Best Audi A5 Bike Racks: A Buyer’s Guide

The Audi A5 is a mid-size luxury car that is one of the most popular cars in the world. The car has a height of 54.6 inches.

There are three bike rack types: hitch, roof and trunk. All these racks can be installed on your Audi A5.

Consider these before buying an Audi A5 bike rack:

  • Trunk racks are much more affordable than hitch and roof racks though they pose a greater risk of damaging your car,
  • In order to install, all hitch racks require a trailer hitch and all roof racks require compatible crossbars,
  • Types of bikes you need to carry. Some non-standard bikes (fat-tire, e-bikes, lady’s) won’t fit all racks,
  • If you need to carry 4 bikes and more, then you should go for either a roof rack or a hitch rack,
  • You’d better choose a zero frame rack for carrying carbon frame and other expensive bikes,
  • Finally, not all racks are compatible with A5. Don’t worry,  I have verified it for all racks in my rating.

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 Audi A5 hitch bike racks

If you are ready to pay $500-$1,000 for a rack, then definitely buy a hitch rack. It will be the most convenient solution for your Audi A5. The whole construction will be robust and safe. Moreover, it will be easy to load bikes.

Saris SuperClamp EX (2 or 4) – Hitch rack for heavy bikes

  • Audi A5 compatible: Yes
  • 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 world’s first bike carrier for bikes with a super clamp that is made from aluminum and plastic. The carrier requires a hitch receiver in order to be installed and can carry either 2 or 4 bikes, depending on the version you choose. The Saris SuperClamp EX carries bikes up to 60 lb each and has zero frame contact mounting.

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

Yakima Dr.Tray (2) – Awesome hitch rack for not too heavy bikes

  • Audi A5 compatible: Yes
  • 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

Dr.Tray is the safest way to hitch your bike on your vehicle. This innovative, aluminum and plastic frame bike rack can hold up to two bikes and has a special feature that allows the bikes be mounted with the frame away from contact with the rack. If you’re looking for a way to carry your bikes without worrying about damaging their frames, this is it!

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

Hollywood Sport Rider SE4 (4) – Great hitch rack for many bikes

  • Audi A5 compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 4
  • Max bike weight: 50 lb (22.7 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 200 lb (90.7 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″
  • Max wheelbase: 60″ (152 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 91.5 lb (41.5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 2″ only (can’t use adapter)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes

Track or trail? Doesn’t matter with the Hollywood Sport Rider SE4! And it’s not just for bikes. The trailer hitch and bike carrier combo is the ultimate way to get around town, with the added bonus of carrying four bikes at a time. Forget about your old bike rack, with the Sport Rider SE4 you can easily haul your bike on any adventure!

Key Takeaways

  • Worth the money if you need to carry many bikes,
  • This rack is very sturdy so you won’t suffer any wobbling,
  • Fairly easy to load bikes on,
  • Good investment if you are planning to use it rather often,
  • Even though this rack can carry rather heavy bikes, it won’t fit certain types of bikes, for example, some fat-tire bikes and rounded frame bikes,
  • I would not recommend this rack for expensive and carbon frame bikes because of possible scratches due to frame mounting.

PROS

  • The price is reasonable given that it can carry 4 bikes
  • Good quality overall (no wobbling)
  • Easy to install
  • Can carry relatively heavy bikes
  • Easy trunk access (tilt function)
  • Locks included
  • Won’t damage your car
  • Low mileage reduction
  • Folds up when not in use

CONS

  • It is easy to load bikes but could be better
  • Not all fat-tire bikes will fit
  • Some rounded frame bikes won’t fit
  • Frame contact mounting (risk of damaging bikes)
  • You might need some help to install (91.5 lb empty)
  • Only 2″ hitch receiver (can’t use an adapter)

Best Audi A5 roof bike racks

Audi A5 is not a tall car. As a result, roof racks are another great solution to the “bikes in your car problem”. Loading bikes on the roof of Audi A5 will be a manageable task unless you have either very heavy bikes or certain medical conditions.

Yakima FrontLoader – Premium roof rack that fits most crossbars

  • Audi A5 compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: wheel
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 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: 13 lb (5.9 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • No frame contact

The FrontLoader is a sleek, lightweight, durable, and innovative bike carrier designed with the user in mind. It’s designed to be mounted high on the vehicle giving you access to your trunk, and it can carry up to 40 lb bikes securely while using the minimal amount of car space.

Key Takeaways

  • Really premium roof rack that worth every penny,
  • A bike will be very sturdy (no wobbling at all),
  • You need some muscle to get your bike lifted up to the roof of your car,
  • Fits most bike types (even most fat-tire bikes),
  • An excellent choice to carry expensive bikes because of zero frame contact mounting.

PROS

  • High quality materials
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • Secures a bike very sturdily (no wobbling)
  • Can carry most bike types under 40 lb
  • Does not block trunk access
  • Does not cover license plate and taillights
  • Locks included
  • No frame mounting (won’t damage your bikes)
  • Won’t scratch your car
  • Universal (fits most crossbars)

CONS

  • Rather expensive since it requires crossbars
  • Not that easy to load a bike on
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Thule TopRide – Premium roof rack, super sturdy

  • Audi A5 compatible: Yes
  • 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 designed for those who love to take their bike along on all their adventures. This rack mounts to your vehicle’s crossbars, so there’s no need for adapters or rails. It can carry up to 40 lb and has a quick release system that ensures your bike will be easy to remove or place on the rack each time you go on a ride.

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

Best Audi A5 trunk bike racks

If you decide to buy a trunk rack for your Audi A5, then you have to choose the right one. Don’t fall for cheap models. They pose a higher risk of damaging your expensive car so you won’t save money (very opposite, actually).

Yakima FullBack (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack for a reasonable price

  • Audi A5 compatible: Yes
  • 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: 23 lb (10.4 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 4

The Yakima FullBack is a bike rack that lets you bring your bikes to trailheads, up mountains, and to the grocery store. A perfect cargo hauler for just about any type of vehicle (no crossbars or hitch required), it’s easy to use and includes a bike locking system. The Yakima FullBack is the best way to bring your bikes on all of your adventures!

Key Takeaways

  • Very well made truly premium trunk rack,
  • The rack itself is very sturdy though bikes will wobble a bit,
  • Fairly easy to use overall though keep in mind that accessing your trunk won’t be easy,
  • Universal in term of bike types it can carry (for women’s and kid’s bikes you have to buy an adapter),
  • This rack is not good for carrying expensive and carbon frame bikes (will leave scratches at the very least).

PROS

  • Affordable given that it is a premium brand
  • Goes assembled, easy to install
  • The rack is sturdy
  • Can carry most bikes (including fat-tire)
  • Does not require anything to be installed
  • Low mileage reduction
  • Compact when not in use

CONS

  • Some wobbling is inevitable (true for all trunk racks)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • You won’t be able to open the trunk
  • Very easy to steal
  • No clearance between bikes
  • Can scratch your car (all trunk racks have this problem)

Saris Bones EX (2 or 3) – Trunk rack that fits most cars

  • Audi A5 compatible: Yes
  • 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

Saris Bones EX is the ultimate in biking convenience. No more messing with a bike rack and those pesky crossbars. It’s car-bike storage that fits your lifestyle. The Saris Bones EX works with any type of bike, carries up to 35 pounds of cargo, and is installed directly onto your vehicle so you can ride it off. This smart alternative to traditional racks is designed for the on-the-go cyclist.

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