The Best Roof Bike Racks of 2024

Yakima’s HighRoad ($299) is a brilliant roof rack that is quick and easy to install using no tools. It is ergonomically optimized to make mounting and removing bikes simple and easy on even the tallest vehicles. It’s free of faff and obviously designed around the paradoxical laziness that most cyclists exhibit when not actually riding their bikes. This was by far the easiest to use and simplest rack we tested, and that’s a big part of why it was awarded best overall. 

The HighRoad uses a simple but effective design that tensions the front wheel in a V-shaped hoop above a broad and thick platform, thus stabilizing the front end of the bike. In the rear, where bikes are already stabilized by having the rear wheel locked into the frame’s rear triangle, a simple ratcheting strap tightens down on the rear rim. Yakima includes a long and short strap to ensure you’ll have the appropriate length belt for any depth of rim from 25-80mm.

Installing the HighRoad is an intuitive, tool-free, and quick process. After detaching covers from the mounting points at the front and rear, built-in bolts with ergonomic dials twist loose, allowing heavy-duty rubber belts to wrap around the crossbars, then tighten back down by twisting the bolts clockwise. This means you can choose to leave the HighRoad in place permanently or remove and reinstall only when needed, without it feeling like a chore.

As the name suggests, the HighRoad is an ideal choice for drop bar road, gravel, and cyclocross bikes, but is compatible with any bike featuring up to a 42-inch wheelbase and a 4-inch wide tire. The weight limit for driving on the pavement is 45 pounds and off-road, that drops to 27 pounds.

The standout feature of the HighRoad is its TourqueRight tightening knob, which tightens two metal arms around the front tire of the bike, without adjusting the actual arms based on the size of the tire. While it’s just a simple twist knob, its smooth-spinning operation and convenient placement make the process of getting a bike secured into the rack a refreshingly painless and easy task.

Essentially, by adjusting the arms to the tire volume while tightening them down, the TorqueRight knob eliminates the wheel-size adjustment step that most other racks require when switching between bikes with different wheel or tire sizes. 

While it may seem routine for the controls of a roof rack to be placed within reach of a normal-sized person and comfortable to touch, that’s not always the case. Many racks we tested required opening a door and stepping up onto the trim to gain the added height required to operate them. Not so with the Yakima HighRoad. So, for folks on the shorter side, having the TorqueRight twist dial placed low will be a huge benefit, and can also make this rack a more viable option for mid-height vehicles.

Without contacting your bike’s frame or requiring the removal of the front wheel, the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles ($250) ensures a sturdy, stable perch for your bicycle on the roof of your vehicle. Thanks to its namesake — an aggressively ergonomic handle shaped like brass knuckles — you’ll have plenty of leverage for securing the front wheel, no matter the size or accompanying tire volume. 

The BrassKnuckles does require some easy assembly prior to installing it on your vehicle. In fact, the assembly took about the same amount of time as the installation, but in total, it took about 15 minutes from unboxing to hoisting our bike up to secure it to the rack and hit the road.

The BrassKnuckles can handle any type of bike from an aero road racing rig to a fat bike, with a weight limit of 45 pounds. That weight limit is plenty high, considering how much of a struggle it would be to get a 50-pound e-bike onto the roof of a car.

That said, the BrassKnuckles, like most roof racks, works best on traditional sedans and wagons with lower roof heights. Even at 6’ tall with long arms, our tester resorted to opening the doors and using the trim as a booster to get enough leverage to secure his bike onto this (and almost every) rack. 

You can mount the BrassKnuckles on virtually any type of crossbar, whether it is from the vehicle factory or made by Thule, Yakima, or, of course, RockyMounts. When not in use, it folds down very flat and has a super low profile that rivals that of fork-mounted racks that require removing the front wheel. 

The effectiveness of the BrassKnuckles ergonomic handle will depend a bit on the size of your hands and fingers. For those with large hands and thick fingers, rest assured the openings are generous enough to offer a comfortable and strong grip. If you have smaller hands and more slender fingers, it might be a bit less comfortable to operate, but will still provide great leverage. 

