Bike racks are commonly used in hatchbacks for carrying your bicycles when you travel or go camping somewhere far. But do you know how to choose the best bike racks for the hatchbacks from the many options available? Do you want to learn how to? If yes, this article is perfect for you.
Bikes are an important asset for most people, including me. I have been a bike enthusiast for as long as I remember. And half of the time I'm traveling on the road, I make sure to bring my bike with me. Thus, a bike rack is something I have always had. Initially, it did cost me some time and scratches on my hatchback and bike to find the right rack.
To save you from what I had to go through, here is a detailed review of some of the best bike car racks I have come across. You can read till the end and pick the one that suits your needs best.
Best Bike Racks for the Hatchbacks:
- Allen Sports 102DN-R Deluxe Hatch Bike Rack
- Tyger Auto TG-RK2B202B Deluxe 2 Bike Rack for Hatchbacks
- Saris Bones Car Bike Rack for Hatchback
- Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
- Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike Rack
- Thule Passage Bike Carrier for Hatchback
- RockyMounts BrassKnuckles Bicycle Rack for Hatchback Cars
- Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
Allen Sports 102DN-R - Best Budget Hatchback Bike Rack
This deluxe trunk mount rack is a perfect fit for hatchbacks, sedans, minivans, and SUVs. So, if your household owns different cars, the deluxe 2-bike rack from Allen Sports can be a great pick.
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This model has a capacity for two bikes. However, you can also find other models in the Allen Sports Deluxe rack series with 3 and 4 bike capacities. This bike rack has a straightforward design, which makes installation easy-peasy.
It includes side straps to secure each bike individually. Also, the padded lower frame design makes sure to keep the bikes away from your car. Thus, you don't have to worry about getting your car scratched while driving.
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Tyger Auto TG-RK2B202B Deluxe 2-Bike Bicycle Carrier Rack
The next product is the popular Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Bike Rack from Tyger Auto. Their TG-RK2B202B model can conveniently carry up to two bikes and has a maximum capacity of 66 lb.
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Like any other good bicycle racks, this product also features a padded lower design to protect your car from the bikes. You can secure each back in individual nylon straps. The nylon straps not only keep your bike in place but also protects your bike frame.
The rack has a black e-coating layer on top, which increases durability. Another good thing about this rack is that you can easily fold and carry it around when not in use.
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Saris Bones Car Bike Rack
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Saris Bones bike racks are available in three colors – black, blue sparkle, and red sparkle. This rack is one of the most versatile racks out there for any car with rear spoilers. You can also choose between the 2 or 3-bike capacity models. Moreover, it can take up to 35 lbs of weight per bike. So, a 2-bike rack model can conveniently load up to 70 lbs.
It features injection-molded holders that provide excellent stability. Also, the hold-down straps firmly secure each bike while the dual-level design keeps them away from each other.
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Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
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Allen Sports Premier bike rack comes in three different models to hold – 2, 3, and 4 bikes on a single rack. It can conveniently fit a wide range of vehicles such as hatchbacks, sedans, minivans, and SUVs. However, we recommend checking the manufacturer's label before purchasing for more detailed information on the specific fit.
The 2-bike capacity model from Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack series features a 12-inch carry arms that can easily hold up to two bicycles of 35 pounds each.
It includes individual tie-down straps to secure each bicycle in place, avoiding any unwanted scratches. There are two additional lower straps for added stability. Also, the massive car pads keep the car safe from bicycles.
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Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike Rack
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If you purchase the Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike Rack, you won't have to add any additional locks to secure your bikes. This hitch-mount bike rack provides excellent security with its adjustable locks on both the mounting brackets and hitch pin.
It can carry two bikes (45lbs capacity per bike. And you can mount it on class 2 or higher hitch receivers. For class 3 hitches, this rack also includes a 2-inch adaptor. However, using this may result in a loose fit. This can cause some rattling noises while driving but doesn't cause safety issues.
