A five-bike rack is a type of bike carrier that is designed to accommodate five bicycles. It has a frame that is made up of metal and can be mounted on the rear of a car. It is typically used for people who want to transport their bikes on their vehicle. There are many different types of racks that are available, but they all have the same basic purpose: to hold several bicycles while being secured in place. The majority of these racks are made from steel and aluminum.
Consider this before buying a 5-bike rack:
- There are no trunk 5-bike racks on the market. It also will be quite a challenge to accommodate 5 bikes on the roof. Hitch racks is basically the only option you have if you need to carry 5 bikes,
- Hitch 5-bike racks require a trailer hitch of the right size and the right class to be installed,
- Types of bikes you need to carry. Be aware that not all bikes (especially women’s, kid’s, fat-tire, e-bikes, BMX) fit all racks. Check the compatibility before,
- Since you will probably need a hitch rack, be ready to spend $500+. Roof racks will be even more expensive. So to speak, there are no budget options to carry 5 bikes,
- If you have a carbon frame or other expensive bikes you’d better choose a 5-bike rack with zero frame mounting. This way your bikes won’t get scratches since they will be secured by the wheel(s),
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Best hitch 5-bike racks
Hitch bike racks are the best option for carrying 5 bikes. All models in my rating are capable of going it. However, there are different versions of racks you can find below. Simply choose a 5-bike version as I have made sure that all racks have it.
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 Ridgeback is a 5-bike hitch-mounted bicycle rack with a super-strong aluminum and plastic construction. The RidgeBack includes rubber cradles for each bike, which are clamped onto the frame with an integrated lock and key. It is easy to install, even when you’re driving a car. With the five bikes secured in place, Yakima Ridgeback fits into any hitch receiver with 1.25″ or 2″ diameter.
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
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 Hitch Bike Rack is a great way to carry your bike on your vehicle. It comes in either a 1.25″ or 2″ receiver and requires hitch-mount installation. It can carry up to 37.5lbs of weight, making it suitable for most bikes.
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
Best roof 5-bike racks
Even though it is possible to carry 5 bikes on the roof of your car, I have to say that it is not an easy task. You have to buy the right roof racks that are not too wide. Exactly these racks you can find in the rating below. All of them secure bikes by the fork so that wheels won’t take up additional space.
Thule TopRide – Premium roof rack, super sturdy
- Type of mount: fork
- Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 49.2″ (125 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- No frame contact
Thule TopRide is the best-selling bike rack in North America and Europe, and it’s easy to see why. The frame is made of aluminum, so it’s lightweight and corrosion-resistant; the arms are constructed from strong steel; and the rack folds down for compact storage. Once you’ve installed this versatile rack, you can take your bike anywhere!
Key Takeaways
- Premium fork-mounted rack with nice design,
- A bike will super sturdy on the rack since it will me secured by the fork,
- Quite easy to load a bike on. The only thing you will ave to do is to remove the front wheel,
- This rack is perfect for basically all bikes (fat-tire, women’s, kid’s, etc.). Expensive or carbon frame bikes won’t get scratched.
PROS
- Very well made
- Easy to assemble and install
- A bike will be super sturdy on the rack
- Universal (fits most bikes)
- Does not block trunk access
- Does not obscure license plate and taillights
- Locks included
- Won’t damage your car
- Looks good
- Won’t scratch your bikes (no frame mounting)
CONS
- Quite pricey as it requires crossbars to be installed
- You have to remove the front wheel each time
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes
- 10-20% mileage reduction
Yakima ForkLift – Premium roof rack for not heavy bikes
- Type of mount: fork
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Crossbar spread: between 16″ and 42″
- Empty rack weight: 7 lb (3.2 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes (sold separately)
- No frame contact
Yakima ForkLift is the easiest way to carry your bike without damaging your vehicle or your bike. The ForkLift is designed for maximum strength and durability so it will not rust, dent, or break. This rack is made from durable alloy steel and looks great in any setting.
Key Takeaways
- This is a really light and well made fork-mounted rack,
- The whole construction is super sturdy (zero wobbling),
- You have to be ready to remove the front wheel each time you would like to transport a bike,
- This bike rack is designed to carry rather lightweight bikes (up to 35 lb). Except for this limitation, it can fit basically all bikes,
- The rack is amazing for carrying expensive or carbon frame bikes since no frame contact ensures no scratches.
PROS
- Premium quality overall
- Easy to assemble and install
- Your bike will be super sturdy
- Most bikes will fit
- Easy trunk access
- Won’t obscure license plate and taillights
- No frame contact mounting ensures no scratches
- Negligible risk of damaging your car
- Universal since it fits most crossbars
CONS
- The whole system is expensive (requires crossbars)
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- The front wheel must be removed each road trip
- Expect 10-20% mileage reduction
Thule FastRide – Elegant roof rack which is super robust
- Type of mount: fork
- Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 49.2″ (125 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 7.3 lb (3.3 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- No frame contact
Thule FastRide is the perfect bike rack for urban cyclists of all shapes and sizes. With a foldable design and a weight capacity up to 40 pounds, this bike rack can carry almost any bike in the city. The Thule FastRide secures a bike by the fork (no frame contact), offers unparalleled stability.
Key Takeaways
- This rack is really well made (premium quality materials on top of good design overall)
- Zero wobbling since a bike will be secured by its fork (most reliable mounting),
- You are supposed to lift a bike up. Moreover, the front wheel must be removed,
- This rack is truly universal since it fits most bikes. Especially it is good for expensive and carbon frame bikes as it won’t leave any scratches.
PROS
- Premium quality materials
- Won’t take much time and effort to install
- It is as sturdy as you can get (both rack and bike)
- Can carry most bikes (women’s, kid’s, fat-tire, etc.)
- Easy trunk access (does not block it as some hitch or trunk racks)
- Does not cover taillights and license frame
- No frame contact mounting (no scratches on your bikes)
- Won’t damage your car
- Looks beautiful
CONS
- Pricey (keep in mind that you have to have crossbars to install it)
- Mounting bikes on the roof is not that easy
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes
- You have to remove the front wheel each time
- 10-20% mileage reduction
Swagman Standard – Budget roof rack for carrying not heavy bikes
- Type of mount: fork
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 6.6 lb (3 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- No frame contact
A new and improved version of the classic bike carrier. The Swagman Standard is sturdy, lightweight, and easy to use. It can hold up to 35 pounds, provides a stable ride, and prevents bike contact with the frame. So go on, grab your bike with confidence- the Swagman Standard is built for it!
Key Takeaways
- This rack gets the job done and does not cost all money in the world,
- Even it is rather cheap, it quite reliable and properly secures a bike,
- The installation is not that straightforward due to unclear instructions,
- This rack can carry most bikes under 35 lb. The width of the tire must not exceed 3″,
- Won’t scratch your bikes thanks to zero frame mounting.
PROS
- Very affordable
- Decent quality overall
- Quite sturdy
- Can carry most bikes
- Does not cover license plate and taillights
- Zero frame contact
- Low risk of damaging your car
- Fits most crossbars
CONS
- Not that easy to assemble
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- No locks
- Be ready for 10-20% mileage reduction
- You have to remove the front wheel to load a bike
- A bit noisy
What about trunk 5-bike racks?
There are no trunk 5-bike racks on the market. This is the case because there is some limit to how much weight the rear of your car can withstand. As a result, only roof and hitch bike racks can carry as many as five bikes.