The T2 Pros user-friendly tilt feature is best-in-class, providing quick and easy access to the rear of the vehicle, and its versatile carrying system accommodates everything from fat bikes to 20-inch kids models. As a result, we experienced scuffing and wear after some drives on rough forest service roads (the good news is that we were able to resolve the issue by adding foam spacers). Our editor described it as "a work of art much like a high-end bike," and there is a lot of truth to that statement. Another method is to contact the manufacturer directly, and weve had good luck in getting reliable recommendations as to whether or not the rack were looking at will fit our vehicle. Plus, a 1-Bike Add-On is available for a reasonable $159 to provide even more carrying abilities. Racks that include a separate cable lock that you need to store in your vehicle are less appealing, and in those cases, we prefer to purchase our own metal U-lock. A quick check of our list above will show that most of the hanging-style racks have ended up at or near the bottom of our rankings. Finally, weight is an issue, and youll typically want two people for set up or removal. At $500 and $598 respectively, theyre clearly a big investment, costing nearly as much as the main racks themselves. For hauling a lot of bikes with relative ease, the HangTight is a great option. In addition, the tilt feature is all but unreachable with loaded bikesthe lever is hidden away under the rack. But if youll only be carrying standard mountain or road bikes, a 1.25-inch receiver will work great. When the RockyMounts BackStage was released, the rack created quite a stir in the industry. That said, theres no denying the Heliums quality and clean looks, and its a perfectly fine match for those planning to just transport standard mountain and road bikesRead in-depth reviewSee the Thule Helium Platform. But despite a growing number of competitors in this categoryincluding Yakimas HangTight and North Shore Racks' NSR belowthe 1UP's combination of build quality, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of bike styles makes it our favorite vertical hanging rack.See the 1UP Recon Rack 6. There are two main receiver hitch sizes1.25-inch and 2-inchand it goes without saying that you should verify which one you have on your vehicle prior to purchasing a rack. Its worth noting that if the rack youre purchasing doesnt include a receiver lock, every manufacturer on our list above offers one as an accessory. What are the downsides of the Recon R6? To start, platform racks like the Kuat NV 2.0, Thule T2, Yakima Dr.Tray, and 1Up are not impacted by this because they only come in contact with the bikes tires or wheels. per bike vs. 37.5 for the Thule) and better track record in terms of long-term durability. British Columbia-based Swagman lacks the brand recognition of Thule or Yakima, but their XC2 model is a smart choice for recreational riders on a budget. If, however, youre looking for the ultimate in rear cargo access, the BackStage should be at the top of your list.See the RockyMounts BackStage. This euro-cool design puts an emphasis on everyday simplicity with easy-to-secure From smooth and flowy post-work rides to rough and rowdy all-day backcountry epics, the trail mountain biking category covers a wide range. The good news is that Kuat provided a replacement with their excellent warranty, but this experience leads us to think its worth upgrading to the burlier NV 2.0 if youll be leaving the rack on the back of your car most of the year.See the Kuat Sherpa 2.0. Despite the complaints, the HangTights ability to carry various bike stylesas well as its all-around solid buildearn it a spot on our listRead in-depth reviewSee the Yakima HangTight 4. First, the upper cradles that hold bikes in place are not compatible with road or cyclocross-style bikes, which limits its appeal. One of the reasons that the Thule T2 Pro XTR took the top spot on our list is its ability to fit so many bike styles straight out of the box. It does have padded arms, but those only help so much, and frame scuffs are inevitable. Moreover, there is very little space between the bikes when theyre loaded, which can lead to rubbing and damage to the paint. Despite the drawbacks, if youre looking for a compact four-bike setup, the Saris SuperClamp EX 4 is a fine choice.See the Saris SuperClamp EX 4. If neither of those options work, youll need to do some digging. The premium vertical hanging rack market has seen a major uptick recently, and Yakima has thrown their hat into the ring with a couple models. Reflecting the growing popularity of heavy e-bikes and large fat bikes, Thule released the EasyFold XT 2. There can be big differencesfor example, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0s max wheelbase is a fairly short 47 inches, while the 1Ups Heavy Duty Doubles max capacity is 54 inches. Rooftop racks have a lower maximum capacity (usually two bikes), are more of a pain to load and unload, and can impact gas mileage or create a whistling sound on the highway. Add-ons (also known as extensions) are a great way to increase the carrying capacity of your platform-style hitch rack. Further, while theyre fairly easy to use, putting them on and taking them off every time you go biking will inevitably become annoying. 