If you’re in need of a simple, safe and convenient way to transport your bikes, the best hitch bike racks are up for the task. Connecting securely to the receiver hitch on your vehicle, hitch bike racks make it easier to access quiet roads, untouched trails and beautiful scenery that might otherwise be out of reach. There are many bike rack designs to choose from, but you’ll quickly notice that hitch racks fall into two primary categories: platform racks, which are more expensive but easier to load; and hanging racks, which are typically a bit cheaper but maximize capacity.
Safely transport your bikes with the best hitch bike racks of 2023.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Thule
Realistically, the bike rack market is a crowded, competitive space, which makes it difficult to identify a singular hitch rack that’s going to meet your needs. Below, we break down the top hitch racks of 2023, from the high-quality T2 Pro XTR to the budget-friendly Destination Hitch 2. For more information, be sure to peruse our buying guide below that details how we chose the models on this list, and what you should look for when investing in a rack of your own.
Weight: 52 pounds | Number of bikes: 2 | Weight capacity per bike: 60 pounds
The name “Thule” is synonymous with hauling equipment, whether you’re loading camping gear into a rooftop cargo carrier or cinching skis down in a ski rack. And while Thule builds a number of award-winning bike racks, we’re big fans of the T2 Pro XTR because it blends cutting-edge features with a robust construction. Yes, it’s a bit on the pricey side, but if you’re looking for a high-quality rack to haul around your beloved bikes without worry, then you’ve found it in the T2 Pro XTR.
First and foremost, the rack’s design blends practicality with innovation in a way that helps it stand out. For example, it accommodates everything from ultralight road bikes to fat-tire mountain bikes and even smaller kids bikes, no adapters required. The tilting handle allows you to lower the rack at an angle to access your trunk without dismantling your entire setup. It’s incredibly easy to install without tools or additional supplies. And if you need to remove it from your vehicle (perhaps you’re putting it in storage or installing it on another vehicle), the integrated wheels allow for fuss-free maneuverability.
Ultimately, it’s the many features and simple considerations that set the T2 Pro XTR apart from the competition. It’s built to withstand wear and tear, a secure ratcheting arm firmly grips each bike’s front tire to prevent wobbling, and the 60-pound capacity accommodates even electric bikes. If the two-bike capacity isn’t enough, Thule’s 2-Bike Add-On doubles that figure for an additional $550.
Best Budget Hitch Bike Rack
Get The Job Done For A Whole Lot Less
Hollywood Racks
Hollywood Racks Destination Hitch 2
Weight: 20 pounds | Number of bikes: 2 | Weight capacity per bike: 35 pounds
You can find a cheap bike rack for around $100 if you know where to look, but there’s a reason cheap racks cost pennies on the dollar. Whether it’s the limited hauling capacity or the additional bulk or the cheap materials, no-name brands will find ways to cut corners and save a buck, putting your wallet, vehicle and bike in harm’s way.
Truthfully, we don’t recommend investing in a rack that costs next to nothing because odds are it won’t compare to one that costs just a little more. But if you find yourself shopping for a hitch rack on a budget, the Destination Hitch 2 is a great option that’s affordable and adept.
Weighing only 20 pounds, this lightweight rack accommodates both 1.25- and 2-inch hitch receivers, and it comes pre-assembled out of the box, which makes installation a breeze. Lowered wheel trays allow you to easily load and unload bikes, and it conveniently folds up against your vehicle when it’s not in use to save space. To prevent the rack from swaying, a locking, threaded hitch pin keeps it in place and padded frame holders protect your bikes, even as you traverse bumpy roads.
Realistically, the 35-pound-per-bike capacity can’t accommodate larger mountain bikes or most e-bikes, but it’s still a suitable option for a lot of steeds, including step-through frames. And if you need to haul more than two bikes but don’t want to break the bank on a pricey extension, the rack also comes in a four-bike variant for only $100 more.
