Tired of your bike rolling around in the back of your truck? This article will be the perfect solution to help you as it's all about the Best Truck Bed Bike Racks for your next outing with your bike. We've reviewed some of the best bike racks you can use to transport your bikes to prevent damaging your bikes or truckbed.
You will agree that many people just throw their bikes at the back of their trucks while transporting.
But the fact is that throwing your bike rather carelessly in the bed of your truck damages your bike in many ways. Moreover, an unsecured bike tossing about in the truck does some serious damage! Furthermore, an unsecured bike can become a source of potential injury in case of an unfortunate accident.
Our team had a terrible experience with this once where the bike somehow mysteriously fell out on the freeway. Luckily, we were the only ones around in that stretch, so no one was injured. But the bike was a total wreck and cost us $2000 to replace it.
As grisly as it sounds, all of these problems can be prevented by securing your bike with one of these bike mounts for a pickup truck bed. Without further ado, here are the options we recommend.
Best Truck Bed Bike Rack:
- Top Line UG2500-2 Uni-Grip Truck Bed Bike Rack
- Advantage SportsRack Elite Truck 4 Bike Rack
- Swagman PICKUP Fork Mount Bike Rack
- INNO RT201 Truck Bed Bike Rack
- Thule Insta-Gater Bed Bike Rack
Top Line UG2500-2 Uni-Grip Truck Bed Bike Rack – Editor's Choice
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The Uni-Grip bike rack is among the most lightweight ones on the market without compromising its practicality. But apart from its weight, this bike rack comes with a lot of nice features that you will love.
Among its best features is the ease with which you can install this rack. This bike rack can be mounted on trucks either with or without bed liners, making it very versatile. However, despite its versatility and universal fit, this bike rack will not work with a truck that has a track system. Nevertheless, you can hook up two bikes on the Uni-Grip pickup bed bike rack.
Another fantastic feature of this bike rack is the security system. This pickup bicycle rack comes with a cable as well as a lock to secure your bike from potential thefts. Moreover, the nylon strap included with the set up secures your bike's front wheel while transporting it. Our favorite thing about this one is that setting it up is effortless, as it doesn't require drilling to install it.
Advantage SportsRack Elite Truck 4 Bike Rack – Best For Multiple Bikes
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If you need to transport multiple bikes safely, look no further than this truck bed bike mount. It comes with provisions to accommodate up to 4 bicycles without removing the wheels.
The Advantage SportsRack Elite pipeline bike rack needs no drilling in your truck bed for installation. Setting it up is quick and can be used on the go. Also, this rack works with or without bed liners, so you can pretty much fit it in any truck without a track system. Furthermore, you can transform this truck bed bike rack into a standalone rack if you want.
You will also appreciate the ratchet straps in this bike rack that allows seamless securing of the bikes. Moreover, it does not require you to use the trailer hitch, which is a feature that adds to its ease of use. If you're looking for a multi-pickup bike rack for loading 4 bikes, then this is the one to get.
Swagman PICKUP Bike Rack – Best Value For Money
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If you want a truck bike rack that offers great bang for your buck, this one from Swagman is a great choice. The brand is known for its excellent tools and accessories, and this bike rack is no different.
This rack features superior steel construction for strength and durability to last you years. Moreover, they even offer a lifetime warranty on this rack frame, so you won't have any reason to worry.
In terms of assembly, this pickup bicycle rack will hook up within minutes. And the included Swagman tool and the Allen key that comes with the bar further facilitates its easy installation.
Furthermore, this bike rack works with trucks with or without bed liners, and you won't need to remove the bike wheels. You will love the rubber pads on the rack that prevents scratching of the truck's paint. Despite its lightweight component, this bike rack can transport up to two bikes, which gives you good value for money.
INNO RT201 Truck Bed Bike Rack – Budget Pick
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This truck bicycle rack is our budget choice, but it also deserves a thumbs up for its innovative design. At a glance, it does not even look like a bike rack, but during our tests, it was a thrill to use this one. In addition to your bike, this rack can also transport other cargo if you wish to, making it very versatile.
Unlike the traditional bike racks, the Inno RT201 holds your bike on the sides, so you need to install it on the truck's side. This feature is fantastic if you are low on cargo space. The D-rings and the ratcheting holders offer multiple placements that let you hook it to any side of the truck. This bike rack set is designed to transport two bikes, i.e., One bike per mounting kit.
If you're wondering how to mount this bike rack on the truck, it is quite easy. You need to mount the hardware over the side rails of your truck, and you are ready to secure your bike to it. Another great feature of this bike rack is that you don't need to remove it when it is not in use. You can just leave it on your truck, which makes it very hassle-free.
Thule Insta-Gater Bed Bike Rack – Premium Choice
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The Insta-Gater Pro bike rack carries a premium price for a single bike setup, but its features and fantastic quality perfectly balance it. Its upright design makes it ideal for transporting e-bikes, mountain bikes, and those with fat tires.
The Thule Insta-Gater ratcheting arm allows seamless installation in your truck so you can hook up your bike on the go. You will also appreciate the tool-free installation of this bike rack that will enable it to work with almost every truck.
Another fantastic feature of this bike rack is that it secures your bike without any contact with the bike's frame, thereby preventing the risk of damage to your bicycle paintwork. Moreover, it has a One-Key System that ensures optimum security to the rack and the bike.
This pickup bicycle rack is made to transport one bike, which is a bit of a bummer considering its price. However, its compatibility with high-end bikes and its stellar security system, and ease of use, make it worth the investment.
FAQs
If you need any backup and insider information on the best truck bed bike racks, the FAQ section has the answers you need. If there's something you are unsure of, feel free to drop a question in the comments.
Why do I need a bike rack when I can just throw my bike in the back?
This is a question many people struggle with, which is a big surprise. But the reasons why you need good truck bed bike racks are very compelling:
- The bike rack secures and protects your bike from damage. Driving to faraway hiking and biking trails, you naturally encounter more bumps and uneven terrains. This can cause considerable damage to your bike with all the tossing. Additionally, when your bike is secured, it reduces the chance of damaging the truck paint and potentially other parts.
- It adds ease of travel and convenience. Bike racks eliminate the need to disassemble your bike every time you need to travel with it.
How hard is it to install a truck bed bike rack?
Generally, bike racks for truck beds are very easy to install, making it easy for beginners. The best truck bed bike racks also come with installation tools and instructions, which make it easier.
Which is the best bike rack for a truck bed?
It depends on the space in your truck and the number of bikes you need to transport. However, there are several styles of bike racks on the market, so you just need to set a budget and get the rack that meets your requirements.
Top related article:
6 Best Bike Racks for Vans: Secure Your Bicycle on the Road
Conclusion
Truck bed bike racks are a very popular way to transport bikes. They are easy to set up, do not require a lot of maintenance, and, most importantly, secure and protect your bike. Bike racks for truck beds are also relatively wallet-friendly, so you don't need to invest a lot.
We have kept our list of the best truck bed bike racks as inclusive as possible. You will find a mix of affordable to premium price options, racks that hold multiple bikes, and one with a space-friendly design. So take your pick of the best truck bed bike racks whenever you are ready. And if you've got any questions, don't hesitate to ask in the comments section.
Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White