Last Updated on August 5, 2022
Sometimes you feel like the world you’re living in isn’t your place anymore. It all gets too loud with the daily rush, workloads, traffic hassles and so much more. The only thing you can think of is having a break. Then why don’t you just take one and run to nature with it?
So, grab your bike and start your car. But how you’re going to get your bike with you? Why don’t you just pick the best bike rack for hatchback to do that for you? But which one should you grab? Let me help you out with that.
Top 10 Best Bike Rack for Hatchback
Check these 10 amazing bike racks that can get you nothing but the best performance. It’s time to pick yours.
1. RockyMounts Monorail 2
As it comes with a setup to carry two bikes at once, you don’t need to worry about the two-wheeler of your partner too. In case the bicycle you’ve bought is a little heavy, with the 60 lbs capacity, it’s nothing but a piece of feather for this one.
If you’re more into a group vacation with your mates, then you better go for the 2” variant. It’s because that particular type has the feature of getting expanded and occupy 3 bikes at a time. Even if they’re 45 lbs each on weight, it still can hold them up as long as you need.
It has been designed in a way that, you won’t even have to take a headache on the bike interference. Just let its adjustable tray handle that part. As it secures your two-wheelers by the bike’s front wheel, it can fit them in even if the tires are 5.0” wide.
When you’re more likely to have a ride with a wheelbase of 34” to 39”, you can just relax and bring this one in. Moreover, with the simplest installation process, it won’t cause you much of a hassle to fit in with a car or SUV.
Pros
- Highly secured
- Durable
- Easy to remove and store
- Weather resistance
- 45° dropdown feature
Cons
- Don’t have the easiest assembly process
2. Thule T2 Pro XT 2
First thing’s first, the installation. If you’re more of the easier, the better person, then this what you need. To make it super easy to install, Thule has included the Tool-free Auto-Attach Knob. If you want to tag it to your ride or remove it, things will be easy as grabbing your car keys.
When you need to tilt the rack up or down, the HitchSwitch lever will do that for you. Now if you want to get the back door open without any hassles, just let this lever do what it does best.
Once reach the place, I don’t think you’re going to need the rack for a while so you can just fold that up after retrieving the bicycles. Get it back to its normal position when need them again.
With the ratcheting arm, you’ll able to secure the bikes more quickly. You can get that done without causing any frame contact. Anyway, if you’re thinking about the fit-in part, then it can take in 20-29″ wheelbase and any tire with the width within 5″. Lastly, I must say, this is an excellent hitch rack for mountain bikes.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Perfect load capacity
- Foldable
- 4 Bike Compatible
- Maximum bike clearance
Cons
- The tilt lever handle could’ve been better
3. Allen Sports 522QR
Unlike all those complicated racks, this one comes with one of the easiest assembly processes. You don’t even need to spend much of your time on fixing that up with the ride.
What racks are mostly meant to be is to carry the bicycles from one place to another securely. For ensuring that Allen Sports has given you the scope to tie down each of the bikes individually. That’ll keep them protected as long as they’re in it.
Often rider gets confused about what the rack is going to do when there’s a wide variety of sizes and designs of bikes. It usually happens when you’re riding with your homies. Thankfully, the 522QR is capable of accommodating a huge range of bicycle frames with different designs.
In case you’re more into heavier bikes, the 522QR won’t let you down on that aspect either. With the 70lbs capacity, it shouldn’t be a problem for the rack to carry any of your bikes.
Pros
- Quickly installable
- Highly secured
- Good weight capacity
- Carries 4 bikes
Cons
- Can’t use on trailers
4. Kuat NV 2.0
But what actually has made it that much perfect? The first one on that list is nothing but its perfect style. Yes, it’s the folding hitch style. It has left no stone unturned to maximize its convenience for you to use.
If the capacity is the topic of your question, it’s not going to disappoint you there either for sure. Even if you’re thinking about mountain biking with your heaviest bike, its 60lbs capacity can carry on smoothly. No, I’m not talking about total weight capacity. It’s 60 lbs on each and it can carry two at a time.
Not everyone has the same preference for bike designs and sizes. Keeping that in mind, they’ve made it capable to hold bikes with a maximum wheelbase of 48”. I don’t think any normal bike is going to extend that number. To keep it all under your control, it can even occupy 4.8” wide tires.
