Most folding bikes have non-standard frame shape. That’s why you have to have the right car bike racks to carry folding bikes. The good news is that there are many racks on the market that are capable of carrying folding bikes.
Things to consider buying a car rack for folding bikes:
- There are three rack types. Hitch racks require a trailer hitch (of the right size and class) and roof racks require compatible crossbars. Trunk racks do not require anything in order to be installed,
- Your budget. Hitch and roof racks are more expensive (on average) in comparison to trunk racks.
- Trunk racks can damage your car under certain circumstances,
- Frame contact racks (secure bikes by the frame) can scratch your bikes,
- Hitch racks are much more heavy-duty in comparison to trunk racks. Trunk racks can carry up to 35 lb bikes, whereas some hitch models are capable of carrying up to 65 lb bikes. Roof racks are somewhere in the middle, up to 40-45 lb in general.
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Best hitch racks for folding bikes
These racks can fit most folding bikes so they are quite universal in that sense. it is a great idea to carry your folding bike(s) on a hitch rack. This rack type is very sturdy while easy to install and use.
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 T2 Pro XT/XTR – the best bike rack on the market. This hitch bike rack comes in 2 versions: 1.25″ and 2″, and can carry up to 4 bikes with an adapter (sold separately). It features a new powder-coated aluminum design for superior quality, and it’s also incredibly easy to install.
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
Swagman Quad 2+2 (4) – Decent hitch rack for 4 bikes
- Max number of bikes: 4
- Max bike weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
- Total load capacity: 180 lb (81.6 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″ (fat-tire trays can be purchased separately)
- Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 81 lb (36.7 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 2″ (class 3)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): No
The Swagman Quad 2+2 is an all-in-one solution for carrying four bikes on your hitch receiver. Made from steel and plastic, the Quad 2+2 requires a hitch receiver to be installed (2″ exclusively), and offers a secure carry for up to 4 bikes weighing up to 45 lbs each. The additional weight capacity also allows you to haul additional items that require a hitch receiver.
Key Takeaways
- The quality of this rack is decent and it is worth it especially if you need to carry more than 2 bikes,
- No wobbling has been reported,
- The installation is rather tricky but it is very easy to load bikes,
- It is a good choice for those who need to carry more than 2 bikes,
- I would not recommend this bike rack for expensive bikes because of frame contact mounting,
- If you need to carry 3 or 4 bikes quite often, then this rack is for you since it does not require any add-ons to be purchased separately.
PROS
- Reasonable price for 4 bikes hitch rack
- Quite robust
- Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
- Won’t damage your car
- Can carry 4 bikes out of the box
- Can be transformed into 2 bikes rack
- Little mileage reduction
CONS
- Bad assembly instructions
- You might need some help to install it (81 lb empty)
- Can’t carry really heavy bikes (up to 45 lb)
- No tilt function
- Frame contact mounting can scratch your bikes
- Only 2″ hitch receiver version available
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 lightweight and easy to use hitch-mount bike rack for carrying bikes on your car. HoldUp EVO fits most bikes up to 50 lbs, can carry up to 4 bikes with the adapter (sold separately), and secures bikes at the wheels.
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
Best roof racks for folding bikes
Most folding bikes have smaller wheels which can be a problem since some roof racks have minimal wheel size requirements. Don’t worry as there are models on the market that can accommodate any wheel size. Exactly such racks I have listed below.
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 roof rack is designed to hold up to 29″ wheels. It fits only Thule crossbar systems and can carry most bike types up to 44 lbs. The ProRide XT racks secure a bike by the frame, and it’s made from aluminum for weight savings.
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’s ForkLift is an easy-to-install bike rack that gives you the convenience of carrying your bike on top of your vehicle at a vehicle load height, or you can remove the rack and use it for a roof box (or even both rack and roof box). The ForkLift is compatible with most bikes.
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
The Thule FastRide Bike Rack is the first of its kind because it can carry almost any bike under 40lbs. With the ingenious design, no frame contact is needed to secure your bike in place. The rack is also quick and easy to install, even with just a screwdriver or wrench.
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 trunk racks for folding bikes
It is possible to carry a folding bike on basically any trunk rack with the help of an adapter. However, there are few models on the market that can do it without an adapter so you’d better buy one of them.
Hollywood F2 Over-The-Top (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack but a bit pricey
- 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: 21 lb (9.5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 6
Hollywood F2 is a high-end, super durable trunk bike carrier for your car. It is specially designed for safe, hassle-free transport and can carry 2 or 3 bikes, without trailer hitches. It is a cost-efficient and convenient alternative to other hitch bike carriers on the market.
Key Takeaways
- The quality is premium but there are cheaper premium models,
- The rack is sturdy once installed (though bike will wobble a bit which can be said about all trunk racks),
- Fairly easy to use (except for first installation),
- Can carry most bikes under 35 lb (kid’s, women’s and other rounded frame bikes require an adapter),
- This rack is not recommended for carrying expensive bikes since there is basically no clearance between bikes which will result in scratches.
PROS
- The rack is quite sturdy
- Fits most bike types under 35 lb
- Requires nothing to be installed (neither a trailer hitch nor crossbars)
- Manageable mileage reduction
CONS
- A bit pricey
- The instructions are unclear
- Bikes will wobble a bit (“feature” of all trunk racks)
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Blocks trunk access
- Very easy to steal
- Bikes will scratch each other (problem of all trunk racks)
- Some risk of scratching your 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
The Saris Bones EX is a lightweight, no-hassle, bike rack for carrying up to 3 bikes directly on the vehicle. The bike rack comes as a 2-bike version or a 3-bike version and is built with composite and plastic materials. The rack also has a rubber-coated metal frame and adjustable straps that wrap around the bike’s frame.
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