If you do, however, it is a very well-designed little tool that is incredibly useful and has a very low price. This rooftop carrier is made of steel. If you must access your trunk regularly, then a hitch rack may be better for your needs. Whether you like tearing up the asphalt on a sleek road bike, hitting the trails on a rugged MTB, or just leisurely taking in the sights, bike riding can be an extremely fun, rewarding, and healthy hobby. None of the models we have listed require any drilling — they attach via straps, to the roof rack, or directly onto the hitch receiver — so leave the kit in the tool chest for this job. Hitch racks are the best option for SUVs and pickup trucks. Construction is a sturdy steel with a black powde-coat finish for a product with a long lifespan, and it even comes with a lifetime warranty. It is, in fact, the absolute opposite. Hitch, AmazonBasics Bike Racks for 2 in. In essence, it’s just going to help to keep the bike stable in the rack as you drive. It’s a pretty good value given the high-quality materials and design – though you will be able to find cheaper rear-mounted racks elsewhere if your budget is very tight. one that is mounted to the roof of the vehicle via the roof rack. They also largely keep the bike out of the vehicle airflow, helping minimize the impact on your fuel consumption. Once it is attached, a very clever hinged joint either leans outward to allow trunk access even when loaded with bikes or allows the whole rack to fold up and out of the way when empty. Swagman XC Cross Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack, 6 Despite the low price, it comes with a warranty for just-in-case situations. The first rack he designed was made of electrical conduit and old fire hose, but the company has since moved on to more modern materials. This model is a little different from the previous Thule model we looked at in that it is of the type that the bike is connected via the top bar rather than the wheels. A: No, the racks that are mounted to the hitch essentially plug into it, blocking it from being used by any other application. Also, don’t forget that this model only has the space to load up two bikes, and there are options out there with a little more space if you need it. Instead of being restricted to your local area, you can now head off for a two-wheeled adventure anywhere you can drive to — i.e. In particular, you’ll find these on rack designs that hold the top tube, but rear-mounted designs that lock the wheels can also benefit from built-in anti-sway tech. It is essentially a far, far simpler version with a far, far lower price tag. This has the dual benefit of not allowing the bikes to affect vehicle handling (especially at highway speeds) and also stops the bikes from knocking into each other. It is cheaper than the other Yakima model we looked at (though not by much), and it does only hold one bike. If the thought of bringing your bike or bikes somewhere further away appeals to you, buy a bike rack. Not just any steel, powder-coated steel. Generally speaking, you are going to see an increase in costs with the more features that you want on your rack. A bike rack is going to open up the world to your biking hobby. Likewise, any hitch rack will fit your vehicle as long as your car has a trailer hitch. eBay Marketplaces GmbH is an appointed representative of eBay International AG (both of Helvetiastraße 15-17, 3005 Bern, Switzerland) and is authorised by the FCA to conduct credit broking for a … Allen Sports Tension Bar Bicycle Cross-Bar Adaptor, helping minimize the impact on your fuel consumption, Add The main thing we’re missing is that hinged joint that allows the rack to be moved forward out of the way of the trunk. The tray-style rack is better for securing fat bike frames, such as mountain bikes because it supports the weight of the bikes via the tray. Saris is one of the premium manufactures of bicycle racks for cars, and it’s no surprise that it has found its way onto our list. If you like the look of the Thule Bike Carrier but winced at the price tag, then this bike rack from Swagman could be worth a look. Other features of the Thule Velo Compact include: Available as a 2 or 3 bike rack Thule 925 VeloCompact 2 Bike Rack. Whether you’re going on a holiday, heading out of town for an adventure or participating in a cycling event, the most efficient way to save space is to invest in a quality bicycle car rack or carrier from 99 Bikes. Roof racks are popular for compact cars, such as sedans and hatchbacks, and are often recommended for vehicles with a low center of gravity. While technically you can open your truck with a trunk rack attached, it’s not advisable. On the negative side, as they lack a truly solid attaching point they are not as secure, and you must ensure that you attach them properly before loading up the bikes. