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A good trunk bike rack is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to transport one or more bikes with your vehicle.
Whether you compete in bike races or just enjoy taking your bike to new riding locations, a bike rack will give you the freedom to take your bike with you wherever you go.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Trunk Bike Racks
- OUR TOP PICK: Allen Sports Premier
- RUNNER-UP: Venzo Universal Carrier
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: SportRack Pursuit Anti-Sway
Table of Contents
- Comparison of the Best Trunk Mounted Bike Racks
- How to Choose a Bike Rack for Your Trunk
- Review of the Best Trunk Mounted Bike Racks
- How Do Trunk Bike Racks Work?
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Trunk Mounted Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Rack - Comparison Overview
- How to Install Bike Rack on Car Trunk
- Conclusion
- People Also Ask
Comparison of the Best Trunk Mounted Bike Racks
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How to Choose a Bike Rack for Your Trunk
Before you choose a trunk bike rack for your vehicle, there are several factors you must take into consideration:
Compatibility With Your Vehicle
While most trunk bike racks work with a wide variety of vehicles, you must make sure it will fit with the particular make and model of your own. Most manufacturers will explicitly list the vehicles that are compatible with their trunk bike rack.
Bike Capacity
Not all trunk bike racks can carry the same number of bikes. Before choosing a bike rack, determine how many bikes you plan on transporting. If you are looking to carry a single bike, one of the low-profile single carrier trunk bike racks will probably be enough; however, if you are looking to transport the whole family’s bikes, you might need one with four bike slots.
Ease of Installation
Some trunk bike racks install and remove quickly. If you plan on using your bike rack regularly, it might be worth investing in one that's easy to use. It will save you plenty of time and frustration in the long run.
Review of the Best Trunk Mounted Bike Racks
To help you find the best trunk bike rack for your needs, we have highlighted and reviewed some of the best racks available as of today's writing.
Best Overall:
Allen Sports Premier
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers were impressed with the solid feel and secure hold this bike rack offers. They also found that it was easy to install and remove the bike rack, which is a valuable feature for those that plan to use it regularly. While some had concerns that the metal hooks could scratch their vehicle, others corrected this issue by wrapping them with electrical tape.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The main reason why this bike rack landed at our top spot for the best trunk bike rack is its unique Quick Snap installation. Allen Sports designed this bike rack to be installed and removed in less than a minute. After a quick assembly, you can attach this rack directly to your vehicle in no time at all. The fact it also folds flat when not in use is also really useful.
We were also impressed with the secure hold the straps and padded contact points gave this rack.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a smaller bike rack you can install and remove quickly, this two or three bike capacity trunk rack from Allen Sports is a perfect choice.
Runner-up:
Venzo Universal Carrier
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers were impressed with the build quality and found that the bike rack had a firm and secure hold. While the bike rack can hold all types of bikes, buyers found that more than two bikes at a time were a bit too cramped.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The first thing we noticed about this trunk bike rack was the secure hold it provided. The decision to use six straps, rather than the typical four, means that this bike rack will not vibrate or sway as you drive. Given how much money cycling enthusiasts invest in their bikes, the added stability is a major plus. The rubber band clamps also protect the bike tubes, which is great if you have any concerns about bike racks damaging your bike.
We also really appreciated that Venzo back this bike rack will have a full lifetime warranty.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a small, trunk-mounted bike rack with a stable hold, this bike rack is a great choice. While the three bike capacity might be a bit of a stretch, it works perfectly for transporting one or two at a time.
Best for the Money:
SportRack Pursuit Anti-Sway
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were impressed with the overall stability of this bike rack. They found that the built-in anti-sway cradles held their bikes firmly in place, even when they were rounding corners. Most found this bike rack to be a great deal, but its only notable downfall is how difficult it can be to load bikes without help.
Why it Stands Out to Us
As you might suspect, the reason why this bike rack stood out to us is its low price. This bike rack was our top budget-friendly pick because it is one of the most affordable trunk bike racks you will find, yet it still works well.
The anti-sway cradles hold bikes securely, which is an impressive feature for a cheaper bike rack. We also liked that there are so many adjustment points, so you should not have any trouble installing it on any sedan or hatchback.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an affordable way to transport your bikes, this budget-friendly trunk-mounted bike rack from SportRack is available at a very reasonable price. While it does not do particularly well with smaller bikes, it is perfect for adult-sized frames.
