If you’re looking for a way to transport your bikes without damaging them or worrying about theft, a hitch bike rack is excellent. They’re easy to install and make it quick and easy to load your bikes onto your vehicle. It comes in various styles and can accommodate different types of cars. When choosing a hitch bike rack, keep in mind the number of bikes you need to transport, the type of vehicle, and your budget. To help you choose the best hitch bike rack for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the best ones on the market. It includes various features and price points so you can find the perfect one for you. If you are interested in these activities, we have already written the best articles on the best gravel bikes, which you can read by clicking the link above.
And if you are only interested in mountain biking, we have excellent articles on that too, like the best mountain bike that we would highly recommend reading. These best hitch bike racks are perfect for your mountain bike or any other type of bicycle. You will be able to find different types of frames that can accommodate one or two bicycles at a time. The best part is that these racks are easy to assemble, and they come with all the necessary hardware you need for installation. Also, we have reviewed the best mountain bike helmet that you can use while riding. This helmet is comfortable and stylish. It will protect your head from any impact. If you are looking for a good deal, this is the best hitch bike rack. Here are some shopping tips that you should consider before purchasing a hitch bike rack.
Our top picks
Quick Shopping Tips:
Wheel Size and Tire Width Compatibility: One of the first things you need to consider when choosing a hitch bike rack is the compatibility with your wheels and tires. Most frames will accommodate a wide range of tire widths and diameters, but it’s still best to double-check before purchasing. You don’t want to end up with a rack that doesn’t fit your bike. It’s also essential to make sure that the frame you choose can accommodate your bike’s suspension, if it has any.
Frame Compatibility: Another essential factor to consider is the compatibility of the hitch bike rack with your frame. Some stands are only compatible with specific structures, so checking before buying is necessary. Ensure that the shelf you choose can accommodate your frame, whether a hardtail or full suspension.
Weight: The weight of the rack is also an important consideration. If you’re planning on doing a lot of biking, you don’t want a too heavy frame and difficult to maneuver. On the other hand, if you only plan on using the rack occasionally, you might not mind a more serious stand. It all depends on your personal preference.
Ease of Assembly and Installation: When choosing a hitch bike rack, it’s essential to consider how easy it is to assemble and install. Some shelves are very simple and can be installed in just a few minutes, while others might require more time and effort. If you’re not experienced in installing hitch bike racks, choosing a stand that’s easy to assemble and install is best.
Material and Construction: The material and construction of the hitch rack is also an important consideration. You want to make sure that the frame is made of high-quality materials that can withstand your bike’s elements and weight. Some racks are made of aluminum, while others are made of steel. It’s up to you to decide which material is best for your needs.
The Best Hitch Bike Racks : First look
The Best Hitch Bike Racks: In-depth Review
01
best overall hitch bike rack
Thule T2 Pro XTR
Type
Platform
Weight
52 lbs
Number of bikes
2 (4 with add-on)
Weight capacity per bike
60 lbs.

PROS
+Heavy-duty construction
+Easy to use
+Well-built
CONS
-Expensive
-A bit heavy
The Thule T2 Pro XTR is the bike rack you need when you’re ready to tackle any terrain. Its versatile design fits nearly all styles of bikes up to 60 lbs each with zero frame contact, and integrated wheels help maneuver the rack when it’s off the vehicle. The HitchSwitch lever allows you to tilt the rack down for rear vehicle access or tilt it up when not in use, and it fits 20 - 29" wheels and up to 5" tires without adapters, making it ideal for carbon frames, mountain, downhill, or fat bikes. Plus, integrated cable locks secure bikes to the rack, and a locking knob locks the rack to the hitch receiver. With generous 12.5" spacing between cycles and the ability to add 4 bikes with the Thule Add-On (sold separately), this is the best hitch bike rack for those who like to ride with friends.
It has a heavy-duty construction, is easy to use, and is exceptionally well-built. It has earned a spot on our list due to its high-quality materials, superior craftsmanship, and easy installation. Although it costs more than the other racks on our list, it is well worth the money if you’re searching for the best overall hitch bike rack that can carry a significant amount of weight and accommodate a variety of bikes. Its expanding wedge attachment system also provides a tight, no-wobble fit that is secure and stable on any terrain. It is made of high-strength aluminum and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, making it one of the best on the market.
02
best durable hitch bike rack
Kuat Transfer v2 2
Type
Platform
Weight
37 lbs
Number of bikes
2 (3 w/add-on)
Weight capacity per bike
60 lbs

