1.25-Inch Car Bike Racks are designed with convenience in mind, which is why they are so popular among cyclists. They make it easy for you to transport your bike from one place to another with minimal effort and time spent on it.
Things to consider buying a 1.25-inch bike rack:
- There are five trailer hitch classes, and 1.25-inch hitches are always either class 1 or class 2. They have different load and towing capacities so keep it in mind,
- Be aware that not all 1.25-inch racks are universal in terms of the types of bikes they can carry. Check the compatibility if you need to carry e-bikes, fat-tire bikes, lady’s or kids’ bikes,
- Each 1.25-inch rack has a limited load capacity. So to say, hanging 1.25-inch racks can normally carry bikes not heavier than 35 lb, whereas platform (tray) 1.25-inch racks can carry very heavier bikes that weigh up to 60 lb,
- Last but not least, you’d better buy a zero frame contact rack (secures bikes by the wheel) if you need to carry expensive (especially carbon frame) bikes. This way your bikes won’t get damaged (I am talking about scratches or even dents).
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Best platform (tray) 1.25-inch hitch bike racks
1.25-inch platform racks is the best choice in my experience. Why? They are very sturdy and can carry heavy bikes of different types. Moreover, it is much easier to load bikes on in comparison with hanging hitch racks. Please notice that some racks from my rating are both 1.25-inch and 2-inch compatible, but some have two different versions (simply select a 1.25-inch version if this is the case).
Yakima Dr.Tray (2) – Awesome hitch rack for not too heavy bikes
- Max number of bikes: 2
- Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
- Total load capacity: 80 lb (36.3 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 26” to 29” (66 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 41 lb (18.6 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ (class 2)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
- No frame contact
The Yakima Dr.Tray is the perfect bike rack for your car. This is a lightweight aluminum rack that will allow you to carry up to two bikes, each weighing up to 40 lb, with no frame contact. The Dr.Tray comes with a convenient handlebar strap for carrying bikes and includes two lock cores.
Key Takeaways
- Very robust and high quality materials make this rack a very good choice,
- Rack itself and bikes on it will be secured very sturdy,
- The installation process is very straightforward and takes less then 10 minutes,
- Perfect choice for those who need to transport bikes rather often,
- This bike rack is amazing for fat-tire and expensive bikes due to great spacing between bikes (18″) so they will fit and won’t be hitting each other. However, keep in mind that this rack is not designed for really heavy bikes, up to 40 lb each bike only.
PROS
- Highest quality materials
- Very easy and tool-free installation
- The whole construction is very robust
- Can carry fat-tire bikes out of the box
- Tilt function for easy trunk access
- Locks included
- Unprecedented spacing between bikes (18″)
- Zero frame contact (won’t damage bikes)
- No risks of damaging your car
- Folds up when not in use
- Won’t affect mileage much
CONS
- High-priced
- Rather low load capacity (40 lb each bike)
- Only 1.25″ hitch receiver version
Saris SuperClamp EX (2 or 4) – Hitch rack for heavy bikes
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 4 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
- Total load capacity: 190 lb (54.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4″ (fat-tire compatible)
- Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 63 lb (28.6 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ versions (class 2-4)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
- No frame contact
A robust and safe way to transport your bikes to & from the garage. The Saris SuperClamp EX holds bikes securely and does not damage your bike frame. With its large carrying capacity, the SuperClamp can easily transport up to four bikes at once and take them from the mudroom to the garage. Compatible with all 1.25-icnh hitch receivers, the SuperClamp has no frame contact for a smoother drive.
Key Takeaways
- It is worth the money due to overall quality and features,
- This rack is sturdy in general but some wobbling has been reported,
- This rack is easy to install and load bikes on,
- This bike rack can carry very heavy bikes (up to 60lb),
- Also, due to zero frame mounting your expensive bikes won’t get scratched so it is recommended for such bikes.
