Aluminum bike racks are lightweight in comparison to alloy steel racks. This is the main reason to buy such a rack. Moreover, aluminum racks won’t have corrosion issues. The only disadvantage is that aluminum racks are in the premium segment most of the time so be ready to spend more.
Things to keep in mind buying an aluminum car bike rack:
- What’s your budget? Trunk racks are significantly cheaper than hitch and roof racks in general. However, be aware that trunk racks pose the highest risk of damaging your car if improperly installed,
- For hitch racks, a trailer hitch is absolutely required (of the right size and class) and all roof racks require compatible crossbars. Trunk racks are installed directly on a car,
- For heavy bikes (35 lb and more) you have to use either a platform hitch or a roof rack since these racks have a higher load capacity,
- How many bikes do you need to transport? Most trunk racks can’t carry more than 3 bikes, with trunk and roof racks, on the other hand, it is possible to carry up to 5 bikes,
- Racks with zero frame contact mounting are more appropriate for expensive bikes since they won’t cause any scratches and other damage to bikes.
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Best aluminum hitch racks for cars
Aluminum hitch racks is a great choice for carrying heavy bikes. In fact, this rack type is the best overall since it is very sturdy in general, very easy to load bikes on and won’t reduce your mileage much (in comparison with roof racks). Aluminum ensures that a rack is not super heavy and can be installed by one person.
Thule EasyFold XT (2)- Premium hitch rack
- Max number of bikes: 2
- Max bike weight: 65 lb (29.5 kg)
- Total load capacity: 130 lb (59 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 29″ (74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″ (4.7″ with an adapter)
- Max wheelbase: 51″ (130 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ both compatible (class 2-4)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
Thule’s revolutionary design makes it easy to load, transport and store your two bikes. It is a one-of-a-kind bike carrier that allows you to load two bikes on the same carrier, side by side. The new XT model includes an improved trunnion hinge that provides improved loading and unloading convenience as well as a more secure lock.
Key Takeaways
- Great choice if you are not on a budget (very high quality overall and many useful features so it is worth the money),
- No hitch or bikes wobbling,
- This rack is very easy to use (both bikes mounting and access of the trunk) so it is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who will use it often,
- Perfect choice for not fat-tire heavy bikes,
- I would not recommend it for fat-tire bikes since it won’t be much space between bikes,
- I would not recommend it for carbon frame and other expensive bikes as it might leave scratches.
PROS
- Premium quality materials (rust-resistant)
- Super easy to install (no assembly required)
- Bikes and rack itself are very sturdy
- Has additional taillights and license plate frame
- No risk of damaging your car
- Won’t reduce your mileage much
- Bike rack to the receiver lock included
- Can carry really heavy bikes
- Bike loading ramp (no heavy lifting required)
- Foot pedal tilt (trunk access with bikes mounted)
- Fits both 1.25″ and 2″ receivers
- Compact since it is fully foldable
CONS
- Quite expensive
- Bikes to the rack locks are not reliable
- Clearance between fat-tire bikes could be better
- Frame contact (not recommended for expensive bikes)
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
Yakima Dr.Tray is the smart choice for your bike rack. This hitch receiver can carry up to 2 bikes, and it’s easy to adjust and install in just minutes. It’s made from aluminum and plastic for durability, features no frame contact for a clean install, and uses the latest hitch receiver technology with rack-mounting adapters for compatibility with all hitches.
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
The Saris SuperClamp EX is the best platform for off-road cycling you can buy. It’s the perfect upgrade if you’re looking to carry up to four bikes. The SuperClamp EX is made from lightweight aluminum and is much stronger than competitor products. It was designed to use with a hitch receiver, so it’s easy to install–no welding or drilling required!
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
Best aluminum roof racks for cars
I have carefully selected the most universal aluminum roof racks. They can carry most bike types (even relatively heavy ones, up to 45 lb). It is a good idea to buy an aluminum roof rack since such racks do not weigh much which becomes really crucial since crossbars definitely have load capacity.
Thule Upride – Premium roof rack for Thule crossbars
- Type of mount: wheel
- Max bike weight: 44 lb (20 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″ (5″ with adapter)
- Max wheelbase: 51″ (130 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 17 lb (7.7 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- No frame contact
Thule Upride is the aluminum bike rack that fits Thule crossbar systems, and can handle most bike types up to 44 lbs with no frame contact. The aluminum construction provides a lightweight, durable design that will withstand years of use, while the included anti-sway straps stabilize bike and rack for a safe ride.