Best Trunk Bike Rack For Sedan:
Allen Sports Deluxe 104DB-R
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers enjoyed the simplistic design of this trunk bike rack. They found it easy to mount and remove bikes from the rack, and they also felt the bikes were secure and safe. While some found that loading four bikes a bit frustrating because the bikes were too close together, they found that it worked perfectly for three bikes or fewer.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We liked this trunk bike rack because it does everything you would want reasonably well. While there are more expensive trunk bike racks out there that offer more features and more visually appealing designs, this affordable bike rack covers all of the basics and is available at a very competitive price.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a trunk-mounted bike rack for your sedan that can hold as many as four bikes at a time, this affordable, four bike carrier from Allen Sports could be just what you need.
Best Saris and Best 2 Bike Trunk Rack:
Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were surprised and impressed by the sturdiness of this bike rack. Not to mention, it's extremely lightweight. They also found that the additional security straps and heavy-duty injection molded arms gave the bike rack a great deal of stability during all types of driving conditions.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The thing we liked the most about this trunk bike rack is its unique design. The arched, wishbone-shaped arms make sure it fits a wide variety of vehicles. Where some trunk-mounted bike racks only seem stable when they are attached to the larger surface areas found at the rear of vans and SUVs, this compact bike rack works just as well with sedans and hatchbacks.
The fact that the bikes are held at different levels helps during loading and unloading. It also prevents scratching, which is a common issue with other trunk bike racks.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for high quality, two bike trunk rack, the Bones trunk rack from Saris is a reliable and convenient option.
Best Thule Trunk Bike Rack:
Thule Passage Mount Carrier
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers found that this trunk rack performed well, especially when they were using full-sized adult bikes. Users were also impressed with the easy installation and the fact that the padding protected their vehicles from surface damage.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason why this trunk rack stood out to us is the same reason why most of Thule’s products stand out – quality materials and an innovative design. We liked the unique FitDial, which makes sure that the rack sits flush with your particular vehicle and has a secure hold. We also liked how the six strap system ensures that the rack remains stable in all driving conditions.
We also liked that the narrow cradle arms can accommodate a wide range of frame styles. Whether you want to carry a mountain bike or a road bike, this rack will work.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a great trunk bike rack for any type of vehicle. While it is fairly expensive, it is well worth the money.
Best Yakima Trunk Bike Rack:
Yakima Fullback
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers liked that this bike rack accommodates a wide variety of bike sizes and types; however, some reported that it cannot get a firm hold on full-suspension bikes. Most users found that the rack was much heavier than they anticipated, which is great for stability and durability but makes it difficult to install and remove without help.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The thing that stood out to us the most about this Yakima trunk rack is its rugged construction and modern appearance. The bike rack looks great and is made to withstand a great deal of abuse. The built-in locking mechanism is great from a security perspective, but we would still recommend strapping the bikes to each other using a standard cable lock.
We also liked the extra features, such as the aesthetically pleasing gloss finish and the integrated bottle opener, which is handy for campers.
Bottom Line
Yakima bike racks have a reputation for durability, and this trunk rack is no exception. If you are looking for something that will last, this is a great option.
Best 3 Bike Trunk Rack:
Hollywood Racks Express
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers found that this trunk bike rack offers great value. Despite its affordable price, this rack is incredibly easy to install and holds securely holds up to three bikes at a time. However, some users found that the short cradle arms caused some issues when transporting bikes with large frames. Since the bikes are close to one another, there can be scratching issues unless the pedals are lined up correctly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The main reason why this bike rack stood out to us is its straightforward assembly and installation. Some bike racks come disassembled and require the owner to put them together; this rack comes ready to go straight out of the box, which means less wasted time on your end. We also liked the combination of steel and aluminum, which gives the rack a solid feel.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an affordable bike rack that is easy to put together and transports three bikes at once, this trunk rack from Hollywood Racks is just what you need.
Best Trunk Bike Rack For Suv:
Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
While some buyers complained that the manufacturer’s instruction manual was lacking, they were quick to note that the rack is very easy to assemble and install. Most users found that this rack had a very stable hold on their bikes and did not vibrate or sway when they drove.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason why this trunk rack stood out to us is the fact that Hollywood Racks designed it to perfectly fit SUVs. Given that most SUV owners opt for hitch-mounted bike racks, it is nice knowing that one company offers an SUV-specific trunk-mounted rack.
In terms of performance, we found that the numerous adjustment points made sure that this rack held bikes securely and stably. While we would have liked some sort of built-in locking mechanism, it is still an ideal three bike trunk rack for SUV drivers.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a reasonably priced bike rack for your SUV, this three bike trunk rack from Hollywood Racks offers a perfect balance between performance and affordability.