PROS
+Affordable for hitch mount
+No frame contact
+Low profile design
CONS
-It feels flimsy
-No locks included
The Kuat Transfer v2 2 is a high-quality hitch bike rack perfect for those who love to ride. With a weight capacity of 60 lbs per bike and a weight of only 37 lbs, this rack is extremely sturdy and can accommodate up to two bicycles. The alloy steel construction and semi-integrated cable lock make it one of the most secure hitch racks on the market, while the Flatlock hitch cam ensures stability while in tow. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just getting started, the Kuat Transfer v2 2 is the perfect rack for you. It has a low-profile design that is perfect for those who want to avoid frame contact, and its affordable price makes it an excellent value for your money.
When you dig deeper, it becomes clear that it is the best durable hitch bike rack in its class that will serve you for many years to come. It’s made of Alloy Steel, is easy to install, and has a weight capacity of 60 lbs. It’s affordable for a hitch mount has a no-frame contact design, and is a low profile rack. The best thing about this rack is that it is one of the most secure hitch racks due to its semi-integrated cable lock. In the end, dedicated cyclists and beginners alike will find that this rack is the best option for their needs.
03
best low-cost hitch bike rack
Swagman XC2
Type
Platform
Weight
32 lbs
Number of bikes
2
Weight capacity per bike
35 lbs

PROS
+Easy to set up
+Lifetime warranty
+Budget-friendly
CONS
-It has a rugged thumb switch
-No locks
We are looking for an easy-to-use bike rack that will keep your bikes stable and save you storage space? Look no further than the Swagman XC2. This versatile rack easily transports up to 2 bikes and is compatible with 1-1/4" and 2" receiver Hitches. The built-in anti-wobble hitch device keeps bikes in place, while the easy-to-adjust upright ratchet arms accommodate different bike frame sizes. The rack also folds easily into compact mode for convenient storage. With a maximum weight capacity of 35Ibs per bike, it is perfect for 20" to 29" tire sizes. 1/2" Locking Hitch Pin included.
We evaluated many goods and determined that this product is the best low-cost hitch bike rack for you which is also extremely easy to set up. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is budget-friendly, making it an excellent value. It is made of high-strength steel and is powder-coated for durability. The best thing about this rack is that it folds easily into the compact mode, making it easy to store when not in use. The only downside is that it has a rugged thumb switch that can be difficult to use, but it is a small price for an otherwise excellent rack.
04
best secure hitch bike racks
Yakima RidgeBack 4
Type
Hanging
Weight
35 lbs
Number of bikes
4(available in 2- and 5-bike versions)
Weight capacity per bike
40 lbs

PROS
+ZipStrips secure bikes to rack
+Fits 1.25 ″ and 2 hitches
+Very durable
CONS
-Very heavy
-The price tag is quite steep
The Yakima RidgeBack 4 is a high-quality hitch bike rack perfect for those who love to ride. With a weight capacity of 40 lbs per bike and a weight of only 35 lbs, this rack is extremely sturdy and can accommodate up to four bicycles. The alloy steel construction and semi-integrated cable lock make it one of the best secure hitch bike racks on the market, while the Flatlock hitch cam ensures stability while in tow. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just getting started, the Yakima RidgeBack 4 is the perfect rack for you. It has a low-profile design that is perfect for those who want to avoid frame contact, and its affordable price makes it an excellent value for your money.
It is made of high-strength steel, is easy to install, and has a weight capacity of 60 lbs. It’s affordable for a hitch mount has a no-frame contact design, and is a low profile rack. Folds flat for easy storage 1-1/4" or 2" hitch receiver required. Its weight capacity and durability make it the best hitch bike rack on the market that will serve you for many years to come. It has a dedicated bottle opener for those post-ride cold ones, and its simple design makes it easy to use. It also has a limited lifetime warranty, making it an excellent investment.
05
best heavy-duty hitch bike rack
Kuat NV 2.0 Rack
Type
Platform
Weight
52 lbs
Number of bikes
2 (4 with add-on)
Weight capacity per bike
60 lbs

PROS
+Sleek looks
+Premium build quality
+Feature-rich
CONS
-Expensive
-No front wheel lock
Kuat is a company that knows how to make a good hitch bike rack, and the NV 2.0 is their best product yet. The Kuat NV 2.0 Rack is a sleek, feature-rich platform hitch bike rack that looks as good as it performs. It’s made of high-strength Metal for durability and has a weight capacity of 60 lbs per bike. The integrated cable lock keeps your bikes secure, while the ratchet arm system makes it easy to load and unload your bikes.
The best thing about this rack is that it’s fully adjustable to accommodate bike frame sizes, perfect for both experienced cyclists and beginners. It’s also easy to install, which is a huge plus. The only downside is that it’s pretty expensive, but it’s worth the price tag for its quality and features. Its weight of 52 lbs and its dimensions of 36" L x 23" W x 8.5" H make it the best heavy-duty hitch bike rack on the market, which is also extremely easy to install. You must pick up adapters to haul fat bikes and 20- to 24-inch wheels, but it’s a small price for an otherwise outstanding rack.
06
best Hitch Rack for E-Bikes
Thule EasyFold XT 2
Type
Platform
Weight
45 lbs
Number of bikes
2
Weight capacity per bike
65 lbs