Best Hitch Bike Rack For E-Bikes
Haul Those Heavier Bikes With Ease
REI
Yakima OnRamp
Weight: 42 pounds | Number of bikes: 2 | Weight capacity per bike: 66 pounds
Fast, versatile, innovative, easy to use—there are countless reasons to invest in an e-bike nowadays, but no one can deny how much they weigh. In fact, some of the best electric bikes we’ve tested tip the scales at over 75 pounds, and that may not sound so heavy while you’re pedaling down the street at 30 miles per hour, but it’s a lot of weight for a hitch rack to handle. Fortunately, the Yakima OnRamp has you (and your e-bikes) covered.
The OnRamp is built to handle the extra weight and bulk that larger e-bikes bring to the table. It supports up to two 66-pound bikes, and the integrated ramp makes it easy to roll your bikes on and off the rack in seconds. The tire brackets can accommodate up to 3.25 inches in width, which accounts for most wheels, but if your e-bike is a fat bike (and even if your fat bike isn’t electric), the FatStrap Kit (not included) extends that figure to 4.5 inches.
The rack’s forward-tilting axis allows for easy access to the trunk without having to remove the bikes from the rack, and an integrated cable prevents would-be thieves from stealing your rides. Add in a hassle-free installation process and secure locks, and you’ve got yourself a rack that’s ready for the rigors of e-bike hauling.
Best 4-Bike Hitch Rack
For Families, Friends And Multi-Bike Adventures
REI Co-op
Yakima RidgeBack
Weight: 35 pounds | Number of bikes: 4 | Weight capacity per bike: 40 pounds
As convenient as it may be to roll multiple bikes onto a stable platform, hanging hitch racks offer a lot more value by saving space and cutting costs. Among the many hanging racks on the market, Yakima’s RidgeBack earns high marks for its durability, reasonable price and four-bike capacity—the whole shebang costs less than $400, which makes it one of the best cost-per-bike options available today.
The rack’s adjustable cradle arms combine with an anti-sway feature to keep bikes firmly in place, and that same mechanism prevents the bikes from making contact with your vehicle. Of course, your bikes are just as precious as your car, which is why Yakima built this rack with padded arms and ZipStrips to keep your steed’s paint job intact, too.
User-friendly features, like a tilting mechanism that allows for access to the rear of your vehicle, add to the RidgeBack’s appeal. And although it isn’t built to accommodate tandem or recumbent bikes, step-through frames are secured by purchasing an adapter (sold separately). Shell out just a little more money for the 5-bike RidgeBack ($399) if you need to haul an additional bike.
Best Modular Hitch Bike Rack
Haul As Many Or As Few Bikes As You Need
Saris
Saris MHS 3
Weight: 140 pounds | Number of bikes: 4 | Weight capacity per bike: 80 pounds for the first two bikes, 35 pounds for the next two
The Saris MHS 3+1 is a modular three-bike platform hitch rack that’s customizable based on the day’s itinerary. Solo cruise along the riverfront? Party of two riding to the top of the butte? Headed to the bike park with friends? Saris has you covered with individual bike trays that can be removed or added based on the number of bikes you’re carrying. And while the main rack accommodates up to three bikes, you can purchase the MHS Duo Bike Add-On Tray ($350) separately to plop a fourth bike on there.
The MHS 3 can carry two 80-pound bikes nearest the hitch and two additional 35-pound bikes in slots 3 and 4, which means e-bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes all make the cut. And don’t let the rack’s heavy curb weight make your back ache. Because it’s modular, the slots install one by one as you need them, so you never have to lift the entire rack at once. Is it heavy? A little, but that extra weight is what makes this rack sturdy enough to carry so many heavy bikes without breaking a sweat.
The MHS 3 can accommodate wheelbases of up to 53 inches, it allows hatch access while the bikes are loaded, and it folds up when it’s not in use. It also comes with an integrated lock to keep your bikes out of unwanted hands.
Best Swing-Away Hitch Bike Rack
Access The Trunk With Ease
MOST POPULAR
RockyMounts
RockyMounts BackStage
Weight: 59 pounds | Number of bikes: 2 | Weight capacity per bike: 60 pounds
By no means is the RockyMounts BackStage rack the only rack on the market that tilts back or swings to the side. But so far, it’s the only one that we’ve found that can swing a full 180 degrees out of the way, offering unobstructed access to the entire trunk (rather than a small portion of it). In addition to swinging away from your vehicle, the rack can also tilt 30 degrees down, which is great when you just need to reach in and grab your helmet or snacks before setting off for a ride.
