Alongside a couple of roof racks on the top of your car, bike racks are a hugely popular add-on to the back of one, and for good reason. Whether you spend your Sundays in a Lycra-clad peloton or simply enjoy pottering around Center Parcs with the kids, a bike rack opens up endless possibilities for two-wheeled fun. There is a huge selection of products available, from hefty platform racks to single-bike sucker mounts.
Each has its pros and cons, so we’ve done the research, explained the differences and picked our winners. Ready for adventure? Read on…
The three main types of bike racks are roof-mounted – meaning you’ll have to remove your roof box. Rear mounted (using straps) and platform racks (using the tow bar). All of these are explained at the bottom of the article.
The best bike racks at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Thule VeloSpace XT 13 – Buy from Amazon
Best for aerodynamics: SeaSucker Komodo Fork – Buy from SeaSucker
Best for multiple bikes: Peruzzo Pure Instinct – Buy from Amazon
Your choice of rack depends on several factors, notably your budget, how many bikes you want to carry and your type of car – including whether a tow bar or roof bars can be fitted. Regarding parking sensors on your vehicle, they can burst into action all too often when a bike rack is mounted right next to them. So, consider carefully how one will affect your particular vehicle.
The best bike racks
Editor's pick
It's adaptable, too, as you can add another bike via the Thule adaptor, which allows you to haul more than one bike at a time - ideal for couples.
Pros
- Folds down neatly
- Easy to put bikes onto
Cons
- Not suitable for cars without towbars
Best for aerodynamics
Aside from looking cool, this rack couldn’t be easier to fit. Simply position the suction cups on your car’s roof or rear glass, then compress the cylinder rods until they clamp into place. It’s lighter and more aerodynamic than traditional roof racks, so it might also save you a tiny amount of fuel. The only inconvenience is having to remove your bicycle’s front wheel – you’ll need to carry that in the boot.
Pros
- Quick and easy to fit
- Light and aerodynamic
Cons
- You need to take one wheel off
Best for multiple bikes
You get a set of reflectors on the back as well, which is handy when you're travelling back home from your family holiday at night.
Pros
- Good quality construction
- Wide tracks to accommodate larger bikes
Cons
- Some car boot lids cannot be opened when installed
Best budget bike rack
Assembling this rack can be fiddly, and you’ll need to ensure that no components are rubbing on your car’s paintwork (there is protective rubber on the main contact areas). On the flip side, you don’t need a towbar – and loading bikes is easy with the rack in place. Be aware that you may need an additional rear number plate or lights if the bikes obscure these.
Pros
- Easy to load bikes
- Fits most cars
Cons
- Fiddly to assemble
Best for roof bars
Even if you have a super-light carbon road bike, lifting it up to car roof height may be difficult. Once you’ve done so, though, mounting the bike is easy, and a built-in cable lock offers extra security. Buy two racks and you could position two cycles side-by-side – although this obviously doubles the cost.
Pros
- Doesn't occupy viewing spots
- Great quality
Cons
- Only carries one bike
FAQs
What is the safest bike rack for a car? These are typically towbar-mounted platform racks. These racks offer greater stability and security as they hold bikes by the wheels and provide less movement while travelling.
What is the best way to carry a bike on a car? The best way depends on the vehicle and personal preference. However, towbar-mounted platform racks are generally considered the best due to their ease of use, stability, and minimal contact with the bike frame. Roof-mounted racks are another option but require lifting the bike onto the roof, which can be challenging for some users.
Is it illegal to drive with a bike rack in the UK? No, it is not illegal to drive with a bike rack in the UK as long as the rack and bike do not obscure the car’s lights or number plate.
Do you need a light board for a bike rack? Yes, if the bike rack obscures your car’s rear lights or number plate, you need a light board that includes lights and a visible registration plate.
Does a bike rack affect insurance? A bike rack itself doesn’t typically affect insurance, but the value of bikes being carried might. Ensure bikes are covered under your car or home insurance policy, and inform your insurer if you regularly carry expensive bikes to ensure they are covered in case of theft or damage.
Different types of bike racks
Roof-Mounted Racks
Eliminating the requirement for a tow bar bike rack. These are relatively affordable and don’t obstruct the car’s windows, lights or rear number plate. However, mounting and removing bikes is difficult without a step ladder, particularly if you drive an SUV, plus you need to be mindful of height restrictions on the road. You may also need to buy roof bars first.
Rear-Mounted Racks
These are usually the cheapest option. Particularly as they don’t require any additional equipment – e.g. roof rails or a tow bar – these racks are very popular. They can be head-scratching to assemble, though. And may be as difficult to see past as an actual car windscreen cover. If not done carefully, they can obscure the car’s rear number plate, the lights and rear window, too.
Platform Racks
The best solution for carrying more than two to four bikes is a platform rack that is stable and easy to load. You’ll need a tow bar with an electric socket for plugging in the light board, and care is needed when reversing. These racks tend to be most expensive, too. To give you even more bike rack flavour, we’ve done a full comparison test on which ones performed the best.
How we choose
All of these bike racks have been hand-selected by our team of experts who have spent hours investigating and researching bike racks to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.
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