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
Tried and tested by Adam Binnie: "I've been using Thule bike carriers for years, specifically some ancient ProRides that look a bit like they were found at the bottom of canal due to years of use and abuse. Usually four at the same time. They are the definition of simplicity to both install and use, and this newer incarnation builds on that with some subtle improvements you might not realise you need.
"They slide into the t-slot on your roof bars and then clamp down using three levers, which are longer now compared to the older model, and are therefore easier to push down into place. One of these can be physically locked down with a key to help prevent someone removing it.
"The weight limit is 20kg, which is more than sufficient for any of my bikes (including my heavy downhill MTB) but might be pushing it if you have a e-bike. That said, I don't know how sensible it would be to lift more than 20kg above very dentable car roof (and head). Really you'd be better off with a towbar rack for that.
"Once on the roof, your bike is held in place with two wheel straps and a clamp for the frame. The former secure diagonally across the rim now rather than straight across, and this makes it much easier to tighten them to the appropriate level, and also stops the front wheel from moving side to side like it used to.
"The frame clamp now has a big squashy section and this means it's easier to get it to grip your bike without having to apply excessive force. Useful if you have thin carbon tubes, but reassuring even if you have a burly mountain bike. The clamp also stops turning once you've tightened it to the right amount of torque too, for the avoidance of doubt.
"The C-shaped bottom section has been elongated so when clamped down, it forms a complete ring around your frame tube, which makes it look a lot less likely to slide out of the jaw than before (not that I ever experienced this). There's a lock in the clamp handle too for extra security, and both locks use the same key.
"In terms of wind noise this bike carrier adds very little - my old ProRides could sometimes whistle if I didn't ratchet up the tyre straps properly - but this doesn't appear to be a problem on this newer version.
"If you want the benchmark rooftop bike carrier, this is it. I love the evolutionary features but would probably only upgrade if your older models are as worn out as mine. They've lasted more than ten years with pretty much weekly use, and virtually zero maintenance, though.
"Price-wise I think they're pretty reasonable given that lifespan. Sometimes Thule products can be a bit steep but these represent great value for money in my opinion.
"Ultimately though the best thing about this product is that it flawlessly holds my bike while it's on the roof and I can trust it to the extent that I don't even think about it being up there. That's a mixed blessing - especially when you like a post bike ride drive through (which usually has a height restriction) as much as me."
Pros
- Doesn't occupy viewing spots
- Great quality
Cons
- Only carries one bike
"It uses a different system to the conventional wheel and frame clamps, as does the Thule UpRide. Two hoops enclose your front wheel in an X shape and lock down tightly around it, with the rear wheel held by a strap.
"If you have exposed hydraulic lines or a bottle cage in the way of the frame clamp on a more traditional cycle carrier, it can be a real pain to get your bike secure. You might have carbon tubes that you'd really rather not tighten anything around, a big fat e-bike downtube that won't fit, or paintwork that you don't want to scratch.
"The UpRide solves all of those problems by securing itself around the front wheel only. To load your bike, you flip the front arm up and set the wheel size, ranging from 24" all the way up to 29". The second arm is then locked into place and ratcheted tight. There is a ratchet strap for the rear wheel too.
"When it's up there the bike is rock solid, and to get it down you just reverse the process. It's slightly fiddlier to set up than the Yakima Highroad (where you just pop the hoops up and tighten them down with a rotating knob) but more flexible in the range of bikes it can carry as a result - I like the fact I can use it for my bike or my son's.
"At the rear of the carrier there's a cable lock that extends out to secure your rear wheel. It's really only a deterrent - I'd never leave my bike on the roof unattended anyway - plus the carrier itself locks to your roof bars.
"Downsides? The UpRide won't work for you if you have a full front mudguard or panniers, and it comes shipped with T-Slot fixings only, so you'll have to purchase an adaptor kit if you have square roof bars. You also need quite a bit of force to lock the two hoops together, and if you've forgotten to adjust the length of the second one, you end up ramming it into your wheel.
"It's also essential to set the wheel size of the front arm before you put the bike up - it's very hard to do while balancing a heavy MTB at the same time. But if you are using the UpRide for the same bike most of the time, this isn't really an issue.
"Overall it's an easy recommendation if you don't like the classic frame clamp system. I've had bikes fall out of those on the move on two occasions (probably down to user error) but the wheel clamp on the UpRide fills me with confidence."
Pros
- Holds your bike very securely
- A better option if you have a carbon frame
- Flexible wheel sizing
Cons
- Not as intuitive to use as a ProRide
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
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.
FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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