PROS
- High quality overall
- Easy to install and mount bikes
- Bikes are secure on the rack
- Can carry very heavy bikes
- Can carry most bikes (at-tire, e-bikes, women’s, etc.)
- Trunk access with bikes loaded
- Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks included
- No frame contact mounting
- Fits both receiver sizes (1.25″ and 2″) with an adapter
- No risk of damaging your car
- Reasonable mileage reduction
CONS
- A bit expensive
- Some wobbling of the rack has been reported
- Bikes will be close to each other
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR (2+2) – No frame contact hitch rack
- Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
- Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
- Total load capacity: 120 lb (54.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 29″ (74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 5″ (fat-tire compatible)
- Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 52 lb (23.6 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ different versions (class 2-4)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
- No frame contact
The Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR is a hitch-mounted bike rack that accommodates two bikes up to 60 lbs. It has a sleek, sturdy design with an aluminum and premium plastic construction that requires a trailer hitch in order to be installed. The Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR can carry 2 bikes but comes with a single bike adapter for additional carrying capacity.
Key Takeaways
- Definitely worth the money since it is really robust and well-made,
- Bikes are very sturdy on the rack so you won’t experience any annoying wobbling,
- Very easy to use and load bikes on, if you are planning to use this rack rather often then you won’t regret about the money spent,
- This bike rack is awesome for fat-tire bikes because of a lot of space between bikes, for e-bikes because it can easily carry up to 60 lb and expensive bikes because of zero frame contact which guarantees your bikes won’t get damaged.
PROS
- High quality materials
- Easy to assemble and install
- Very easy to load bikes
- Bikes are very secure (no wobbling)
- Can carry heavy and fat-tire bikes
- Can carry different types of bikes (lady’s, kid’s, etc.)
- Easy trunk access (tilt function)
- Can’t damage your bikes
- No frame contact
- No risks of damaging your car
- Both 1.25″ and 2″ hitches are available
- Can carry up to 4 bikes with an adapter (only for 2″ version)
CONS
- Rather expensive
- Bike-to-rack locks are not reliable
- Is not universal in terms of receiver size
Swagman XC2 (2) – Budget hitch rack for not heavy bikes
- Max number of bikes: 2
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 70 lb (31.8 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 2.5″ (fat bike trays available)
- Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 28 lb (12.7 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ (class 2-3)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): No
With the Swagman XC2 bike carrier, you can have you and 2 bikes in tow and have them locked up to a hitch receiver with your Swagman. Whether you’re just cruising around town or taking a road trip, the Swagman XC2 has it covered.
Key Takeaways
- Decent quality rack given that it is much cheaper than most hitch models,
- This rack is quite robust overall,
- It is easy to get bikes mounted,
- A legit rack if you will be using it occasionally,
- This rack is designed to carry rather lightweight bikes (there are also limits to tires width and frame shape),
- I would not recommend it for carrying expensive and carbon frame bikes since it can leave scratches.
PROS
- Much cheaper than most hitch racks
- Easy to assemble, install and mount bikes
- Even it is cheap, it is quite sturdy
- Won’t damage your car
- Fits both 1.25″ and 2″ receivers (with an adapter)
- Moderate mileage reduction
CONS
- Mediocre quality of materials
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Some rounded frame bikes won’t fit
- Can’t access the trunk with bikes loaded
- Frame contact mounting (can scratch you bikes)
Best hanging 1.25-inch hitch bike racks
Hanging 1.25-inch hitch racks can carry most bikes except for heavy ones (up to 35-38lb) so keep it in mind. Also, bikes will be secured by the frame which can result in scratches. Other than that they are quite cool and easy to use (easy trunk access with bikes loaded thanks to the tilt away function). All racks models from my rating are both 1.25-inch and 2-inch compatible.
