The Best Hitch Bike Racks of 2024

Almost every piece of gear we’ve tested from Sweden-based Thule always elicits the same thought: “Wow, they really thought this through!” It’s obvious that Thule gear is designed by people who use it — from the pleasing aesthetic to the little details that make it easier and more convenient to use. The Thule T2 Pro XTR 2-Bike Hitch Rack ($750) is no exception. The generous bike spacing and range of tire widths it accommodates make this one of the best racks we’ve used (for two bikes) for several years running.

The T2 Pro XTR will work with virtually any bike you have. It fits wheels from 20″ to 29″ in diameter and tire widths up to 5 inches, meaning it accommodates everything from road bikes to fat tire bikes too. It holds up to 60 pounds per bike, which is handy for gear-laden or heavyweight electric bikes. The only bikes it doesn’t fit are those with wheelbases longer than 50″ (1,270 mm), which only really excludes some super long enduro or downhill mountain bikes.

The wide spacing and side-to-side tray adjustments make sure your bikes don’t bang against each other while you drive. Plus, the ratcheting arm secures the bike without contacting the frame at all, so it’s great for carbon fiber bikes. The rear wheel cradle slides along the tray to fit different-sized bikes and a ratcheting ladder strap holds it in place. Integrated cable locks extend out of each ratcheting arm and can be looped through the bike’s frame or fork for an added layer of security.

This bike rack tilts away from the vehicle easily with the large tilt-release handle so you can have easy access to the rear. When not in use, the rack folds neatly up and out of the way. The AutoAttach system installs quickly and easily without tools — we had our rack on and secured in minutes — and prevents rack wobble while also locking the rack to the vehicle. When you’re ready to stow the rack, two small, integrated wheels help make it so you can roll the 52-pound T2 Pro XTR across hard surfaces with ease.

Bringing some friends along? Thule’s got you covered with a 2-bike add-on that can expand capacity up to four. Either way, the Thule T2 Pro XTR is a great rack that is versatile, user-friendly, and will last for years to come.

If you’re looking to save a little cash while still getting a well-performing hitch rack, then the Kuat Transfer V2 (2-bike: $489) is a great option to consider. This rack functions much like its more expensive competition, but with a simpler design that helps to keep the cost and the weight of the rack a bit lower.

Unlike most platform-style hitch racks, the Kuat Transfer has a somewhat unique design with a U-shaped bar that supports the bikes. Front and rear wheel cradles are attached to the opposing sides of the bar with wheel hooks that pivot up to capture the front wheels. These ratcheting hooks clamp the front wheel down in the large front wheel cradle while the rear wheels get secured by a ladder strap.

The Transfer V2 is quite versatile in terms of bike fit. Right out of the box, it works with wheel sizes between 18″ and 29″ and most normal tires on road or mountain bikes. It can handle fat bike tires up to 5″ in width too, but that requires a special Phat Bike Kit strap for the rear wheel.

It has a max wheelbase length of 50″ (1,270 mm), which means it can handle most bikes except for some super-long enduro or downhill mountain bikes. And, despite this rack’s 37-pound weight, the 2″ receiver version we tested is rated to handle bikes up to 60 pounds each. The bike weight limit goes down to 40 pounds per bike, however, for the 1.25″ receiver size and for the 2″ size when used on an RV.

For security, the Transfer V2 comes with a semi-integrated cable lock that’s long enough to loop through two frames and two wheels easily. The end of the cable clicks into a lock on the rack itself, and it comes with two keys. The rack comes with a hitch pin but no hitch pin lock (you could add your own). The anti-wobble FlatLock cam feature, however, tightens the rack within the receiver and requires the use of a security Allen wrench that makes it hard to take off the vehicle.

Putting the Transfer V2 together is slightly more involved and time-consuming than some other options, but it’s fairly straightforward if you follow the directions. Compared to higher-end models, there are quite a few plastic parts that could pose some durability issues long-term, the wheel clamp arms occasionally squeak when you move them, and the ratcheting noise is quite loud. The tilt-release lever is also in a position that makes it somewhat awkward to reach with bikes loaded.

