The main problem with women’s bikes is the shape of the frame. This is the case because quite a few rack models secure bikes exactly by the frame. In most cases, it can be solved with the help of an adapter. However, there are many racks on the market that can carry women’s bikes without an adapter.
Things to consider buying a women’s bike rack:
- Your budget. Trunk bike racks are much cheaper than roof and hitch racks in general,
- Hitch racks require a trailer hitch and roof racks require crossbars in order to be installed. Trunk racks, on the other hand, are getting installed directly on your car and require nothing of that,
- Basically all no frame contact racks (the ones that secure bikes by the wheel or by the fork) can carry women’s bikes without an adapter. Moreover, they won’t scratch the frame of your bike,
- How many bikes do you need to transport? All rack types (trunk, hitch and roof) can carry 3 bikes or fewer. However, if you need to carry 4 bikes and more, you have to buy either a hitch or a roof rack,
- Trunk racks block the trunk access with bikes loaded. Roof racks don’t do that (naturally), and most hitch racks include the tilt function,
- It is true that trunk racks are much cheaper and can save you a lot of money, but they can scratch your car so that it won’t be a good deal anymore.
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Best hitch women’s bike racks
The rounded shape of the frame of a lady’s bike is the main reason it might not fit some hitch racks. However, if you choose a rack that secures bikes by the wheel you will avoid such sort of problem. All racks in the rating below secure bikes by the wheel making them compatible with women’s bikes.
Saris SuperClamp EX (2 or 4) – Hitch rack for heavy bikes
- Women’s bike 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 a new design of the original SuperClamp. The vintage-inspired design includes a sleek aluminum main frame and frame clamp that securely holds your bike in place while leaving zero contact with the frame. Get your bikes where they need to go faster with this revolutionary hitch mounted bike carrier.
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 HoldUp EVO (2+2) – Zero frame contact universal hitch rack
- Women’s bike compatible: Yes
- 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 the answer to your bike carrying needs. It features a durable, lightweight design with a receiver hitch (either 1.25 or 2″), simply attach it to your vehicle’s hitch and carry up to 2 bikes or 4 bikes with an adapter.
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
- Women’s bike 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
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR is the complete bike carrier solution. It’s an aluminum carrier with integrated hitch that carries up to 2 bikes and employs strap-style ratcheting cradles to keep them in place. For extra stability when carrying 2 bikes, it has a built-in Zero Frame Contact design, providing flawless performance over rough terrain.
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
Best roof women’s bike racks
Roof bike racks can carry most lady’s bikes without an adapter, no problem. I have selected the best three roof models that secure bikes either by the wheel or by the fork so that the shape of the frame becomes irrelevant.
Yakima FrontLoader – Premium roof rack that fits most crossbars
- Women’s bike 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 is perfect for hauling your bikes up to the roof. It’s easy to install and includes a bike-carrying cradle. This bike rack is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for mountain biking, trail riding, or commuting.
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 Upride – Premium roof rack for Thule crossbars
- Women’s bike 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 is the perfect bike rack or roof rack for taking your bike on any adventure. It mounts to Thule crossbars and fits most bikes up to lb. There’s no contact between your bike frame and the rack, so Thule Upride won’t scratch or damage your bike’s finish. This aluminum-made rack is lightweight, allowing it to be easily transported and stored when not in use.
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
Thule TopRide – Premium roof rack, super sturdy
- Women’s bike 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 bike rack that keeps your bike close, safe and secure. This bike rack can fit basically all bikes up to 40 lbs, and is designed to mount your bike by the fork because it’s not only easy to install but also offers a sleek look.
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 women’s bike racks
Even though most trunk bike racks require an adapter to carry lady’s bikes, some of them don’t. Exactly these trunk racks are listed below so that you will be able to load a women’s bike of them.
Hollywood F2 Over-The-Top (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack but a bit pricey
- Women’s bike 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: 21 lb (9.5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 6
Get ready for a Hollywood experience to go with your family, friends and bikes, when you use the F2. Hollywood F2 is a compact, light-weight folding bike that can carry 2 or 3 bikes. With surprising strength and stability that comes from the alloy steel and aluminum frame combined with no installation required, it’s easy to take this bike anywhere you need to go.
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
Tyger TG-RK3B203S (1, 2 or 3) – Super affordable trunk rack
- Women’s bike compatible: Yes
- Max number of bikes: 1, 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: 11 lb (5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
- Bike-to-rack lock: No
- Number of straps: 6
Need a rack for your car, but don’t have any experience with installing them? Tyger’s RK3B203S is a three-bike rack that installs directly to your vehicle by mounting to the rear side of your car. With an adjustable loading height and durable alloy steel construction, this rack is an excellent choice for bike transport.
Key Takeaways
- Very cheap rack that gets the job dome,
- Unfortunately, it is not as sturdy as we would like it to be,
- This rack is fairly easy in daily life use,
- The weight of a bike is the only thing you should keep in mind. Other than that it fits most bikes (an adapter might be needed),
- Highly not recommended for carrying expensive (especially carbon frame) bikes as bikes will scratch each other.
PROS
- The price is super low
- The installation is straightforward
- Fits fat-tire bikes
- requires nothing to be installed (no crossbars, etc.)
- Low mileage reduction
CONS
- Not sturdy enough
- Bikes will wobble hitting each other
- Can’t carry heavy bikes
- Block trunk access
- Super easy to steal
- Can damage your car