Although likely redundant for security purposes, the Brass Knuckles features a backstop for the front wheel, so once the front wheel is secure, it has pressure holding it super tight from both the front and rear. A ratcheting strap holds the rear rim to the tray in the back. Taking it even a step further, a ratcheting strap wraps around the front rim, so it’s safe to say that this rack ensures stability and security on even the roughest roads. 

The tray and cradle arms of the Brass Knuckles feature a classy semi-gloss black finish that will look great for years, and retain its luster through even the wettest and dustiest conditions.

At $250, the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles is a fairly priced rack that delivers a nice experience and peace of mind. Whether or not the brass knuckle-inspired handle is a true ergonomic gambit is debatable, but it certainly doesn’t make things harder. Overall, the quality of this rack is obvious as soon as it’s out of the box.

The Yakima HighSpeed ($289) is a premium, streamlined, and user-friendly fork mount roof rack. It will work with any type of fork, whether it uses a quick-release skewer like you’ll find on traditional road bikes or a thru-axle as found on most mountain bikes. 

Installing the HighSpeed is quick and easy, as it comes fully assembled, and can be mounted without tools to virtually any type of crossbar in just a few minutes. The universal heavy-duty straps secure the HighSpeed’s tray to your crossbars and are adjusted to the correct tension by turning a small thumb dial. The HighSpeed It’s also sleek and lightweight at just 11.5 pounds so that you can remove and store it between trips easily. The HighSpeed can also be converted to integrate with T-slot cross bars, using Yakima’s Smart T-Slot kit (sold separately). 

There is no complicated process for switching between axle types when using the HighSpeed. For instance, you can carry your rim brake quick-release bike to a group ride on a Wednesday night, then carry your trail bike on Saturday. The fork mount hardware seamlessly adjusts to fit all relevant axle diameters.

Once the fork is secured to the HighSpeed, the TorqueRight knob clamps down on the entire mounting mechanism to ensure a strong and stable hold for your bike. The TorqueRight knob also prevents over-tightening of the skewer on the fork dropout. You’ll hear a nice clicking sound, alerting you when you’ve reached sufficient torque.

Users of the previous generation of the HighSpeed reported some issues with 12×100 thru-axle forks not feeling secure. Updates to the design have fixed this, and we had no trouble mounting a Cervelo Aspero gravel bike with a 12x100mm thru-axle fork to the HighSpeed.

An integrated cable lock extends from the back of the tray and is a bit on the short side, but since the front wheel is stored inside your vehicle, it doesn’t need to extend as far as with wheel-on racks. The cable is pretty thin and really acts as more of a deterrent. No lock cores are included, which is a bummer. We’d rather Yakima simply include them, even if the result is a higher price tag. 

The tray of the HighSpeed accommodates up to a 50” wheelbase and 5” diameter tire, and its low profile minimizes hatch interference in the back. The weight limit of 40 pounds on paved roads and 24 pounds off-road means that this rack is ideal for carrying road, gravel, CX, and XC bikes without venturing into any terrain that gets truly gnarly. 

At $289, the Yakima HighSpeed is a premium option that is a bit of a niche design since most racks have gone away from requiring the removal of the front wheel, including Yakima’s excellent HighRoad, which costs just $10 more. That said, if you want an ultra-secure mechanical hold on the front of the bike, a wheel-off rack is the way to go, and the HighSpeed is the best we’ve tested.

The Kuat Trio ($198) is a fork-mount roof rack with a high-quality build, a secure, bolt-on connection to your vehicle crossbars, an integrated cable lock, and a sleek, minimal profile. There’s only one issue — out of the box, it’s not compatible with any disc brake road or gravel bike made in the last 4 years because it doesn’t come with an adapter for a 12 x 100mm thru axle. Fear not, this can be ordered directly from Kuat for an extra $30. Still, it’s a head-scratcher and an extra expense that seems easily avoidable. 

Installing the Trio was easy and intuitive, by following the online instructions that are accessed by scanning a QR code that’s neatly tucked into the box. The Trio bolts to virtually any crossbar system, whether factory, aero, or T-type. We like bolt-on attachment, as it just feels more solid than belt-on. Just be sure that if you’re routinely removing the Trio between each trip or for the off-season, that you retain all the hardware, so you can quickly mount up when you want to use it again. 