Otherwise, the Kuat Transfer V2 is a more cost-effective rack that carries just about any bike securely and with little fuss. It also comes in 1-bike ($389) and 3-bike ($589) versions, each of which is compatible with a 1-bike add-on ($189) to expand your capacity.

We recently learned of a recall that affects up to 80 thousand Kuat Transfer V2 hitch bike racks. You can find more information in our Kuat recall article or on Kuat’s website.

Introduced in the fall of 2020, the 1UP USA Equip’D Single ($525) is already proving to be one of our favorite racks on the market. One of our testers used the previous model of the Equip-D for over 10 years and 100K+ miles without replacing a single part. After this great experience with the old model, we were excited to try out the new version. So far, it has fully lived up to our high expectations.

Durability is the name of the game with this and any rack from 1UP. It is built entirely from metal and features all stainless hardware. There are simply very few breakable parts and the entire rack is built to last forever. Literally. If something does break, 1UP sells replacement parts for the Equip-D and all of its other racks on its website.

Loading a bike onto the rack is a breeze, and it’s also plenty adjustable. This rack is compatible with tiny kids’ bikes and fat bikes alike. The total carry capacity is 50 pounds per bike (but with two add-ons, the third bike can only be 35 pounds). The wheel clamps fit 16″ to 29″ wheels and tires up to 4.5″ wide, and the trays can handle bikes as long as 56″ (1,422 mm). The dual-wheel clamp design only makes contact with your bike’s tires, so it won’t scratch your bike’s paint or even make contact with the rims.

Opening the wheel clamps is a two-handed operation — not quite as straightforward as the Kuat Piston Pro X — but it becomes second nature with a little practice. They are also incredibly secure, as is the whole rack, for that matter. Once mounted into a hitch receiver, this rack does not wobble at all. Installation takes less than 30 seconds, thanks to a simple single-bolt system. When you need to access your trunk, the updated tilt-release handle on the newer 1UP USA Equip-D Single is easier to drop out of the way than the old model, even when a bike is loaded on.

Our complaints are very few, but in super-cold weather, the release lever can freeze. We found that this isn’t a major issue unless the temperature is below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Also, we’d be glad if this rack included an integrated lock.

Overall, though, the 1Up-USA Equip’D Single is a stellar bike rack that might be the last one you ever need to buy. We tested the single version, but 1UP also sells the 2-bike Equip’D Double. Both models can add up to two more bikes with add-ons.

Most quality hitch racks have a tilt feature to allow limited access to the rear of the vehicle, but for truly unfettered access, a swing-away rack is where it’s at. Aftermarket extensions are available to convert just about any rack to a swing-away, but those typically add significant weight and cost to an already expensive rack. The RockyMounts BackStage Swing Away Platform 2-Bike Hitch Rack ($770) is an exception, as this quality rack comes pre-mounted to a swing-away arm and costs less than some racks do on their own.

The BackStage essentially consists of a RockyMounts MonoRail rack with the addition of the swing-away feature. As such, it’s a quality 2-bike rack that fits a wide range of wheel sizes (20″ to 29″), tires up to 5″ wide, and wheelbases as long as 50″ (1,270 mm). Bikes are attached to the rack with front wheel hooks that clamp them down and ratcheting straps that secure the rear wheels. It’s rated for bikes up to 60 pounds each, so it can even handle heavy e-bikes.

A convenient tilt-release handle makes it easy to tilt the rack up, flat, or down and can be operated with one hand. But, the standout feature is really the pivoting arm that allows the rack to articulate out 180 degrees to allow for complete access to the back of your vehicle — even with bikes loaded. This is a great feature for anyone, but it is particularly nice for those with vans or campers on trucks and need better access than a tilt-feature affords.

Another nice thing about the swing-away feature being integrated into the rack is that it doesn’t add as much weight as an aftermarket extension. The BackStage weighs just 63 pounds. This rack also has an anti-wobble cam integrated into the receiver bar and a threaded hitch pin. It comes with a hitch pin lock and a cable lock for the bikes.

The only real drawbacks we’ve found are that the assembly takes a bit of time and effort, it is not compatible with add-ons to expand capacity, and it only comes in the 2″ receiver size. Otherwise, the RockyMounts BackStage is a great rack that adds considerable convenience through its integrated swing-away feature.

