If you love cycling as much as I do, buying a nice bike rack can be a great investment. And since you are here, I assume you have already decided to get one. Bike racks have become popular in recent years. And since there are thousands of options to choose from, you can get confused about which one to pick.
So if you are looking for the best bike racks for minivans or other similar vehicles like hatchbacks you have landed on the right page.
As a life-long bike enthusiast, I have come across a fair share of bicycle products, including bike racks. And lucky for you! Below, I have reviewed some of the most versatile bike racks I have ever used on my minivan.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s jump straight into the article.
Best Bike Rack for Minivans
Here are the best bicycle racks for minivans that we recommend:
- Allen Sports 5-Bike Minivan Hitch Racks
- Kuat Racks Sherpa Minivan Bike Rack
- SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Racks for Minivans
- KAC Overdrive Sports K2 Hitch Mounted Minivan bicycle Racks
- Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack
- RockyMounts MonoRail 10003 2-Bike Platform Hitch Rack
Allen Sports 5-Bike rack for minivan
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This hitch mounted bike rack for minivan is an excellent choice for a group of cyclists traveling together as it can carry up to five bicycles conveniently. So, if your household or friends often travel in groups together, the Allen Sports 5-Bike Hitch Racks are your go-to.
The rack includes a 28-inch long arm where you can place up to five bikes at once. It also has enough space between the separate cradles to keep your bikes from ratting when you drive. This feature also prevents any possible scratches.
The rack’s arm has a tilting design. This makes your car’s trunk easily accessible even when the bike rack is in use. And when not in use, you can conveniently fold the rack down and save space.
The entire rack is made of high-quality steel and covered in black powder coating. This ensures better durability.
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Kuat Racks Sherpa minivan bike rack
If you want something strong yet lightweight, the Kuat Racks Sherpa Bike Rack can be your ideal pick. It comes in two different hitch sizes – 1.25” and 2.0”. You can pick the one that fits your car best.
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The Kuat Racks Sherpa bike rack for minivan is made of high-quality aluminum and weighs about 45.6 pounds. Despite its lightweight design, this rack can easily carry up to two bikes (40lbs per bike). This is quite an impressive feature.
Another unique design on this rack is the presence of a foot lever, which allows you to control the rack even when your hands are not free. The rack secures each bike firmly and also provides enough space between the two. Thus, you can drive peacefully without having to worry about any damage to your bike or vehicle.
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SeaSucker Talon Single minivan bicycle rack
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The SeaSucker Talon Bike Rack is an excellent pick for solo travelers. It is quite an unusual way of carrying your bike, but it is the best way to avoid any possible damage. This bike rack from SeaSucker is compatible with almost all types of cars.
It includes three vacuum cups, which cause zero damage to your bike or your car. It is also much lighter than other typical bike racks.
Installing these racks is super easy. You don’t need additional tools. All you have to do is clean the surface of your minivan (mounting surface), and press the pump on to the surface till the band disappears.
This bike rack for minivan also cuts down on storage problems. It weighs only about 6 lbs and can be easily carried in your backpacks or carry-ons. The SeaSucker Talon bike racks are one of the most travel-friendly and user-friendly bike racks out there.
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KAC Overdrive Sports K2 Hitch Mounted Rack
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The KAC Overdrive Sports hitch mounted rack is a titled platform style bike carrier. It can support up to two bikes conveniently (60lbs per bike). Though it has a capacity for only two bikes, the weight capacity on this rack is impressive.
It features an anti-wobble system. Thus, you no longer have to worry about your bikes rattling while driving. The quick-release tilt design on this rack provides easy access to your rear cargo. You can also fold up the rack when not in use.
The rack has powder-coated steel tubing and padded clamps, which not only secures your bikes in place but also protects them from all possible damages. The platform tray measures about 5,” which is enough to fit most road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, and many more.
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Thule Apex XT bike rack for minivan
The Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack from Thule is available in two models – 2-bike and 4-bike models. So, whether you are traveling single or in groups, you can find a fit in the Thule Apex bike rack. It weighs about 33.9 pounds.
