If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted racks are the way to go. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. There are a wide range of options to choose from, but hitch racks fall into two basic categories: platform models are the most expensive but offer excellent stability and convenience, while hanging racks maximize carrying capacity in a compact package. Below we break down our top picks for 2022, from high-end, exquisitely manufactured designs like 1Up’s Heavy Duty Double to Kuat’s budget-oriented and weight-conscious Beta. For more information, see our hitch rack comparison table and buying advice below the picks.To get more news about ebike car rack, you can visit magicyclebike.com official website.
Thule recently updated their popular T2 Pro, but the latest model retains its title as our favorite hitch-mounted rack thanks to its complete feature set and premium build. Taking the place of the top-selling XT, the XTR adds a set of wheels at the base for easier shuttling to and from a garage, but the rest of the design remains exactly the same (which is a good thing). The T2 Pro’s user-friendly tilt feature is best-in-class, providing quick and easy access to the rear of the vehicle, and its versatile carrying system accommodates everything from fat bikes to 20-inch kids’ models. At $800, the T2 Pro certainly isn’t cheap (the recent $100 jump in price doesn't help), nor is it particularly light at over 50 pounds, but its sturdy, long-lasting design is ideal for committed riders.
Hitch racks is a competitive space, but what really sets the T2 Pro XTR apart from the field is material quality and the sheer number of features it offers. Simply put, this rack does it all. Its expanding wedge attachment system makes for a wobble-free connection, the 60-pound weight capacity means you can haul nearly all bike styles (including many electric models), and you get ample clearance from your vehicle and between bikes. Plus, the optional 2-Bike Add-On (for another $500) doubles its capacity. And as mentioned above, all of the components on the Thule are extremely well-made, which makes the investment worth it over time.
There’s no getting around the fact that quality platform-style racks are expensive, but those looking to save should check out Kuat’s Transfer v2. This design shares a number of basic features with the Thule T2 above, including an attachment system that avoids frame contact and a tilting function that allows for access to the back of your vehicle. The latest version of the Transfer also is adjustable enough to fit a wide range of bike types and wheel sizes and can even accommodate a fat bike with an adapter (sold separately). Plus, a 1-Bike Add-On is available for a reasonable $159 to provide even more carrying abilities. Attractively priced at $449 and weighing a reasonable 37 pounds, there’s a whole lot to like about the Transfer v2.
What do you give up by saving with the Kuat? Compared to the Thule T2 and Kuat’s own NV 2.0 below, the materials and build quality are a step down. For example, while the Transfer 2 has a steel frame and they’ve upgraded the hitch design with the v2 model, the rack still is more prone to movement on bumpy roads. And there’s less side-to-side adjustability to limit potential contact between bike frames. That said, the Transfer packs in a surprising number of features for the price, including a solid weight capacity (60 lbs. per bike for the 2-inch receiver model) and cable locks. In the end, dedicated cyclists will be better off with the higher-end Thule, but if you’re willing to make a few compromises, the Kuat offers a whole lot of bang for your buck.
British Columbia-based Swagman lacks the brand recognition of Thule or Yakima, but their XC2 model is a smart choice for recreational riders on a budget. For a bargain-basement $120 (on Amazon at the time of publishing), the Swagman XC2 features a highly adjustable tray system, sturdy and secure ratcheting arms, and a threaded hitch pin that keeps rack movement to a minimum. Perhaps best of all, the low 32-pound weight is easy to remove and install, and the small footprint takes up minimal space when off your vehicle. This rack certainly doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the more premium options above and below, but it will reliably transport your bikes from point A to point B.
Given the low price point, there are bound to be shortcomings, and the Swagman XC2 has its fair share. The bike nearest the vehicle is quite challenging to load compared to other racks on this list, the release mechanism on the ratcheting arm is difficult to engage, and there are no locks included with your purchase. And after about 500 miles of use, which did include many miles of dusty gravel roads, the padded frame cradles managed to rub the paint completely off one of our bikes. If you’re able to spend up, we recommend the $449 Kuat Transfer v2 2 above, which addresses most of these issues.
Overall, we prefer the platform style for its ease of loading and superior all-around stability, but high-capacity hanging models are the clear leaders in terms of value. Among the options on the market, Yakima’s RidgeBack is a long-time favorite: it features a durable build, reasonable price, and anti-sway design that limits bike movement while on the road. Further, we think Yakima has the best cradle system, which includes ratchet-style straps to securely hold the bike’s top tube to the rack. Priced at a reasonable $399 for the four-bike version, the RidgeBack offers double the capacity of the Thule T2 Pro above at just over half the cost.
What's not to like with the hanging-style RidgeBack 4? An adapter is necessary to carry full-suspension mountain bikes, step-through bikes, or smaller kids’ models, which adds a significant amount to the overall investment (top tube adapters are about $50 each). Moreover, there is very little space between the bikes when they’re loaded, which can lead to rubbing and damage to the paint. But it’s hard to ignore the RidgeBack’s track record of reliable performance, which makes it our top hanging hitch rack.