The Lolo Rack 6-Bike with Foot Activated Tilt ($1,150) is the ultimate choice if you love riding with family and friends. This vertical steel rack not only boasts bomb-proof durability but also stands out for its ability to carry up to six bikes of any kind with its versatile handlebar cradles. Crafted in the PNW of the USA, it’s perfect for big families, shuttles, event directors, or anyone who enjoys riding in good company.

Adaptable to various bike styles, this rack accommodates mountain bikes, gravel bikes, e-bikes, kid bikes, downhill bikes, road bikes, and even fat bikes, with an impressive carrying capacity of 240 pounds total. That’s 40 pounds per bike, but it can also handle heavier e-bikes if they’re positioned in the spots closest to the support mast (and you don’t exceed the rack’s weight limit). Any vehicle equipped with a 2″ receiver hitch can get the job done — fitting best on SUVs or trucks but also compatible with smaller cars. We tested it on both a Nissan Leaf and a full-size double-cab pickup truck, and both vehicles were able to handle it.

While waiting for the snow to fall in Bend, Ore., our testers were impressed by how easy it was to load bikes and how well it handled on bumpy mountain roads. Unlike other vertical bike racks that hold bikes by the fork or wheel, the Lolo’s handlebar cradles make it easy to fit all kinds of different bikes and sizes, making loading a snap. 

The design also leans slightly toward the vehicle, providing better ground clearance and minimizing bounce. Looking through the rearview on a rough gravel road, the only thing our testers noticed moving were the front wheels (which can spin from the wind if not strapped down).

For convenience, the 6-Bike Rack with Foot-Activated Tilt allows the user to press a lever with the foot to tilt the rack away from the vehicle for easy access — even with bikes loaded (or all the way to the ground without bikes). It also comes in a 4-bike version ($1,080), and both sizes are also available with “standard tilt” — a hand-operated pin system — at a lower cost. While the rack lacks an included cable lock for the bikes, it does have an integrated metal loop to attach the lock of your choice, and it comes with a locking hitch bolt to secure the lock to your vehicle.

At 76 pounds, the Lolo 6-Bike isn’t light but does weigh less than some similar options we’ve tried. The rack’s size also makes it a little cumbersome to store when not in use. To that end, Lolo provides instructions on how to mount the rack to your wall, and it can even be used to store your bikes. Or you can leave it on and use it all winter for skis and snowboards by mounting a ski rack right onto it. 

The Lolo 6-Bike with Foot-Activated Tilt is crafted from quality materials, including US-made steel, and it’s welded and assembled in Portland, Ore., by fellow riders. It’s big, and yes, it’s expensive, but it’s impressively well-made and can carry up to six bikes of all types and sizes. Transporting that many bikes can be a chore, but the Lolo Rack makes it easy.

If budget isn’t a concern and you want the best-looking and highest-performing hitch rack available, the Kuat Piston Pro X ($1,389) is it. Not only does it have a super-sleek design, but it boasts a high weight limit, incredibly versatile bike fit, hydraulically-actuated wheel clamps, LED lights, and robust security features that make it arguably the best rack on the market. That is, if you’re willing and able to afford it, of course.

The Piston Pro X shares a design popularized by 1UP-USA, with flat bike trays and opposing front and rear wheel clamps. These ratching wheel clamps hold the bikes impressively securely while only making contact with the tires, ensuring that they won’t damage the finish of high-end bike frames or even scuff up your rims.

This rack also includes its namesake, the OneTap hydraulic piston arms that open with a touch of a lever, and the ratchet closes easily to snug them up on the bike’s tires. This feature makes it a one-handed operation and by far the most user-friendly of all the platform-style hitch racks we’ve ever used.

On top of that, it can handle wheel sizes between 18″ and 29″, tires up to 5″ wide, and wheelbases up to 53″ (1,346 mm) without the need for adaptors or modifications. Switching between wheel sizes is also quick and easy with a tool-free system, and it can be done in just a few seconds.

