

The Thule T2 Classic Hitch Rack is the bike rack that I have and I love it. It’s easy to use, secure, and it comes with integrated locks to prevent bike theft (locks are sold separately). The rack comes with two bike trays, but you can purchase an additional 2-bike tray if you need to haul 4 bikes. You can also adjust each tire bucket to accommodate different length bikes, tilt it downward to access the rear of your car, and fold the rack up when not needed.

Kuat NV 2.0

• Weight: 52 lbs

• Receiver size: 2” and 1.25”

• Number of bikes: 2 bikes with 1 or 2-bike add-on option

• Max weight per bike: 60 lbs

• Price: $849.00

Check price: Backcountry / Competitive Cyclist / REI

The Kuat NV 2.0 bike rack is another popular bike rack and one of the best-selling options for the platform bike rack type. It’s compatible with both 1.25” and 2” hitch receivers and it’s on the pricer side, but it also has some great features that justify the price. The NV 2.0 is designed to be easily set up with one hand, so you can hold your bike with the other, which is super handy. It can also be tilted down toward the ground so you can access the rear of your vehicle when bikes are loaded. This bike rack can accommodate a variety of bikes including tires up to 4.8 inches and it has two integrated cable locks to help prevent theft.

1UP USA Heavy Duty Double

• Weight: 46 lbs

• Receiver size: 2”

• Number of bikes: 2 bikes with 1-2 bike add-on

• Max weight per bike: 50 lbs

• Price: $595.00 – $649.00

Check price: 1UP USA

1UP Racks are quite popular, but truthfully I’m not in love with them. My boyfriend has the 1UP USA Heavy Duty Rack for his FJ and he swears by them. I’ve learned to tolerate this rack, but I still think it’s kind of awkward to use. It’s almost impossible to operate with one hand, but they are very secure and durable. You can also easily add on extra trays if you need to haul 3 or 4 bikes and they’re 100% made in the USA.

2. Mast-Style Hitch Racks

Mast-style hitch racks are similar to platform-style hitch racks but instead of the bike sitting on trays, the bike is supported by its frame. You can typically carry more bikes with hanging racks, but the cradles tend to be closer together and there’s a higher risk of damaging frames and components.

Small kid’s bikes also don’t usually work with great these mast-style hanging racks because the frame isn’t long enough to fit over the arms.

Mast-style hitch rack pros:

• Tend to be cheaper than platform racks

• Can carry more bikes than platform racks

Mast-style hitch rack cons:

• Often lead to frame or component damage if bikes aren’t secure

• Typically don’t fit small kid’s bikes

• Extend the length of the vehicle

• Not recommended for heavy e-bikes

Mast-style hitch racks are best suited for:

• Lower-end bikes where you aren’t concerned about frame or component damage

• Hauling 1 or 2 bikes so as to limit contact with each other

Best Mast-Style Bike Racks

Thule Apex XT 2-Bike Rack

• Weight: 35 lbs

• Receiver size: 1.25” or 2”

• Number of bikes: 2 bikes

• Max weight per bike: 37.5 lbs

• Price: $399.95

Check price: REI / Backcountry / evo

The Thule Apex XT 2-Bike Rack is a good choice for a mast-style rack because it’s designed with a generous 7-inch gap between each bike cradle, helping to prevent frames and components from coming into contact. It also has integrated cable locks to prevent theft and the arms can be folded down when not in use.

I honestly don’t really recommend carrying more than two bikes on this type of bike rack because frames can get damaged if the bikes aren’t tightly secured.

3. Northshore-Style Hanging Hitch Racks

Northshore-style hanging racks are a bike rack type that support bikes by a central mast and perpendicular arms.

These hanging racks are popular with mountain bikers and they typically only work with mountain bikes. They were initially designed by North Shore Racks (Northshore refers to the Northshore of Vancouver where they’re made) and have since been adopted by other brands. Northshore racks work by hanging the front wheel of a bike from a metal bucket or by the handlebars and securing the rear wheel with a strap.

Another consideration for hanging racks is that are usually designed for 4+ bikes and therefore require a heftier 2” hitch rack with a greater weight limit. This isn’t always the case, but be sure to check weight limits and hitch requirements

Northshore-style hanging hitch rack pros:

• Can carry up to 6 bikes

• Great for shuttles

• Very stable and secure

Northshore-style hanging hitch rack cons:

• Expensive

• Most require a 2” hitch

• Not typically compatible with e-bikes or kids bikes

• Typically only used for mountain bikes

• May limit access to rear of the vehicle

• Extends the length of the vehicle

Northshore-style hanging hitch racks are best suited for:

• Mountain bikes

• 4+ bikes

• Frequent bike shuttlers

• Vehicles with 2” hitch rack receivers

Best Northshore-Style Hanging Hitch Racks

NSR 4 Bike Rack

• Weight: 50 lbs

• Receiver size: 2”

• Number of bikes: 4 bikes

• Max weight per bike: 60 lbs / 200 lbs total weight

• Price: $649.99

Check price: North Shore Racks

North Shore Racks are one of the most popular brands for Northshore-style hanging bike rack types and their NSR 4 Bike Rack is a great choice for mountain bikers. It’s designed to be super easy to load and it keeps mountain bikes contact-free from each other. When not in use, fold the rack in half so that it’s out of the way. If you need to haul more bikes, check out their 6-bike rack, or if you have a 1.25” hitch, the 2-bike North Shore hitch will work.

