Best bike racks for cars: Tow hitch, roof mount and trunk mount options to carry your bike by car
The best bike racks for cars will keep your bike safe and secure on your travels
The best bike racks for cars provide safe and secure carrying options, so you can take your bike with you when you travel. Whether that's to a local race or for an extended trip, you'll want to make sure that your bike or bikes can easily be attached, that they'll stay put and that they're resistant to theft.
Although many car bike racks include some form of lock or one can be added to the basic package, one of the best bike locks is an add-on to consider to secure your bike, both when travelling and once you arrive. A lightweight lock can be a handy alternative to a heavy-duty one.
If you're travelling further afield and maybe flying, read our guide to the best bike travel cases.
Read on for our pick of the best bike racks for cars that we've tested here at Cyclingnews, including towbar, rooftop and rear-mounted options, or head further down the page for our buyer's guide to car bike racks and how to choose.
Best bike racks for cars quick list
Want to cut to the chase and find out which are the best bike racks? Here's a list of our top picks from each category. You can jump down from each product to a more detailed review as well.
Best expandable hitch mount
Saris's system can be expanded from one to four bikes and includes a heavy-duty option for e-bikes. There's a variety of add-ons available, including lights and a cargo basket.
Best feature-rich hitch mount
The Kuat NV 2.0 can take bikes with a variety of wheel sizes and tyres up to 4.8 inches wide. It's tool-free to put on your car, although it is heavy and bulky when you want to remove it.
Best roof mount for ease of mounting
Kuat has a button-operated locking system to attach your bike, with the pistons Kashima coated for smooth action. Although slick, it does add considerably to the rack's price.
Best roof mount to protect your bike
The Thule UpRide holds your bike in place with two locking bars over the front wheel, while the rear wheel holder is rubber to protect expensive carbon rims.
Best trunk rack for quick fitment
Bike racks for cars aren't known for their looks, but the Saris Bones looks cool as well as supporting two bikes well away from your car's paintwork. There's a three bike option too.
Best trunk rack to keep number plate visible
Holding your bikes high, but also securely, means that this Thule rack doesn't obscure your number plate, so you don't need to invest in a separate one.
Last updated on 13th of May 2025
This guide was last refreshed on the 13th of May 2025, checking that all the products included were available and adding additional details covering reasons to buy and reasons to avoid.
Best bike racks that mount to a hitch or tow-ball
Tow ball or tow hitch - racks are not the cheapest option but they are often the most convenient and accessible to most people. Once you've figured out what will work for your car and sorted the vehicle side, there are some distinct advantages. Choosing a hitch option from our list of one of the best bike racks for cars will often mean a tray-style rack with no possibility of bike, or vehicle, damage. If your vehicle is tall, you don't have to lift a bike over your head and if you leave it on, many will tilt out of the way for easy access. And when you'd rather remove the rack, it's usually easy.
Positives
- Hitch-mount racks are easy to fit and remove from your car
- Some are foldable when not in use
- Their position means you needn't lift bikes far from the ground
- Some tilt away from the car, allowing access to the boot/trunk
- They are typically compatible with all styles of bike, without axle compatibility concerns
Negatives
- Vulnerable in the event of a crash
- Requires your car to have a tow ball/hitch
- They can obscure your vehicle registration plate and lights, which if left unresolved, can be illegal
Best modular towbar rack
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Your carrying needs may grow: You can buy extra carrier trays to add to the system as you need them.
✅ You want easy storage and assembly: Being modular, it's easy to take apart, even if the towbar mount is best left in place.
❌ You want a rack that's easy to take on and off: The system components are weighty which makes it harder to carry and fit the rack.
❌ You want lower price: The cost mounts quickly as you add extra components.
The Saris Modular Hitch System works similarly to roof-mount systems, as you can add or remove capacity to suit your needs. There's a base hitch that attaches to your car, then you add the carriers you need for up to four bikes.
The bikes stand on a tray, which is attached to the hitch mount with security bolts and they are held in place by wheel straps and arms at either end of the tray that push against the tyre.
We found it was easiest to leave the hitch system in place, as it's heavy, and remove the trays when not in use.
You can read more in our full review of the Saris Modular Hitch System bike rack.
Best for features
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want tool-free installation: The mounting process is achieved without tools.
✅ You want to carry different wheel and tyre sizes: Kuat's system is very adaptable.
❌ You want easier storage: The rack is awkward to move around on its own and to store.
❌ You want a cheaper alternative: Kuat's rack is expensive for a rack that takes only two bikes.
Kuat makes some of the best-looking car bike racks on the market. It uses a half-wheel loop design similar to the Thule Pro XT as well as a ratchet strap meaning it can accommodate a range of wheel sizes and tyres of up to 4.8in width. The wheel cradles are adjustable to avoid bikes bumping into each other on the rack and there are removable cable locks.
The installation process is tool-free and an expanding adaptor takes up space in your car's hitch receiver to eliminate wobbles. The tilt switch can be engaged hands-free and there is even a brilliant bike repair stand built-in for adjustments and repairs.
