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Many cyclists choose to drive Jeep Wranglers because they are ideal vehicles for outdoor enthusiasts.
Their rugged design makes sure they are perfectly suited for commuting to the remote trailheads that cyclists enjoy.
If you are one of the many cyclists that drive a Jeep Wrangler, you are most likely in the market for the perfect bike rack.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Bike Racks For Jeep Wrangler
- OUR TOP PICK: Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike
- RUNNER-UP: MaxxHaul 70210 4-Bike Deluxe
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack
Table of Contents
- Comparison of the Best Bike Racks for Jeep Wranglers
- What Makes a Bike Rack Great for the Jeep Wrangler?
- Review of the Best Bike Racks for Jeep Wranglers
- Can You Really Find a Quality Bike Rack That’s Affordable?
- Characteristics of Our Favorite Bike Racks for Jeep Wranglers
- Aspects to Consider Before Buying
- Types of Bike Racks for Jeep Wrangler
- How to Install a Bike Rack on a Jeep Wrangler
- Conclusion
- People Also Ask
Comparison of the Best Bike Racks for Jeep Wranglers
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What Makes a Bike Rack Great for the Jeep Wrangler?
While there are countless bike racks out there, you must choose the right one for your Jeep Wrangler. Before you decide on a particular bike rack, make sure you consider the following factors:
Durability
Jeep Wranglers are extremely durable vehicles that can withstand all sorts of adventures. If you want your new bike rack to last, it must use durable materials. The last thing you want is for your bike rack to break when exposed to the rugged driving conditions Jeep Wranglers were designed for.
Compatibility
Many bike racks are compatible with a wide variety of vehicles; however, Jeep Wranglers have a unique exterior, so you must choose a bike rack designed to work with your Jeep’s dimensions. Not only will this make sure the installation process is faster and easier, but it will also make sure that your bike rack is stable.
Appearance
Jeep owners value the rugged appearance of their vehicle. If you do not want your Jeep to lose its unique look, you should choose a bike rack that compliments your vehicle’s appearance. While it may sound superficial, you will appreciate choosing a bike rack that matches your Jeep once installed.
Review of the Best Bike Racks for Jeep Wranglers
To help you choose the best bike rack for your needs, we have reviewed seven of the best Jeep Wrangler bike racks available out there.
Best Overall:
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were impressed by how quickly they could install this bike rack. They found that the unique, over-the-tire design was much easier to install than rear tire racks that bolt on to the hubcap. While some found that the bike rack became less stable when used to transport heavy mountain bikes, it worked well with road bikes or a single mountain bike.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The first thing that stood out to us about this bike rack is its unique open-frame design, which grasps the spare tire rather than bolts to it. This setup gives the bike rack a secure hold, which will work even if you have a cover over your spare tire.
We found that this bike rack was incredibly easy to set up, but it still offered a similar level of stability to some of the bike racks that take much longer to install. We also liked that it worked with all kinds of bikes, including small women’s and children’s bike frames.
Bottom Line
This product is an excellent two bike rack for the Jeep Wrangler. As long as you keep a spare tire on the back of your Jeep, you can attach this convenient rack to your vehicle in minutes and be able to transport your bikes with confidence.
Runner-up:
MaxxHaul 70210 4-Bike Deluxe
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers liked the solid feel and incredible strength of this bike rack, which gave them confidence that it could hold their bikes during all driving conditions. Given that this is a heavyweight, four bike rack, buyers were also impressed with its relatively low price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Something we liked about this hitch bike rack is that it uses solid steel. Plus, it is available at a reasonable price. It is more than strong enough to hold four bikes at a time, and the convenient folding design makes sure that you will still be able to access your trunk with the bike rack attached.
While we would have liked it if this rack came with a built-in locking mechanism, it does just what it was designed to do.
Bottom Line
The bike rack finds the perfect balance between performance and affordability, which is why we chose it as our runner up. If you need a four bike hitch rack that will not blow your budget, this is a great option.
Best for the Money:
Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have been impressed with this bike rack’s tilt away feature, which makes accessing the trunk possible even when you load the bike rack with bikes. They were also satisfied with this bike rack's stability but found that it can be a little bit too cramped when you attempt to load four large bikes at once.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The main reasons that this bike rack stands out to us is its overall simplicity and the quality of its construction. We like the uncomplicated design, which performs well and makes it an excellent choice for a hitch-mounted bike rack. Of course, we also were impressed with the relatively low cost of this rack, which is why we chose it as our top budget-friendly pick.
Hitch mounted bike racks tend to be the most expensive type of bike rack out there, so it is noteworthy that this rack will not break the bank but still functions just how you would expect a solid hitch rack to perform.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is an excellent hitch mounted bike rack that works well with the Jeep Wrangler. Despite its low cost, it performs well and uses durable materials that will last.
