Best Anti-Theft Bike Racks for Cars: A Buyer’s Guide

Bike racks are a great way to secure your bike to a car, but they can sometimes be too flimsy and break or get stolen. This is why companies like Thule and Yakima have introduced anti-theft bike racks for cars that make it easy for you to take your bike with you wherever you go. 

There are two types of locks that are being installed on bike racks:

  • Rack-to-car locks. These are quite reliable most of the time,
  • Bikes-to-rack locks. These locks are basically always useless. You need to buy an extra lock (U-lock or chain lock)ю

Things to consider buying a bike rack with locks:

  • Literally all locks are not 100% theft-proof. It won’t be a problem for a thief with the right tools to steal your bikes. Keep this in mind if you drive through unsafe areas,
  • There are very few cheap racks with locks on the market,
  • How many bikes do you need to carry? If it is 3 bikes or less, then any rack type is available (hitch, roof, or trunk). For 4 bikes and more, only roof and hitch racks will get the job done,
  • Hitch racks require a trailer hitch (of the right size and class), roof racks require crossbars and trunk racks require nothing (installed directly on your car),
  • Types of bikes you need to transport. Check the compatibility if you need to carry women’s, kid’s, fat-tire, e-bikes, or BMX bikes. Some of them may not fit the rack,
  • For carbon frame and other expensive bikes, you’d better choose a zero frame contact rack (secures bikes by the wheel or by the fork). Otherwise, your bikes will inevitably get scratches or even dents.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click on my links (I would really appreciate it). Anyway, all ratings are not paid directly or not and are based on my personal experience. I hope you will enjoy the products. Thank you!

Best hitch bike racks with locks

Hitch bike racks are absolutely amazing since they can carry really heavy bikes without any annoying wobbling. Moreover, it is much easier to load a bike on a hitch rack, even open the trunk with bikes loaded! I have included hitch racks with the most reliable locks.

Yakima FullSwing (4) – Premium hanging hitch rack

  • Max number of bikes: 4
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 150 lb (68 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 56 lb (25.4 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 2″
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes

Yakima FullSwing hitch rack is designed to carry up to 4 bikes on your car, with aluminum and plastic construction that needs a 2″ receiver and is just over four feet long. The mounting system involves the frame, so unlike other racks, Yakima’s are simple to set up, and does not require separate hitches for each bike.

Key Takeaways

  • This rack is rather pricey but it has innovative features and really well made,
  • The rack itself is very sturdy though bikes will be wobbling a bit,
  • Easy to load bikes and access the trunk with bikes mounted,
  • This bike rack can carry most bikes (except for heaviest models), but I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes because it will inevitably live scratches or even small dents.

PROS

  • High quality materials
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • The rack itself is very robust
  • Can carry fat-tire bikes
  • Easy trunk access with bikes mounted
  • Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks included
  • Can’t damage your car
  • Great aerodynamics (little mileage reduction)
  • Compact when not in use (folds up)

CONS

  • Quite expensive even though it is a premium brand
  • Bikes will be wobbling (tie them up)
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • Some mountain, women’s and kids’ bikes will require an adapter (sold separately)
  • No clearance between bikes (will be hitting each other)
  • Fits only 2″ receivers

Yakima HoldUp EVO (2+2) – Zero frame contact universal hitch rack

  • Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
  • Max bike weight: 50 lb (22.7 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 100 lb (45.4 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 51 lb (23 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

Yakima HoldUp EVO is a clamshell-style hitch bike rack with the convenience of a quick-release. This is a great option if you want to carry two bikes or four bikes at once. It attaches quickly and securely, and has a receiver hitch that fits most vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • Very well-made premium bike rack that is worth the money spent,
  • Both rack and bikes on the rack are very sturdy, very easy to install and load bikes on,
  • Easy trunk access with bikes mounted,
  • Excellent choice if you are planning to use it rather often,
  • This bike rack is truly universal in terms of diversity of bikes it can carry,
  • It is especially good for expensive bikes because of zero frame contact.

PROS

  • Premium materials
  • Super straightforward installation
  • Easy to mount bikes
  • No wobbling (both rack and bikes)
  • Can carry most bikes (fat-tire, e-bikes, women’s and so on)
  • Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
  • Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks
  • Enough clearance between bikes
  • No frame contact mounting system
  • Can’t damage your car
  • Comes in two hitch sizes (1.25″ and 2″)
  • Very compact when not in use

CONS

  • A bit pricey
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes (up to 50 lb)
  • To carry more than 2 bikes you have to buy an add-on

Kuat NV Base 2.0 (2+2) – Best hitch rack for super heavy bikes

  • 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): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 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″ versions (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
  • No frame contact

Kuat NV Base 2.0 was designed to make transporting your bike a breeze. It’s made from alloy steel and plastic, holds up to 60 lbs, and has no frame contact. It can carry almost all bikes, securely protect your bike without any frame contact, and has patented “locks” that lock onto the front wheel.