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. This is especially true if you have to bring along multiple bikes all at the same time. Many hitch racks come with the option to fold the rack down, making space for you to easily access the trunk f your car. But a Thule bike carrier remains a solid, long-term investment that is well designed, well constructed and simply packed full of extremely useful features. Another option for SUVs and other 4-wheel-drives is to use a roof mounted bike rack. The price point (depending on the model carrying capacity) is toward the pricier end of the market, but it still a lot less than some other models. Rear mounted car bike racks are a must-have for anyone planning a bike ride further away from home once in a while. Luckily, with a little bit of information, you’ll be able to get your bike securely locked up in no time! The mt2 is a 2 bike trunk racks carrier that folds up ultra-compact. Hitch, Retrospec Bike Rack Cross-Bar Top Tube Adjustable Adapter, Lifetime Warranty TMS® 2 Pairs J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier Canoe Boat Surf Ski Roof Top Mount Car SUV Crossbar, Allen Sports 5-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. 4.8 out of 5 stars 316. Another hitch-mounted style of a car-bike rack, this model is slightly different from the previous models we listed. A: Most will come with at least a limited warranty that should cover parts, at least for a short period. anywhere in the country! In this article, we’ll explore the 4-bike car racks. This ultra-compact trunk bike rack is another offering from Allen Sports and it looks pretty fantastic! No, you haven’t just opened a fortune cookie, what we mean is that only you will truly know if you need a bike rack or not — and if you’ve opened up this article to look for one, then you probably need one. Some of the products we looked at above did have a locking cable as an option to buy separately, so check if the rack comes pre-equipped if you want a cable. They usually work by removing a clip or a pin. It can also be harder to load these types of racks, especially with taller cars or heavier bikes. Oh, all of that and it even comes with a free bike lock! It’s ideal for a bike that doesn’t have a conventional top tube, such as female-specific frames or BMX-style bikes. Your bike is loaded into the individual tie-down points that lock down onto the top tube to hold bikes securely in place during transport. We needed a place to put our bikes. For specialty vehicles, like RVs, you will need to look for a bike rack specifically designed for RVs. What we have here from Allen Sports is a very useful little device. Many models up to three bicycles (four in rare instances). Compare. Our most popular products based on sales. The negative is they can affect your rearview when driving, they can make trunk access difficult or even impossible and you must remember you have the rack-mounted when you are reversing! Not too shabby, huh? But in the end, it is the Allen Sport Rack that manages to straddle the line successfully, by supplying such a well designed, carefully built product that will do everything you need it to but without breaking the bank. Hanging racks, on the other hand, secure the bike to the rack via a cable lock over the top of the bike’s frame. This is a very well-designed, very well-built bicycle rack from a company you can trust. You may not need this device, in which case skip it for another item. This is going to protect your car paintwork from damage. Having such a device would make transporting your bikes a much easier task. The product carries an eye-watering price tag. But if you are looking for a premium, upright style bike rack this could be the one for you. It slots onto your trailer hitch (you need a 2-inch hitch, though that’s pretty standard), you stand the device upright and secure it with a simple but sturdy bolt. An excellent accessory for roof mount racks is the Yakima Roof Rack Wind Fairing which reduces annoying wind noise from your roof rack. The main benefit of these types is that they are lower and easier to load than the roof-mounted versions. Thule's car bike racks come in different types and can be mounted on your roof, hitch, towbar, or on your boot. products! Find the racks that fit your car. All you want to do is carry your bike on your car, and now there are all these features and styles to pick through. Some cars have hitches, but they may be too small for a bike rack. Yes, there are models on here that pack more features and yes there are other models with a lower price tag. However, sometimes these bike racks can be a little bit tricky to navigate. Updated hourly. It is a simple but ingenious product that hooks onto the bike frame and essentially creates a top bar. Mounting is safe and secure with a well laid out and simple to use systems of straps, and at each point where the rack rests upon the car body, you will find patches of durable padding to protect the vehicle paintwork. On the downside, a roof rack itself can have a negative impact on fuel performance though you can offset that a lot by selecting the best roof rack. Nothing can ever be simple, can it? It is, however, also lacking a premium price tag, and for a very reasonable price, you are getting a pretty decent bike carrier here. A locking cable is available to securely lock down your bikes, but it is sold separately. Read more about our legal and privacy policy. From there, most racks can hold anywhere from three bikes to four bikes at a time. That easily makes it the most expensive car bike rack on the list. Allen Sports has been designing and making bike