Hitch bike racks are the best way to transport bikes as they securely attach to your car and hold the bikes firmly.
There are a lot of brands and models for you to choose from when buying a bike rack, some of which can be expensive. So, how you can find the best hitch bike rack for the money?
Today, we will help you answer this question and suggest the best options on the market for you.
Here are the best hitch bike racks for the money (Nov 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Racks
- Best for SUVs: IKURAM 2 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Racks
- Best for Smooth Roads: Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
- Best for Ladies’ Frame Bikes: Hollywood Racks - 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack
- Best for Electric Bike: KAC Overdrive Sports K2
- Best for Quick (Un)Loading: YAKIMA - Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack
| 6 Best Hitch Bike Racks for The Money | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Racks | |
Best for SUVs | IKURAM 2 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Racks | |
Best for Smooth Roads | Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack | |
Best for Ladies’ Frame Bikes | Hollywood Racks - 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack | |
Best for Electric Bike | KAC Overdrive Sports K2 | |
Best for Quick (Un)Loading | YAKIMA - Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack | |
Best Overall: Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Racks
- Easy to use – able to tilt back for easy lift-gate access
- Versatile – fit a wide range of bike designs and frames & compatible with both 1 ¼” and 2” receivers
- Secure and protective - Tie-down cradle system
- Instructions are poor
Choose this hitch bike rack and it will never let you down.
The Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Rack is ideal for those people who don’t like the idea of having to unbolt it every time it’s used. We like that this rack can be tightened into the receiver to eliminate wiggle and extra noise.
Unless you unlock it, the hitch bike rack cannot be removed. And, you can tilt it down to open the tailgate.
Regardless, the tubes are moderately heavy and the welds are good enough to fit and hold two MTBs firmly. It also accommodates other various bike designs and frame sizes.
| Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Racks Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3.2 ounces |
Hitch Sizes | 1-1/4- and 2-inch |
Max Capacity | 70 lbs. |
Highlight Features | able to tilt back for easy lift-gate access; fit a wide range of bike designs and frames & compatible with both 1 ¼” and 2” receivers; Tie-down cradle system |
If you are taking some longer trips or planning to off-road at all, this hitch bike rack is the best overall performer that we can suggest to you.
Best for SUVs: IKURAM 2 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Racks
- Easy to follow – simple construction & informative instructions
- Versatile compatibility with different bike types and frame sizes - dual-arm mounting design
- Neat and easy for storage – able to fold up when not in use
- A bit struggle to use if the bike doesn’t have round bars
- Slightly wobble due to the pins
Right off the bat, this hitch bike rack highlights heavy-duty components and sturdy materials that lock easily into the hitch of a SUV.
You don’t need to hook it to the vehicle’s door like some other models, and this rack is very easy to assemble with instructions that can’t be easier to follow.
Able to hold 2 adult bikes and 2 kids bikes and it's adjustable.
The key element creates such versatility is its dual-arm mounting design. Thanks to this component, the bike rack can fit almost bike designs and frame sizes, therefore, it holds two bicycles more stable and secure.
When not in use, you can just fold it up, which is a big bonus.
| IKURAM 2 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Racks Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 22.3 pounds |
Hitch Sizes | 2” |
Max Capacity | 84 lbs. |
Highlight Features | informative instructions; dual-arm mounting design; foldable design |
We believe the versatility, high-quality materials, and sturdy components of IKURAM 2 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Rack is key to make it the best choice for SUVs.
Best for Smooth Roads: Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
- Able to fit different tire and frame sizes - The upright ratchet arms
- Hold bikes securely in place - an integrated anti-wobble hitch device
- Unclear manuals
- The 2
For short trips and the road is very smooth with very little bumps, we find the performance of Swagman XC2 is quite outstanding.
It stands low enough that we can pick up our bikes and get it into the wheel stands without any trouble at all. The upright ratchet arms are specifically designed to fit most frame sizes (up to 23.2”) and tire sizes (20” to 29”), which is great.
