For reference, purchasing both Kuat adapters isn’t costly at around $20, but they are separate pieces that you’ll need to store when not in use. Another method is to contact the manufacturer directly, and we’ve had good luck in getting reliable recommendations as to whether or not the rack we’re looking at will fit our vehicle. Sitting atop Kuat’s hitch rack collection is their top-end NV 2.0. 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. Needless to say, it’s worth the time to verify you have proper clearance. Top Tube Adapters Hitch racks is a competitive space, but what really sets the T2 Pro XT apart from the field is the sheer number of features it offers. Perhaps best of all, the low 32-pound weight is easy to remove and install, and the small footprint takes up minimal space when off your vehicle. I love being able to have all six bikes loaded and the kids in the car in the same time it takes the guy across the lot to get a single bike off his rack, front wheel attached, etc. And while hanging racks often resemble one another in how they work—unload the bikes, fold the arms down, and then pull a lever to lower the rack—platform models can vary widely. LEARN MORESHOP NOW. It’s space-efficient and it keeps your walls clean. (As racks are bolt-together, locking hitch pins are not highly recommended. 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). Like 1Up’s Heavy Duty above, the Kuat goes head-to-head with our top-rated Thule T2 Pro XT. It’s worth noting that these add-ons are usually only compatible with the 2-inch receiver version of the racks due to the low maximum tongue weight of 1.25-inch receivers. This and 6 bike-ability is why I chose the rack. The leverage, and physics tells us, that the approach is doomed to fail. Considering the $120 drop in price from the T2 Pro XT, it’s no surprise the T2 Classic is somewhat lacking in refinement and features. As an example, here’s a link to a technical drawing for Kuat's NV 2.0 hitch rack. I'll explain both below. We understand that sacrifices are necessary to trim weight, but it feels like Yakima took it a little too far in this case... Read in-depth reviewSee the Yakima Dr.Tray. I am a physician on the front lines of COVID-19 so your rack offers a welcome respite for my family and me when we want go get away from it all :)". Choosing a Hitch Rack for Carbon Fiber Bikes, Back to Our Hitch Bike Rack Comparison Table. 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). I also plan to install air spring inserts to help keep the rear up. 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 don’t: Long-term durability concerns. Type: PlatformWeight: 45 lbs.Number of bikes: 2Weight capacity per bike: 65 lbs.What we like: Integrated ramps for loading and unloading e-bikes.What we don’t: Very expensive. ", “Mountain bikers appreciate a good rack, and the shortcomings of most racks keep us on a perpetual search for the ideal way to transport our bikes. 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 don’t: Not the most user-friendly design and the ratcheting arms scuff bike frames. My neighbors Suburban with 5 bikes on a Kuat tray rack is no joke 27 feet long! Others, like the RockyMounts WestSlope 3, are almost unreachable when bikes are loaded, because the handle is tucked away too close to the receiver hitch. I can't get one in my 1-Up without buying the adaptor. Wheel size and tire width aren’t 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. As part of their 2019 HD Truck Rack collection, Yakima has their first vertical bike rack setup, plus a solid rooftop tent, and a tidy cargo basket, among other hauling solutions. Both have a four-bike capacity, anti-sway strap systems, and a tilt mechanism to get the rack out of the way when loading or unloading your car (both require you to remove the bikes to tilt, however). 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. With its complete feature set and premium build, Thule’s T2 Pro XT is our favorite all-around hitch-mounted rack for 2021. I recommend this rack … And finally, we’ve seen some major issues with rust appearing in as little as one year of use. 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. But if these complaints aren’t deal-breakers, the WestSlope is a desirable option for families and group rides.See the RockyMounts WestSlope 3. A hitch bike rack from Thule is easy to install and use, and carries 1 to 5 bikes safely and securely. 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). Although the Camber 4 may undercut the RidgeBack 4 by around $50, as it currently stands, we’d rather pay a little more for the Yakima with its long track record.See the Thule Camber 4. For a less traditional hitch rack option, you can choose our vertical hanging bike rack. JAPUSOON Bike Stand Vertical Bike Rack,Upright Bicycle Floor Stand,Free Standing Adjustable Bike Garage Rack for Indoor Mountain/ Road Bike Storage,Saving Space-No Damage Wall,Fits Most 20''-27'' Bike. ... My Thule tow bar bike rack was not the easiest to fit but the guys had all the extra bits necessary for the job. If you plan on removing your hitch rack with any regularity, you’ll want to pay attention to weight, and many leading options tip the scales at 50 pounds or more. Features: Hitch-mounted rack lets you carry 4 mountain bikes vertically on the back of your vehicle Great for families, group rides, and tour operators Only compatible with bicycles equipped ... Hitch; Hanging Rack; Fat Bikes; Mountain Bikes; Tilt-Away Rack; RV Hitch Rack; Yes - I am a beast; 4 Bikes; Yakima; Yes - I need access; Fits 2 Inch Hitch; 4 Bikes; Flat-Towed Vehicle Friendly and very efficient service. Thule’s T2 Classic is the predecessor to our top pick, the T2 Pro XT, and as such, is a quality rack with most of the features you’d expect from an earlier iteration. Type: 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 don’t: Outdated and less versatile compared with the Recon Racks above. But despite a growing number of competitors in this category—including Yakima’s new HangOver—the Gen2’s combination of build quality, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of bike styles makes it our favorite high-capacity rack.See the Recon Racks Gen2 R6. Couldn't be happier. Hitch Bike Racks. Width (loaded) 3 bike rack: 1150mm 4 bike rack: 1400mm 5 bike rack: 1700mm 6 bike rack: 2000mm. 