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The rack includes anti-sway and anti-wobble features. So, your bikes won’t bounce or rattle against each other when you hit the road. This feature is extremely useful as it avoids any damages on your bikes as well as your car.
It has an inbuilt cable lock to secure your bikes firmly. When not in use, you also have the option to fold it down and make some space. The tilted design on this rack gives you easy access to your car’s rear.
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RockyMounts MonoRail 10003 2-Bike Platform Hitch Rack
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The RockyMounts MonoRail Hitch rack comes in two hitch variants. One is the 1.25” hitch variant, and the other is a 2” hitch model. The 1.25” hitch model can hold up to two bikes, while the 2” variant is ideal for holding three bikes.
The best thing about this bike rack for minivans is that it holds the bikes by their wheels and not frames. This means that your bike frames are completely free from the risk of damages.
This rack can hold a wide range of bikes like road bikes or triathlon bikes, toddler bikes, women bikes, fat-tire bikes, and lots more. It also features cable and hitch pin locks, which ensures to hold your bikes at the right place without any rattling.
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Buyer’s Guide
Here are some things you should consider before buying a bike racks for minivans:
Size of the rack:
The first thing you need to consider while buying a bike rack is to get the appropriate size for your minivan. If the bike rack is too big for your car, it may cause a lot of issues while driving. You can find the dimensions of the bike rack on the manufacturer’s label. So, always make sure to check that the rack size is appropriate for your car size.
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Bike Holding Capacity:
Getting the right bike carrying capacity is essential. If you and your friends want to carry four bikes for your next bicycling trip only to find out that your bike rack has a capacity for only two bikes, that can be a bummer! So, depending on how many bikes you usually load, pick the right bike rack with the desired capacity. Bike racks for minivans can have a capacity of up to five bikes.
Security features:
Most bike racks offer locking cables and straps for added security. If your rack doesn’t have one, that’s not an issue as you can always buy additional bike locks at reasonable prices. But if you can find a bike rack with inbuilt security cables, that’s excellent!
Paddings:
If you opt for a bike rack for minivan that secures your bike by its frame, go for racks that offer a padded design. Paddings on the rack can protect your bikes as well as your car from any possible scratches and other damages.
Choose the right type of bike rack:
There are three main types of bike racks to choose from. All three have their own pros and cons. You can go through each of them and pick that one according to your convenience.
- Hitch-Mounted Rack – This is one of the most popular types of mounted bike racks. A hitch-mounted rack, like the name suggests mounts on a hitch receiver at the back of a car. These racks are usually mounted lower than other rack types. Thus, loading and unloading bicycles are easier on hitch-mounted racks. On the negative side, some hitch-mounted racks may make it difficult for you to access the car trunk or affect the rearview while driving.
- Upright Rack – Upright mounted bike racks carry your bike in an upright position. It is one of the safest methods of carrying your bike. However, it may degrade your car’s fuel performance. Also, loading and unloading bikes become quite problematic.
- Strap-Mounted Rack – If your car doesn’t include a hitch receiver, strap-mounted racks are for you. As compared to other types, these are relatively easier to mount. Thus, putting them on and off is hassle-free and easy. Also, strap-mounted racks are more affordable than the rest. However, this type is not as secure as its counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do I need a bike rack?
Bike racks are essential for bike transportation by road. If you frequently travel or go camping and want to take your bike along with you, you might want to consider getting a good-quality bike rack. Racks are the safest and most convenient way of transporting your bike from one place to another.
Are all bike racks heavy?
Different bike racks have different weights. While some are bulky and heavy, some may be more lightweight than others. The weight of a bike rack also depends on its carrying capacity. For example, a 2-bike capacity rack may weigh around 20 pounds while a 4-bike rack can be heavier around 40 pounds.
Can I access my car’s trunk with bike racks on?