1Up does offer a tilt lever extender, but that will cost you another $70, and it feels like something that could be remedied or included at the outset. A final scenario is where a specific rack simply cant fit a certain wheel or tire size. All that said, for those who will utilize their high carrying capacity, a vertical hanging rack can be a worthwhile investment. Type: PlatformWeight: 43 lbs.Number of bikes: 3 (available in a 2-bike version)Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: Great price for a solid three-bike tray design.What we dont: Low on features. With a load capacity of 130 pounds (between two bikes), the EasyFold checks all the boxes for a heavy hauler. Second, the cradles make direct contact with your bikes fork crownthis leads to significant scuffing and loss of paint over time. In many ways, the Camber 4 is a direct competitor to Yakimas RidgeBack above. If youre able to spend up, we recommend the $449 Kuat Transfer v2 2 above, which addresses most of these issues.See the Swagman XC2. Our biggest complaint with the Beta is that Kuat doesnt offer a higher-capacity version. That said, if you wont be using your rack all that often or will need to remove it by yourself with some regularity, a lightweight design like the Beta is a perfectly reasonable choice. We also dont love the included plastic straps with the Thule, which are stiff and pretty finicky to use (although the Yakimas arent flawless either). As an example, heres a link to a technical drawing for Kuat's NV 2.0 hitch rack. The aim is to keep thieves from removing the entire rack from your car. In testing, weve found that weight-saving models like the Yakima Dr.Tray and Kuat Sherpa 2.0 have their fair share of compromises in carrying ability and longevity. Vertical Hanging Racks Further, as we touched on above, there are limitations with the arm design if youll be hauling bikes with different wheelbases (for example, a long-travel adult mountain bike and a kids bike). It wont impact most folks, but larger mountain bikers on big, modern downhill-oriented models will want to verify this piece of information. The majority of riders stick with the two-bike design, but families or those that anticipate carrying bikes for group rides should consider getting a higher-capacity hanging model or one of the platform add-ons to start. And with the exception of some truly cheap options, nearly all hitch-mounted bike racks have this functionality. With a weight capacity of only 37.5 pounds per bike, you wont be able to haul electric models or some heavier cruisers. It was one of the first platform racks to incorporate a side-swinging mechanism into the design (think of an arm that swings away from your vehicle to allow for total access to the rear of your car). For a cheaper but less refined e-bike-ready alternative, check out Yakimas $699 OnRamp.See the Thule EasyFold XT 2. Hanging racks are much lighter and more compact, which is a plus for those that plan to remove the rack with some regularity. If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and youre tempted to skimp on the helmet, dont. One listing to hone in on is the distance from center of the hitch pin to the first tray, as this shows how close the rack will be to the rear of the vehicle. Featuring moveable tray platforms, an easy-to-use tilt-down lever that resembles the one on Thules T2 Pro above, and a total weight that undercuts our top picks by 10 to 15 pounds, the rack has a lot going for it. And were happy to see that the Beta hasnt skimped on too many features: the rack tilts for rear vehicle access, its arms fold down when not in use, and it has same wobble-free hitch attachment mechanism thats found on Kuats premium offerings. The main shortcoming of the design is it that the bikes are placed very close together and it can be a pain to limit side-to-side contact. Type: Vertical hangingWeight: 104 lbs.Number of bikes: 6 (available in 5-bike version)Weight capacity per bike: 45 lbs.What we like: The most secure and easiest way to carry six bikes.What we dont: Very heavy and very expensive. In addition, the tilt lever is hidden away and essentially unreachable if you have bikes already loaded up (its far easier to access without bikes). These relatively small complaints aside, if you dont need the latest and greatest, Thules T2 Classic remains a nice option.See the Thule T2 Classic. Finally, the focus on trimming weight means the rack has more of a tendency to wobble on bumpy roads, although the bike attachment system is reliable in general. And although the T2 Classic