What Are The Best Trunk Bike Rack Options? – 2020 Edition
It is the harsh truth for every bike rider – roof rack stands and roof racks for bikes cost a fortune. Without a doubt, this is an important decision to make, since spending a fortune on a low-quality trunk bike rack can easily turn into a disaster.
Having the best trunk bike rack is extremely important. A trunk bike rack will allow you to carry the bike around without any troubles, and the really great ones are easy to mount to your vehicle.
The most promising and at the same time affordable manufacturers of quality bike racks are: Thule, Saris, Allen Sports, Yakima, SportsRack, ProRack, etc. But, if you were wondering which bike racks are trending in 2020, here is a list of the top 10 racks you should definitely consider.
Page Contents
- What Should You Consider When Shopping for a Trunk Bike Rack?
- Is The Trunk Bike Rack Easy to Install?
- Does The Trunk Bike Rack Hold The Bikes Securely?
- Why Get a Trunk Mounted Bike Rack?
- Do Trunk-Mounted Bike Racks Damage Your Bike Frame?
- What About a Bike Rack For a Truck Bed?
- Truck Bike Rack Reviews
- Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Mount Bike Rack
- Hollywood Racks F4 Heavy-Duty 4 Trunk Bike Rack
- Saris 805 Two Bike Rack
- Yakima SuperJoe Pro 3-Bike Rack
- Thule 9001 Raceway 2 Bike Rear Mounted Trunk Bike Rack
- SportRack 3-Bike Anti-Sway Trunk Bike Rack
- Swagman 2-Bike RV Bumper Rack
- Tyger Auto Deluxe
- Thule Passage Trunk Mount Carrier
- Kuat Highline
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What Is a Bike Rack?
- What Is The First Thing to Look For When Choosing a Bike Rack?
- What Can Go Wrong If You Choose the Wrong Bike Rack?
- What Security Issues Am I Facing?
- What are the different types of bike racks?
- Should I choose a roof rack or a rear rack?
- How Long Does The Installation Take?
What Should You Consider When Shopping for a Trunk Bike Rack?
There are several factors to consider when shopping for a trunk bike rack.
Is The Trunk Bike Rack Easy to Install?
One of the main factors that people often overlook is how easy to install the trunk bike rack is. Most trunk bike racks have a relatively simple design. However, some may require assembly after you purchase them. This process could involve connecting pieces with bolts or adding padding to the parts of the frame that touch the car. When you look at the reviews of bike trunk racks, you should see what users or critics think of the installation process.
Keep in mind that a trunk bike rack is only going to safely and effectively transport your two-wheelers when you install it correctly.
Does The Trunk Bike Rack Hold The Bikes Securely?
Another thing to consider is whether or not the trunk bike rack holds the bikes securely in place. Quality trunk bike racks have safety straps and rubber cradles that keep the two-wheelers from sliding when you are driving.
Some models also have features, such as sway cages, additional straps, or fasteners, that keep the bikes from knocking into one another during driving. These features are essential because one of the easiest ways to damage your bike is by having it knock into other bikes during transport.
Why Get a Trunk Mounted Bike Rack?
Trunk mounted bike racks are an alternative to roof-mounted models. With a trunk mounted bike rack, you do not have to worry about debris from the road. The lift height allows your bikes get partially protected by the car. Perhaps more importantly, these racks do not raise the profile of your vehicle as much. You can still negotiate parking ramps, low bridges, and other such features that might prove to be barriers if you have a roof rack.
Finally, trunk mounted bike racks offer easier access than roof racks. You do not have to lift the bike over your head and place them on the roof. You merely have to lift them into the cradles at the trunk level.
Do Trunk-Mounted Bike Racks Damage Your Bike Frame?
It is possible that a trunk bike rack could damage your bike frame, but most quality products have features in place to ensure that such damage does not occur. You should be sure that the trunk-mounted rack that you purchase has some of these features. For example, many trunk bike racks have a rubber or other non-slip coating on the cradles where you place the bikes. These prevent the bikes from slipping and knocking into each other or your car. You can also find bike racks with built-in safety straps or sway cages to help your bikes remain in place while you are driving.
What About a Bike Rack For a Truck Bed?
