The Best Bicycle Racks

Buying Guide for Bike Racks

Why buy a bike rack?

If you own a bicycle and use it with any sort of regularity, buying a rack for it is almost always a worthwhile investment. Bike racks come in various types, from freestanding and wall-mounted models for your garage to roof racks or trunk-mounted racks to attach to your car. A bike rack provides a dedicated and secure spot to keep your bike, freeing up space and preventing clutter— especially useful if you have limited space at home or own more than one bicycle. If cycling is a particular hobby of yours and you want to explore new areas or bring your bike on trips, a car bike rack allows you to easily transport your bike on your vehicle without taking up trunk or backseat space. These are especially useful if you have a small car that couldn’t hold a bike otherwise, or if you need to transport multiple bikes at once for a family outing. Some car bicycle racks are even designed to carry other outdoor equipment as well, such as skis, snowboards, or kayaks, providing added versatility. Some even come with additional security features like bike locks, making it harder for thieves to steal your bike.

What should you look for in a bike rack?

• Capacity: First and foremost, your bicycle rack should always support the number of bikes on hand; a single person or a couple will have different storage needs than a family of four or five. Regardless of the type of bike rack you buy, there are plenty of capacity options out there, ranging from those that can hold one bike to models capable of supporting five or more at a time. You may also want to keep an eye on a rack’s weight capacity, more so for car and ceiling/wall racks, especially if you own bigger, bulkier bikes.
• Storage Style: For such a simple device, there are a surprising number of ways you can store your bicycle(s). The most popular type of bicycle storage is the floor rack. These sit on the floor and can include a variety of storage slots. Racks that mount to the wall or ceiling are useful for clearing up floor space in your garage, though they typically support no more than one bike at a time. If you want a car bike rack, you’ll have a choice between roof, hitch, and trunk-mounted options. Keep in mind that not all bike racks are compatible with every type of vehicle. Some racks are designed for specific vehicle models, while others are more versatile and can be adjusted to fit various cars and trucks. Before purchasing a bike rack, it’s important to check its compatibility with your specific vehicle.
• Layout Considerations: Buying a floor rack for your six bicycles will likely be counterintuitive unless you have a large garage. On the other hand, a low roof can spell disaster for cyclists who are looking at a ceiling mount. Consider how much floor space you can afford to set aside when making your purchase.

Are bike racks easy to install?

The ease of installation varies depending on the type of bike rack. Roof racks often require more time and effort to install, as they tend to involve attaching straps, hooks, or clamps. Trunk-mounted models tend to be simpler, and hitch-mounted racks are even easier still, especially if your vehicle already has a hitch receiver installed; all you’ll likely have to do is slide into the hitch receiver and are secured using a hitch pin or lock. Bike racks for the garage, especially floor-standing models, tend to be easier to install. They usually come with clear installation instructions and include the necessary mounting hardware, be itscrews, bolts, or brackets. Though attaching the rack to the wall or ceiling might sound daunting, you shouldn’t have to do much more than drilling a few holes, with tools you likely already have at home.

If you’re unsure about the installation process, the included installation instructions aren’t clear, aren’t confident in your DIY skills, or you want some extra assistance, you always consult online tutorials, seek guidance from knowledgeable friends or professionals, or even visit a local bike shop for help.

Our Picks for the Best Bicycle Racks

Pros: If you want to be able to bring your bikes along for the day or on camping and road trips, this hitch rear-mounted bike rack is a reliable and sturdy solution for all your on-the-go biking adventures. With its easy setup, you can quickly get on the road and start enjoying your biking trips without any hassle. One of the standout features of this bike rack is its (relative) affordability without compromising on quality; many other models cost up to twice as much as this one, and it offers the same level of security and functionality as its more expensive cousins. Security features such as a rack lock and bars that hold the bikes down are included, ensuring your bikes are safe and secure during transportation. It also folds up conveniently, allowing for simple storage when not in use and minimizing its profile when attached to your vehicle. The rack’s design is well-thought-out and sturdy, giving you peace of mind while on the road.

Cons: This rack isn’t the best option for larger families, as this hitch rack can only hold a maximum of two bikes at once. Additionally, the 120-pound weight limit of the rack may not accommodate heavier e-bikes with batteries attached, requiring you to remove the batteries before loading these types of bikes onto the rack.

Bottom Line: This bike rack offers a reliable and user-friendly solution for transporting your bikes securely. Its sturdy construction, ease of use, and excellent customer service make it a standout choice for biking enthusiasts. With this rack, you can load your bikes onto your car with confidence, knowing that they’re in safe hands.

 

Pros: If you’re looking for a solution to reclaim valuable floor space in your garage, the two-pack of Dirza Bike Wall Mounts is the perfect answer. These innovative bike mounts are designed to encourage bike riders to store their bicycles a few feet higher to save you room on your garage or shed floor. Unlike traditional racks, these mounts function as hangers and can be easily installed on a stud or cement wall. Each mount can support up to 38 pounds, ensuring the secure storage of your bike. To protect your bike’s frame, the hanger is coated in an anti-scratch rubber material. When not in use, the mounts can be conveniently folded upward, providing even more space-saving benefits. And you get two hangers for one reasonable price, ideal for households with more than one bicycle. With the Dirza Bike Wall Mounts, you can enjoy a clutter-free garage while keeping your bike easily accessible and protected.