has a spot for locks on the ratcheting arms, they are not included with the rack and will cost you an additional $40 (for the Thule version). The reason is simple: theyre unable to accommodate irregularly-shaped bike framesincluding many full-suspension mountain bikes, kids bikes, and step-through bikeswithout purchasing a top tube adapter. For those planning on hauling heavier downhill mountain bikes, e-bikes, fat bikes, or cruiser models, its a good idea to verify the bike weight capacity of a given rack. Wisconsin-based 1Up may not be a household name like Thule or Yakima, but the company has a dedicated following among hardcore cyclists. Thule has one of the largest bike rack lineups, and their Camber 4 slots in as their mid-range hanging option. In short, releasing a pin allows them to open like an arm, pivoting the entire rack to the side of the vehicle. We also like the EZ+1 extension, which allows you to expand its carrying capacity to three bikes with only a 9-pound weight penalty (for an additional $259). Sitting atop Kuats hitch rack collection is their top-end NV 2.0. If your bike will not fit on your hanging rack due to a heavily angled or swooping top tube, purchasing a separate top tube adapter is your best bet. This premium design checks all the right boxes: its materials have a high-quality feel, the rack stays solidly in place even on bumpy forest service roads, and the adjustable wheel cradles make it easy to avoid bike-to-bike contact. One of the main reasons to get a hanging-style rack is for occasional family outings, and a four- or five-bike model is often ideal for those trips. But once 29- and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since. The tilting feature is available on both hanging and platform-style racks, although one key point of differentiation is that many platform models can tilt with the bikes loaded, while hanging racks require you to unload your bikes first. At the very top of Yakima's expansive hitch rack line-up is the Dr.Tray. For group rides, shuttling, tour companies, or if you simply want to maximize your carrying capacity, 1UP's Recon Rack 6 is worth a serious look. Wheel size and tire width arent major considerations when choosing a hanging rack, but those that opt for the platform style will want to verify their bikes will fit in the included trays. And we found the design to be well made overall with sturdy components, user friendly with a functional foot-operated tilt lever, and secure with its reliable cradles and ratcheting system. As such, on certain platform racks, there can be wheelbase compatibility issues. The listings for each design will specify the maximum carrying capability per bike. If, however, youre considering a hanging rack, take a close look at the shape of the top tube of your bikes frame. In the end, dedicated cyclists will be better off with the higher-end Thule, but if youre willing to make a few compromises, the Kuat offers a whole lot of bang for your buck.See the Kuat Transfer v2 2. Weve made it clear throughout this piece that a hitch-mounted rack is our favorite design, and platform models in particular. But were willing to deal with the added weight because of the benefits of a sturdier construction that carries bikes more securely and lasts longer. But if these complaints arent deal-breakers, the WestSlope is a desirable option for families and group rides.See the RockyMounts WestSlope 3. This design shares a number of basic features with the Thule T2 above, including an attachment system that avoids frame contact and a tilting function that allows for access to the back of your vehicle. In short, it can't match the sheer number of useful features included with the Thule T2 Pro above. Where the Yakima has the edge is its higher weight capacity (40 lbs. This unique hitch-mounted rack takes a different approach to carrying bikes: its baskets hold the front wheel high while the rest of the bike hangs below. This rack certainly doesnt have all the bells and whistles of the more premium options above and below, but it will reliably transport your bikes from point A to point B. Its expanding wedge attachment system makes for a wobble-free connection, the 60-pound weight capacity means you can haul nearly all bike styles (including many electric models), and you get ample clearance from your vehicle and between bikes. A great example is the Kuat Beta, which comes in at a scant 14 pounds and can be easily tucked away in the corner of your garage when not in use. Overall, its not a featherweight at 34 pounds (the brands Helium Pro collection is a lighter alternative), but the Thules tough build makes for a solid way to transport a lot of bikes. The well-sorted design is compatible with both 1.25- and 2-inch receivers (a big plus for swapping between vehicles), very secure with arms that quickly lock over the tires, and light enough to move in and out of a garage without too much effort. All that