Best Thule Bike Rack For Jeep Wrangler:
Thule 963PRO Spare Me
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
For the most part, recent buyers were impressed with the overall build quality of this bike rack. Thule has a well-established reputation for building high-quality auto accessories, so it is no surprise that many recent buyers were impressed with how well this bike rack could handle everything they threw at it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Like many recent buyers, we were impressed with the build quality of this bike rack. Thule spent a significant amount of time road testing this bike rack.
We also really liked how much ground clearance you get with this rack. It sits higher than most rear tire mounted bike racks, which means the Jeep’s rear hatch is still accessible, even when you load the rack with bikes. This product is ideal for those that still plan on hauling loads while they carry their bikes.
Bottom Line
While this rack is a little on the expensive side, you almost always get what you pay for when you buy from Thule. If you have invested a significant amount of money into your bike and want to make sure it remains stable and protected, it could be worth choosing this reliable bike rack from Thule.
Best Yakima Bike Rack For Jeep Wrangler:
YAKIMA SpareRide Bicycle Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers liked how quickly they could mount and remove this bike rack. The easy installation process meant they could justify removing it between uses, which is ideal for those that only plan to use their bike rack on weekends. While most found that it offered a lot of stability, some were disappointed with the anti-theft cable's design, which they found difficult to use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason why this bike rack stood out to us is its relatively low price. Given that it performs in a comparable way to the Thule 963PRO, it is impressive that it costs much less. We found that the ZipStrips on the cradle arms offered reasonable stability even in bumpy driving conditions.
Overall, we found this bike rack functions well, and it is made to a high standard. We also like the look of this bike rack. It looks great when it is attached to the spare tire of a Jeep Wrangler. It has a discreet and durable appearance, which compliments the overall look of any Jeep.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a reliable way to transport one or two bikes with your Jeep, you should consider this affordable yet durable bike rack from Yakima.
Best Jeep Wrangler Hitch Bike Rack:
Kuat Transfer 2 Bike Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers found that this bike rack had a solid feel and a little wobble once installed on their Jeeps. They also noted that the bike rack’s eye-catching appearance is helped by Kuat’s use of glossy black and matte gunmetal finishes. While some were disappointed it did not come with a hitch lock, you can purchase these separately.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The thing that we liked the most about this bike rack is Kuat’s unique foot pedal release feature, which allows the entire bike rack to lean forward. This feature is helpful for those that want an easier way to load and unload their bike rack. It also helps if you are looking for a bike rack that makes it easier to access items in the trunk of your Jeep.
We also liked that this bike rack has a relatively small profile, which helps during reverse parking.
Bottom Line
This unique and innovative bike rack from Kuat can securely and conveniently hold two bikes behind your Jeep. If you are looking for a well-built bike rack that you can rely on, the Kuat Transfer is well worth considering.
Best Jeep Wrangler Spare Tire Bike Rack:
Hollywood Racks SR1
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were generally impressed with the build quality of this bike rack. They found that it offered great value for its relatively low price. While some had issues with the bolts rusting, they remained durable, and it was more of an aesthetic issue.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason why this was our top pick for the best spare tire bike rack is mostly down to its low cost and quick installation. The fact it comes pre-assembled helps make sure you can use this bike rack right away.
We also liked how it worked with just about every spare tire you could find on a Jeep Wrangler. This rack is so versatile that the support arms can even be centered, which allows the bike rack to install on side-mounted spare tires.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a spare tire mounted bike rack that is incredibly easy to install and remove, this two-bike rack from Hollywood Racks could be a perfect choice. It is one of the easiest bike racks to use, and its simple design looks great on Jeep Wranglers.
Can You Really Find a Quality Bike Rack That’s Affordable?
Far too many people dismiss affordable products before they have looked at them. There is a common tendency to assume that low-cost products are poorly made with low-quality materials.
The reality is the price is not always a direct indicator of quality. Before you write off an affordable bike rack, examine the build materials, the manufacturer’s warranty, user reviews, and the brand’s reputation. Taking a comprehensive look at a product’s features often reveals much more about its overall quality than merely looking at the price tag. The truth is there are many affordable bike racks out there.
Characteristics of Our Favorite Bike Racks for Jeep Wranglers
Many factors separate poorly made bike racks from those that are perfect for Jeep Wranglers. We considered the following characteristics when we were choosing our favorites:
Build Quality
Build quality varies in a significant way from one bike rack to the next. We always feel that you should only invest in things built to last, which is why we always take a serious look at the build quality. Those that are made from durable materials and feature a high standard of craftsmanship always catch our eye.