racks for over 50 years since Dick Allen founded the company in his garage. The eBay rear bike racks attach to the boot or tailgate with a strap. You’ll only need a bike rack if you already think you need one. Not every car has a hitch or a roof rack. In summary then, yes this not a cheap option. A: No. A: Well, it’s the same as any other accessory really. The carrying capacity of up to 4 bikes is very generous and, most impressive, it includes a hinge joint (like the Thule Bike Rake) that allows it to tilt forward for easy access to the trunk. BMW bicycle carrier - The foldable Compact rear bike rack is light but sturdy and can carry up to 60 kg. This has the obvious advantage of protecting your bike from any opportunistic thieves who could look to steal it straight off the rack. 3.6 out of 5 stars 164. A car opens up the horizons for your bike-riding hobby, allowing you to ride in new, fun locations. It also can’t be folded out of the way, making trunk access a little harder with this model even when empty. We originally had them hanging from hooks in the ceiling but it was difficult for us to get them down without a ladder. Thankfully, the three main styles of bike carriers out there are all quite different, so there are pretty wide pros and cons between each style – that should at least make it easier to select the right style of the carrier for you. Out of stock online. This is even a great bike rack for SUVs. A great way to take your hobby to the next level is to get your car involved. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an Trunk-mounted styles like this one are usually easier to load than roof rack versions; however, this model takes that ease to a whole new level. You can fit this bicycle carrier on any SUV, minivan, … Many car owners are also scared that the bike rack will scratch the car’s paint, so they opt to use bike rack pads to provide a padded barrier in between the rack and the car’s surface. After 30 hours of research and testing, we found the best bike racks for storing bikes in small homes. It is renowned for cutting-edge design when it comes to racks, and this trunk-mounted model lives up to the brand’s pedigree. This provides both a secure hold as well as a very easy loading method – you can have the bike locked in and ready to go in just a couple of minutes. On the other hand, you get potentially a lot more capacity with racks available to take 2, 4 or even 5 bikes. Doing so frequently can not only loosen the mountain, but it can also cause damage to your vehicle. Allen Sports’ patented tie-down system is very easy to use, while anti-wobble ties are also incorporated to stop the bike from wobbling while you are driving. The carry arms are 22-inches long, making them suitable for even larger bike frames, and they fold out of the way when not in use. You can also get a lot more carrying capacity with this bike carrier with different models available to carry 2, 4 or even 5 bikes, making it very useful for family bike trips. Thule Vertex XT Hitch Mount Bike Carrier, 10 Learn more. Set your store to see local availability View Similar in Stock. Allen Sports 35 lbs. For that money you get an insanely well-designed bike. This bike car rack costs less than $50! your rating. Capacity Locking 5-Bike Vehicle 2 in. If your vehicle has rails on the roof, then you can attach the rack to the vehicle via the rails. This product is simply brimming with excellent design features, but the number-one most impressive element about it has to be the ease of use. Easy to install and use, Allen's Ultra Compact bike racks are the perfect way to transport your bikes on a trunk, hatch, or SUV. This is our penultimate product and the second entry from Yakima – and we’ve waited until near the end of the list to see something a little different. A: You can indeed! and 2 in. Swing-away racks will swing the bikes completely away from the car, giving you unlimited access while the bikes remain on the rack. Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Mounted Bike Rack, 7 It needs to be held securely so you don’t glance into the mirror to see your beloved two-wheel steed flying off the back of the car! The ratchet straps safely fasten down two bikes at a time, and the adjustable padded arms secure the top of the frame. Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch Mounted Bike Rack, 4 It will accommodate most 20-29” wheel bikes with tires as much as 3 inches in diameter. Trunk Mount Bike Racks. For us, this product just hits the sweet spot between performance and value. There is no hinge to allow for trunk access; it does not fold up on itself for ease of storage. via the bike wheels) carrying rack, this model has an extended arm to which the bike tubes are attached. On the other hand, it is very easy to use with a pair of ratchet arms that securely lock the bike during transit and are very simple to use – they also have a pretty wide loading range and can accommodate up to 59cm frames. For accessing the boot of your car, it has a smart foot pedal that initiates the tilting mechanism for easy access. How it does this will depend on the style of rack that has been used (more on that in a moment). Condition is Used. What we have is an upright style of bike rack, i.e. You