It can mount in a 1.25 or 2-inch hitch receiver, which makes it a perfect choice for smaller vehicles.
As its front-tire cradle system is perfectly adjustable, it shouldn’t be a problem for it to ensure maximum protection to your bikes. To maximize that protection level, the integrated cable locks made its protection mechanism better than ever.
Pros
- No-tool install
- Maximum protection
- Capacity to occupy two bikes
- Durable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Comparatively heavy
5. KAC Overdrive Sports K2
Thanks to its Anti-Wobble System that has made it one of the sturdiest and safest places for your bike. Once you put them in it, the last thing you need to remember is your old wobbling hassles.
A bike being convenient is an aspect that no biker wants to compromise on. KAC with its Overdrive Sports K2 has made it up to the mark. Otherwise, why they would’ve given it the Quick Release Tilt Design in the first place? Now if you need to have access to your rear cargo, you can just fold it up and get it.
The load capacity comes with just the right number you wanted to hear. It’s 60 lbs on each bike and it can carry up to 2. Don’t worry about the security part as it has powder-coated steel tubing, which is also highly durable. They keep them safe with its padded clamps, the locking knob, and the hitch pin.
Both of its installation and adjustability came with extreme ease. As most of its parts come pre-assembled, there’s nothing much to do actually. If you’re more into e-bikes, then be happy with its 5” wide heavy-duty trays. They’ll keep almost any of those bikes in, whether it’s a road/mountain bike or fat bikes.
Pros
- Easy to install and adjust
- Convenient to use
- Perfect load capacity
- Strong build quality
- Highly protective
Cons
- A lot of plastic parts
6. Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Bike Carrier Rack
A bike ride on a quiet road can be a calm and relaxing activity that can do more for your health and mind than a yoga session. First, you have to cross the busy highways with your car while carrying your bike at the back. And that’s where a bike rack enters the scene just like a hero.
The Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Deluxe Black 1-Bike bike rack can only accommodate a single bicycle but without taking up as much room as most multi-bike models. Plus, it is a sturdy one that can give tough competition to some of the multi-bike holding racks.
They also have 2 Bike and 3 Bike versions available. It’s needless to mention that they are going to cost higher than the 1 Bike version. But if you like to ride in groups, there’s no harm in spending a bit more.
This single bike rack provides a high degree of support and protection for that your bike. It is not as compact as some of the existing folding single bikes carrying racks, but with minimal effort needed to set it up. It compensates for this with a higher degree of protection and stability.
Heavily padded, the bottom part of the frame protects your car from possible impacts on the bike and protects your bike from a similar injury. In addition to this, the frame itself contains a rust-resistant coating, ensuring that the durable steel stays in good condition over long periods of heavy use.
The padded lower frame also keeps the bicycles far from your vehicle to ensure there is no unnecessary touching.
Setting it up is so easy that you can think of the easiest job you know and it will match that. I think you got the picture.
Pros
- Fits with most bike models
- Installing is super easy
- Very compact design
- Padded lower frame
- Rust-resistant coating
Cons
- Can hold only one bike
7. Thule Passage Trunk Mount Bike Carrier Rack
If you ever want to feel how freedom feels like, try storming through an open road on your bike. There are not many greater feelings. Having some alone time once in a while is good. Away from all the work or homework pressure.
Now to carry those bikes out in the open area you will need some help. Thule 910XT passage 2-bike trunk mount carrier will exactly handle that part. Just attach it to the back of your car and you are good to go.
This one will allow you to carry two or three bikes at a time. That is because it has 2 different versions available (2 Bike and 3 Bike).
To protect the bike frame they used soft rubber cradles. It will also ensure that the carrier holds your bike securely.
Stay-put anti-sway cages are there to ensure the distance between your bikes and also between your bike and car. That way you will tension free of any unwanted scratches or damage to your car.
The FitDial ensures that the rack fits perfectly with any standard vehicle design. You can fold the arms of the rack down if you want some extra space. That is of course when you are not using it.
There are also six straps that you have to attach to your car to make it ultra-secure and strong.
If you have a bicycle with a unique frame design like those for the child’s or women’s, then you might need a frame adapter. That problem doesn’t happen always but some hanging style rear mount bike carrier does have that issue.