The maximum weight capacity it can bear is 70 pounds/2 bikes.
There is an integrated anti-wobble hitch device to hold bicycles securely in place. When not using it, the bike rack folds down so you can get it into truck bed.
| Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 32 lbs. |
Hitch Sizes | 1-1/4" and 2" |
Max Wheelbase (Inches) | 20" to 29" |
Max Capacity | 70 pounds |
Highlight Features | The upright ratchet arms; an integrated anti-wobble hitch device |
Added with an integrated anti-wobble hitch device and upright ratchet arms, the Swagman XC2 is the top-notch option for smooth roads.
Best for Ladies’ Frame Bikes: Hollywood Racks - 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack
- Carry a bike with up to 60” wheelbase - adjustable wheel holders
- Ultra-protective - locking bike frame hooks
- Require unlatching and folding down the rack each time you go into the hatchback
Ladies’ bikes and kids’ bikes are two of the most difficult bicycle types to carry using the type of bike racks where the bikes are hung from the crossbars.
But with this product, it isn’t a thing at all.
Boasting adjustable wheel holders, it is able to carry a bike with up to 60” wheelbase, meanwhile, the added locking bike frame hooks play a good role in keeping thieves at bay.
The bike rack is also praised for its superb stability. During our tests, we found no problems with it and our bikes, even when driving quickly on bumpy roads or turning fast.
| Hollywood Racks - 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 34 pounds |
Hitch Sizes | 1 1/4" and 2" |
Max Wheelbase (Inches) | 60" |
Max Capacity | 90 pounds |
Highlight Features | adjustable wheel holders; locking bike frame hooks |
Whether you intend to carry a lady’s bike or kid’s bike for the next camping trips, Hollywood Rack may well be a perfect choice.
Best for Electric Bike: KAC Overdrive Sports K2
- Heavy-duty and able to handle extra weight no problems – weight of 50 pounds & high-quality components
- Able to fit fat bikes – adjustable heavy duty 5” wide trays
- High value – includes two keys, extra reflector, and long strap
- Not fit 1 ¼” receivers
- There are a lot of plastic parts
A bit different from other counterparts, KAC Overdrive Sports K2 is designed to be more heavy-duty (around 50 pounds of weight) so that it can handle hefty e-bikes securely (up to 60 pounds each)
Everything fits tight and firmly. The slot is wide enough for fat-tire bikes and it can handle the extra weight no problems.
We appreciate the added lever to easily lift the rack for quick access into a trunk.
The best parts are there including two keys, extra reflector, and long strap to tie down 2 bikes, which is so high value. If you’re a beginner, don’t fret, most parts of this hitch bike rack are pre-assembled and they’re also easy to adjust.
| KAC Overdrive Sports K2 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 49.8 pounds |
Hitch Sizes | 1 ¼” - 2” |
Max Wheelbase (Inches) | 26” |
Max Capacity | 120 pounds |
Highlight Features | weight of 50 pounds & high-quality components; adjustable heavy duty 5” wide trays; include two keys, extra reflector, and long strap |
For electric bikes, the KAC Overdrive Sports K2 is a good-quality well-priced option that you won’t be disappointed to choose.
Best for Quick (Un)Loading: YAKIMA - Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack
- Easy and super-fast to load/unload a bike (both 20” wheel and 29er) - the StrongArm design
- Not cause scratches to your bike - Zero contact with the bike frame
- Able to expand bike capacity – up to 4 slots
- Too few color choices
As coming with fully built-in security, straightforward instructions, and simple design, the YAKIMA - Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack is unrivaled in terms of fast (un)loading.
Whether a 29er or 20” wheelbase bike, you won’t spend no longer than 10 minutes to attach and secure it, which is a big thank you to the StrongArm design.