The 67 pounds per bike weight limit (60 pounds for the 1.25″ receiver size) means it can also handle heavy electric bikes, and Kuat sells an aftermarket loading ramp that connects to the rack to roll them up into position. The Piston Pro X can carry two bikes, and its capacity can be expanded to three or four by purchasing the 1-Bike ($749) or 2-Bike ($1,289) add-ons.

A tilt release lever located by the pivot point of the support arm can be operated by foot or hand to easily adjust the rack’s platform up or down. In either position, the bright, integrated LED lights are clearly visible and function as turn signals and brake lights for added visibility.

The rack is constructed almost entirely of metal, and the powder coat finish is not only durable but it looks great, too. An anti-wobble cam keeps the rack super stable on the road, a locking hitch pin keeps it secured to your vehicle, and the included 12mm thick coated steel cable lock adds a layer of security for your bikes.

Like similar racks, the Piston Pro X is fairly heavy (63 pounds) and fairly bulky, so storing it when not in use can be a bit cumbersome. That said, its classy looks make it more reasonable to leave on your vehicle all the time. The price of the Kuat Piston Pro X is certainly nothing to scoff at either, but if you’ve got the cash to splash, this is the best hitch bike rack you can buy.

Read Review: Kuat’s Piston Pro X Hitch Bike Rack is One Hand Operable, Extra Safe.

We’ve often felt that the best features are the ones you don’t notice, and the Yakima RidgeBack ($379) for four bikes is an excellent example of this. It strikes a perfect blend of features and simplicity. It comes assembled right out of the box, and the locking, tool-free SpeedKnob lets you mount it in minutes.

While it has a much simpler, hanging design that supports bikes by the top tube of the frame, it is among the most economical ways for people to transport four bikes at a time. The two support arms have eight padded, anti-sway cradles — two per bike — that aim to prevent your bikes from banging into each other during transport. The zip strip ratcheting straps are fast, easy to use, and removable.

As a hanging-style rack, there is no way to avoid frame contact, so this isn’t the best option for those with super fancy carbon bikes. It also works best with traditionally shaped bikes with horizontal top tubes that rest on top of the support arms. You can jimmy curved tubes or full-suspension mountain bikes into place, but it can be awkward. Thankfully, Yakima sells the TubeTop adapter ($39), which can be attached for an easier fit.

The rack tilts away from your car via an easy-to-use UpperHand lever, and the whole rack folds flat for easy storage when not in use. All the adjustments on the main joints are via button or lever, which makes adjusting it a breeze. There’s the HandCuff lock ($49), a proprietary cable lock designed to work specifically with the RidgeBack (as well as Yakima’s SwingDaddy rack). Bonus: The brand’s signature bottle opener is on the end of the swing arm of the Yakima RidgeBack, which is handy for post-ride celebrations.

While hanging racks aren’t our preferred way to transport our expensive bikes, they do make a lot of sense for less frequent rack users who need an affordable way to carry up to four bikes for the occasional weekend getaway without emptying the bank account. While it is nearly impossible to avoid rack-to-frame and bike-on-bike contact, the Yakima RidgeBack can reliably get your bikes from point A to point B with little else to worry about.

If you’re on a tight budget or can’t justify spending lots of money on a fancy bike rack, the Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch Bike Rack ($130) can carry up to four bikes at a time for a fraction of the price of the competition. Four bolts make up the entirety of the assembly, and the light weight (23 pounds) makes it easy to lift and fit into your hitch, so you’ll be ready to roll in minutes. It’s far from the most elegant solution, but it is functional and very affordable.

Two arms sport four sets of padded cradles, while Allen’s individual tie-down system holds the bikes in place. These cradles can be spaced out or rotated to fit a wide array of bikes, from your roadie to your kid’s mountain bike. Just be aware that the hanging design of this rack means that it relies on frame contact to support the bikes, there will likely be some bike-on-bike contact, and it will work best with traditional frame styles. A top-tube adapter can be used to attach bikes that might otherwise be challenging to fit.

The Allen Deluxe is rated to carry bikes up to 35 lbs. each, for a maximum of 140 lbs. on the 4-bike version. Considering its low price and simple design, it’s not too surprising that the rack tends to wobble a bit, especially with bikes loaded. Yet, it still has a couple of features that make it more user-friendly.

