Bike Rack Guide

Hitch Mount Bike Rack Pros

• Loading/unloading bikes at a lower height than roof-mounted racks
• A trailer hitch may also be used for towing (trailer wiring is also required)
• Vehicles can still access low-clearance areas like garages and parkades
• Keep your roof rack free for cargo boxes, watersports, or ski racks

Hitch Mount Bike Rack Cons

• Access to the rear of the vehicle may be impeded
• Vehicle hitch required
• Bikes and/or racks may obstruct the rear of vehicle visibility
• Increased overall vehicle length

Hanging Rack Pros

• Carry up to 5 bikes with appropriate hitch, provided the hitch and vehicle are rated for it
• Easily removed from trailer hitch and reasonably compact during storage
• Chest-level bike load height on most vehicles
• Some models tilt down or pivot away from the vehicle to allow access to the trunk or hatch
• Some models allow for ski carrier add-ons to be attached

Hanging Rack Cons

• Bikes might make contact with each other
• Some bike frames have unusual geometry and can be challenging to mount. However, top-tube adapters are available to alleviate the issue on most bikes
• Bikes on the back of a vehicle are susceptible to road grime
• On lower vehicles, bikes could possibly make contact with the ground, causing bike damage in extreme circumstances

Platform Rack Pros

• Carry up to 4 bikes with appropriate hitch, provided the hitch and vehicle are rated for it
• Quick to load/unload bikes
• Accommodates virtually any bike, including downhill, kids, and some recumbents depending on wheelbase
• Platform protects bikes by keeping them better separated from each other and gives better protection from the ground compared to hanging racks
• Some models are generally heavier-duty compared to hanging racks

Platform Rack Cons

• Rack tends to be bulkier and heavier than hanging style
• Access to hatchbacks can be challenging; however, bikes can be quickly removed
• Two bikes maximum on light-duty hitches

Roof Mount Bike Rack Pros

• Bikes do not obstruct road visibility
• Bike roof racks can be swapped out seasonally with ski, watersports, or cargo racks
• Depending on the size of the vehicle, it may be possible to carry more bikes on the roof than on the rear of the vehicle
• Access to the trunk/hatchback is not compromised

Roof Mount Bike Rack Cons

• Additional noise & drag caused by the bikes on top of the vehicle
• Requires lifting the bike onto the top of vehicle
• Added height can cause conflict with garages, drive-throughs, tree branches, etc.

Fork Mount Pros

• The bike's profile is lower with the front wheel removed, and the weight is lighter with the wheel off
• Locking forks into the rack is the most secure and stable option
• Fork mount racks tend to be less bulky than uprights and use less space on your crossbar

Fork Mount Cons

• You must put the front wheel in the vehicle or purchase a roof mount wheel holder
• It may not be compatible with some bike fenders
• It may not be compatible with some forks; however, axle adapters are available for many new mountain bikes

Upright Mount Pros

• Compatible with almost any bicycle from 20" tire to 29" tire
• No need to remove the front wheel
• Some models can accommodate unusual frame geometry and full-suspensions

Upright Mount Cons

• The rack is bulkier than the fork mount and uses more crossbar space
• Must lift the entire weight of bike since front tire stays on
• Vehicle & load height is generally taller compared to using a fork mount

Truck Bed Mount Bike Rack Pros

• No additional vehicle height or length
• Keep your racks and trailer hitch available for more gear
• Easy to use, lots of room to stand while you secure your gear

Truck Bed Mount Bike Rack Cons

• Truck bed space is taken up by bikes
• Existing tonneau covers may interfere with bike loading

Tailgate Pad Pros

• High capacity - up to six bikes generally
• Inexpensive
• Near universal fit - only a couple sizes to choose from

Tailgate Pad Cons

• No locking features
• Bikes can move around 
• Not suitable for Carbon bike frames

Forkmount Pros

• Secure mounting
• Carbon bike compatible
• Locakable options available

Forkmount Cons

• Drilling is often required to mount carrier
• Front wheel must be stored separately
• Some models are specific to bike axle size

Trunk Mount Bike Rack Pros

• Inexpensive
• Easy to store when off the vehicle, and can even be stored in the trunk of many vehicles
• May be able to move from one vehicle to another with minimal adjustment
• A great option for rental cars

Trunk Mount Bike Rack Cons

• Many points of contact on the vehicle
• Least secure, though some models include passive security features
• Maximum of 2 or 3 bikes, depending on the vehicle
• It may not work if the vehicle has a spoiler at the top of the hatchback