The 3-way mount system is easy to use, and worked perfectly to secure our quick-release fork blades. In back, a sturdy ratcheting strap holds the rear rim in place. Overall, the bike felt very stable and secure in the Trio, and we never noticed any excessive bike movement, even during windy drives on the freeway. After the ride, we were able to secure the bike quickly using the integrated cable lock and the included key. 

Like all racks from Kuat, the Trio has a classy, rugged finish that sets it apart from other brands and helps it complement higher-end vehicles. It also comes in two color options.

At $198, plus $30 for the hardware to make it compatible with modern drop bar bikes, the Kuat Trio is on the lower end of the price spectrum. Still, it’s a premium roof rack that will stand up to years of use in all conditions and provide an excellent user experience.

The Kuat Piston SR ($498) derives its name from the struts that make for effortless release of the cradle arms by tapping a lever at the base of the arm. The struts are Kashima coated and feature a ratcheted strip to keep the cradle arm under tension, securing your bike at high speed and over rough surfaces.

As you may have guessed, they look boss and lend an air of superiority to this rack, which is much deserved. The OneTap cradle arms slowly span open to a fixed position and then ratchet back down onto the bike tires, never touching the frame or even your fancy rims. 

The Piston comes fully assembled, which should go without saying, but isn’t always the case. The installation process took all of 5 minutes from opening the box and scanning the instructions QR code to hoisting the bike onto the roof of our test vehicle. This rack will mount to virtually any crossbar system, whether factory, overland, T-channel, or aero-shaped. Installing the Piston SR requires using the included hex tool to bolt two burly metal brackets on the bottom of the tray and around the vehicle crossbar. While some companies use thick rubber belts to strap the rack to the cross bars, We feel a bit more confident in a bolt-on design, with regard to both security over low-frequency bumps like potholes, and overall lifespan.  

Thanks to Kuat’s FastFit Wheel Chock system, the Piston SR cradle arms adjust to any style of bike and wheel size, from BMX to fat bike. It has one the easiest and largest fit ranges of any roof bike rack. The adjustment is easy to understand at a glance and requires no tools, allowing you to dial in the ideal setup for any bike in seconds. The Piston SR also takes security seriously by integrating a 10mm cable lock into a compartment in the middle of the tray and coating the cable with a soft polymer that is easy on your bike’s paint.

The Piston SR features an ultra-durable matte black powder coat called Tiger Drylac, giving it not only a rugged and stylish look but also protecting it against corrosion throughout its lifespan. As for the moving parts, Kuat uses stainless steel and automotive-grade hardware, so you can be confident that the Piston SR will also operate smoothly forever, no matter how rough the weather or roads may get. 

The Piston SR can be used as a hitch rack as well, in conjunction with an adapter sold separately. So, if your vehicle choice or other storage needs change, this rack will adapt gracefully. 

At $498, the Kuat Piston SR is an ultra-premium option that is certainly overkill for many riders. So, who’s it for? Anyone who is willing and able to afford it really. Sure, it’s expensive, but it’s also the most user-friendly roof bike rack on the market, and its rugged construction makes it a worthwhile investment for those with the cash.

Made at 1Up’s factory in Wisconsin, the Roof Rack ($270 to $290 depending on the color) is an aluminum rack that grabs both tires with two easy-to-operate ratcheting wheel clamps that hold bikes with no frame, fork, or rim contact. The design epitomizes minimalism and the timeless, industrial aesthetic is unmistakable.

The 1Up Roof Rack can also convert to a hitch rack if your vehicle or storage needs change in the future. It’s a good thing, too, because 1Up racks are durable enough to outlast whatever you’re driving right now. All of 1Up’s bolts and fasteners are made of stainless steel, which is a big step up from the plastic bits often used by other manufacturers.  

The 1Up Roof Rack can be mounted to any factory crossbars by opting for the standard mounting brackets that sandwich around the crossbar or to T-slot style racks by opting for the flush mount kit. Either way, installation is a snap, using just a hex tool included in the packaging. 