How Do Trunk Bike Racks Work?
Trunk bike racks work by creating tension against the surface of the vehicle. Higher-quality trunk bike racks feature padded surfaces that press against the vehicle. To create the necessary tension, the bike racks support straps anchor onto different points of the trunk.
More often than not, the anchor straps use flexible and adjustable materials, which ensure that the bike rack secures to a variety of vehicle types and models. Some even use ratchet straps that make sure the straps can generate the exact amount of tension required to keep the bike rack in place.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Trunk Mounted Bike Racks
Trunk Mount Bike Rack Advantages
- Trunk mounted bike racks are almost always the most affordable bike rack option.
- They are lightweight, highly portable, and take up very little space when they are not in use. Unlike other types of bike racks, like hitch-mounted platform racks, which take up a significant amount of storage space, most trunk-mounted bike racks fold and are extremely easy to store between uses.
- They are very easy to mount and remove, especially after the user has had some practice doing so.
- Trunk mounted racks are very versatile and compatible with a wide variety of vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks, and more, which means they can be shared between vehicles and lent to others.
Trunk Mount Bike Rack Disadvantages
- Difficulty accessing the trunk of the vehicle with the rack installed. Where other types of bike racks swing away from the trunk or do not interfere with it at all, trunk-mounted bike racks require the trunk to remain closed at all times.
- Limited load capacity compared to other types of bike racks.
Trunk Bike Rack - Comparison Overview
Hitch Bike Rack vs Trunk
Hitch bike racks are generally more stable and have a higher bike capacity than trunk-mounted racks; however, they are almost always much more expensive and difficult to install.
If you are looking for an affordable bike rack that is easy to install and remove, you'll find trunk bike racks are the better option.
Trunk Rack vs Roof Rack
Again, trunk racks tend to be much cheaper and easier to install than roof racks. Since they hold the bikes up so high, roof racks are also fairly difficult to load and unload.
Roof racks can be a good option if your vehicle already has roof rails and you want full access to your trunk, but they can be frustrating.
Saris vs Thule Trunk Bike Rack
Both Saris and Thule make excellent quality trunk bike racks, but the two companies use very different designs. The Saris trunk racks use a unique design, which arches over the rear of the vehicle. It is designed specifically to fit a wide variety of vehicles, including those with spoilers.
On the other hand, the Thule uses a more traditional design but does it really well. Thule is a bit more expensive, but their racks feature built-in locking mechanisms. It comes down to personal preference and the type of vehicle you drive.
How to Install Bike Rack on Car Trunk
1. Make sure that the trunk rack fits your vehicle. This is the most important step.
2. Once you have it, read the manufacturer’s instruction manual to make sure you are mounting it properly.
3. Adjust the feet so they rest securely on the trunk.
4. Hook the top straps to the trunk and then pull them tight. Pull your bottom and side straps into position. Once hooked on correctly, pull them tight.
5. Once all the straps are attached and there is decent tension. Pull them as tight as you can to make sure the rack is secure enough to hold your bikes.
6. Load the desired amount of bikes and double-check that everything is stable and secure.
Be sure to refer to the following video to get a more detailed overview of the steps we just provided:
Conclusion
Choosing the right trunk bike rack for your needs does not have to be a complicated process. Just make sure that you are checking compatibility and choosing a rack that can carry the exact number of bikes you desire. Any of the bike racks reviewed above are a great place to start your search.
People Also Ask
Are Trunk Mounted Bike Racks Safe at Highway Speeds?
As long as a trunk-mounted bike rack is compatible with your particular vehicle and is installed correctly, it will be safe at all driving speeds.
Are Trunk-mounted Bike Racks Difficult to Install?
While they can be a little tricky if you have never installed one before, installing trunk-mounted bike racks only takes a few minutes. Just make sure you are following the manufacturer’s instructions, and you should find it very easy to install your new bike rack.
Can I Carry Mountain Bikes or E-bikes on a Trunk Rack?
\While not every trunk rack will be able to accommodate large mountain bikes and e-bikes, there are plenty that can. The most important thing is to note the manufacturer’s guidelines and make sure that your bike does not exceed the rack’s weight restriction or frame size limits.
How Many Bikes Can Go on a Trunk Mount Rack?
Trunk mounted bike racks come in a variety of sizes. While some can only accommodate a single bike, others are designed to carry as many as six at a time. Bike racks will list the number of bikes they can carry, so just be sure to choose the right one for your needs.