Best Premium Car Bike Racks ($500+): A Buyer’s Guide
Car bike racks are a great way to store your bike when you are on the go. They ensure that your bike is safe and can be easily accessed by you. You can find car bike racks at many stores, but the best place to buy one is online. Online stores offer competitive prices and a wide range of options for different types of bikes. In this guide, we are going to review the best premium bike racks that can be purchased for about $500.
Things to consider buying a premium bike rack:
- Be ready to buy a trailer hitch if you would like to buy a hitch rack and crossbars for roof racks. Trunk racks, on the other hand, require nothing to be installed,
- How many bikes do you need to transport? Four bikes and more can only be fit either on a roof or on a hitch rack. For three bikes and less, trunk racks are also suitable,
- Types of bikes. If you have kids’, women’s, e-bikes, fat-tire or BMX bikes, check the compatibility since not all bikes fit all racks,
- Weight of bikes. Even though most premium racks are heavy-duty, some of them are not. Check the load capacity if you are planning to carry really heavy bikes,
- For a really premium experience, I would recommend buying either a hitch or a roof rack. Trunk racks (even expensive ones) can scratch your car.
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Hitch racks are the best choice if you are looking for a truly premium experience. This rack type provides sturdiness and reliability that other rack types can’t offer. Moreover, hitch racks are much easier to use in comparison with roof and trunk racks.
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
Built for the most demanding bicycle enthusiasts, the Kuat NV Base 2.0 is designed to hold up to four bikes with a hitch receiver, and will carry almost any type of bike thanks to its alloy steel frame and plastic outer shell. It’s flexible enough to carry a variety of bike sizes and can be installed on either 1.25″ or 2″ receivers.
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 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 Bike Rack is a portable, aluminum and plastic bike carrier that has a 1.25 inch receiver and fits most bikes from 26″ to 29″ wheels. It can carry up to 2 bikes but only comes with the rack adapter for 4 bikes.
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
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 – Made from aluminum and premium plastic – Requires a trailer hitch to be installed – Has both 1.25″ and 2″ versions – Can carry up to 2 bikes up to 60 lbs each (up to 4 bikes with an adapter) – Bikes will be secured with 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
There are quite a few premium roof racks on the market. However, not all have been created equal. In the rating below there are only two roof racks, but they are truly the best.
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
Thule FastRide is a bike rack that will make your life easier. This bike rack comes with an easy-to-use one touch locking system and a no-frame contact to secure bikes. With a sleek design, it matches any vehicle. Thule FastRide is compatible with most bikes and crossbars, and will carry most bikes under 40 pounds.
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
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 a roof or hitch rack for your car, SUV or pickup truck. You’ll have to have crossbars to install this rack, so it can carry up to 45 lbs. A bike will be secured with no frame contact for better handling and driving.
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
There are premium trunk racks on the market that are really well made. However, I have to warn you that it might not be the best rack type if you are not on a budget. How so? Well, all trunk racks are getting installed directly on your car which can result in scratches. The racks you can find below are the safest ones in that sense.
Yakima HalfBack (2 or 3) – Premium quality but quite affordable
- 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
Yakima Half-Back is the easy way to transport two or three bikes! It is a new mount for the rear hatch of your car that requires no prep, no trailer hitch and no crossbars. The Half-Back can carry either 2 or 3 bikes (depending on which version you choose) and with a weight capacity of up to 35 lbs.
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)
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 great way to transport your bike safely and easily. Its design takes into consideration the unique dynamics of a car, providing the maximum load capacity of 35 lbs in a compact size that can be mounted directly on your vehicle.
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
Thule Outway Hanging (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack for not heavy bikes
- 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
The Thule Outway is a way to transport your two- and three-wheelers quickly and easily. It is designed to be used without a trailer hitch and can carry two or three bikes up to 33 pounds each. The bikes are secured by the frame, which makes it easy to load, store and move bike frames with your vehicle.
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