Bike Capacity
Bike racks come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so we make an effort to choose those that can carry the number of bikes they advertise, without damaging them or the vehicle. Accurate capacity limits are important and help us separate the best bike racks from the rest.
Extra Features
While stability, compatibility, and bike capacity are the most important features of a bike rack, we also appreciate those bike racks that feature useful extra features. Those with locking mechanisms, non-scratch padding, and tilt-away arms always stand out to us.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Before you choose a new bike rack for your Jeep Wrangler, you should keep an eye out for the following features:
Built-in Locking Mechanisms
The best bike rack designs protect your bikes, not just carry them. Built-in bike locks and hitch locks will help ensure that your bikes remain on your bike rack until you are ready to use them.
Protective Padding
Look out for bike racks that use durable padding to create a cushioned barrier between the bike rack and your bikes. This padding will keep your bikes free from scratching, and it can also protect the bike rack from scratching your vehicle.
Anti-Sway Stability Features
The best bike rack designs remain stable during all driving conditions. A stable bike rack will keep your bikes safe and prevent damage to your vehicle. You want to choose bike racks that have a firm grip on your vehicle and each bike. Multiple anchoring points will also ensure that the rack and the bikes will not sway and shake as you drive.
Types of Bike Racks for Jeep Wrangler
There are plenty of bike racks out there, and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. While there are many types to choose from, some are much better suited for use with the Jeep Wrangler than others.
Trunk-Mounted Bike Racks
These are the least expensive bike rack option and one of the easiest to install. Truck-mounted bike racks use straps to attach themselves to the exterior of the vehicle. While they are affordable, they are not the most practical option for Wrangler owners because they do not fit with a rear-mounted spare tire.
Roof-Mounted Racks
Roof racks use an existing roof rack to provide a place for bikes to stand. While they can work great with certain vehicles, they do not work well with soft-topped Jeeps. Jeeps are also tall, which makes it difficult to load and unload bikes attached to the roof.
Hitch-Mounted Racks
Hitch bike racks attach directly to the vehicles towing hitch and work by cradling bikes behind the vehicle. They are easy to install and work well with Jeep Wranglers. They also tend to have a greater bike capacity than other types of racks, which makes them an excellent choice for those that plan to carry bikes for the whole family.
Rear Tire Bike Racks
Rear tire bike racks attach to rear-facing spare tires. Given that most Jeep Wranglers carry a spare tire behind the vehicle, they are an excellent and affordable bike rack type for most Wrangler drivers.
How to Install a Bike Rack on a Jeep Wrangler
Bike rack installation will depend on the type of bike rack you have purchased. If you choose a hitch-style bike rack, connect the bike rack directly to the towing hitch in the same way you would connect a trailer.
If you purchased a rear tire mounted bike rack, attach the mounting plate directly to the tire and affix it using the provided bolts. These are incredibly easy to mount, as they are lightweight and usually attach at arm height.
As with any new auto accessory, you should always make sure you thoroughly read through the included instruction manual before you attempt to install the product. Another thing to keep in mind is the value of making sure all nuts and bolts are properly tightened. The last thing you want is for your new bike rack to fall off while you drive, especially if it has any expensive bikes attached to it.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bike rack for your Jeep Wrangler does not have to be complicated. As long as you choose one that is compatible with a Wrangler and has your desired bike capacity, you will be okay. Any of the bike racks we reviewed above are perfect for Wrangler owners, and they are well worth considering.
People Also Ask
The following are some of the questions about bike racks for Jeep Wranglers:
Can You Put a Bike Rack on a Jeep?
Yes, there are plenty of bike racks out there that were designed specifically for use with Jeeps. Just make sure you choose one that states it is compatible with your particular model, and you should have no problems attaching it to your Jeep.
How Much is a Bike Rack for Jeep Wrangler?
Bike racks vary in price depending on several factors, such as the type, brand, and size. In general, you can usually find a Jeep Wrangler bike rack for as little as $80, but they can go up in price as high as $500.
Does Saris Hitch Mount Bike Rack Fit Jeep Wrangler?
Yes, the Saris Hitch Mount Bike Rack will fit Jeep Wranglers; however, whenever you are shopping for a new bike rack, it is always worth double-checking with the manufacturer to make sure it will fit your exact make and model. Most will list the vehicles that are compatible with their bike rack.
Does the Kuat Racks NV Base 2.0 Bike Rack Work With Jeep Wrangler?
As long as your Jeep Wrangler has either a 1.25 or a 2-inch hitch, you should have no problem attaching the Kuat Racks NV Base 2.0 Bike Rack to your vehicle.
