Choosing the Right Bike Car Mount: A Comprehensive Guide

Transporting your bike safely and conveniently is essential for any cyclist, whether you’re heading to a trail, a race, or simply exploring a new riding location. A Bike Car Mount, also known as a bike rack, is the perfect solution for securely attaching your bicycle to your vehicle. With a wide variety of options available, understanding the different types and features of bike car mounts will help you make the best choice for your needs. This guide explores various bike car mount styles, highlighting their pros and cons to assist you in selecting the ideal carrier for your adventures.

Tray-Style Hitch Bike Car Mounts: Stability and Ease of Use

Tray-style hitch bike car mounts are renowned for their stability and ease of use. These mounts attach to your vehicle’s hitch receiver and support bikes by their wheels, eliminating frame contact. This design is particularly advantageous for bikes with delicate frames, such as carbon fiber models, or those with unique frame shapes that may not fit traditional hanging racks.

Models to Consider (and Perhaps Avoid)

Several tray-style hitch racks are available on the market, each with its own set of features and drawbacks. Let’s examine some popular models and their performance:

Hollywood Racks Destination E-Bike Rack: This option is designed to carry heavier electric bikes and folds flat when not in use. It includes a ramp for easier loading, which is beneficial for e-bikes. However, the loading, unloading, and tilting process can be cumbersome, involving multiple steps. Assembly is also more involved compared to some competitors.
Thule Epos: For those willing to invest more, the Thule Epos stands out as a user-friendly option, especially for heavier e-bikes. While the original article mentions the Thule Epos as a better buy than the Hollywood Racks Destination E-Bike Rack, further details about its specific features and advantages would be beneficial for a comprehensive comparison.
Küat NV 2.0: As a larger version of the Küat Sherpa 2.0, the NV 2.0 can carry up to four bikes with an additional accessory. It also features an integrated work stand, a unique perk for on-the-go bike maintenance. However, it is heavier and more expensive than the Sherpa 2.0.
Küat NV Base 2.0: This model is similar to the NV 2.0 but lacks the integrated work stand. This makes it slightly lighter and more affordable, but the Sherpa 2.0 might still be a more compelling choice for many users.
Thule T2 Pro XT (and T2 Pro XTR): The T2 Pro XT, now replaced by the T2 Pro XTR, was noted for its heavy weight and higher price. The newer XTR model includes wheels for easier maneuvering, but it remains a heavier and pricier option in the tray-style category.
1UP USA 2″ Heavy Duty Double: This rack is highly rated by bike enthusiasts. However, its usability is less convenient compared to top picks. Releasing the clamping arm requires two hands, which can be awkward when loading or unloading a bike. The tilting mechanism’s release handle is also less accessible.
Yakima HoldUp EVO: The HoldUp EVO is heavier than the Küat Sherpa 2.0 and may feel less refined overall. Bikes might wobble more, and the tilting lever can be difficult to reach.
RockyMounts SplitRail LS: Mounting the SplitRail LS can be challenging, requiring a wrench for secure attachment. Its wider design can also make it unwieldy. The included locks may be too short for some bike frames.
Küat Transfer v2 2-Bike: While a more budget-friendly option, the Transfer v2 is heavier, harder to install, requires more assembly, and lacks integrated locks. Notably, certain batches of the Transfer v2 were recalled in June 2024 due to a pivot cam issue that could lead to bikes falling off. It is crucial to check for recalls before purchasing any bike car mount, especially recalled models.
Thule T2 Classic: An older version of the T2 Pro XT, the T2 Classic lacks some of the user-friendly features of newer models, such as a hitch receiver knob and a convenient pull-handle tilting system. It is also heavier and does not include bike locks.
Saris SuperClamp EX 2-Bike: While the four-bike version of the SuperClamp EX is well-regarded, the two-bike version doesn’t perform as strongly. Its thinner mounting bar can lead to more sway compared to other two-bike tray racks.
Yakima HoldUp: Issues with stripped threads on the hitch receiver bolt can make the HoldUp difficult to install. Even when tilted, it may not provide sufficient clearance for rear vehicle access, potentially hitting handlebars against the vehicle.
RockyMounts BackStage: The BackStage offers swing-away and tilt-down functionality for cargo area access. However, it is heavier than some top-rated alternatives.

Tray-Style Hitch Bike Car Mounts for Single Bikes

For solo riders or those needing a rack for an RV or trailer, single-bike tray racks are available. However, the Küat Transfer v2 1-Bike, previously a recommended option, was also part of the June 2024 recall.

1UP USA Quik Rack Single: Requires no assembly, but may not be as user-friendly as other options. Operating the wheel hoops can be less convenient when loading or unloading a bike.
RockyMounts MonoRail Solo: The release handle for tilting the MonoRail Solo has been reported to pinch fingers during operation, presenting a potential safety concern.