Key Takeaways

  • Even though it is quite expensive rack you won’t regret,
  • It is super sturdy since it is designed for really heavy bikes,
  • It is easy to install but keep in mind that rack itself is pretty heavy (52 lb empty),
  • Easy to load bikes and access trunk with bikes loaded (thanks for tilt function),
  • This rack is definitely recommended for bike enthusiasts,
  • Designed to carry really heavy bikes. That’s why it is made from steel and rather heavy itself. For not too heavy bikes it might be an over-kill.

PROS

  • Top-notch quality materials
  • No assembly required
  • The most sturdy rack on the market
  • Can carry super heavy bikes and most bike types
  • Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
  • Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
  • Proper clearance between bikes and no frame contact
  • This rack won’t damage your car
  • Goes in two receiver size versions (1.25″ and 2″)
  • Compact when not in use
  • Negligible mileage reduction

CONS

  • Quite pricey
  • Keep in mind that this rack quite heavy (52 lb empty)
  • The hitch receiver must be either 1.25″ or 2″

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

Thule’s T2 Pro XT roof rack gives you the best of both worlds with all-aluminum construction and premium polymer, resists corrosion, and comes with all the accessories you’ll need. With the ability to carry 2 bikes up to 60 lbs each, Thule’s T2 Pro XT is perfect for hauling bikes without scratching them while they are locked safely in place.

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

Best roof bike racks with locks

Most premium roof racks include locks (both rack-to-car and bike-to-rack locks). However, those locks are not created equal as some of them are much more reliable than others. Check out a rating of roof racks that will keep thieves away!

Yakima HighRoad – Best roof rack overall (especially for fat-tire bikes)

  • Type of mount: wheel
  • Max bike weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 26” to 29” (66 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4″
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Crossbar spread: between 18″ and 36″
  • Empty rack weight: 18 lb (8.2 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • No frame contact

Yakima HighRoad is an innovative rack system for carrying bikes. The rack is made from alloy steel and includes crossbars, allowing you to install the rack on your roof or trailer. With its sleek design, you can place this rack on even the smallest of cars without taking away from the interior space.

Key Takeaways

  • Definitely worth the money because of premium quality and useful features,
  • No wobbling at all as the whole construction is extremely sturdy,
  • Lifting a bike up might be challenging or impossible for some people,
  • This bike rack is highly recommended for expensive bikes because of no frame contact. As a result, your bikes won’t get scratches,
  • The best choice for fat-tire bikes (in comparison with other roof racks).

PROS

  • Premium quality overall
  • Straightforward installation
  • Both rack and bike are very robust
  • Can carry quite heavy bikes
  • Can carry most bikes (including fat-tire)
  • Does not block trunk access
  • Does not cover license frame and taillights
  • Locks are included
  • Won’t scratch your bikes (no frame mounting)
  • Won’t damage your car
  • Universal (compatible with most crossbars)
  • You don’t have to remove the wheel

CONS

  • The whole system is expensive (since it requires crossbars)
  • Keep in mind that loading a bike requires some muscles
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Thule ProRide XT – Premium roof rack for not expensive bikes

  • Type of mount: frame
  • Max bike weight: 44 lb (20 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″ (5″ with adapter)
  • Max wheelbase: 48.6″ (123.5 cm)
  • Downtube diameter: 0.87” to 3.15” (round shaped only)
  • Empty rack weight: 11 lb (5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes

Thule ProRide XT is a bike carrier that fits only Thule crossbar systems, and is made from aluminum. It can securely carry most bike types up to 44 lb, and secures a bike by the frame. Unlike other bike rack solutions, Thule ProRide XT has no protruding parts that can damage your car’s paint or dent your trunk.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium quality roof bike rack,
  • The ease of use highly depends on your physical conditions,
  • I would not recommend this rack to carry expensive bikes because of frame contact mounting (will scratch your bike),
  • Fat-tire bikes require an adapter (sold separately).

PROS

  • High quality materials
  • You don’t have to remove the front wheel
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • Can carry relatively heavy bikes
  • Does not block trunk access
  • Does not cover license plate and taillights
  • Low risk of damaging your car
  • Looks modern and fancy

CONS

  • Quite pricey considering it requires crossbars
  • Not that easy to load a bike
  • Won’t fit fat-tire bikes out of the box
  • Frame contact mounting will leave some scratches
  • Does not fit all crossbars
  • 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 a bike rack that fits on most vehicle’s crossbars. The ForkLift installs easily on the crossbars of most vehicles, requiring no tools and no drilling – just two bolts for installation. It’s lightweight aluminum construction allows for easy transport when not in use. When loading your bike onto the ForkLift, you won’t have to struggle with it slipping out of your hands every time you put it on.

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

Drive your bike for nearly anywhere with Thule’s lightweight, aluminum bike rack. No need to worry about your precious bike being scratched or damaged because of its durable, four-point locking system secures it by the fork and keeps it from falling off the vehicle.

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

What about trunk bike racks with locks?

If theft is a concern in your area, then trunk bike racks is not an option for you. Due to their design, it is impossible to have rack-to-car locks. That’s why is super easy to steal any trunk rack (with bikes on it obviously).