You can find our in-depth review of the Kuat NV 2.0 here.
Best towbar mounted
3. Yakima FoldClick 2
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want to use an existing towbar: The FolkClick's rack attaches to a towbar, rather than its receiver.
✅ You want in-built lights: Yakima's system avoids having to purchase and fix a light board.
❌ You want to carry smaller bikes: The non-adjustable wheel trays may not work for short-wheelbase bikes.
❌ You want to carry bikes without a top tube: The stabilising arms may be difficult to use.
Yakima’s FolkClick 2 car bike rack utilises the towbar instead of the hitch receiver and has a surprisingly high weight limit — you can easily carry two e-bikes and still have weight left over. Not only is the rack quick and easy the install but it weighs just 14kg. The big selling point here, however, is its ability to quickly fold away, not to mention the inclusion of a ramp to help you get your bike in place come loading time.
Its design features two wheel-trays as well as arms and clamps to grab onto your bike's frame. A foot pedal unclips the base of the rack to tilt it out of the way so you can quickly get into your trunk. The setup also includes a locking system for both the bikes and the rack itself.
Best for easy removal
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want to carry one bike: As its name says, it's designed to carry a single bike, but can be expanded to two.
✅ You want low weight: The Solo is lighter than most racks making it easier to fit or store when not in use.
❌ You want tool-free fixing: You need to use tools to attach to the hitch.
❌ You want more security: The locking mechanism for the hitch isn't very robust.
Not everyone needs to carry a bunch of heavy bikes. Also, not everyone wants to leave their rack attached to the car when not in use. If you only occasionally use a bike rack and you tend to ride alone, or at least drive to the ride alone, then the Rockymounts MonoRail Solo is a perfect choice.
The price is lower than other options and it's exceptionally light at only 25 lbs. Taking it off the car and storing it is an easy one-handed affair. It also doesn't lock you into your current situation. If you decide you need to start carrying a second bike the MonoRail add-on allows adding capability.
A few screws and a five-minute transformation will have you ready to double your load capability. For the times when you aren't using the MonoRail add-on, it's just as light and easy to handle as the base unit.
You can also take a look at our in-depth review of the Rockymounts MonoRail Solo hitch bike rack here
Best roof bike racks
The best roof bike racks roof racks attach to cross or roof bars. For some vehicles that will mean factory rails that come pre-installed but even if you've got a flat roof, there are options. Aftermarket brands offer a range of bars to fit the flat roofs of most vehicles with options that range in price and style. There are less expensive square bars or sleek aerodynamic offerings.
Bikes are then secured to the roof using the frame, front wheel or front axle. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages; however, the key thing to consider is whether you will be able to lift your bike onto the roof in the first place. If you’re driving a tall SUV, consider a hitch or towbar car bike rack, as getting heavy bikes onto the roof can be precarious. For e-bikes, the weight means this style of rack isn't going to work at all.
Positives
- Easy access to car boot/trunk
- Widely compatible with car types
- Unrestricted view through rear window
- The best roof bike racks offer can cater for the most bikes
Negatives
- The high position makes it harder to load bikes
- You may need to buy roof bars if you don't already have them
- Be careful driving into height-restricted multi-storey car parks
Best for easy bike mounting
5. Kuat Piston SR
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want easy bike attachment: The Kashima-coated pistons are quick to use but contribute to a high price.
✅ You want lower weight: The rack is heavy to take on and off the car.
❌ You want to carry more bikes: The Piston can only carry one bike.
❌ You want a one-stop solution: You need to buy the roof bars separately.
The high-end Kuat Piston SR rack comes with an automated, button-actuated system which locks to your bike's wheels. Called One Tap, it's clever but makes the rack about double the price of many other bike racks. There's an accessory to adapt it to work with a bike with mudguards.
The system also makes the rack heavier than other options, so it's not such a good choice if you regularly mount and dismount your bike rack.
There are also gold Kashima-coated struts, the same coating top-end mountain bike suspension fork stanchions receive. This is arguably a bit much, but it looks really special.
Best for bikes with mudguards
6. Yakima HighSpeed
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ Your bike has mudguards: The design works with bikes with mudguards or fenders.
✅ You want easy mounting: Yakima's rack is low in weight and easy to mount to roof bars.
❌ You want to avoid wheel removal: Although the fork mount makes for a secure hold, it does mean removing a wheel and storing it separately.
❌ You want to keep your rear wheel pristine: The rear wheel strap could scuff the rear wheel unless protected.
The Yakima HighSpeed mounts to Yakima's separate roof bars and has the advantage that it's designed to work with mudguards. You need to remove the front wheel to install your bike (no bad thing) and the fork is secured with a thru-axle which has a torque limiter to guard against overtightening which is really handy.
The rear wheel is secured with a strap, although we found that to be a little lacking in padding if you want to avoid damage to expensive carbon wheels. However, you could perhaps pad this out with a soft cloth if you fear scratches.
There is zero frame contact from the rack though, so there's no need to worry about carbon tubes being damaged or crushed here.