The pin-locking tilt function swings the rack down, so you can reach your gear in the back without removing the whole system — as long as you take your bikes off first (four bikes crashing to the ground is a horrifying thought). And the folding carry arms give the rack a low profile when it’s not in use.

There are no security features or locks, and the front tires aren’t secured in any way. A pair of bungee cords or straps and a good cable lock are ideal add-ons. However, combining the cost of the rack, straps, and cable lock, this setup still costs less than half the price of even moderately priced four-bike carriers on the market.

Overall, the Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch Bike Rack gets the job done at an impressively low price, even with the recommended added purchases.

Electric bikes are booming in popularity but transporting them can be a challenge given their heavier weight. Lifting a 50+ lb. bike up onto a hitch rack can be difficult for just about anyone. Yakima had this in mind when designing the OnRamp e-bike rack ($699). This rack includes a loading ramp to help roll bikes up into position on the trays, and it has a unique bike attachment system that works with all types of bikes, including those with thick tubes or fenders.

With a weight limit of 66 pounds per bike, the OnRamp can handle heavy e-bikes. It also comes with a loading ramp that can be attached to either end of the bike trays. It takes a little extra time to use it, but it means you don’t have to strain to lift a heavy bike up onto the rack. It’s a little fiddly in practice, but it works and makes it so that those with limited strength or mobility can still load and transport their bikes.

On the rack, a central support arm folds up with adjustable attachments that grab hold of the bikes by the frame. The cradles have straps for both the front and rear wheels to secure them for three points of attachment per bike. The loading process isn’t the most intuitive, but it gets easy with a little practice. It fits wheel sizes between 20″ and 29″, tires up to 3.25″ wide, and wheelbases as long as 50″ (1,270 mm). It’ll also work with your fat tire bikes and tires up to 4.5″ wide by adding the FatStrap Kit ($20).

Despite the OnRamp’s high weight limit, this rack weighs just 43 pounds, so it is relatively easy to install, remove, and move around when it’s off the vehicle. It also comes with an all-in-one cable lock that locks both the hitch pin and the bikes on the rack at the same time. The Yakima OnRamp is a novel solution that can carry all kinds of bikes but is particularly well-suited to making transporting e-bikes easier.

By the end of road-tripping more than 600 miles throughout Southwest Colorado, we were impressed with the durability and streamlined style of the hitch-mounted Yakima StageTwo ($749) bike rack. Despite wind-ridden hairpin turns through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, rowdy mud-and-snow-packed conditions on Kebler Pass, and chalky dust clouds blasting out to Fruita’s 18 Road, the bikes stayed put even when passengers jostled in the cab. 

Every aspect and step of this rack is approachable, which is what makes the premium design. That and the fact that the rack doesn’t glaze your frame one bit, even when the roads are rough. The sculpted front wheel hook avoids contact with the frame and fork, and the back security strap wraps around the wheel to secure the bicycles. 

It’s also burly and well-made with an impressive 70 pounds per bike weight limit that can easily handle most heavy electric bikes, and Yakima sells an aftermarket loading ramp to roll them up onto the trays. Factor in its versatile bike fit that includes 20″ to 29″ wheels, tires up to 3.25″ (up to 5″ with Fat Bike Kit), and wheelbases up to 52″ (1,320 mm), and this bike can handle just about any bike you own.

That 30-minute assembly and installation process is virtually tool-free — the kit includes a 6 mm security allen wrench to tighten down the bolts, and you’ll need your hands. After sliding the spine into your rig’s receiver, insert the safety pin, and then tighten the SpeedKnob (which both tightens and locks the rack in place) until you meet resistance.

Next, use the included SKS (Same Key System) key to completely lock the rack in, after which the glistening knob spins freely. We also appreciate the integrated cable locks — which use the same SKS key as the receiver lock — that extend from the top of each pivot arm to wrap around the bike. 

Whether we were loading up heavy old-school Schwinn rides or high-end mountain bikes with 27.5 or 29er wheels, the size of the load didn’t affect the ease of use. This is thanks to stadium-tiered trays for handlebar clearance, which can also be adjusted laterally (but this involves tools and little time). Also, while the tilt factor seems herculean, it couldn’t be easier to operate with the forward-facing remote tilt lever (meaning you don’t need to reach behind the bikes) for fast access to the back of your vehicle.  