PROS
+Compact storage size
+Easy to move and store
+Integrated ramps for loading
CONS
-Questionable durability
-Tedious loading process
The Thule EasyFold XT 2 is a high-load bike rack for e-bikes and heavy mountain bikes that comes with a lifetime warranty. The Schwinn 1.25" and 2" receivers are foldable, motorized bike trailers with an integrated folding bike loading ramp. It’s simple to install, requiring no tools. You may quickly secure and attach the bike with the torque limiter knobs and ratcheting wheel straps in seconds. The fully foldable design includes transport wheels and a carry handle and gives you easy trunk access with an intelligent foot pedal tilt. You can also lock bikes to the rack and rack to the receiver (locks included).
This is an excellent rack for those who need to transport heavier cycles, as it has a weight capacity of 65 lbs. per bike. It is also easy to move and store, with integrated transport wheels and a carry handle. There are plenty of pros that help you decide it as the best Hitch Rack for E-Bikes, but the tedious loading process and questionable durability are two potential drawbacks. It is a bit pricey, but it is worth the investment if you need a rack to handle heavier cycles. The ramps are quick to deploy but narrow, so loading your bike might take some practice.
07
best budget hitch bike racks
Kuat Beta 2.0
Type
Hanging
Weight
14 lbs
Number of bikes
2
Weight capacity per bike
40 lbs

PROS
+Smart mix of weight
+Budget-friendly
+Lightweight for ease of use
CONS
-Only offered in a two-bike
-Poor manufacturing quality
The Kuat Beta 2.0 is a simple yet effective bike rack perfect for budget-conscious cyclists. It is made from alloy steel, can accommodate up to two 40lb bikes, and features an easy snap mounting system. The frame also tilts down for easy vehicle access, making it an excellent choice for those who are always on the go. It is also compatible with 1.25" to 2" hitch adapters (sold separately). The most excellent feature of this rack is that it is one of the best budget hitch bike racks on the market, making it ideal for newbies. However, the poor manufacturing quality is a significant downside, leading to durability issues.
Additionally, the rack is only offered in a two-bike capacity, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you have more than two bikes. It has a solid build and is very easy to install, but the lack of features makes it best suited for those on a budget. This bike rack is one of the most deserving wears the best hitch bike rack title since it is a popular item for savvy consumers. It has an intelligent mix of weight, budget-friendly, and lightweight for ease of use. The rack also tilts down for easy vehicle access, making it an excellent choice for those who are always on the go.
08
best durable bike rack
Thule Helium Platform
Type
Platform
Weight
43 lbs
Material
Aluminum
Number of bikes
2

PROS
+High-end look and feel
+Reasonably light
+Easy assembly
CONS
-Bad quality
-A bit expensive
Thule’s Helium Platform is the perfect solution for those who want to transport their bikes without frame contact. The aluminum construction makes this rack easy to use, install, and remove, while the quick-release handle makes it easy for even the most novice users to take their bikes off with ease. The integrated cable lock ensures that your bikes will be safe and secure during transport, and the fold-down bike arms make for compact storage when not in use. This rack is also quick and easy to install, with no tools required, and is compatible with 26-29" wheels and up to 3" wide tires. With a 37.5 lb load capacity per bike, it is the perfect choice for a durable and lightweight rack.
We’ve put up a guide to help you shop for the best durable bike rack that best suits your needs. It has a high-end look and feels, with an aluminum construction that is lightweight and durable. It is reasonably priced and comes with all the necessary hardware for installation. It is quick and easy to install, with no tools required. The integrated cable lock ensures that your bikes will be safe and secure during transport. However, the quality of this rack is not up to par with other frames in its price range, and it is not as durable as some of the other options on our list.
Final Words
After reading this article, you should now understand the best hitch bike racks. We’ve provided information on various types of racks, so you can make an informed decision on which one is best for you. If you’re still not sure which frame is right for you, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you choose the best option. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so take your time and choose the best rack for your needs.
Different types of racks may be more prevalent in other parts of the country. If you live in an area with many hills, you’ll want to choose a frame that can handle the extra weight. A lighter rack will be fine if you’re mainly riding on flat terrain. Whatever your needs, a hitch bike rack out there is perfect for you. If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends or family who might also be in the market for a new hitch bike rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest hitch bike rack to use?
The Thule Helium Platform is the most effortless hitch bike rack. It is quick and easy to install, with no tools required. The integrated cable lock ensures that your bikes will be safe and secure during transport. It is also compatible with 26-29" wheels and up to 3" wide tires. It has a 37.5 lb load capacity per bike, making it the perfect choice for a durable and lightweight rack.
Are hitch bike racks worth it?
Yes, hitch bike racks are worth it. They are easy to use, durable, and secure. They are also a great way to transport your bikes without frame contact. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so take your time and choose the best rack for your needs. It is also important to note that different stands may be more prevalent in other parts of the country. If you live in an area with many hills, you’ll want to choose a frame that can handle the extra weight.
Thule or Yakima Racks better?
Both brands make great racks. It depends on your specific needs. If you need a durable and lightweight frame, the Thule Helium Platform is a great option. If you’re looking for a quick and easy rack to install, with no tools required, the Yakima RidgeBack 4 is a great choice. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so take your time and choose the best rack for your needs.
Swagman or Kuat Racks better?
Both brands make great racks. It depends on your specific needs. If you need a durable and lightweight frame, the Swagman Trailhead 4 is a great option. If you’re looking for a quick and easy stand to install, with no tools required, the Kuat NV 2.0 is a great choice. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so take your time and choose the best rack for your needs.