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. Mountain bikes have come a long way in recent years, with trends like 29-inch wheels—and more recently, 27.5-inch wheels—blazing the trail for bikes that are better and more... Sweden-based Thule is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of car racks and bike accessories, and the T2 Pro XT is their top hitch-mounted offering. Second, the cradles make direct contact with your bike’s fork crown–this leads to major scuffing and loss of paint over time. Further, the rack rusted out quickly (this was in the rainy Pacific Northwest, however). The bike rack is working beautifully. Focusing on the latter, the Saris features the aforementioned ratcheting arms, easy-to-access tilt lever, and compatibility with a wide range of wheel bases (up to 53 in.) Kuat is a leader in the platform rack market, and their signature product is the NV 2.0. If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and you’re tempted to skimp on the helmet, don’t. The design includes two independent folding arms that contact only the tires, leaving the rest of the bike completely untouched—a task that other racks struggle to accomplish. Constructed of heavy-duty steel, our first-ever vertical bike rack safely hauls up to six mountain bikes to the trailhead. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. While not necessarily inexpensive, a quality hanging rack like the Yakima RidgeBack 2 comes in at about half the price of a platform model with the same capacity. The … The CURT tray-style bike rack is made to The CURT tray-style bike rack is made to be easier to use and keep your bikes more secure, holding them at three points of contact. Read more about us. Further, you get included bike locks, a receiver lock, and its secure strap system is one of the best in the business. Priced at a reasonable $349 for the four-bike version, the RidgeBack offers double the capacity of the Thule T2 Pro above at just over half the cost. Width (unloaded) 3 bike rack: 800mm 4 bike rack: 1090mm 5 bike rack: 1375mm 6 bike rack: 1670mm. Hitch Bike Rack's Specifics Previous. Ranging from three to six bikes (with many optional extras), like its name implies it’s intended to hold … When the RockyMounts BackStage was released, the rack created quite a stir in the industry. Further, we think Yakima has the best cradle system, which includes ratchet-style straps to securely hold the bike’s top tube to the rack. 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. It's great for long cross country trips, or local shuttle sessions and I never have to worry about my bikes getting scratched, bumping each other, or bouncing around in transit. Compared to the Thule T2, the materials and build quality are inferior and you miss out on some useful features. Make sure to pick the proper hitch receiver size, and make sure your hitch can support the weight of all the bikes you want to carry. It won’t impact most folks, but larger mountain bikers on big, modern downhill-oriented models will want to verify this piece of information. Offered in two- and four-bike versions, the Camber collection delivers good value and all-around performance. All told, we think it’s worth the extra investment to get the more versatile and durable Recon Racks above.See the North Shore Racks NSR 4-Bike. At $569, it’s a big investment for a rack with so many compromises, but the FullSwing 4 does undercut the RockyMounts BackStage by a considerable $81 and can carry two additional bikes.See the Yakima FullSwing 4. Anti-rattle ..... . It does have padded arms, but those only help so much, and frame scuffs are inevitable. Type: HangingWeight: 34 lbs.Number of bikes: 4 (available in a 2-bike version)Weight capacity per bike: 37.5 lbs.What we like: Great combination of features, bike capacity, and affordable pricing.What we don’t: Unproven long-term durability. There are the horizontal type and the vertical type. Needs to be either a 5 or 6 bike carrier. The smallest Rakattach swing adapter is about 26" long, I need about 18" long, so Rakattach won't work. Whether it’s Mountain, Road, or Kids bikes the LOLO Rack was built to carry it all. And after about 500 miles of use, which did include many miles of dusty gravel roads, the padded frame cradles managed to rub the paint completely off one of our bikes. Further, while they’re fairly easy to use, putting them on and taking them off every time you go biking will inevitably become annoying. Among platform-style racks, it’s 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 XT, Kuat Transfer, Kuat NV 2.0, and others) or a dual-arm design like 1Up’s Heavy Duty that tightens over the front and rear tires. As with any product, there are bound to be compromises. In terms of design, think of the Sherpa 2.0 as a pared-down version of Kuat’s other racks, while still retaining a good number of the design features that make this brand so popular. 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. Our 6-bike rack is a hitch mounted vertical bike rack carries 6 or 4 bike The best 6-bike and 4-bike racks to carry the whole family and crew! It’s very, very quick and easy to use and it stood up to one of the most bumpiest logging roads I’ve ever been on. Lastly, Recon Racks is a small company based out of Ferndale, Washington, and ordering backlogs sometimes can be an issue (we’ve seen wait times up to three weeks). But if you’ll only be carrying standard mountain or road bikes, a 1.25-inch receiver will work great. It’s worth noting that 1Up has recently expanded their line with the Equip-D rack, which addresses many of our complaints with the Heavy Duty, including an easier access tilt bar and compatibility with fat tires. We’ve made it clear throughout this piece that a hitch-mounted rack is our favorite design, and platform models in particular. This gives you uninterrupted access to the rear cargo area—all without having to unload your bikes. and tires sizes (up to 5 in.). 