Hanging-Style Hitch Bike Car Mounts: Simpler and More Compact

Hanging-style hitch bike car mounts are a simpler and often more compact alternative to tray-style racks. Bikes are suspended by their top tubes on arms extending from the rack.

Saris Bones Hitch 2-Bike: While similar in weight to the Küat Beta, the Bones Hitch 2-Bike may be less convenient to use. Repositioning the support arms can be cumbersome, and bikes may wobble more during transport.
Yakima RidgeBack: Fitting four bikes onto the RidgeBack can be challenging due to limited spacing between bikes. It also lacks a built-in lock, which is expected in its price range.
Thule Apex XT 4: This four-bike rack does not fold flat for storage, which may be a consideration for some users.
Yakima HangTight: This vertical hanging rack holds bikes by their handlebars. This design has several potential drawbacks: lifting bikes into the rack can be awkward, it may not be compatible with all bike handlebar configurations (reflectors, cables interfering), and securing the rack to the hitch can be difficult.
Thule Apex Swing 4: A swing-away hanging rack that allows cargo area access. It is lighter than some other swing-away models, but tray-style racks generally offer more stability.
Yakima FullSwing: Another swing-away design, the FullSwing is heavier than the Thule Apex Swing 4, making it less convenient to handle and install.

Trunk Bike Car Mounts: Budget-Friendly and Versatile

Trunk bike car mounts are an economical and versatile option, attaching to the vehicle’s trunk or hatchback with straps and hooks.

Thule Passage 2: Adjusting the Passage 2 can be difficult due to spring-loaded snap buttons, which offer limited adjustability.
Yakima HangOut: The HangOut may be more challenging to install and adjust compared to competitors.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike: The Deluxe 2-Bike rack can be difficult to install, and its support arms are not adjustable.
Allen Sports Ultra Compact 2-Bike: This rack may feel less durable and can exhibit significant side-to-side shaking during driving.
Saris Solo: A single-bike trunk rack made of inexpensive plastic that is not adjustable. Its fixed angle may cause bike-vehicle contact on certain car models.

Roof Bike Car Mounts: For Vehicles with Roof Racks

Roof bike car mounts attach to existing roof racks and offer a secure way to transport bikes, keeping the hitch free for other uses.

Küat Trio: May be less user-friendly to mount compared to some alternatives. It appears to be primarily designed for thru-axle bikes, and switching to a fork skewer can be tricky.
Yakima HighSpeed: While the clamp assembly is easy to tighten, the need to assemble and disassemble parts every time a bike is mounted or dismounted can be cumbersome. It may also not hold bikes as securely as some other roof racks.
SeaSucker Talon: A fork-mount rack using suction cups to attach directly to the vehicle roof. Suction cup fit can be inconsistent, especially on roofs with raised ribs. Strong suction can cause roof flexing, raising potential concerns about vehicle damage.
Swagman Race Ready: While bikes can be locked to the rack, the rack itself cannot be locked to the vehicle, posing a security risk. Bike security may also be less robust compared to top-rated options.

Pickup Truck Bike Carriers: Tailgate and Bed Options

For pickup truck owners, tailgate pads and bed-mounted carriers offer convenient bike transport solutions.

Thule Insta-Gater Pro: Held in place by the truck tailgate and clamps onto the bike’s front wheel. Requires ensuring the bike fits in the truck bed with both wheels on, as the tailgate cannot be lowered when the rack is in use. The wheel clamp needs to be securely tightened to prevent bike slippage, especially on bumpy roads.
Yakima GateKeeper Tailgate Pad: A nylon pad that wraps around the tailgate and secures bikes with Velcro straps. Straps may be too short to securely hold bikes, and can come loose on winding roads.
Thule GateMate Pro Tailgate Pad: Tailgate pad with straps that may be too long for standard bike frames, potentially better suited for larger mountain bike frames. May not be ideal for most users.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Bike Car Mount for Your Needs

Selecting the right bike car mount depends on various factors, including the number of bikes you need to carry, your vehicle type, your budget, and your ease-of-use preferences. Tray-style hitch racks offer excellent stability and are ideal for various bike types, while hanging-style hitch racks provide a simpler and often more compact solution. Trunk racks are budget-friendly and versatile, roof racks are suitable for vehicles with existing roof racks, and pickup truck carriers cater specifically to truck owners.

By carefully considering your specific requirements and reviewing the features and potential drawbacks of different bike car mount types and models, you can make an informed decision and ensure safe and convenient bike transportation for all your cycling adventures. Remember to always prioritize safety and double-check compatibility with your vehicle and bikes before making a purchase.