Pros
- Unique looking design
- Sturdy and durable body
- High load-carrying capacity
- Fits perfectly with any vehicle
Cons
- Might face some issues to fit women’s or kid’s bike
- Need to tie extra straps
8. Saris Bones Car Bike Rack
If you are an occasional biker, then carrying your bike at the back of your car should sound familiar to you. Now, to carry those bikes safely you have to find a perfect bike rack. It can be a bit of a word work to choose among all the attractive options available.
Saris Bones has made that bit easier for you. Their classic trunk bike rack is considered one of the best in the business. It’s a strap-mounted rack that came out to break the traditional round tube-shaped rack.
They provide a very long strap with this one that you have to tie with your car as per their instructions. The first installation will take some time and some knot tying skills but it will be easy once you get the hang of it.
This rack is available in 3 different capacity versions ranging from 2 to 4. They have some color options too.
The rack itself is very lightweight yet sturdy enough to do the job smoothly. The rack won’t touch your car at all during driving so you won’t have to worry about scratches. Plus, the bikes will be separated from each other too.
You can fold it down when not using it and you will get some extra space. The removing part is also very easy so you can just remove it anytime you want and it will take you like a minute.
Pros
- Can carry multiple bikes
- Very secure
- Anti-sway rung will stop the bike from swaying
- Affordably priced bike rack
- Very lightweight so easy to handle
Cons
- Multiple long straps needed to be tied
- It handles the diamond-shaped frame bikes better and has some issues with others like mountain bikes or small frame bike
9. Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Do you need a sophisticated and hassle-free way of transporting your bikes? For you, the Swagman XC2 2-bike carrier might be the ideal rack.
This hitch-mounted bike carrier has an intuitive construction that allows you to customize it to match a variety of sizes and styles of the bike frame.
Although some individuals might find the 2-bike carrying ability of this rack somewhat restricted, it is one of the most reliable hitch bike racks on the market.
Each bike will be locked on the frame and both wheels. With a separately purchased locking cable and locking hitch pin, you can also improve the protection of your bike as it doesn’t offer any straps to secure them.
This one is lightweight and takes a little space when folded. Those with a tight budget can purchase it if they wish to use it for light duty. It isn’t the most amazing rack out there but it gets the job done at almost half the price than most of the other products.
The clamps of this rack might touch the bike frame so the paint job might get messy. Be aware of that if you want to keep your frame paint job as sophisticated as they are now.
Other than the minor security issue and clamp problem, this one is a good option for budget shoppers. On a positive note, this rack fits with a variety of bike frame designs which is great.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Compact size
- Easy to install
- Affordable price range
Cons
- You will have to arrange the security part by yourself
- Clamp might mess up the paint job on the frame
10. CyclingDeal Alloy RoofTop Bicycle Carrier Rack
There’s no question that the ones that sit on top of the car are some of the finest bicycle racks available. Yes, lifting a heavy bike on the rooftop can be challenging but you won’t lose your view of the road behind and that’s worth the effort.
Let’s wrap things up with a different kind of rack than the ones I reviewed earlier. This one is a rooftop mounted bike carrier rack from CyclingDeal. It’s one of the most popular products of 2020 and it deserves all the hype it’s getting.
Made from 6063 Aluminum, it is one of the strongest and sturdy racks available. It is lightweight and fully rust-resistant. It has a maximum load-holding capacity of 66 lbs per bike.
The installation is very easy and you can do it by yourself following the user manual. It will fit with most square crossbars by just clamping the metal brackets. You can even adjust the bracket position for a perfect fit.
This rack can carry 2 bikes at a time and the bike frame design won’t be a problem for this one. The rack comes with an additional bike tie strap that will allow an even more secure hold. The clamping strap is adjustable too and allows a 360 degree turning feature.
So, if your car already has a rooftop then this lightweight rack can prove to be the best deal for you. Now, if you don’t have a crossbar, getting a new one will increase your budget significantly and I think that’s not worth the little advantage you will get. The rest is up to you.
