Biking is a fantastic way to explore new places and get some exercise, but transporting bikes can be a challenge. Trunk bike racks provide a convenient solution for those who need to transport one or more bikes with their car. These racks are easy to install, versatile, and can accommodate various bike sizes and shapes. However, with so many available options, choosing the right trunk bike rack for your needs can take time and effort.
In this article, we will discuss the top three best trunk bike racks available on the market and provide a detailed analysis of their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this article will provide you with valuable insights to ensure the safe and hassle-free transportation of your bikes. For you guys that want to jump directly to the 3 suggested trunk bike racks, you can do so by CLICKING HERE!
What Is a Trunk Bike Rack?
A trunk bike rack is a device that enables you to transport your bicycles on the trunk or hatchback of your car without having to disassemble the bikes. It is a convenient solution for cyclists who want to transport their bikes to different locations but need more space inside their cars to accommodate them.
The trunk bike rack is typically made of metal or plastic and attaches to the rear of your car using straps and hooks. It can securely hold one or more bikes while you drive, preventing them from moving around or falling off during transit.
How Many Types of Bike Racks?
A trunk bike rack is a great way to transport your bikes, whether going on a family vacation or heading to the local trailhead. But with so many different types of trunk bike racks on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s a quick overview of the different types of trunk bike racks to help you make the best decision for your needs.
1) Trunk-Mount:
Trunk mount bike racks are the most popular type of rack, and for a good reason. They’re relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can be used on a variety of vehicles. Trunk mount racks typically have two or three support arms that attach to the car’s trunk (or hatchback) with straps or hooks. The arms support the weight of the bikes and keep them from moving around while you’re driving.
2) Roof-Mount Racks:
Roof-mount racks are the best option for those who want the most secure hold for their bikes. These racks mount to the roof of your car and provide a place to mount your bikes. Roof-mount racks are more expensive than other types of trunk bike racks, but they offer the most secure hold, making them ideal for heavier bikes or long road trips.
3) Truck-Mount Racks:
Truck-mount racks are the best option for those who want to transport their bikes in their truck bed. These racks mount to the side of your truck bed and provide a place to mount your bikes.
4) Spare Tire Racks:
Spare tire mount bike racks are the least popular type of rack, but they offer a unique advantage; they can be used on vehicles that don’t have a hitch receiver. Also, spare tire mount racks attach to the spare tire on your car and typically have two support arms that extend down to the bike’s frame. These racks are more expensive.
5) Hitch Mounted Bike Racks:
This type of rack attaches to the hitch receiver of a vehicle. This makes installation easier and more cost-effective than roof-mounted racks, as no additional mounting hardware is required. However, it does not provide as much stability or security against theft or damage during transportation.
Here you can read my review on hitch bike racks: (Coming soon)
Why invest in a trunk bike rack?
Investing in a trunk bike rack is a wise decision for many reasons. First things first, it’s a more budget-friendly option than buying a roof-mounted bike rack or renting a trailer. With a trunk bike rack, you can quickly load and unload your bike and hit the road in no time.
Space Saving
The first benefit is that it is a great way to save space. If you have a small car, you may not have enough room to transport your bicycles inside. With a trunk bike rack, you can easily attach the rack to the back of your car and have plenty of room for your bicycles.
Safety
Another benefit of a trunk bike rack is that it is a great way to protect your bicycles. When you transport your bicycles inside your car, they can get scratched and damaged. With a trunk bike rack, you can avoid this problem. The rack will keep your bicycles safe and secure while you are driving.
Flexibility
With a high-quality trunk bike rack, you can easily transport your bike to a variety of locations, including local trails, national parks, and even cross-country destinations. A trunk bike rack is an essential investment whether you’re looking to explore new terrain, participate in a competitive race, or simply enjoy a leisurely ride with family and friends.
Reliability
In addition to their versatility and convenience, the best trunk bike racks also offer a level of durability and reliability that inferior products cannot match. With sturdy construction and secure mounting mechanisms, you can rest assured that your bike will be protected from damage during transport, even on bumpy or uneven roads.
My Suggested 3 Best-Selling Trunk Bike Racks:
1) Saris Bike Racks:
One of the hurdles for cycling enthusiasts is how to transport their bikes safely and securely without damaging them. Many bike racks on the market are too bulky or don’t fit well onto different types of cars, making it a challenge to transport bikes.
The Saris Bike Racks, Bones Car Trunk Bicycle Rack Carrier is an excellent solution to this problem. It is designed to fit on most cars, including sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs, and can securely hold up to two bikes. The unique design of the rack also ensures that it won’t scratch or damage the car’s paint or finish, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to protect their car while transporting their bikes.
Saris Bike Racks, Bones Car Trunk Bicycle Rack Carrier is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to transport their bikes safely and securely without damaging their car or bikes. Its versatile design, easy installation, and secure holding capability make it an excellent investment for cycling enthusiasts.
Features:
- Carries up to two bikes.
- Fits most sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs.
- Injection-molded arms and legs
- The arc-based design fits over most spoilers and separates bikes on various levels.
- Rubberized feet protect the car, and coated hooks protect the bike.
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Vehicle Service Type: Passenger Car
- Material: Composite
- Brand: Saris
- Item Dimensions: 30 x 8 x 30 inches
- Item Weight: 4 Kilograms
Pros:
- Fits a wide range of car types and bike styles.