Cons: Before you buy these bike wall mounts, keep in mind that the weight capacity is 38 pounds, which may not be sufficient for heavier bikes (such as electric bikes). Another potential issue is the reliance on finding wall studs for installation, which can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Some users also reported difficulties with the included screws, and the mounts may not be as sturdy as expected, particularly when mounted on drywall without studs.

Bottom Line: The Dirza Bike Wall Mounts offer a convenient solution for saving floor space and organizing bikes in garages or sheds. They are easy to install, foldable when not in use, and come in a two-pack, providing good value for the price. If you have lighter bikes and can ensure proper mounting, this pair of wall mounts offer a sturdy and space-saving solution.

 

Pros: Transitioning from traditional floor racks to wall-mounted bike storage is a significant improvement in terms of saving space, but for those seeking to maximize their storage space, going even higher is your best bet. The RAD Cycle Products Bike Lift fits the bill by allowing riders to suspend their bikes from the ceiling. Built with heavy-duty engineering, it provides a secure and reliable way to store your bikes overhead. The lift system effortlessly raises and lowers the bikes thanks to the brand’s exclusive rope that’s designed not to fray. With a weight capacity of up to 75 pounds, even the heaviest mountain bikes and most electric bikes can be safely suspended. And the reliable locking mechanism prevents accidental releases and ensures the bikes stay securely in place. It’s suitable for use in garages or sheds with a ceiling of up to 12 feet tall, so it should fit most standard garages nicely.

Cons: The installation process may be challenging for some, particularly when mounting the product to higher ceilings, requiring the use of additional tools and potentially attaching a board between rafters. Installation may prove especially challenging depending on the size of your bike since hooks that secure to the handlebars may not accommodate thicker handlebars, requiring additional modifications. And the rope, while anti-fray, isn’t the most heavy-duty and may potentially come off the pulleys, especially the lower ones. You may want to consider replacing the included rope with a more durable alternative, such as a paracord.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a bike rack that’s the ultimate space saver, look no further. Since it’s a ceiling-mounted model, you can utilize a part of your garage that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise—and save yourself a ton of floor and wall storage space in the process.

 

Pros: If you have the space to spare in your garage or you want a bike stand that will work in other outdoor (or even some indoor) areas, a freestanding floor bike rack like this one might be more up your alley. Setting it up is a breeze, as it should only take you a few minutes to fully assemble. The modular design allows you to choose the number of bike slots you need, making it adaptable to your specific storage requirements. Whether you have two bikes or a larger collection, this stand provides a secure and stable storage solution for as many as five bicycles at once. Even more importantly, it’s both functional and durable, effectively holding bikes in place, keeping them organized, and preventing scratches or damage. The lightweight design also makes it easy to move and reposition whenever necessary. As a bonus, this bike rack stand is available in black, brown, or silver, and a smaller two-bike stand is also available.

Cons: Some users have experienced issues with the amount of spacing between the tire slots, particularly with larger bikes or those equipped with disc brakes. The stand may require adjustments or additional measures to accommodate these types of bikes. Additionally, while the stand is sturdy enough for most bikes, it may not provide the same stability for heavier, bulkier bikes; the rods may move around or shift slightly, although it still provides adequate support for most bikes.

Bottom Line: Overall, this freestanding floor bike rack is a practical, reliable, space-saving solution for storing and organizing your bicycles. The easy assembly, modular design, and lightweight construction make it a convenient choice for any bike enthusiast.

 

Pros: This bike storage rack is another space-saving option that’s perfect for cyclists with more than a handful of bikes, as it can accommodate up to six two-wheelers at any given time. Its demanding bike capacity ensures equally high durability, hoisting up 300 pounds across its 48-inch steel rail. The rack draws on its high-end support from the super industrial steel it’s constructed from, granting cyclists long-term storage without giving way to the weight. All of these factors make it an excellent choice for avid cyclists, families with multiple bikes, or even bike shops looking to optimize their storage space. The use of super industrial steel in the construction of this bike rack not only enhances its durability but also contributes to its long-term functionality. The robust materials ensure that the rack can endure the constant weight and stress imposed by multiple bikes, allowing for reliable and efficient storage for years to come. And there’s a two-bike version available if you want the strength and durability of this bike rack but don’t need storage space for six bikes.

Cons: One common concern raised by users is the lack of clear and informative instructions that can lead to confusion during the assembly and installation process, particularly for those who are not experienced with similar products. Another drawback is the relatively short length of the main bar. Some users have noted that when attempting to hang three bikes side by side, the handlebars of two bikes can touch, making it difficult to fit a third bike in the middle. Other customers mentioned the need to lift the bikes relatively high in order to hang them on the rack. This may pose a challenge for anyone with limited upper body strength, or make this rack less desirable for those who prefer to position their bikes horizontally rather than vertically.

Bottom Line: The impressive six-bike capacity of this bicycle rack, combined with its high durability and use of super industrial steel, makes it a reliable long-term storage solution. Whether it’s for personal use or in a commercial setting, this rack provides cyclists with a convenient and robust way to store their bikes securely while maximizing space efficiency.

Final Thoughts