Pros
- The aluminum body is strong and lightweight so easy to handle
- Totally rust resistant
- Fits with most crossbars
- Good holding performance
Cons
- You will have to lift your bike every time onto the roof
- No extra locks available for security measures
Final Words
Having the best bike rack for a hatchback is not only about carrying your bikes around but there’s much more to it. It’ll keep your and your mates’ favorite two-wheelers safe, even on bouncy roads. Now all you need to do is grab your one and run to the vacation that you’ve been so far for.
Best Bike Racks For Hatchback Buying Guide
Looking forward to purchasing a bike rack for your hatchback? Got confused about choosing the bike rack? No worries.
Today, I am going to talk about all the important factors that are needed to consider while purchasing a bike rack for your hatchback. If you are looking for the same things, then you may spend a few times reading this article. It will be highly beneficial to you.
What is a hatchback?
Simply, hatchbacks are the common version of the car. The hatchback holds a hatch-type door that goes in the upward direction after unlocking. Well, you may be confused that lots of cars hatch move upwards after unlocking. The difference is here. In a hatchback, there is a window attaching with the hatch. The door goes upward along with the attached window.
However, the hatchback has a good reputation as it is an economy class. Actually, most of the economy cars are designed in a hatchback style. Obviously, there are some expensive and luxurious hatchbacks too. Whatever hatchback is a good vehicle to carry both people and goods.
What bike racks does the hatchback support?
Well, as I already mention that hatchbacks are great to carry goods like bikes, luggage and so on. Different goods ask for different kinds of racks. For carrying a bike, there are three different kinds of rack you will find in the market. They are: Hitch mounted, Roof-mounted and Trunk mounted.
Hitch-Mounted Racks
Hitch mounted racks are the most popular version of bike racks. These racks are heavy, durable along with a good carriage capacity. Hitch racks are usually attached to the receiving hatch of hatchbacks. Installing the hitch bike rack is pretty much easy. Loading and unloading bikes are also simple. However, there are a few types of hitch mount racks. I am providing a brief below.
Vertical style:
The vertical type of racks is used for storage purposes. This type of racks has more capability of storing. It can store about 6 bikes. The main feature of the vertical style hack is that, you will be able to save space as you can load the bikes vertically. These types of the rack are stronger, durable and expensive.
Tray/platform-style:
A try or bike-tray is being connected to the hatch. In this style, you will be able to store 2 to 4 bikes. Loading and unloading bikes are also easy. The anti-sway feature exists in this style and you can easily access the hatch by a bit tilting the rack
Mast/Hanging style:
This type of hitch is designed with arms for hanging the bikes. Like the platform/tray style, the hanging style hitch also allows storing 2 to 4 bikes. There may be a need for adapters for hanging bikes. This type of rack is foldable and cheaper.
Roof-mounted racks
The Roof-mounted racks are the most common ones and used for personal usage. In this type of rack, you can store a good number of bikes because of a good number of spaces on the roof. Installing the roof-mounted bike rack needs some extra tools such as flat tracks, crossbars. Without it, loading a bike is troublesome in this kind of rack. You can take up to 4 bikes using this rack with you.
Hatch/Trunk mounted racks
The Hatch/Trunk mounted racks are usually being installed on the trunk/boot/rear hatch/rear door. The trunk is placed on the rear side of the hatchback and doesn’t ask for any kind of screw to install the rack. The installation process is also hassle-free. It can be done within a few moments with mechanical support.
The raw material of these racks is either aluminum or steel. Some hatch/trunk-mount racks are lightweight, whereas some are heavy. However, If you need to carry up to four bikes, the trunk rack is perfect. This rack is foldable and can be used in any type of car. The bike is pretty much easy to load.
Adapters
The ultimate purpose of using the adapters is hanging bikes. Adapters are not rack. Generally, the adapters are hard and made from metal. The adapter is attached to the seat post and stem. The adapter is used for those bikes, whose frame design is not compatible with the rack.
Considerable Factors While Choosing Bike Racks For Hatchbacks
Limitations of bike and weight
Well, there should be no problem with the hatchback as it can carry a good amount of weight. The capacity or limit depends on the bike racks. I have already talked about capacity. Hence, I will have a brief discussion here.
The hitch-mounted racks can bear a good amount of weight. Usually, the bike hitch racks have a weight limitation of 4 to 6 bikes. The number of bikes can vary if the bike is very heavy.