said, it's hard to overlook the beauty and level of craftsmanship of the 1Up. And while hanging racks often resemble one another in how they workunload the bikes, fold the arms down, and then pull a lever to lower the rackplatform models can vary widely. Read more about us. For reference, most standard mountain bikes and road bikes are under 35 pounds, but e-bikes can easily exceed 50 pounds. Trunk-mounted racks are cheaper but prone to causing paint damage on your vehicle if you dont take extra precautions. Like 1Ups Heavy Duty above, the Kuat goes head-to-head with our top-rated Thule T2 Pro XTR. What sets the design apart is its versatility and ease of use: Unlike the Recon Racks above and North Shore Racks below, the HangTight is compatible with drop bar bikes, which is a great feature for those that mix disciplines (note: a max of three drop bar bikes can be loaded at a time on the HangTight 4). With a premium build and price tag to match, this rack is feature-rich, designed to work with a wide variety of bike styles and sizes, and has proven to be durable and reliable even Weve been a fan of Thule bike racks for yearstheir T2 Pro XTR is currently our top-rated modelso we were pretty excited by the release of the premium Helium Platform. An adapter is necessary to carry full-suspension mountain bikes, step-through bikes, or smaller kids models, which adds a significant amount to the overall investment (top tube adapters are about $50 each). But for e-bike owners who want an integrated and deployable rampand others who dont want to lift heavy bikes on and off their rackthe Thule EasyFold XT 2 is the best option available. The Classic is able to carry everything from 20- to 29-inch-wheeled bikes, as well as fat bikes with up to 5-inch-wide tires (no extra adapters needed). In the end, despite a $69 jump in price, wed rather pay a little more for the slightly sturdier and more proven Yakima.See the Thule Camber 4. Their ability to safely carry up to six mountain bikes, while still offering enough ground clearance for waterbars, made them an instant favorite among downhill-oriented riders. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. Moreover, theres no option to add an extension to the XT 2, which means that two bikes are your hard ceiling and youll need to buy another rack if you want to carry more. Thules T2 Classic is the predecessor to our top pick, the T2 Pro XTR, and as such, is a quality rack with most of the features youd expect from an earlier iteration. In addition, Kuat included extras like integrated cable and receiver locks and a unique bike stand for quick repairs at the trailhead (note: this piece is not locked to the rest of the rack, so we often stored the stand inside our vehicle). Platform Racks Their top-end option is the HangTight, which is offered in four- and six-bike capacities (we tested the former). Finally, wed be remiss not to mention that the NV is easily one of the better-looking racks available, especially in the Gray Metallic colorway. Type: PlatformWeight: 32 lbs.Number of bikes: 2Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: Lighter than most other platform-style racks.What we dont: Long-term durability concerns. The common denominator among these compatible racks is a high price tag, but its well worth it to avoid any unnecessary damage to your carbon rig. All told, we think its worth the extra investment to get the more versatile and durable 1UP Recon Rack above.See the North Shore Racks NSR 4-Bike. Top Tube Adapters In short, if you plan to use your rack a lot or keep it on your vehicle even in the rainy seasons, its well worth paying for a premium design. Choosing a Hitch Rack for Carbon Fiber Bikes, Back to Our Hitch Bike Rack Comparison Table. As long as youre hauling regular road or mountain bikes (the rack maxes out at 40 pounds per bike and 3-inch-wide tires), the Sherpa 2.0 has a lot going for it. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. In cutting weight, however, you lose out on the long-term durability found on other racks. The Dr.Tray's $599 price tag puts it among the more expensive in this grouping, but its full feature set and low weight make it an intriguing option for dedicated riders. Sure, you can flip the bikes around and hang them by their handlebars, but North Shore Racks doesnt recommend this tactic. If, like most cyclists, you plan to keep your rack on your vehicle for extended periods of time or just want to retain access to your rear cargo area, youll want to get a hitch rack with a tilt feature. That said, just because a rack is made up of a lot of plastic doesnt necessarily mean that its not durable. The appeal is clear: By hanging the bikes from their handlebars verticallyand securing them below at the rear wheelyoure able to carry more bikes closer to your vehicle. Overall, we prefer the platform style for its ease of loading and superior all-around stability, but high-capacity hanging