Thule Apex XT (2, 4 or 5) – Hanging hitch rack for up to 5 bikes
- Max number of bikes: 2, 4 or 5 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 37.5 lb (17 kg)
- Total load capacity: 150 lb (68 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ compatible
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
Thule Apex XT is the perfect choice for carrying up to five bikes from home or work to the trail with style and ease. This bike rack is designed with a slim, aerodynamic design that hugs the back of your vehicle, providing a sleek and refined look. Made from lightweight materials, Thule Apex XT is convenient and easy to use, even on long rides.
Key Takeaways
- Premium quality rack for a reasonable price given that it can carry up to 5 bikes,
- The rack itself is quite sturdy though bikes will wobble a bit,
- Relatively easy to install and load bikes,
- A good choice if you need to transport bikes rather occasionally,
- This rack can not carry heavy bikes, and it is not recommended for expensive bikes, because bikes will be hitting each other. For ordinary bikes this rack will get the job done.
PROS
- Reasonable price for 4-5 bikes carrier
- Fairly easy to assemble and install
- The rack itself is sturdy
- Can carry fat-tire bikes
- Easy trunk access (tilt function)
- Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
- No rick of damaging your car
- Both receiver sizes compatible (1.25″ and 2″)
- Good aerodynamics (low mileage reduction)
CONS
- Bikes will wobble (the same is true for any other hanging rack)
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Be ready for scratches on your bikes
Yakima RidgeBack (2, 4 or 5) – Premium hanging hitch rack
- Max number of bikes: 2, 4 or 5 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
- Total load capacity: 160 lb (72.6 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ compatible
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
Yakima’s Ridgeback Hitch bike rack is a revolutionary design that lets you carry up to 5 bikes on your vehicle’s hitch. By using the receiver of your hitch, the rack allows you to carry bikes securely and prevents them from getting damaged while driving.
Key Takeaways
- This is a very high quality hanging hitch rack,
- The rack itself is very robust but bikes will wobble a bit,
- It is relatively easy to load bikes, you can access the trunk with bikes loaded,
- This bike rack is a good choice for rather occasional cyclists,
- This bike rack can not carry really heavy bikes,
- You might need an adapter for some rounded frame bikes,
- This rack is not recommended for expensive bikes since it will probably leave scratches.
PROS
- Reasonable price for premium brand
- Easy installation (goes assembled)
- The rack itself is sturdy
- Can carry most bikes (including fat-tire)
- Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
- No risk of damaging you car
- Comes with locks
- Both 1.25″ and 2″ receivers compatible
- Good aerodynamics (moderate mileage reduction)
- Won’t tale much space (foldable)
CONS
- Bikes will wobble on the rack
- You will have to tie bikes up each trip
- Can’t carry very heavy bikes
- No clearance between bikes (expect scratches)
- Some mountain, women’s and kids’ bikes require an adapter
Tyger TG-RK4B102B (3 or 4) – Perfect budget rack for budget bikes
- Max number of bikes: 3 or 4 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 140 lb (63.5 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 28.2 lb (12.8 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ compatible
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
Tyger’s TG-RK4B102B is a lightweight, affordable, and versatile bike rack that can carry up to 4 bikes! This rack is easy to install and has a wide tie-down straps. Its bike carrier design offers many options for carrying your bikes in style.
Key Takeaways
- This rack is amazing given how cheap it is,
- The rack itself is sturdy though bikes will wobble a bit,
- You will have to perform some lifting to load bikes on the rack,
- Great choice for those who need transport bikes rather occasionally
- If you need to transport rather lightweight and not expensive bikes, then this rack will get the job done. However, you have to be ready that bikes will be hitting each other due to the design of hanging hitch racks.
PROS
- Super cheap in comparison with other hitch racks
- Easy to assemble, install and mount bikes on
- The rack itself is sturdy
- Can carry fat-tire bikes
- Tilt function provides easy trunk access
- Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
- Won’t damage your car
- Fits both 1.25″ and 2″ hitch receivers
- Won’t affect mileage much
- Foldable
CONS
- Bikes will wobble
- Most likely you will have to tie bikes up each time
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- No clearance between bikes (bikes can get scratched)