will know better than anyone if you can really benefit from picking up one of these extremely useful vehicle additions. All Allen Sports USA racks products include a lifetime warranty. Roof Bike Racks only carry one bicycle at a time, but you can mount multiple carriers onto your roof rack if you need to haul more bikes. A: It’s not recommended that you do, as parts of the car wash can snag on the rack causing damage to the bike carrier, to your car, to the car wash machine itself, or even to all three. This is when having the best 4-bike car rack can be very beneficial. Injection Molded Construction for High Strength. Don’t underestimate the holding power required either. Bear in mind that typically you’re only going to see this feature included as standard on the more premium models. That lower price does result in a bit of a trade-off as far as included features. Rear mounted racks are one of the most efficient bike racks available, as they fit to your car with a set of straps and don’t require an additional mount. It must be noted as well that you are getting that top draw design and construction on a large model with space for 4 bikes and a decent price tag. Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. Permanent modifications are generally not allowed on a lease agreement, but hitch racks, trunk racks, and roof-mounted racks on vehicles that already have rails are generally permitted. There's a problem loading this menu right now. Plus, just because the price is lower doesn’t mean you’re missing a whole lot of features. Easy to install, adjust and load, this bike rack is designed with ease of use as one of its most important features. There really are some excellent products on this list, all well designed and manufactured by some of the leading companies in this field. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. The bikes are secured in Hold Fast Cradles that hold the bikes securely during transit. The Allen MT-1 Ultra-compact 1-bike carrier provides all of the conveniences of a premium quality SUV bike-rack. The manufacturer has to their credit making the first ever SUV rack… If you would like to bring your two-wheeled stead on the next family camping trip or if you are thinking of getting into bike racing then buy a rack. In addition, it attaches with a nice and simple hitch adaptor that works with most 1.25 and 2-inch hitch receivers. It’s a sturdy, compact unit built to carry a single bike on the back of a car. Kitchenistic helps you find the latest and gratest
Features to look for on an eBay bicycle rack. Thule´s most compact and lightweight bike carrier for everyday use (2 bikes). This bike rack for car trunks weighs just 8.75 pounds and measures 23.4” x 13.6” x 4.3”. On the one hand, this model is missing a lot of the high-end features that you will find on other models. This is a very safe and secure method of transporting a bike. This item Thule 924 VeloCompact bike rack for car, black Thule 925001, Velo Compact 925, 2 Bike, Towball Carrier, 7 pin Thule 933300 Easyfold XT 2-Bike Towbar Carrier, Black/Silver A largely plastic construction keeps weight low (it weighs barely 10 pounds total), while a clever injection molded construction keeps the rack rigid and strong – much stronger than you would expect from a plastic rack. There are advantages and disadvantages to this type of rack (which we will talk about a little more in our buying guide below), but basically one of the bigger advantages to be found in these types of the rack is the ease of use. They require no special fittings and detach easily from the vehicle when not needed. MT1 is a compact trunk bike rack that folds ultra-compact and carries 1 bike. It’s also worth noting there is a range of sizes available, with racks suitable for 2, 3 or 4 bikes. Hitch-mounted racks typically can store 2-4 bikes. products you will love. If you already own a roof rack, a roof bike rack could be the simplest solution, however a boot or hitch mounted carrier is often easier to load and unload and suits heavier bikes, even e-bikes. Suitable for Sedans, Hatchbacks, Minivans and SUV’s, Padded Lower Frame to Keep Bikes Away from Vehicle Body. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R, Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Ultra Compact 1-Bike Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Model# MT1 $ 57 23 $ 57 23. To do that you need a bike rack, and luckily there is a wide range on the market. It boasts very easy, tool-free attachment to a 1.25 or 2-inch tow hitch. Generally speaking though, you want all the points the rack touches your car to be ideally padded, or at the very least tipped or coated in plastic. Bike racks are an incredibly useful tool that can be used for both attaching your bike to your car, and locking your bike up while you travel around a city or town. The Repco Rac Compact 3 Knockdown Bike Carrier can securely carry up to 3 bikes and features an easy to fit locking plate with large grip bolts, padded locking channels which prevent bike damage and the unique knockdown design allows for easy and compact storage. While most steel bike racks for cars are sturdy, this metal has its downsides. $1,399.00 1399.00 0 AUD. 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