Recon 4-Bike Rack

• Weight: Not specified

• Receiver size: 2”

• Number of bikes: 4 bikes

• Max weight per bike: 45 lbs

• Price: $875.00

Check price: Recon Racks

We have the GEN2 R4 Recon Rack on our Winnebago Travato van and with a few modifications, it works great. Recon Racks has upgraded their racks for 2021 and it looks like they’ve made a lot of improvements on the R4 Bike Shuttle Rack including better baskets and a more secure strap system. They’re also constantly innovating, which is great to see.

4. Rooftop Bike Racks

Rooftop bike racks are exactly what they sound like – racks that attach to the top of your vehicle. Roof racks are great options for lighter bikes and/or cars that are low to the ground. They’re also optimal for when you need to tow a trailer or you don’t have or can’t install a rear hitch on your vehicle.

If you don’t have a factory roof rack that came with your car, you will need to have load bars or cross bars installed. Also note that rooftop racks are usually sold individually, not in pairs so if you plan on transporting two bikes you’ll need to buy two roof racks.

There are two options for rooftop bike racks:

Both wheels stay on: These racks work essentially the same way as a hitch rack only on top of the car. The tires sit in a tray and an extendable arm secures the front wheel while a strap secures the rear.

The front wheel is removed: Some rooftop bike racks require the front wheel to be removed. The front fork is then secured to the rack by a thru-axel.

Rooftop bike rack pros:

• Allows for easy access out of the rear of the vehicle

• Rooftop racks may provide extra security from theft compared to platform or trunk racks

• Good option if the vehicle doesn’t have an after-market rear hitch option

Rooftop bike rack cons:

• Need to lift the bike on and off the top of the car. Bikes can be heavy!

• Removing the front wheel gets old real quick if you have a thru-axel rack

• Roof racks increase vehicle height

• Loadbars or crossbars may need to be installed if your car doesn’t already have them

• Rooftop racks may prevent you from using cargo boxes at the same time

Roof racks are most suited for:

• Road bikes or lightweight mountain bikes

• Cars without rear hitches

• When you need to tow a trailer

Best Rooftop Bike Rack Options

RockyMounts BrassKnuckles Upright Mount

• Weight: Not specified

• Number of bikes: 1 bike

• Price: $249.95

Check price: Backcountry / Competitive Cyclist

The RockyMounts BrassKnuckles Upright Mount checks all the boxes for rooftop bike racks. You don’t have to remove the front wheel, which is definitely a plus, and it’s easy(ish) to load. (I say ‘ish’ because rooftop racks are really never ‘easy’ to load).

The ergonomic BrassKnuckles lock the arm over the front wheel and keep your bike securely in place without ever touching the frame. And the mounting hardware is compatible with all crossbars.

Yakima HighRoad Bike Mount

• Weight: 18 lbs

• Number of bikes: 1 bike

• Max weight per bike: 45 lbs

• Price: $249.00

Check price: REI

The Yakima HighRoad Bike Mount is another good option for a rooftop bike rack. It’s simple, sleek, and easy to use with most road and mountain bikes. The design ensures that no contact is made with the bike frame, making it suitable for carbon frames and custom paint jobs. The tool-free, universal mountain hardware is compatible with most crossbars and you can add your own bike lock to the integrated lock loop for additional bike security.

SeaSucker Mini Bomber

• Weight: 12 lbs

• Number of bikes: 1 bike per suction cup

• Max weight per bike: 45 lbs

• Price: $489.00

Check price: Backcountry / REI / Competitive Cyclist

The SeaSucker Mini Bomber Bike Mount is a unique and innovative type of bike rack. It attaches to the roof of a car via four 210 lb pull-strength vacuum front cups which are virtually glued on until released. These suction cups may not seem secure enough to trust your multi-thousand dollar bike with, but the reviews say otherwise! They’re also a great option if you travel with your bikes and need to haul your bikes on a rental vehicle.

If you don’t need to carry two bikes, SeaSuckers are also sold individually and you can also buy thru-axle plug adapters for different axle sizes.

5. Trunk Racks

Trunk racks are the cheapest types of bike racks and they’re a good choice if you’re only using them for local adventures. I wouldn’t really recommend trunk racks for long-distance travel because they’re not super secure and it can be easy to cause damage to the bikes. Trunk racks also really limit access to the rear of the car.

Trunk racks work via a strap and hook system on the rear of your vehicle and they’re usually pretty easy to strap on and off. They also don’t require any additional hardware like roof racks (crossbars) or hitch racks (a rear hitch).