models are the clear leaders in terms of value. Like the RockyMounts BackStage above, the racks calling card is its swing-away feature that provides easy access to the vehicle. Weve also been impressed with the Heliums sturdy and solid build: even loaded down with two 30+ pound mountain bikes on very bumpy forest service roads, the rack and bikes stayed in place with only minimal movement. If youre going to be close to the maximum weight or a little over, we recommend upgrading to a sturdier modelits not worth the risk of breaking your rack while driving or voiding your warranty. As the name indicates, tilting racks can be leaned over by pulling a lever that moves the rack far enough down to allow you to open the rear hatch or tailgate of your vehicle. If you have a traditional road bike or hardtail mountain bike, youre probably safethe triangular frame with a fairly level top tube will fit great on a hanging rack. In general, platform-style racks can carry anywhere from one to four bikes (if you invest in an extension), while hanging-style racks range from two to five total bikes. For more information, see our hitch rack comparison table and buying advice below the picks. (outer)What we like: Compact and lightweight for the capacity.What we dont: Concerns with bike-to-bike clearance and has a tendency to wobble. Both the T2 and NV 2.0 are very user-friendly and have long-lasting builds, although we have found the Thule is a little more versatile. Adding the swing-away functionality to a hitch-mounted rack does come with compromises. Hanging Racks Type: Vertical hangingWeight: 50 lbs.Number of bikes: 4 (available in 2- and 6-bike versions)Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: Relatively compact and easy way to transport mountain bikes.What we dont: Outdated and less versatile compared with the 1UP Recon Rack above. Unfortunately, these straps often can lead to scuffing and scraping over timefor those that love their bikes, this is a deal breaker. The RockyMounts BackStage is 10 to 20 pounds heavier than most other platform-style racks, and therefore you will not want to remove it from your vehicle very often (or without help). At the risk of sounding like a broken record, its yet another reason we prefer the platform rack style. Failing to verify this can lead to myriad issuesexamples include your vans rear doors cant open more than a couple inches because the rack sits too close, your bikes handlebars come into contact with the back of an SUV when bikes are loaded, or a pickups tailgate cannot be lowered. RockyMounts WestSlope 3 combines a user-friendly tray design and generous three-bike capacity at a reasonable cost. And as mentioned above, all of the components on the Thule are extremely well-made, which makes the investment worth it over time. To keep the material protected, the most important thing to do is select a style that doesnt allow for any frame contact. And compared with traditional hanging models, you dont have to worry about issues with a bikes top tube. As with the Dr.Tray above, Kuats Sherpa 2.0 is a lightweight alternative in the heavy platform rack world. Among the options on the market, Yakimas RidgeBack is a long-time favorite: it features a durable build, reasonable price, and anti-sway design that limits bike movement while on the road. Type: PlatformWeight: 43 lbs.Number of bikes: 2What we like: High-end look and feel, reasonably light, and user-friendly.What we dont: Low max weight capacity (especially for the price). And a final note: many hanging racks come with an adapter, so they can work with either hitch size. Yakimas Dr.Tray has no problem accommodating fat bike tires up to 5 inches, but is unable to fit a wheel size smaller than 26 inches (and no adapters are available). Compared to hanging racks, platform designs are compatible with a much wider range of bike styles, sit lower to the ground for easier access, and are excellent in terms of stability. As proof, our original T2 Pro XT is still in fantastic shape after about four years of extensive useRead in-depth reviewSee the Thule T2 Pro XTR. Hitch racks is a competitive space, but what really sets the T2 Pro XTR apart from the field is material quality and the sheer number of features it offers. For example, while the Transfer 2 has a steel frame and theyve upgraded the hitch design with the v2 model, the rack still is more prone to movement on bumpy roads. The latest version of the Transfer also is adjustable enough to fit a wide range of bike types and wheel sizes and can even accommodate a fat bike with an adapter (sold separately). Offered in two- and four-bike versions, the Camber collection delivers good value and all-around performance. What are the compromises with the EasyFold's design? Light and affordable hanging racks like the Yakima RidgeBack 4 are on the lower end at 35 pounds per bike. First, you need to purchase separate adapters to carry fat bikes, and cable locks