Bike Racks

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How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack ???

Yakima Bike Racks
Thule Bike Racks

Benefits of a hitch-mounted bike rack:

• Largest variety of styles of bike racks
• Rear position makes hitch-mounted bike racks the most aerodynamic bike racks
• Hitch-mount rack height makes it easy to load and unload your bikes

1. Vehicle compatibility
2. Bike compatibility
3. Vehicle accessibility
4. User compatibility

• Two cradles hold bike frame, providing even support
• Most compatible with standard-frame bikes (for example, mountain bikes and road bikes)
• Also compatible with alternative-frame bikes (for example, women’s and children’s bikes)
• For best fit with alternative frames, an adapter bar may be necessary
• Capacity: up to 5 bikes
• If bikes tilt while cradled (for example, with alternative-style frames), ensure that bikes have adequate ground clearance
• Consider using an adapter bar to level the bike while it is mounted on the bike rack
• Some bike racks include anti-sway straps or cradles
• Additional points of contact with bike frame to hold bike more securely
• Prevent rocking during travel
• Reduce bike-to-bike and bike-to-vehicle contact

Widely spaced arms

• Provide extra support for bikes
• Ideal for carrying larger bikes
• Smaller bikes (for example, children’s bikes) can be difficult to load

Narrowly spaced arms

• Compatible with a wide range of bike sizes
• Loading smaller bikes can be hassle free

• Bike frame is supported by single cradle
• Can easily accommodate both standard- and alternative-frame bikes
• Some alternative-frame bikes with large-diameter tubes may require a bike adapter bar
• Capacity: up to 5 bikes
• Easy loading
• Cradle styles

• Cradles rotate to keep bike wheels level, providing excellent ground clearance
• Hand knob lets you secure bike frame to rack by tightening top plate
• Accommodate most styles and sizes of bikes
• Simple loading
• Bulky cradles can make it difficult to secure bikes with small crossbars (as found on children’s bikes)

• Single top plate secures all cradles simultaneously
• Top plate must be removed to load and unload any bike
• Alternative-frame bikes often tilt when cradled from a slanted cross tube
• When tilted, bikes require adequate ground clearance

• Wheel mounts cradle bike tires, securing bike to rack
• Adjustable wheel holder easily accommodates the widest range of bikes regardless of size, frame, suspension or wheel size
• Extremely easy loading and unloading
• Capacity: 2 bikes
• Add-ons for 2″ receivers can raise rack capacity to 4 bikes
• Eliminates swaying with unique holding method
• Bikes are secured with a wheel or frame clamp

Wheel clamp

• Clamps down on bike wheels
• No frame contact
• Great for bikes with suspension

Frame clamp

• Large hook clamps to crossbar, holding the bike frame in place
• Simple to secure
• Straps secure wheels in cradles

• Use a strap to secure bike wheels to the cradles
• Adjustable cradles accommodate all styles of bikes, regardless of frame or size
• Capacity: 2 to 4 bikes
• Less sway protection than some other style racks
• Simple loading
• No contact with the bike frame

• Rack swings bikes completely away from vehicle
• Unlimited access to the rear of the vehicle
• Bikes can remain on the rack when the swing feature is in operation
• Easy to operate, usually by removal of a pin and clip

• Entire rack extends away from the vehicle
• Limited access to the rear of the vehicle
• Rack remains behind vehicle, but rear hatch or door can be opened
• Bikes can remain on rack while it is extended
• Rack arms remain parallel to the ground, keeping bikes upright when rack is extended
• Operated with the pull of a switch

• Rack tilts down at the base of the rack
• Limited access to the rear of the vehicle
• Rack remains behind vehicle, but rear hatch or door can be opened
• Bikes must be removed before tilting
• Operated with pull of a switch or removal of pin and clip
• Fixed-Position Bike Racks
• Bikes and rack must be removed to gain access to the rear of the vehicle

• Most racks are simple to install
• Heavier racks may be more difficult to install and carry
• Steel models are heavier than aluminum models

• Features are operated with a pin and clip or with a switch
• See individual product descriptions and/or video reviews for information on specific features
• Switch
• Easy to use
• A pull of the lever operates the bike rack’s feature
• No loose parts
• Pin and clip
• Pin secures mechanism in place
• Removal of pin allows for feature to be operated

• Anti-rattle devices eliminate rattling and jostling of the rack in the hitch during transport.
• Twist-knob anti-rattle device
• Extremely convenient
• Simple knob twist gives the bike rack a snug fit within the hitch
• Does not require tools

• anti-rattle hitch bolt
• Bolt threads through hitch and receiver
• Tightening the bolt creates stability
• Requires wrench (often included with bolt)

• integrated cable lock
• Bike rack will have an integrated cable that secure bikes to the rack
• Lock stored on bike rack when not in use
• See individual rack descriptions for more details

• Lockable cradles
• Available on single-arm bike racks
• Outer-cradle top plate locks bike into place, preventing removal of all bikes from the rack

• Hitch locks
• Included with some bike racks
• Secures bike rack to the vehicle
• See individual bike racks for details

• Most styles of racks have a folding component that make storing the rack convenient
• Some racks fold up so they can be easily stored in a trunk or garage with limited space
• Some have removable arms, for compact storage
• See individual products for their folding and storage potential

Hold the dowel rod or yardstick vertically against the back of your spare tire, making sure that the end of the straight edge extends lower than your hitch pin hole.

Use the tape measure to find the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the straight edge (in inches). Be sure to form a 90-degree angle between your tape measure and your straight edge. This measurement is the minimum clearance your bike rack will need to clear your spare tire.