The best part is it doesn’t scratch your bike, especially the carbon road bicycles or any bike types that need keeping pristine. Besides, it can accommodate full suspension bikes, thru-axles, and disc brakes with no issues.
Another notable thing is its bike capacity. Out of the box, it gives you slots for two bikes but can be upgraded to 4 if wanted.
| YAKIMA - Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 49.0 lbs. |
Hitch Sizes | +2. 1-1/4" or 2" |
Max Wheelbase (Inches) | 20" – 29” |
Max Capacity | 60 lbs. |
Highlight Features | the StrongArm design; Zero contact with the bike frame; able to be upgraded to 4 slots for more bike carrying |
The YAKIMA - Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack does well in quick (un)loading and at an excellent price point.
How To Choose The Best Hitch Bike Rack for The Money?
Types
There are two types of hitch bike rack. To choose between them, you need to know about their advantages and disadvantages.
Platform | Hanging | |
Features | Support the bike’s wheels | Hangs the bike with anti-swing straps |
Pros | Easy to load bikes Fit different bike styles Avoids contact between bikes | Easier to attach Lighter More compact |
Cons | Heavy Harder to store | Only for bikes with a top bar Contact between bikes Requires high lifting |
Bike Capacity
The bike capacity of a platform hitches bike rack ranges from 1 to 4 bikes while a hanging bike rack can hold between 2 and 6 bikes.
Normally, the 2-bike capacity suits the most common needs but if you go biking with your family with more members, you can always opt for a larger rack.
Bike Weight Capacity
When it comes to weight capacity, you must know how heavy your bike is and how much a rack can carry.
For example, an affordable hitch bike rack can handle bikes of under 35 pounds with some exceptions that can carry 65-pound bikes.
While most standard mountain bikes weigh under 33 pounds, an electric bike can weigh up to 50 pounds. Therefore, before buying a rack, you should check the weight of each bike at your home then choose the right capacity.
Which Brands Make The Best Hitch Bike Rack for The Money?
Allen Sports
For the past 50 years, Allen Sports has become a trusted brand for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. The reason is that it offers products with the highest quality, ease of use, and great value.
IKURAM
This brand is famous for making products that are simple, well-designed, innovative, and easy to use. With the enthusiasm in everything it does, the brand will surely give you a good hitch bike rack.
Swagman
This is one of the first brands in the world to design and sell hitch bike racks. It offers high-quality hitch bike racks for you so you can enjoy your outdoor trips.
Hollywood Racks
Founded in 1973, this brand is specialized in making bike racks. It has earned a reputation for delivering good-quality products that are also easy to use and come fully assembled.
YAKIMA
Since 40 years ago, this brand has proven itself a leading brand for its innovation, design sensibility, safety.
FAQs
How much is a hitch for a bike rack?
This depends on the brand, model, and capacity you choose, but generally speaking, a bike rack can cost between $25 and $1,000.
Do bike racks damage your car?
Yes, they do. Bike racks can cause damage when you attach one at the back of your car.
Why are bike racks so expensive?
Here are the main reasons why bike racks cost a lot, all of which are technical points.
Aerodynamics: this design helps avoid unnecessary stress on your vehicle’s roof.
High-quality materials: a good bike rack must be made of good materials, such as lightweight aluminum.
Weight distribution: bike racks must distribute weight evenly at its contact point, otherwise, the rack could be damaged.
Do bike carriers scratch cars?
Yes, they do, sadly. If you aren’t careful enough, you will have scratches on your car. But you can avoid this damage by installing the rack properly, using an extra layer of protection, and mounting the bikes properly.
Can you put a bike rack on any car?
Yes, you can. Most bike racks can be put on any car. However, you should check the description of each rack carefully to make sure it can go in your car.
Conclusion
This is all you need to know about how to find the best hitch bike rack for the money, the factors to be considered and answers to your most frequently asked questions. We hope that through this comprehensive guide, you will get the perfect product for your needs.
