To start, one-size-fits-all and “bike racks” should never go in the same sentence. Just like knowing the exact tire pressure for the terrain, there’s more to picking a bike rack or carrier than going with your gut. The first element is knowing which style will work with your vehicle. Car owners should look for a rooftop bike mount or one of the very versatile trunk mount bike racks. For SUV and truck owners, trailer hitch bike racks are a popular choice. The latter crowd can also opt for one of the bike carriers that take advantage of the space in your truck bed and lets you safely haul up to 4 bicycles at once.
Second, you’ll want to consider the different bike mounts that each style of rack requires. Many rooftop bike racks require removing the front wheel and securing the fork, which is a simple fix when you have a Quick Release and light ride but may not be ideal for cyclists with fenders or steel frames. Meanwhile, most trunk and trailer hitch bike racks will latch onto the top tube and/or one or both tires - no (dis)assembly needed.
If you are choosing between bike racks for SUVs or trucks, the choice between rooftop bike mounts and trunk mount or trailer hitch bike racks often come down to personal preference. Rooftop bike carriers give you full usage of your trunk but require that you always pay attention to height clearance (as we’re sure your idea of a “smashing good time” means something other than driving your fully-loaded roof rack into your garage). Meanwhile, trailer hitch bike racks are easy to use but add to your vehicle length and may affect your rearview visibility.
Finally, you’ll need to make sure you are checking to make sure that the specifications of the bike racks you are considering will fit with your bicycle. Singletrack riders and Fat Bike lovers need to know they have something that always works, regardless of tire widths, such as a tailgate pad or a bike rack that secures onto the top tube. Other considerations are top tube angles, fenders, suspension, children's sizes, and tandem models.
No matter what style bike you have, though, AutoAnything has the bike racks for SUVs, cars, and trucks that you need to get from the garage to gravel (or pavement, if that’s what floats your boat). For us, all that matters is that you’re out riding. And, to help you make the best decision for how to get your ride from hanging at home to the beginning of an adventure, we provide thorough comparison guides and carry all the top brands, like Thule, Saris, Yakima and more. You can be sure that you have only the best bike racks and carriers to choose from here. “”