- Easy to install and remove.
- Doesn’t scratch or damage car or bikes.
- Holds bikes securely in place during transport.
- Can be adjusted to fit different bike sizes.
Cons:
- The price point may be higher than some other bike rack options on the market.
2) Allen Sports Deluxe Bike Trunk Mount Rack
The Allen Sports Bike Trunk Mount Rack is economical for transporting bikes. It is designed to fit on most vehicles, including sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs, and can securely hold up to two bikes. The rack’s compact design also makes it easy to store when not in use, which is ideal for those with limited storage space.
If you’re in search of a budget-friendly and uncomplicated option to transport your bikes, the Allen Sports Trunk Mount Rack is an excellent choice. Its versatility, simple installation process, and reliable bike retention capabilities make it a practical investment for cyclists who are always on the go and want to ensure that their bikes are transported safely and securely.
Features:
- Carries up to two bikes.
- Patented design fits a wide range of vehicles.
- Individual tie-downs secure and protect bikes.
- A padded lower frame keeps bikes away from the vehicle.
- Comes fully assembled.
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Vehicle Service Type: Minivan, SUV, Hatchback, Sedan
- Material: Steel
- Brand: Allen
- Item Dimensions: 23.03 x 13.58 x 3.94 inches
- Item Weight: 3.4 Kilograms
- Folding: Yes
- Load Capacity: 70 Pounds
- Mounting Type: Strap
Pros:
- Fits a wide range of car types and bike styles.
- Easy to install and remove.
- Compact design for easy storage when not in use
- Individual tie-downs ensure bikes are held securely in place.
- A padded lower frame prevents bikes from scratching the vehicle.
Cons:
- Not ideal for some car models, particularly those with a spoiler that is too low or too high.
- May not fit certain bike frames or sizes.
3) Allen Sports Premier Bike Trunk Rack
Carrying multiple bikes can be a hassle, especially if you need more storage space or a bike rack on your vehicle. Traditional bike racks can be expensive, difficult to install and take up a lot of space. Additionally, some bike racks may only fit on some types of vehicles, leaving bike owners without a reliable option for transporting their bikes.
The Allen Sports Premier 4-Bike Trunk Rack is an ideal solution for transporting multiple bikes, designed to fit on most vehicles, including sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. It can securely hold up to four bikes, and its compact design makes it easy to store when not in use.
Features:
- Carries up to four bikes.
- Lower frame
- Pre-assembled
Specifications:
- Color: Black
- Vehicle Service Type: Passenger Car, Minivan, SUV, Hatchback, Bicycle, Sedan
- Material: Steel
- Brand: Allen
- Item Dimensions: 36 x 18.4 x 4.8 inches
- Item Weight: 12 Pounds
- Folding: No
- Load Capacity: 140 Pounds
- Mounting Type: Strap
Pros:
- Compatible with various car types and bike styles
- Easy installation
- Can carry up to four bikes at once, making it perfect for family outings or group trips.
Cons:
- It can block taillights or license plate.
- Requires lifting and positioning of the bikes onto the rack, which may be challenging for some users.
FAQs:
How to Install a Trunk Bike Rack?
A trunk bike rack is a wonderful way to transport your bikes, and it’s a lot easier to install than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing a trunk bike rack.
- Start by reading the instructions that come with the rack. This will give you a good idea of what parts you need to install the rack and how to do it.
- Next, take a look at your car to see what kind of trunk space you have. You’ll need to ensure that the rack will fit on your trunk and won’t block your license plate or taillights totally.
- Once you’ve determined that the rack will fit on your trunk, it’s time to start installing it. Begin by attaching the rack to the car’s trunk lid using the included hardware.
- Next, attach the bike frame hooks to the rack. These hooks will hold the bikes in place while you’re driving.
- Finally, use the included straps to secure the bikes to the rack. Make sure that the straps are tight so that the bikes don’t move around while you’re driving.
That’s all there is to it! Installing a trunk bike rack is a quick and easy process, and it’s a great way to transport your bikes.
How to Use a Trunk Bike Rack?
A trunk bike rack is a great way to transport your bikes without having to put them inside your car. Here are five tips on how to use a trunk bike rack:
- Make sure that your car is compatible with the rack. Trunk bike racks come in different sizes and designs, so you’ll need to find one that fits your vehicle.
- Choose the right location for the rack. You’ll want to place the rack so that it’s easily accessible but out of the way of other cargo.
- Follow the instructions for attaching the rack to your car. Depending on the design of the rack, this may involve straps, bolts, or other hardware.
- Secure your bikes to the rack. Most racks have straps or other devices for holding the bikes in place.
- Drive carefully! With your bikes mounted on the rack, you’ll need to take extra care when driving, especially around corners and over bumps.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs and troubleshooting about camping and enjoying the outdoors, here are some additional posts to check out:
Conclusion
Investing in the best trunk bike rack is a smart decision for anyone who values their bike and wants to ensure it is safely and securely transported. So why wait? Browse our selection of top-rated trunk bike racks today and start enjoying the freedom and flexibility that comes with owning the best of the best!
Thanks for reading! If you think I forgot something or if you simply want to share a story or some advice, feel free to leave your comment below, but for now, be safe and have fun.!
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