The answer to this question depends on what kind of rack you own. Most bike racks come with foldable features while not in use. Thus, such racks allow you to access your car’s trunk easily. In general, if you have a hitch-mounted rack attached to your car, accessing your vehicle’s trunk becomes quite difficult.
What are some of the best options for minivan bike racks on the market?
Some popular options for minivan bike racks include the Allen Sports 5-Bike Minivan Hitch Racks, Kuat Racks Sherpa Minivan Bike Rack, SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Racks for Minivans, KAC Overdrive Sports K2 Hitch Mounted Minivan Bicycle Racks, Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack, and RockyMounts MonoRail 10003 2-Bike Platform Hitch Rack. These are known for their durability, ease of use, and ability to securely carry multiple bikes.
What are some trunk-mounted bike rack options for minivans?
Some popular trunk-mounted bike rack options for minivans include the Thule Raceway Platform 2 Bike Rack, the Saris Bones 3-Bike Trunk Rack, and the Allen Sports Deluxe 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack. These racks offer the advantage of being relatively easy to install and remove and do not require a trailer hitch.
Are there any roof rack options for minivans that can carry multiple bikes?
Yes, there are roof rack options available that can carry multiple bikes. These include the Yakima FrontLoader Roof Bike Rack, which can carry up to four bikes, and the Thule Aeroblade Edge Flush Mount Rack, which can carry up to three bikes. These racks are designed to mount to the roof of the minivan, and they offer a secure and stable option for carrying multiple bikes.
What features should I look for in a trunk-mounted bike rack for a minivan?
When looking for a trunk-mounted bike rack for a minivan, it's important to consider the maximum weight capacity and the number of bikes it can carry. Additionally, you should look for features such as rubber straps or anti-sway cradles to securely hold the bikes in place while driving. Also, you should check if the rack is easy to install and remove, and make sure that it doesn't obstruct the license plate or the brake lights.
Are there any minivan bike rack options that can accommodate e-bikes or heavier bikes?
Yes, there are bike rack options that can accommodate e-bikes or heavier bikes. For example, the Kuat Racks Sherpa Minivan Bike Rack has a maximum weight capacity of 40lbs per bike, while the Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack can carry up to five bikes with a maximum weight capacity of up to 44lbs per bike.
Are there any bike rack manufacturers known for offering easy-to-install options?
Many bike rack manufacturers, such as Thule, Yakima, Kuat, and Allen Sports, offer a wide range of bike racks that are easy to install. They often include clear instructions; some even offer online installation videos for reference. Additionally, some racks feature a tool-free installation process.
What are some of the best options for a bike rack for minivan without a hitch?
Some popular options for a bike rack for a minivan without a hitch include the trunk mounted bike racks, such as the Thule Raceway Platform 2 Bike Rack, the Saris Bones 3-Bike Trunk Rack, and the Allen Sports Deluxe 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack. These racks are designed to attach to the rear of the minivan using straps or a clamping mechanism, and they do not require a trailer hitch.
Are there any bike racks for vans that can be installed on the roof of the van?
Yes, there are several roof rack options for carrying bikes on a van. Examples of these include the Yakima FrontLoader Roof Bike Rack and the Thule Aeroblade Edge Flush Mount Rack; both can carry up to four and three bikes, respectively. These roof racks are designed to mount to the roof of the van and provide a secure and stable option for carrying multiple bikes.
Can a trunk mounted bike rack be used for carrying heavy bikes?
It is possible to use a trunk mounted bike rack for carrying heavy bikes, but it is important to pay attention to the maximum weight capacity of the rack and the number of bikes it can carry. Some trunk-mounted bike racks such as the Kuat Racks Sherpa Minivan Bike Rack have a weight capacity of 40lbs per bike.
Conclusion
Bike racks make transporting your bikes convenient and hassle-free. If you often travel along with your bike and cannot squeeze it inside your minivan, a bike rack is a must-have. All the bike options reviewed above are some of the best in the market.
Each product offers different features and falls under different budget categories. So, depending upon your budget and needs, you can pick the one that suits you best.
Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White