You can carry bikes in the bed of a pickup truck. This setup can be ideal because the bikes are more-protected from the road. However, most people do not want to purchase a pickup to carry their bikes unless they are serious enthusiasts or professional cyclists. For most consumers who casually ride bikes, the trunk-mounted bike rack is the most practical option. Of course, if you already have a pickup truck for other purposes, carrying bikes in your truck bed would be as useful as a trunk rack.
The best strategy is usually to get the best type of trunk bike rack for the vehicle that you already have.
Quick View: Our Choices For The Best Trunk Bike Rack
Truck Bike Rack Reviews
Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Mount Bike Rack
The first choice for a mount bike rack this year is the Allen Sports Deluxe Bike Rack. This rack is highly affordable and made to fit most SUV’s, sedans, and minivans.
Pros
- Highly competitive price
- Made from durable and high-quality materials
- Lightweight and pre-assembled
Cons
- No locking system
- Limited clearance with the size of the frame
Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Mount Bike Rack fits one or 2 bikes and is fully made of aluminum. This makes it very easy to tuck away, and very lightweight, which of course eases the installation process. In fact, the entire installation should take 10 minutes of your time, since the product already comes fully assembled.
Straps are included in the package, making it possible for you to give your best bike complete stability. All sides are cushioned to prevent any damage to the vehicle.
Hollywood Racks F4 Heavy-Duty 4 Trunk Bike Rack
The Hollywood Racks F4 Heavy-Duty 4-Bike Rack is one of the top choices of bike lovers, and for many reasons. It is meant to carry a bigger load of bikes, and is the perfect choice for a family set.
Pros
- Easily adjustable
- Fits a variety of vehicles
- The product folds flat and is easy to store
- Comes fully pre-assembled
Cons
- Incompatible with some vehicles
- No locking system
If you were looking to find a rack that fits all your family’s bikes, this is it! The Hollywood Racks F4 Heavy-Duty 4-Bike Rack has an extra heavy-duty tubing made of steel, dual-positioning system, and various straps. Starting from the integrated strap to tie down, to the extra straps for the sides, the package allows you to keep all bikes and the vehicle completely safe during the drive.
This rack can fit on SUVs, minivans, and sedans, and comes pre-assembled for your convenience. It is without a doubt the strongest bicycle rack on the current market, specifically created for heavy-duty load.
Saris 805 Two Bike Rack
The Saris 805 2-Bike rack is made of 100% recyclable material. The injection-molded plastic used in the production is not like that cheap plastic that may crack in extreme temperatures. Even though it is recyclable, it has high duration and is non-rustable.
Pros
- No assembly required
- Made of 100% recyclable plastic
- Holds up to 70lbs
- 2 bikes
Cons
- No security features
- Screw failure is a common issue
The soft straps that are created to hold the 2 bikes you can place on this rack are made of rubber, and are extremely powerful in keeping them intact. When you are driving around in your vehicles with your bike or bikes placed on the Saris 805 Bike Rack Trunk, you don’t have to worry that they will bounce and damage the car.
The carrier is adjustable to the vehicle and very easy to place. Its materials are recyclable, but among the most durative you can find in bike racks.
Yakima SuperJoe Pro 3-Bike Rack
The Yakima SuperJoe Pro 3-Bike Rack is designed to carry up to 3 bikes without doing damage to your vehicle. It is optimized to provide more stability on a truck, and is made of a sturdy steel construction.
Pros
- Compatible with many vehicles
- High-quality materials allow for long duration of the rack
- Is made with StableCradles that keep the bike firm in place
Cons
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Arms do not fold away when you are not using the rack
Featuring a Quick Trigger II hub system, this best trunk bike rack is very easy to install. The product contains oversized feet that are padded, as well as buckles coated with metal – all with the goal to keep the vehicle protected from damage.
The Planet Payback Initiative strives to consume a limited amount of energy and create less waste. This is the goal of Yakima – to use recycled content to save the environment. All plastic and steel parts on the products are recyclable, including this rack.
The StableCradles integrated into the rack keep the bike protected and firmly in place. Its narrow arm design can fit a solid variety of bike frames, and you will find integrated bottle openers.
Thule 9001 Raceway 2 Bike Rear Mounted Trunk Bike Rack
The Thule 9001 Raceway 2-bike carrier is more than a tool you can use to carry 2 bikes at once. This rack supplies a very strong and stable storage, and you don’t need to install a hitch receiver to enjoy this advantage.