The Yakima StageTwo is fairly heavy at 66 pounds and is quite bulky when off the vehicle, so like similar racks, you’ll need a bit of space to store when not in use. Otherwise, this is a rugged and user-friendly hitch bike rack that feels like it should provide years of faithful service and look pretty good doing it too. Need to carry more than 2 bikes? Yakima sells a two-bike add-on to expand capacity to four.

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 ($689) is a streamlined hitch rack that scores points for its lightweight and ease of use. It sports tool-free installation — just hand-tighten the hitch cam, and you’re set — and a foot-activated tilt-away feature to let you get at your gear in the back of the vehicle, even when it’s loaded with bikes. It loses a little ground due to its lower weight limit and comparatively limited bike compatibility, but it is still a great option for many users.

It holds wheelbases up to 47″ (1,194 mm) and can handle tires up to 3 inches wide, with a load capacity of up to 40 pounds per bike. This means it works best with road, gavel, and smaller mountain bikes, as many larger mountain bikes will be too long to fit. The folding arms lock down on the front tires without any frame contact, and the rear tire cradle sports a molded strap to keep your bikes safe while you drive.

The lighter weight — just 32 pounds — makes it easy to install or remove, but thanks to the low-profile foldaway design and nice-looking finish, you won’t be taking it off. You’ll hardly know it’s there until you need it. It also comes with a hitch pin lock to keep it secured to the vehicle, as well as a user-friendly cable lock to add a little security to your precious bikes.

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is a very lightweight and sleek hitch bike rack that’s a great option for transporting lighter, smaller bikes. While it may have some limitations in terms of bike fit, it looks great and is among the most user-friendly racks on the market.

This low-profile INNO Tire Hold Bike Hitch 4 ($1,000) can carry up to four bikes up to 60 pounds each, but this monster looks like you could strap an ATV to it (you can’t). Also known as the IH142, the aluminum construction is strong but keeps the weight of the rack itself low. And the pull handle at the end of the rack makes it a breeze to fold up the rack against the vehicle when not in use.

Besides its intimidating presence, the most notable aspect of the Tire Hold is its completely frameless securing system. Combining a full-length cradle with locking wheel clamps on both tires, the rack locks in bikes and keeps them from banging against each other during transport. It prevents any contact with the frames or forks, which is ideal for users who own carbon frames, bikes with large forks, or those who want to treat their bikes like polished china.

The arms hold 20″ to 29″ wheels and tires that are up to 3″ wide. One feature we absolutely love is the ability to tilt down for rear access when fully loaded thanks to the handle on the end, which makes it easier to lift the rack, even with four bikes on it. There are four different angles accessed with the tilt. And the included locks for the hitch and bikes are a huge plus.

Overall, the weight capacity of the INNO Tire Hold Bike Hitch 4 makes this a great choice for e-bikers, as well as road trippers who may need to access the back of the rig without unloading all four bikes first.

If you roll deep, the Yakima HangOver ($799) for up to six bikes is the best way to haul your crew’s bikes around. Great for big families, group rides, or tour guides, Yakima’s beastly bike rack loads up to six bikes at up to 37.5 pounds each with its vertical carry system. It’s a great SUV bike rack for hauling your bikes and gear.

The bikes are secured by the rear tire and crown of the fork, with the front tire pointing toward the sky. The HangOver manages to carry half a dozen bikes while taking up minimal space and keeping the bikes from making contact with one another. Yakima also sells a four-bike version ($649) for those with lower capacity needs.

It’s very important to note that the fork cradle design of the HangOver only works with bikes with suspension forks. This is great if you only need to transport mountain bikes, but limits its versatility and compatibility with road, gravel, and other bikes with rigid forks. The 37.5 pounds per bike weight limit is also noteworthy, as it can’t carry your electric mountain bikes either.

The vertical tower has two adjustable tilt angles that are operated via a pedal at the base. This allows you to adjust the bikes’ distance from your car (the tires may bump the rear windows of Sprinter vans at the vertical setting) and to access the rear of your vehicle without taking the bikes off the rack.