This may be the industry’s first 180-degree swing-away platform hitch rack, but RockyMounts didn’t stop there. For example, wheel-mounted locks secure about the front wheel without damaging your frame, tie arms accommodate a wide range of bikes and a locking hitch bolt and cable lock keep the rack out of unwanted hands. When it’s not in use, the rack folds flat against your vehicle, sticking out only 12 inches from the rear.
Note that this rack only works with a 2-inch hitch receiver and that it’s not compatible with bikes with fenders. That said, it can accommodate bikes with wheels from 20-29 inches in diameter up to 5 inches wide, which makes it suitable for most styles.
As avid cyclists who spend ample time on road, gravel and mountain bikes, we understand the importance of a reliable bike rack that safely transports your bikes from A to B. When it came to choosing the best hitch bike racks, our team of dedicated staffers and experienced freelancers took to the road, putting these racks through rigorous tests whenever possible. When on-site testing wasn't feasible, we delved deep into the specs, ensuring that our recommendations are backed by real-world insights and expertise. And when we’ve found better hitch bike racks than what’s recommended here, you’ll be the first to know. We frequently update this story to ensure accuracy; it was last edited in September, 2023.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Hitch Bike Rack
A hitch bike rack is a serious investment—even baseline models cost around $200 if you’re shopping on a budget, and premium models cost in excess of $1,000. For that reason, you should consider everything from compatibility to capacity when investing in a hitch bike rack. Below you’ll find a detailed list of the factors to keep in mind as you shop.
Hitch Compatibility
First and foremost, you’ll need to confirm that a rack is compatible with your vehicle's hitch receiver size (1.25 inches or 2 inches). Beyond that, you’ll want to confirm that your vehicle's hitch class (e.g., Class I, II, III or IV) matches the rack's recommended class. Pairing a rack with the wrong receiver size or hitch class presents a danger to your vehicle, your bikes and others on the road.
Bike Capacity
Consider how many bikes you need to transport. Hitch racks come in various sizes, but most are designed to accommodate anywhere from 1 to 5 bikes. Some hitch racks, like the Saris MHS 3, employ on a modular design that expands the rack’s capacity, but most racks feature a fixed capacity.
Bike Frame Compatibility
Check if the rack can hold different types of bike frames, including mountain bikes, road bikes, step-through bikes and children's bikes. Look for adjustable or individual bike mounts to accommodate various frame shapes.
Security
Evaluate the rack's security mechanisms, such as locks for both the bikes and the rack itself, to prevent theft. If a rack doesn’t offer some form of security, but you still like the rack itself, consider picking up a bike lock to keep your rides secure.
Installation
Consider how easy it is to install and remove the rack, especially if you plan to use it frequently. Some racks, including many on this list, come with tool-free installation options.
Weight Capacity
Be sure that the rack can support the combined weight of your bikes. Some racks are specifically designed to support heavy electric bikes, while others are better-suited for road, mountain or kids bikes.
Tilt & Swing Feature
Most premium racks offer a tilt or swing feature that allows you to access your vehicle's trunk or rear door without removing the bikes. In fact, every rack on this list—with the exception of the budget-friendly Destination 2—features a tilt or swing mechanism that allows for easy access to the rear of your vehicle.
Bike Size Compatibility
Ensure the rack can accommodate various wheel sizes, including 20-inch, 24-inch, 26-inch, 27.5-inch, 29-inch and 700c wheels.
Rack Weight
Just as important as the rack’s weight capacity is how much it actually weighs. After all, you’ll be installing and uninstalling the rack regularly, so it should be easy to maneuver, even on your own. A lighter rack is easier to handle and install, but it should still be sturdy enough to support your bikes.
Anti-Sway Mechanism
Look for racks with anti-sway features to minimize bike movement and prevent damage during transport. Anti-sway features might include a locking or threaded hitch pin, or an overbuilt hitch receiver point.