Trunk racks can carry one to four bikes and depending on the make and model, you may be able to use them for e-bikes.

Trunk rack pros:

• Easy to install and remove from rear of the car

• Inexpensive

• Don’t require extra hardware like a rear hitch or roof rack

Trunk rack cons:

• Prohibits or severely limits access to the rear of the car when bikes are secured

• Not ideal for road trips or long drives as bikes can rub against each other if not secured properly

• Some may not be compatible with all types of bikes

• May not fit all types of cars

Trunk racks are best suited for:

• Short or local rides

• Road bikes

• Single mountain bikes

• Budget option

Best Trunk Rack Options

Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack

• Weight: 10 lbs. 8 oz.

• Number of bikes: 2 bikes (3-bike model also available)

• Max weight per bike: 35 lbs

• Price: $180.00

Check Price: REI / Backcountry / Jenson

The Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack is one of the best options on the market and it’s made from recycled plastic, which is a huge plus. It’s popular for its stability and ease of install and the innovative arc-based design works to separate a variety of different bikes and fits over the spoilers of many cars. The Saris Bones also comes in a 3-bike model as well.

5. Spare Tire Rack

Spare tire racks are a niche category for niche bike rack needs and they’re actually kind of hard to find. First off, your car must have an externally mounted spare tire (like a Jeep), and secondly, you’ll most likely be using your car hitch for something else like a trailer. If neither scenario applies to you, just go with a hitch rack or rooftop rack.

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Tips For Choosing A Bike Rack Type

As you can see above, there are a handful of different types of bike racks on the market. Personally, I prefer hitch racks because I’m primarily a mountain biker and full-suspension bikes do best on tray-style racks or Northshore-style hanging racks. But there are other bike rack types out there too. Depending on what kind of bike you ride and what car you own, you may find that a roof rack or trunk rack better suits your needs.

Before you go out and purchase a bike rack, though, ask yourself these questions:

1. What kind of bike will I be using this rack to transport?

The type of bike(s) you ride will have a big factor in the type of bike rack you want. Mountain bikes do best on tray-style or hanging hitch racks while roof racks are popular for road bikes.

If you have a fat bike you’ll need to make sure the tire trays can accommodate wide tires and if you ride an e-bike you’ll need to be sure that you can lift it up to the height of the rack and that it is hefty enough to support the weight.

2. How many bikes will I be transporting?

Some bike racks can hold up to six bikes and other bike racks are only meant for a single bike. Think about who you will be riding with and whether you will be doing shuttled rides.

Hanging hitch racks can transport the highest number of bikes while roof racks are usually sold for individual bikes.

Many platform hitch racks allow for additional trays to be added when needed. So if you normally only carry two bikes, but on occasion need to carry four, some platform bike racks will allow you to add more trays when needed.

3. Does my car have (or can it accommodate) a hitch?

Many vehicles these days come fitted with a rear hitch, but sometimes they don’t. Make sure you know whether your car has one or if it CAN be fitted with one. Some cars don’t have an after-market hitch option and in that case, you’ll be stuck looking at roof racks or trunk racks.

4. What size hitch do I have (or will I be getting)?

It’s important to note that there are two sizes for rear hitches: 1.25” and 2”. Some cars – like my Honda HR-V – only have one after-market hitch size option (1.25”).

The main difference between the two sizes is how much weight they can hold. Typically, a 1.25” hitch is perfectly fine for 2 mountain bikes. Make sure you read the weight limits for your hitch size and the rack that you are looking to purchase to make sure your hitch, rack, and bike(s) are all compatible.

5. What kind of travel will I be doing with my bike?

If you’re planning on just riding locally, you don’t need to think about this question too much. But if you’re planning on road-tripping with your bike, it’s wise to think about how your rack will affect your travels. Will a roof rack prevent you from using your cargo box? How easily do you need to access the rear of your car? How many bikes do you need to carry on your rack? Do you need to tow a trailer? Sometimes hitch racks are a better option and other times roof racks are.

Trunk racks are rarely the answer for riders who plan on doing a lot of travel.

6. What is my budget?

Bike racks can range from $50 all the way up to several hundreds of dollars. How much do you want to spend on your rack? Take into account how much you will be using it and for what purpose.

Cheap racks can be great for transporting bikes to the bike path or weekend trips out of town while a more expensive rack is a great investment if you plan on using it frequently.

7. Will I be leaving my bike rack on permanently or do I need to remove it when not being used?

Hitch racks and rooftops racks are designed to be left on your vehicle for lengths of time. Of course, they can be removed (say for the off-season), but you won’t be wanting to remove them after every ride. If you need a rack that can be taken off and on easily, you may want to consider a trunk rack.

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I hope this blog post helps you decide on the best bike rack type for your needs! There’s no one right answer for the best bike rack, so take your time deciding on which one will be the best for you.

What type of bike rack do you have and why did you choose it? Is it working well for your biking needs? Leave a comment or tip below!