Soft padding in the cups protects the forks’ finish, keeping them clean until you and your buddies thrash them on the trails, and they’re adjustable enough to accommodate fat bike suspension forks. The hitch lock on the Yakima HangOver is included, an integrated lock loop lets you secure your bikes, and, of course, the built-in bottle openers are a plus.

While the HangOver may be limited to mountain bikes 37.5 pounds and under, it’s still a great solution for those who need to move lots of bikes at a time, and it costs less than most other vertical racks on the market.

Of all the bike racks we’ve seen under $200, the Swagman XC2 ($150) is easily one of the best. Instead of the hanging mount you usually see with racks at this price point, the XC2 combines a cradle system with arms that clamp down on the frame. This not only keeps bikes more secure, but it also stops the front tires from swinging around and banging against your car or other bikes while you drive.

The cradle hoops are adjustable, so they can fit a variety of wheelbases as well as 20″ to 29″ wheels. The push-button ratchet arms adjust easily, and the upright bar folds down to let you get to gear in the back of your car (but only when the bikes are off the mount). That said, there is no avoiding frame contact with this rack, so it’s not ideal for carbon bikes or anyone who values the finish of their bicycle.

It will hold bikes up to 35 pounds, so e-bikes and some cruisers may not work. But, most non-electric mountain and road bikes will hold just fine.

Lightweight and compact, the Swagman XC2 only weighs 28 pounds. You can take it off when you won’t be riding for a while, and it folds down flat for easy storage when you’re not using it. It’s a solid option for budget-conscious buyers, occasional rack users, and weekend riders.

Combining strength with a small footprint, the Saris SuperClamp EX 2 ($580) is a solid platform hitch rack that weighs just 35 pounds. This puts it on the lower half of the weight scale and makes it much easier to handle off the vehicle than heavier options.

Dual wheel hooks lock the bikes into the cradles without any frame contact, supporting bikes up to 60 pounds each, wheelbases of up to 50 inches, and tires up to 4 inches wide (adapters for fat tire bikes are available as add-ons). A variety of wheels are compatible with the rack from 20″ to 29″ diameters.

The hooks and cradle are adjustable to accommodate almost any kind of bike as well — from road bikes and mountain bikes to bikes with fenders and lightweight e-bikes. And, thanks to a design that allows for two bikes on a single bar, the platform’s footprint is notably streamlined, with a tilt feature that allows you to tilt the fully loaded rack away from the vehicle.

The Saris SuperClamp EX 2 doesn’t just rest on its lean profile and unique design, though. The thoughtful design extends to the details. Little things like reflective logo stickers, an integrated bike locking system, and the built-in bottle openers show that Saris has both the big picture and small touches dialed. It also comes in a 4-bike option.

If you’re looking for a more customizable approach, the modular MHS (Modular Hitch System) rack from Saris is worth checking out. There are three base hitch options that can be combined with a sleek, strong tray system, which is quick and easy to operate.

We recently combined the Saris MHS 2+1 Base ($200) stacked with two MHS DUO 1-Bike Trays ($350), which adds up to $900. There’s also a menu of options. The MHS 3+1 Base is also compatible with a 2-inch hitch and carries up to four bikes. The MHS 1+1 Base Universal Hitch fits both 2-inch and 1.25-inch hitch receivers but is limited to two bikes max. They also sell a cargo basket that can be attached to the Base that can hold coolers or luggage. This allows you to configure your rack to meet your needs and make adjustments when those needs change.

To load up, you simply lift your bike onto the tray and sandwich the wheels between the opposing wheel clamps — giving a slight bump to make sure it clicks as snugly as possible. If you have multiple trays, alternate the direction of the bike handles, and make sure the seats are lowered to not bump into another bike’s components. The dual-wheel clamp design only makes contact with the tires and holds bikes very securely.

The design also accommodates e-bikes (up to 80 pounds), fat-tire bikes (as wide as 5 inches), and 20″ to 29″ wheels plus bikes with wheelbases up to 52″ long. Bikes with fenders are also welcome here.

One thing — with the Saris MHS 2+1 Base, you can’t be afraid to muscle the release levers at times when they’re a bit stuck. The same goes for closing each arm around the back and front tires: give it a push.