Ergonomically, the 1Up Roof Rack was designed to be a hitch rack. The reason we say that is because pulling the arms down onto the tires requires that you have your hands fairly high on the arms to gain leverage, and thus, the lower the ground it sits, the easier this rack is to operate.

With the rack up high, it’s a bit tricky to simultaneously leverage one arm down, while keeping the bike from rolling toward the opposite end of the tray. After a few times using it. however, it became easier and more intuitive, but still not quite as easy as some other racks. Releasing the arms is much easier — simply press on the levers near the tray’s middle and push the arms outward.

The advantage the 1Up has over most other roof racks is that the extremely narrow profile of the arms will help mitigate some aerodynamic drag, improving your vehicle’s fuel economy while also looking quite streamlined. When not in use, the Roof Rack folds down to the lowest profile of any roof rack at just 2.5 inches tall. 

The looks are minimal and industrial. Some might call it function over form, and that’s reassuring since a rack has one job — to carry our bikes safely to the ride and then back home. The Roof Rack will look at home on rugged vehicles like SUVs, or on older cars that also have a more boxy, utilitarian appearance. 

1Up offers a sleek aftermarket solution to security, which is a simple wheel lock that slides through the cutouts in each arm and spokes of each wheel. It’s a deterrent, not meant for long-term security, but it looks better and, we’d argue, functions better than a cable lock which can be cut easily and adds quite a bit of weight. 

The 1Up Roof Rack is designed for tires up to 3”, but that can be extended to 5” with the 1Up’s fat tire spacer kit, sold separately. 

At $290 the 1Up USA Roof Rack is a truly great value, considering it’s made in the U.S., will likely be the last rack you’ll ever need to buy, and can be adapted to work as both a roof and hitch rack. There will be a learning curve for operating this rack quickly and gracefully, but once it’s dialed in, it will be a trusty companion for all your epic adventures.

With counteracting arms holding the front wheel, the Thule UpRide is able to securely hold any bike without contacting its frame or fork or requiring the front wheel to be removed. After having a few bikes blemished by racks over the years and backing over and leaving behind a couple of front wheels, it’s nice to know that the UpRide makes this impossible while still providing stable and easy carriage of your bike. 

The initial installation of the UpRide is fairly simple and took about 15 minutes. Subsequent installation and removal is much quicker — closer to 5 minutes. After the initial assembly and installation, all that’s required to install or remove the UpRide is to tighten or loosen three clamping points and shimmy the rack on or off the crossbar.

With this simple installation and removal, you’ll have the choice to leave the UpRide on your roof for the season or remove it between every use or between stints of frequent use. The UpRide is lightweight and folds up fairly flat for easy storage. 

The UpRide looks like no other roof rack on the market, and does require some education in order to use it efficiently from the get-go. Thule offers a great how-to video explaining the counteracting arm system. In short, there is an order of operations that should be followed to make the process easy, and once it’s been repeated a few times, it’s second nature.

That said, in a perfect world, you’ll use the UpRide to transport one bike, or one type of bike (road/gravel/MTB), as the arms must be adjusted to accommodate different wheel sizes, adding time to the loading process when you switch between different genres of bike.

The strap that secures the rear wheel is oriented diagonally, which increases the contact area with the rim for better stability, and eliminates excess pressure on the skin of carbon fiber rims between the spokes. 

Like any roof rack, the UpRide is ideal for vehicles with lower roof heights, or taller individuals who are comfortable lifting their bike overhead. Using the UpRide with a compact SUV, we found it easier to load the bike by opening the front passenger doors and stepping up onto the trim next to the passenger seat to get closer to the UpRide to operate the front arms more easily. 

The UpRide has a load limit of 44 pounds, which is quite high, and likely only precludes some E-MTBS. Thule also tests its racks to high standards, including durability tests, wear and tear simulations, as well as exposure tests to ensure they can withstand the rigors of the real world. 

The Thule UpRide features a built-in locking cable that extends out of the rear of the tray, but you’ll need to purchase the lock core separately. The cable serves as more of a deterrent for short periods when you leave your vehicle unattended and would be easy for an experienced thief to cut if given the opportunity.