However, there is a weight limitation in the trunk-mount rack as the bikes are being hanged on the arms of trucks. This kind of rack can carry up to 4 bikes but there is an issue. Because of the weight of bikes, the arms start getting banned even the weight is not beyond the limitation.
Finally, the roof type. This type can carry up to four bikes. Weight won’t be an issue as the bikes are carried on the roof of the hatchbacks.
Whatever these just weight limitations. Apart from this, there are lots to be considered like the quality and material of a rack.
Vehicle damaging issue
In the hanging position, swaying may exist. As a result, if the amount of swaying is high, a bike will get in contact with another. For both swaying and vibration, both bike and car can be damaged like getting scratched or ruining the paint of a car and bike.
Bike frame contact issue
Well, we install the bike rack on the hatchback for the transportation of the bike so if there any vibration exists on the hatchback, the bike rack will be vibrated too. As a result, one bike frame may have contact with another bike frame. There is a good possibility of damaging a frame.
Without it, while the bike is in a hanging position, still a bike frame may have contact with another bike frame. Again, there is an opportunity of damaging the frame. While purchasing the bike rack, this fact needed to consider if you have an expensive bike.
Specifications of Car
Well, you don’t need to worry about the specifications of your car. Generally, the racks come with a universal fit. They will fit in any vehicle but if you are thinking about getting the roof-mounted bike rack, then you need to know the length and width of the roof of your car. On the other hand, for hitch-mount racks, you will need to know about the hitch class of your hatchback.
Loading Bikes & Accessing Hatch
The most important factors to be considered. Everyone looks for an easy bike load and unload process, also hitch accessing features. Accessing the hatch may not be possible for all types of racks. For example, it is very difficult to access the hatch and loading bike in the trunk rack.
In this case, the hitch mount rack is far better. Titling the rack, you can easily access it at any time. Without the tilting feature, the hitch mount rack will be troublesome like the trunk-mounted one. That’s why it is recommended to go for the hitch-mounted bike rack with the titling feature for ease of use.
Cost
Price! Maybe the most important one for you. Among all types of racks, the hitch type is the most expensive one as it is strong and durable. In some cases, the roof-mounted racks are expensive though. Lastly, the less expensive one is the truck-mount racks.
Versatility
If you talk about carrying bikes, then the roof racks are the most versatile ones. Then hitch racks and truck-type racks are versatile respectively.
However, if you consider the versatility of the types of bikes. Then, hitch mounted will be the best one as it can carry bikes of all types. Some bikes are not suggested to carry though.
Security (Locking options)
Roof mount rack: The roof bike rack has a crossbar lock. The crossbar is being locked with the hatchback though. All the models may not have this feature. In this case, you have to go to the aftermarket locks.
Trunk mount rack: In the truck mount rack, usually strap is used for binding your bike with racks. This binding is a secure connection.
Hitch mount rack: The hitch mount rack has a hitch lock so that the bike doesn’t get disconnected from the hatchback. Sometimes the hitch rack comes with an integrated bike lock.
Easy Installation Feature
In a word, the installation process should be easier. Talking about the ease of installation, the truck-mounted rack is the best one because of its lightweight feature. It does not ask for any tools to install.
Again, a roof-mounted rack will ask using some extra tools. Lastly, the hitch mount racks are heavy-weight. Extra screws or tools may require sometimes. Some of the hitch mount racks are easy to install though.
Anti-sway Feature
As there is a good possibility of damaging the bikes and vehicles due to vibration, it’s better to go for a rack with an anti-sway feature.
Folding Feature
Folding capability is one of the most important ones. By having the folding capability, you can save a good amount of space. This feature only exists on the hitch mount rack and trunk mount rack only so pay heed to this matter.
E-Bike Compatibility
It’s better to purchase a bike rack that is compatible with the electric bike as it is getting popular day by day. The Electric bikes are strong and can support both trunk-mount and hitch mount racks.
I’m Daniel Galbreath, founder of OffRoadersWorld.
I spend my spare time writing on this website, OffRoaders World. I share my thoughts and reviews on different types of gears, share tips sometimes. This website is specially created and regularly updated basically to help other folks like me when I started to solve the various problems they face, specially when they go off-roading.