Best Audi A6 Bike Racks: A Buyer’s Guide

The Audi A6 was first introduced to the public in 1994 and has been an immensely popular car ever since. The car’s design is sleek, with a height of 57.3 inches and a length of 194.2 inches. It comes with a variety of engine options, including turbocharged diesel engines, gasoline engines, and hybrid options for those who want the best of both worlds.

There are three bike rack types: hitch, roof and trunk. All these racks can be installed on your Audi A6.

Consider these before buying an Audi A6 bike rack:

  • Prerequisites. You have to have a trailer hitch to be able to install any hitch rack and crossbars when it comes to roof racks. Trunk racks are installed directly on your car,
  • Moreover, trunk-mounted racks are much more affordable in general. There are many budget models,
  • Do you need to carry any non-standard bikes (rounded frame, fat-tire, etc.)? If so, then check the compatibility with the rack,
  • All rack types can fit up to 3 bikes. For carrying 4 bikes and more, you have to buy either a roof or a hitch rack,
  • Keep in mind that trunk racks block trunk access so you need to remove bikes each time,
  • Buy a zero frame contact rack for expensive bikes (secures bikes by the wheels or by the fork) so that they won’t get scratches,
  • A rack must be Audi A6 compatible. I checked 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 A6 hitch bikes racks

Most hitch racks can be installed on your Audi A6 as long as you have a compatible trailer hitch. However, some models are much sturdier and easier to use than others. Check them out!

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

  • Audi A6 compatible: Yes
  • 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

Bike racks can be complicated, but Kuat’s NV Base 2.0 offers a simple solution to all bikers out there. With a weight capacity of up to 60 lbs, the NV Base 2.0 can secure almost any bike with its adjustable straps, and it even has a built in safety lock for securing the front wheel. The NV Base 2.0 also comes in two sizes: 1-1/4″ or 2″.

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″

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

  • Audi A6 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

Get ready for everything with Yakima Dr. Tray. Perfect for short trips, beach getaways, or time-sensitive errands, this rack meets your needs and bikes— at a price that won’t break the bank. It’s built tough to transport your bikes safely, plus mounts to your vehicle in 2 minutes or less with no tools needed. In fact, it’s so easy to use that you can even remove and install by yourself.

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

Yakima RidgeBack (2, 4 or 5) – Premium hanging hitch rack

  • Audi A6 compatible: Yes
  • 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

The Yakima RidgeBack is the answer to all your needs. The RidgeBack offers the best of both worlds, allowing easy installation and maximum carrying capacity. In just minutes and without any previous experience, you will be on the road again with your bikes in tow!

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

Best Audi A6 roof bikes racks

Roof racks are another great way to transport your bikes outside your Audi A6. It is true that loading bikes on the roof will require some muscle work. On the other hand, roof racks look modern and even futuristic. On top of that, the premium models you can find in my rating are very robust.

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

  • Audi A6 compatible: Yes
  • 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

The Yakima HighRoad is a high-performance, heavy-duty bicycle rack that can carry up to 45 pounds of gear for all types of biking adventures. This rack is designed with a patented frame contact arm that will lock onto your bike’s frame, keeping it from being dragged or tipped over. It also has a wheel strap so you can easily attach and release the bike without any contact with the frame.

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

Yakima ForkLift – Premium roof rack for not heavy bikes

  • Audi A6 compatible: Yes
  • 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

Need a way to carry your bike? Yakima’s ForkLift is the best way to transport your bike. It attaches to crossbars for easy installation, is made from steel to last, and most bikes up to 35 pounds can fit. With this high quality product, you’ll never have to worry about where you’re going to put your bike again because Yakima has got you covered!

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

Best Audi A6 trunk bikes racks

I would not normally recommend trunk racks for premium cars like Audi A6. Most cheap trunk models will scratch your car sooner or later. You’d better buy the safe models I have listed below.

Yakima HalfBack (2 or 3) – Premium quality but quite affordable

  • Audi A6 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: 22 lb (10 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 4

The HalfBack bike rack from Yakima is the perfect way to transport your bikes without the hassle of a trailer hitch or crossbars. With a carrying capacity of 3 bikes up to 35 pounds each, this lightweight rack installs quickly and securely on your vehicle and is a great option for Audi A6 owners.

Key Takeaways

  • Worth every penny due to really high quality and affordable price,
  • Super sturdy once installed (rather uncharacteristic for trunk racks),
  • Fairly easy to use overall, but you have to remove bikes each time you would like to open the trunk,
  • This rack is recommended for carrying lightweight bikes of most designs and shapes,
  • Not suitable for carrying expensive bikes since bikes will inevitably scratch each other.

PROS

  • Good price for a premium rack
  • Goes assembled, fairly easy to install
  • The rack is sturdy
  • Relatively easy to load bikes on
  • Most bikes will fit including fat-tire (kid’s and women’s bikes require an adapter)
  • Does not require anything to be installed
  • Negligible mileage reduction
  • Folds up when not in use

CONS

  • Bikes will wobble a bit (any trunk rack has this problem)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Can’t access the trunk with bikes loaded
  • Very easy to steal
  • Bikes will scratch each other
  • Some risk of scratching your car (true for all trunk racks)

Thule Outway Hanging (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack for not heavy bikes

  • Audi A6 compatible: Yes
  • 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

It’s time to ditch the clunky trailer and discover the Thule Outway Hanging. It carries 2 or 3 bikes, up to 33 lb each, on a smooth surface. This is not fastened to your vehicle, but hangs from it via rugged straps that will never go dry rot or rust. It’s perfect for road trips or bike riding on any terrain, and it’s easy to load and unload with an arm extension.

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