Pros
- Extremely easy to mount
- Safe for the vehicle
- Has the patented technology FitDial
- 2 bikes
Cons
- Adjusting the support arms’ angle may be hard with a second bike of different size
This product has the Thule’s patented technology FitDial. This means that the rack is very easy and fast to install, and fits a very wide range of vehicles. All you have to do to fit the carrier to the trunk is to lift the release lever, open the frame position, and lock the bike into the desired place.
The pads are molded and made of rubber, which provides a stronghold and protects both items from scratching. The bike arms can be folded vertically, against the carrier’s body for more convenient placing and storage.
The product comes with a lockable cable you can use to secure the bike, as well as carrier locks to the vehicles and cable connections.
Read this review of the product for more detailed information.
SportRack 3-Bike Anti-Sway Trunk Bike Rack
Do you want to transport several bikes safely, without scratching your vehicle? The SportRack 3-Bike Anti-Sway trunk bike rack is compatible with bikes of all sizes and frames, and is very easy to mount.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Dual support arms
- Anti-sway stability that prevents any contact or scratching
Cons
- Straps can make it difficult to mount the bike
As the name suggests, this rack allows you to carry 1, 2, or 3 bikes, and keep both your bikes and the vehicles unharmed.
The rack uses a hub system that secures the bikes, and is foldable for storage. The soft anti-sway cradles are combined with dual support arms and are made of rubber, making it possible for you to mount and carry the bikes without damaging the paint of the vehicle or the bikes themselves.
This carrier has six straps that are adjustable and used to attach the rack to the trunk.
Swagman 2-Bike RV Bumper Rack
Are you often travelling and need a hitch to transport your bike from one place to another on the back of your RV? This bumper rack allows you to transport up to two bikes on a camper trailer or an RV.
Pros
- Highly durable material
- Powder coating helps resist corrosion
- Supports various frames, sizes, and wheels
Cons
- Only one of the racks has a vertical extension
- Maximum of 30lbs per bike
The Swagman bumper rack is made of high-quality materials – a steel construction that is powder-coated to resist corrosion, and a black paint finish that looks great on any RV. It can transport up to 2 bicycles that are maximum 30lb. each.
U-Bolts are provided, allowing you to secure the steel.
Tyger Auto Deluxe
The Tyger Auto Deluxe also stands out when it comes to ease of use. It comes fully assembled. You can install it right out of the box. Plus it has a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- The Tyger Deluxe is easy to use and install because it comes fully assembled.
- Buyers get a limited lifetime warranty.
- The rack fits on most types of vehicles, including wagons, SUVs, and minivans.
- Padding protects both your car and the bikes.
- You get safety straps at no extra charge.
Cons
- This rack can only transport two bikes.
- Some users complain that while the frame remains in good condition, the nuts and bolts were prone to rust.
The Tyger Auto Deluxe is a best trunk bike rack that fits on a variety of vehicles. You can attach it to a sedan, minivan, SUV, and wagon/hatchback. It will work on virtually any type of car except vehicles with aftermarket alterations such as rear spoilers.
It includes safety straps and padding to keep the bikes secured and away from the rear of the vehicle. The soft cradles ensure that your bike does not get damaged during transport, either. Also, the support arms are foldable, so you can lower the profile of the Tiger Auto Deluxe when you are not using it to carry your two-wheelers.
Thule Passage Trunk Mount Carrier
The aluminum frame of this particular carrier is relatively lightweight. The padding on the portions that touch the car is of high quality, so your paint job will be safe.
Pros
- This trunk bike rack is exceptionally durable and lightweight with lift capacity of over 100 lbs.
- It can fit a variety of vehicles.
- The rubber cradles prevent slippage during transport
- Thule’s state-of-the-art sway cages keep bikes from knocking into one another.
Cons
- The trunk bike rack is not retractable, so you cannot fold it down when it’s not in use.
- Some users felt the need for additional cords or straps.
- Some bikes, such as step-through and dual suspension bikes require a bike adapter bar.
Thule is best known for its roof racks, but they also have several quality trunk-mounted racks. One of their best bike racks is the Thule Passage, which comes in two and three-bike models.
The rubber-coated cradles are likewise secure and do not cause damage to the body and paint of your bicycles. The rubber also prevents sliding and keeps the bikes firmly in place while you are driving.
