Best BMX Bike Racks for Cars: A Buyer’s Guide

BMX bike racks for cars are a great way to keep your bike safe and secure when you’re driving around town. They are also a convenient way to transport your bike to and from the gym or wherever else you may need it.

Things to consider buying a BMX car bike rack:

  • What’s your budget? Trunk BMX racks are much more affordable than roof and hitch BMX racks,
  • How many bikes do you need to carry? Trunk BMX racks won’t fit more than 3 bikes, whereas hitch and roof racks are capable of carrying up to 5 bikes,
  • Even though BMX bikes are not normally heavy, keep in mind that each rack has some load capacity,
  • Hitch BMX racks require a trailer hitch and roof BMX racks require crossbars to be installed. Moreover, you have to check the compatibility of those items. Trunk BMX racks require nothing to be installed,
  • Keep in mind that trunk BMX racks block trunk access with bikes loaded. On top of that, trunk racks have the highest potential of damaging your car if installed improperly,
  • Last but not least, if you don’t want your BMX bikes to get scratches or even dents, then buy a zero frame contact rack that secures bikes either by the wheel or by the fork.

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 BMX bike racks

Hitch racks are great for carrying BMX bikes. Moreover, I have selected models that secure bikes by the wheel so the shape of the frame won’t be a problem.

Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR (2+2) – No frame contact hitch rack

  • BMX bikes 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): 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

Get the perfect bike carrier for your hitch with the Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR. It’s constructed from aluminum and premium plastic, requiring a trailer hitch to be installed, and has both 1.25″ and 2″ versions available. Carry your bikes up to 60 lbs each – even 4 with an adapter – using the patented Thule auto-deploy system. The patented design uses zero frame contact!

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

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

  • BMX bikes 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

Hollywood Sport Rider SE4 Aluminum Trailer Hitch Bike Carrier is one of the best bike carriers you will find on the market. HSR SE4 offers an affordable and easy way to haul your bikes around without having to worry about them getting damaged. The hitch holds up to 4 bikes of 50 lbs each and they will be mounted by their frame, making them safe and secure while driving.

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)

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

  • BMX bikes 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

Yakima Dr.Tray packs a lot of features into a single, sleek design. It’s built tough to handle your heaviest loads, yet it’s lightweight enough to carry and install with one hand. And, thanks to its unique 2-piece design, you can quickly and easily switch between 2 bikes without leaving any scratches.

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

Best roof BMX bike racks

Roof racks are absolutely capable of carrying BMX bikes and it won’t be a hassle since such bikes are not normally heavy. I have included in the rating only roof racks that secure bikes either by the wheel or by the fork. This way the shape of the frame won’t cause any compatibility issues so you won’t have to buy an adapter. Moreover, such mounting won’t scratch your bikes.

Thule Upride – Premium roof rack for Thule crossbars

  • BMX bikes compatible: Yes
  • 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 handles your bike with ease and style, improving the riding experience while reducing the risk of damage to your bike. Made with 100% aluminum, it weighs less than 17 lbs. The Upride is compatible with all Thule crossbars and can carry most bikes up to 44 lb.

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

Yakima FrontLoader – Premium roof rack that fits most crossbars

  • BMX bikes 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

Yakima FrontLoader’s innovative frame contact mount lets you securely and easily carry up to 40-pound bikes on your car, truck or SUV. With Yakima FrontLoader, you’ll never be left with a bike strapped to the roof rack. Plus, the crossbars and accessory brackets are included with your purchase, so you’re ready to roll right out of the box.

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

  • BMX bikes 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 the ultimate bike rack that fits almost any bike – from road bikes to mountain bikes, fat bikes and more. You can install it with the use of mounting brackets and crossbars on most vehicles, including cars. It works without requiring you to drill holes in your vehicle or bike.

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 trunk BMX bike racks

It is possible to carry BMX bikes on most trunk racks. However, some of them may require buying an adapter which, I believe, you are not a big fan of. So to speak, I have chosen two trunk rack models that can carry most BMX bikes without an adapter.

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

  • BMX bikes 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

Yakima FullBack Rack is a solid, rigid and lightweight bike carrier for most cars. It’s easy to install in minutes, it’s strong and stable, it will not damage your car or bike, and it folds flat for compact storage and transport.

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

  • BMX bikes 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 a new bike rack that brings together metal and plastic materials to create a sleek and lightweight rack. With the 2-bike version, it can carry up to 70 lb. With the 3-bike version, it can carry up to 105 lb. It will be installed directly on your car’s rear without using any hitches or crossbars.

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