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 bike’s tires or wheels. This is shipped with two or more cartons … Finding the hitch bike rack that’s perfect for you and your car couldn’t be simpler. In particular, the thin arms that secure the front wheels feel flimsy and cheap and don’t lock the bikes as solidly into place as others. Type: PlatformWeight: 35 lbs.Number of bikes: 2 (available in a 4-bike version)Weight capacity per bike: 60 lbs.What we like: Compact and lightweight design.What we don’t: Concerns with bike-to-bike clearance and has a tendency to wobble. But the extensions are convenient to use, easy to install or remove, and come with the security of the platform design. If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted racks are the way to go. For example, while the Transfer 2 has a steel frame, the design is decidedly minimalist and relies on a fair amount on cheaper plastic, which makes it less solid and more prone to movement on bumpy roads. A final scenario is where a specific rack simply can’t fit a certain wheel or tire size. 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. 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. Hanging Racks 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 bike’s tires.What we don’t: Hard-to-reach tilt lever and no bike locks included. It has been fully tested by adventurers like … Kuat requires you to purchase adapters to haul fat bikes and 20- to 24-inch wheels (something the Thule can do out of the box), and the tilt mechanism on the T2 Pro is a bit easier to access. Holds up to 4 or 6 Bikes; Securely supports bikes by the fork crown; Fits suspension-fork bikes only ... / per . Thule has one of the largest bike rack lineups, and their Camber 4 slots in as their mid-range hanging option. Hitch Mounted Bike Racks are the easiest way to get multiple bicycles on your vehicle. Others, like the Kuat NV 2.0, require two separate adapters to fit bikes with wheels between 20 to 24 inches and tires larger than 2.75 inches. Type: HangingWeight: 14 lbs.Number of bikes: 2Weight capacity per bike: 40 lbs.What we like: Smart mix of weight, strength, and features.What we don’t: Only offered in a two-bike capacity. Don’t 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. Tack on a $129 difference in price, and despite the NV’s smooth styling and extras like the aforementioned repair stand, the T2 Pro gets the slight edge... Read in-depth reviewSee the Kuat NV 2.0 Rack. Its expanding wedge attachment system makes for a wobble-free connection, you get ample clearance from your vehicle and between bikes, and the included integrated locks provide an added measure of security. One of my buds has been able to carry his cross bike on his NSR by hanging it from the handlebars. But rapidly changing technology and the sheer number of available models makes choosing the best ride... Not long ago, mountain bikers didn’t have a choice when it came to wheel sizes—26 inches was the only option. Sliding anti-wobble threaded insert and 5/8" hitch bolt included. Where the Yakima has the edge is in its proven durability. It’s true, mountain bike helmet prices are creeping up... A quality mountain bike shoe plays a number of important roles. In addition, the Transfer 2 has a lower max capacity per bike (40 lbs. This design shares a number of basic features with the Thule T2 above, including an attachment system that avoids any frame contact (a plus for carbon fiber bikes or if you value your paint job) and a tilting function that allows for access to the back of your vehicle. At the very top of Yakima's expansive hitch rack line-up is the Dr.Tray. 3 height positions for easy reach and ground clearance tuning. Considering even a budget-friendly design is often $200 or more, this is a sensible addition. There aren’t major differences between styles in terms of functionality, although we’ve found the integrated type is a little easier to use. Our favorite bike locks are those that are integrated into the rack, which makes it very convenient to quickly deploy them when needed. We suggest simply locking the rack directly to the vehicles hitch via steel cable) 1Up’s Heavy Duty Double and Recon Racks Gen2 R6 are among the most expensive racks in our round-up, and both feature high-quality, all-metal constructions that have excellent lifespans. My rig with LOLO 6 is no longer than a two bike tray on a typical SUV. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it’s yet another reason we prefer the platform rack style. Why do we have the Thule EasyFold XT 2 ranked here? Wheel hoops adjust for different wheelbases. This straightforward and effective system makes it easy to rapidly load and unload your bike, and it minimizes any wobble or side-to-side movement while driving. The final potential bike compatibility pitfall is related to the shape and style of your bike’s frame. Our favorite platform-style models are in the 45 to 52-pound range, which can make installing and removing them a challenge. If, however, you’re looking for the ultimate in rear cargo access, the BackStage should be at the top of your list.See the RockyMounts BackStage. Find your perfect bike rack hitch here! Platform racks dominate this round-up, and in our opinion, are the best way to transport your bikes. Hanging racks are much lighter and more compact, which is a plus for those that plan to remove the rack with some regularity. There are a wide range of options to choose from, but hitch racks fall into two basic categories: platform models are the most expensive but offer excellent stability and convenience, while hanging racks maximize carrying capacity in a compact package. 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