You do not have to pay that much more to get the three-bike carrier compared to the two-bike model, so capacity is not an issue. Furthermore, Thule has state-of-the-art sway cages that keep the bikes from shifting and knocking into one another during driving. This issue can be a significant problem for people who opt for some cheaper trunk bike rack models.
Kuat Highline
The Highline comes in two-bike or three-bike models. You also get additional adhesive vinyl strips to protect your trunk from scratches and wear. Setup is quite easy with four nylon straps.
Pros
- These racks have an attractive design that features polished and painted aluminum.
- The frame is exceptionally lightweight. It weighs only 13 lbs.
- Kuat is well-known among cycle enthusiasts for its quality products.
Cons
- The Kuat Highline is more expensive than other truck bike racks. It may be too much of an investment for people who only occasionally plan to use it.
- There is a size limit of 35 lbs per bike. This weight capacity won’t be a problem for most users, but it could be a challenge for those with oversized bikes.
The Kuat Highline is a premium trunk rack that has aluminum components. Kuat is known for its high-quality roof racks, but it has only recently entered the trunk rack market. It boasts intuitive pivot lift arms that make loading easy.
It also has integrated straps and cradles that prevent swaying and hold the bikes firmly in place during transport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is a Bike Rack?
A bike rack is a very helpful tool for transporting bicycle/bicycles with your vehicle. All you have to do is install a rack, and secure the bikes on it. With a bike rack, you can carry your bikes wherever you need to.
What Is The First Thing to Look For When Choosing a Bike Rack?
The first thing to look for when choosing a bike rack is whether it fits on your car. If it is not compatible with your vehicle, the price and quality won’t really matter.
Most racks producers share a list of cars that are compatible with the product. You may also be able to get your hands on a catalog of all accessory products, and see how to attach the rack to your vehicle. However, before you invest your money in a rack, you should make sure that that rack will fit your vehicle.
If you cannot find this information in the description, contact the dealer and ask them.
What Can Go Wrong If You Choose the Wrong Bike Rack?
There are several scenarios that could happen if you choose the wrong bike rack:
- The rack cannot fit on your vehicle
- The rack constantly falls off the vehicle
- Bicycles scratch the car or are damaged in the transport
- Bicycles fall off the rack while driving
- The fumes from the car melt the tires of the bike
- One of the rims is mangled and the wheel drags along
What Security Issues Am I Facing?
Most bike racks come with security issues. For some racks, you can purchase separate locks that consist of a cable that has rubber disks on its ends. However, most cyclists believe that locks won’t prevent a thief from taking your bike rack, but can slow them down.
Security is an issue with every bike rack, so we recommend that you never leave your bikes unattended on the rack for an extended period of time. The cables can be cut, and many don’t even have such security options.
What are the different types of bike racks?
There are two main types of bike racks: roof and read. The rear-mount racks are more affordable, easy to use, fitting to a broader variety of vehicles, and therefore, much more popular.
Should I choose a roof rack or a rear rack?
There isn’t such a thing as a perfect rack. A rack can have all the features you need, but not be compatible with your vehicle. Another rack may be great, but too expensive for you. But, if you are asking yourself which type of rack to choose, you should consider all factors.
Roof-mount tracks are recommended to those who want to carry a larger equipment.
If you do not need to carry a larger equipment and want to transport your bicycles on regular basis, you may want to think twice about choosing a roof rack. If you have a tall vehicle, you will find it exhausting to lift the bikes over the head, and the mounting can be very tricky. In addition, roof racks only allow you to carry one or two bikes, while rear-racks can be used to carry more.
How Long Does The Installation Take?
This will, of course, depend on the type of rack you are purchasing. Some can be installed in minutes because they come fully assembled, others come partially assembled, and there are some that you need to assemble on your own.
Depending on the bike rack you choose, the installation process can take minutes or hours.
Of course, there is also the matter of style. As soon as you find a good quality bike rack, you can focus on which looks good when mounted on the vehicle. With so many companies producing bike racks, the competition has become huge. As a result, most of the quality companies have produced and mastered a variety of designs.
When you have a good rack to transport your bike, there is no limit as to where you can take it. This selection of bike racks is not only an affordable, but a very helpful way to transfer your gear safely and start a new biking adventure.