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Thule Passage Trunk Mount Carrier
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This trunk-mount bike rack from Thule is available in 2-bike or 3-bike carrier options. The safety features remain the same in both the models but vary in prices. This may not be the most stylish looking bike racks, but are undoubtedly among the most durable bike racks out there.
It is foldable. Thus, you can easily fold the rack when not in use. This makes more room and also makes the trunk accessible. The rack features soft paddings on the bottom to protect your hatchback from all possible scratches.
What I love most about this bike rack is its exceptional security feature. It includes six straps to secure your bikes firmly.
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RockyMounts BrassKnuckles
This is a roof mount rack. Thus, it can carry only a single bike. However, it has an impressive weight capacity, higher than the average bike weight.
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If you own a carbon fiber bike, this rack can be your go-to. The brass knuckle bracket on this rack holds down the front wheel. Thus, it makes no contact with the bike frame. This way, you can protect both your bike and car from scratches.
The good thing about the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles is that it is compatible with all types of crossbars, up to 43-inch.
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Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
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This trunk-mounted bike rack from Allen Sports is made of steel and available in two models – 1-bike or 2-bike carrier options. It is a foldable rack. Thus, you can fold it into a compact size and even carry it in your backpack when not in use.
The rack features a total of three cushioned legs to keep the bikes from crashing against your vehicle. Also, the three adjustable straps provide added security and stability.
The Allen Sports Ultra Compact bike rack is compatible with hatchbacks, minivans, SUVs, and sedans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can my bike rack damage my car?
Bike racks can damage your car only if you buy the wrong one. Bike racks come in all kinds of sizes and shapes. If you buy a bike rack not explicitly designed for minivans for your hatchback, damages are bound to happen. Thus, always make sure to go for the racks which are suitable for your car type.
To further avoid damages on your car or bicycles, you can use straps and padded cradles to secure the bikes away from the car.
What are the types of bike racks?
Bike racks are of three main types depending on their mounting method – Trunk-Mounted, Roof-Mounted, and Hitch-Mounted. Of the three, hitch-mounted racks are the most popular and also slightly more expensive.
All three types of bike racks work quite well. They have their own advantages and disadvantages. Thus, choosing a type depends on your preferences.
How long does a bike rack last?
How long a bike rack lasts depends largely on how you use or take care of it. It also depends on the process of manufacturing. Thus, you can look up in the manufacturer's label for the factory warranty to get an idea of how long your bike rack would last.
Most good-quality bike racks come with a warranty of five years, but they usually last longer, provided that you take good care of it.
High-quality racks can be more expensive. But these are the types of racks that will last for a very long time. So, if you are willing to spend a little extra, racks can be a great investment.
How to take care of my bike rack?
Keep your bike racks clean at all times. Always make sure to wash off excess dirt after every use. If you leave your bike rack dirty, it can rust and weaken. Make frequent checks and ensure all the parts of your bike rack are working properly.
Parts such as security locks, straps, arm mechanisms are vulnerable and can break if not taken care of. You can also make use of lubricants and grease to keep the parts clean and smooth.
How to keep my bikes safe on bike racks?
Most bike racks come with safety features such as security straps, locks, or pins. Thus, you can conveniently secure your bike using such features and not worry about being stolen. In case your bike racks do not include such security features, you can always buy additional locks separately.
Always make sure to lock in your bikes on your rack, especially if you leave them unsupervised. A simple bike lock or a good bike transportation rack cover with a lock can help keep your bikes safe.
Conclusion
Bike racks are the safest way to carry your bikes while hitting the road. Thus, if you and your family frequently travel with your bicycles, a bike rack is a must-have.
Picking the right bike rack can be quite challenging at first since there are unlimited options. However, once you are clear about what you need, you can easily find the right bike rack. Also, the type of vehicle you own narrows down your choices.
I hope this article on the best bike racks for hatchbacks has helped you choose the right bike rack for your car.