Key Takeaways
- Premium quality materials make this rack worth the money spent,
- No wobbling since a bike will be properly secured by the wheel,
- It does not block the trunk access obviously but lifting bikes up can be challenging for some people,
- A good rack for those who have no problems with lifting up 20-40 lb,
- An awesome rack for expensive bikes since it won’t damage your bikes due to zero frame contact.
PROS
- Premium quality materials
- You don’t have to remove the front wheel
- Easy to assemble and install
- The rack itself and a bike will be very sturdy
- Can carry most bike types
- Does not block your trunk access
- Locks included (not that reliable)
- Does not cover license plate and taillights
- Won’t damage your bike (zero frame mounting)
- Low risk of damaging your car
- Looks modern
CONS
- Quite expensive given that it requires crossbars and can carry only 1 bike
- It might not be that easy to load bikes
- For fat-tire bike you need to buy an adapter
- Not universal (fits Thule crossbars only)
- 10-20% mileage reduction
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 a bike rack that fits all bikes with up to a 40lbs total load weight and is easily installed on most crossbars. The bike is mounted by the fork, not the frame and comes with a free 4-inch Thule QuickRide XT bike lock.
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
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 has made the toughest, most secure roof bike carrier ever. The Thule FastRide is strong and hard-wearing with a sleek design and will not corrode or rust. This roof bike rack provides a safe, secure, and stylish way to transport your precious two-wheel vehicles.
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
Best aluminum trunk racks for cars
Trunk aluminum racks are great in comparison to counterparts made from alloy steel because aluminum ensures that rust won’t take over. Moreover, they are not heavy so you will manage to install such a rack by yourself. Just do it in the right way since an inproperly installed trunk rack can scratch your car.
Thule Outway Hanging (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack for not heavy bikes
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 33 lb (15 kg)
- Total load capacity: 99 lb (44.9 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 19.6 lb (8.9 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 2
With the Thule Outway Hanging, you get the utmost in convenience, for your two-wheeled steeds. This bike rack can be installed on the back of a car or SUV with no hitch or crossbars needed. The aluminum construction means it will not rust, and the way it secures your bikes is by wrapping around their frame.
Key Takeaways
- Premium quality trunk rack that won’t break the bank,
- The whole construction is quite sturdy though you should be prepared for some wobbling of bikes,
- You won’t be able to open the trunk with bikes loaded. Other than that, it is quite easy to use,
- This bike racks fits most bikes regardless of their frame shape. The only limit is that a bike must not exceed 33 lb,
- Don’t transport expensive bikes on it since some scratches are basically inevitable.
PROS
- Reasonable price given that it is a premium brand
- Relatively easy to assemble and install
- Fits most bikes under 33 lb
- Does not require anything to be installed
- Low mileage reduction
- Quite compact
CONS
- Some wobbling of bikes (problem of all trunk racks)
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- You won’t be able to open the trunk with bikes loaded
- Bikes will scratch each other
- Very easy to steal
- Might scratch you car
Saris Bones EX (2 or 3) – Trunk rack that fits most cars
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
- Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): any
- Max tire size (width): any
- Max wheelbase: any
- Empty rack weight: 11 lb (5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 6
Get your bike to your destination faster with the Saris Bones EX bike rack. This is a high-quality, lightweight and foldable bike rack that is easy to install. They offer 2 and 3-bike versions in order to carry as many bikes as you have. For light riding days, the 2-bike version can hold up to 35 lbs in weight, while the 3-bike version can carry even more.
Key Takeaways
- Best-seller trunk rack with a good reason for that (fits most cars and decent quality overall),
- Don’t expect it to be very sturdy (some wobbling is inevitable),
- Quite easy to easy overall, but keep in mind that trunk access will be blocked,
- Fits most bikes under 35 lb (an adapter will help with kid’s and women’s bikes),
- I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes (especially carbon frame) since it will cause scratches.
PROS
- Reasonable price
- Easy to install
- Fits most bikes (including fat-tire)
- Compatible with most cars (universal)
- Quite compact
- Won’t affect mileage much
CONS
- Don’t expect it to be super sturdy
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Blocks trunk access
- Very easy to steal (both rack and bikes)
- Bikes will be hitting each other (expect scratches)
- There is some risk of damaging your car