are not included with the rack (a hitch bar lock does comes with it). In the end, this feature can have a huge impact on overall convenience, and we call it out whenever possible in the write-ups above. That said, the Transfer packs in a surprising number of features for the price, including a solid weight capacity (60 lbs. Type: PlatformWeight: 32 lbs.Number of bikes: 2Weight capacity per bike: 35 lbs.What we like: An inexpensive yet surprisingly reliable way to carry two bikes.What we dont: Not the most user-friendly design and the ratcheting arms scuff bike frames. Most notably is price: At $650, the NSR above is one of the cheapest options out there (Recon Racks premium designs start at $1,200, while the Yakima HangTight 4 is $849). Attractively priced at $449 and weighing a reasonable 37 pounds, theres a whole lot to like about the Transfer v2. Among platform-style racks, its best to choose one of two basic designs: a ratcheting arm that locks in over the front wheel and a strap through the rear wheel (featured on the Thule T2 Pro XTR, Kuat Transfer v2, Kuat NV 2.0, and others) or a dual-arm design like 1Ups Heavy Duty that tightens over the front and rear tires. In addition, its important to point out that the rack has a relatively low weight capacity per bike: At 37.5 pounds, its less than its primary competitors (like Recon Racks and NSR), which can be a problem for those hauling downhill rigs or e-bikes. In addition, the two-bike add-ons that are offered on some platform racks are only compatible with a 2-inch receiver. Tack on a considerable $49 difference in cost, and despite the NVs smooth styling and extras like the aforementioned repair stand, the T2 Pro gets the slight edgeRead in-depth reviewSee the Kuat NV 2.0 Rack. Dont expect the same easy loading or wobble-free experience as a platform-style rack, but the FullSwing 4 is a well-built design that should keep most people happy. One design that does a great job of balancing metal construction and strategic use of tough plastic is our top-rated Thule T2 Pro XTR. Its simple to operate, and the rack feels almost weightless even with heavy bikes on the trays. Hitch-mounted bike rack weights vary widely, from the 14-pound Kuat Beta to the burly 63-pound RockyMounts BackStage. For downsides, we were disappointed to find that Yakima didnt utilize enough padding on the straps for both the bars and wheels. Further, you get included bike locks, a receiver lock, and its secure strap system is one of the best in the business. Most have two attachment points: a ratcheting arm that secures the front wheel, and a strap that holds the rear wheel in place. The extra design complexity and materials do add weight and costRockyMounts BackStage is 10 to 20 pounds heavier than a non-swing-away alternativebut are worth it for those that prioritize the feature. In a two-year stretch, our Sherpa 2.0 had a series of issues: the tire ratcheting system failed, the sliding arm mechanism started to stick until it eventually slid out of the lower piece, and the spring in the pivot started to stick as well. The design includes two independent folding arms that contact only the tires, leaving the rest of the bike completely untoucheda task that other racks struggle to accomplish. Type: PlatformWeight: 46 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (4 with add-on)Weight capacity per bike: 50 lbs.What we like: The ratcheting arms only make contact with your bikes tires.What we dont: Hard-to-reach tilt lever and no bike locks included. If youre searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted racks are the way to go. Saris may not be as popular as Yakima and Thule, but theyve carved out a nice segment of the market with their competitive prices and creative designs. As with any product, there are bound to be compromises. The standard baskets are able to carry 24- to 29-inch-wheeled bikes, and the rack can accommodate 20-inch kids bikes and fat bikes with different attachments. While not a perfect deterrenta solid set of bolt cutters will make quick work of themthey do provide a degree of security while parking your car (we like to back them up with a sturdier U-lock as well). The big news here is the included ramps that allow you to push your bikes onto the platforms rather than having to lift them off the ground. And finally, the RockyMounts is a little limited in bike compatibility, with a max weight of 40 pounds and tire width of 3 inches. Once you have this number you can compare it against the max wheelbase spec for the rack you're interested in purchasing. For a bargain-basement $120 (on Amazon at the time of publishing), the Swagman XC2 features a highly adjustable tray system, sturdy and secure ratcheting arms, and a threaded hitch pin that keeps rack movement to a minimum. The easiest way to check clearance is to do an actual test fit, but thats often not an option.

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