If you are travelling with just one bike most of the time to events, trips or races this could be a solid option. The fact you need to remove a wheel keeps things a little more compact on the roof too.
Best for rear wheel protection
7. Thule UpRide
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want an expandable roof mount system: Thule's system can be expanded to multiple bikes.
✅ You want integrated locking: The Upride includes locks to the rack and to the car, so you don't need to use a separate cable.
❌ You have mudguards: The front wheel mount doesn't work with a mudguard.
❌ You want to keep the rack on the car without a bike: Depending on your bike, you may need to adjust the front retainer to get it to fold flat.
There are a lot of similarities between the Thule Upride and the Yakima HighRoad. We've decided to include them both because they are both high-quality wheel-on options for mounting a bike on top of a car. The front mount of the Yakima is a little bit easier to use while the rear strap on the Thule is a little bit nicer and it's more protective of the rear wheel.
When it comes to locking, the Thule has the advantage that there's no cable, instead it's integrated into the rack. The biggest point of differentiation though is going to be the larger system. A key advantage of a roof rack is that it can extend beyond just a single bike rack. If you think you like the other pieces in one system vs the other, you'll want the matching bike rack for that system.
Best for compatibility
8. Rockymounts Tomahawk
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want broad bike compatibility: If you've got a fat bike and a road bike, the Tomahawk will work for both.
✅ You want easy mounting: Tomahawk's system is easy to use and works with a range of crossbars.
❌ You want zero bike contact: The mount can rub against the fork legs and could scuff them.
❌ You want to use mudguards: It's another system that won't work with a front fender.
The Tomahawk is simple to use and works with a wide range of bike sizes and wheel sizes, using a front-wheel loop and a wheel stop to secure the bike upright, with a strap around each wheel to keep it secure. It can handle everything from road bikes to fat bike tyre width, covering all the likely requirements.
The main issue with the rack is that the mount comes into contact with the fork legs, so there's the chance of rubbing your bike's paint, particularly if the bike is dirty. It's not a dealbreaker for us, but whenever we use it, we add in a bit of helicopter tape to protect things.
Best trunk bike racks
Trunk and boot racks attach to the back of your car using straps, with feet stabilising the whole thing against the car. With the best trunk/boot bike racks, installing the rack correctly is paramount. If you don’t have something in the right place or pulled tautly, it can damage the paint on your vehicle. The advantage of trunk mount racks is that they are super light and inexpensive. If it's rare that you use a rack and you just need to occasionally transport an older road bike then these might be worth a look.
Positives
- Usually the simplest and cheapest option
- Simple ratchet-strap fitting so no specific fixings are needed
- Position means it's relatively easy to fit and remove bikes
Negatives
- Restricted view through the rear window
- Restricted access to trunk/boot
- Can be hard to fit bikes without a horizontal top tube
- Can obstruct your car's registration plate and lights, meaning a separate number and light board is required
- The contact points can damage car paintwork
Best trunk rack for quick fitting
9. Saris Bones 2-Bike
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want easy fitting: The Bones 2 attaches quickly to the trunk/boot.
✅ You want to carry multiple bikes: You can buy two and three bike versions.
❌ You want more security: There's nothing to lock the Bones 2 to your vehicle.
❌ You want to secure your front wheel: The rack doesn't have anything to stop it from moving around.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That is the mantra Saris has used with its Bones 2-Bike trunk/boot car bike rack. The design was first introduced in 1996 and hasn't changed all that much since.
It's available in two- and three-bike versions and is made from 100 per cent recyclable materials and everything from the articulating feet to the arms are adjustable to make the rack fit onto just about any car — including those with small spoilers.
The arm that supports the bikes is curved which provides extra clearance, and the seatpost strap prevents the bikes from wobbling around too much when everything is mounted. Unfortunately, the front wheel is still free to move around, although this is something that even the best car bike racks of this style fail to efficiently address.
Best to avoid numberplate overhang
10. Thule OutWay Platform 2
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You don't want a separate numberplate : The rack lifts the bikes above most plates, so they're still visible.
✅ You want a system that doesn't use the top tube: If you've got an expensive carbon bike, wheel attachment is less likely to cause damage.
❌ You want lower weight: Thule's rack is heavier than most rear-mounted racks.
❌ You want a cheaper system: Trunk racks are usually less expensive than other options, but not so the OutWay.
The Thule OutWay bike rack sits the bikes on a platform, rather than the normal system which suspends the bike from the top tube. That means that the bike is immobilised better and it's also lifted above the car's numberplate, so you don't need a separate plate to stay legal.
There are steel cables that attach the rack to a car to help increase security and peace of mind. It's still also possible to open your boot or trunk with the bikes removed but the rack still attached to the car. Which will make grocery runs and the like a lot easier on a trip for example.
On the flip side, the rack is heavier and more expensive than other trunk-mounted options.
Best budget option
11. Decathlon 320 Car Bike Rack
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a low-priced rack: This is one of the most affordable options for occasional use.
✅ You want easy storage: Once folded, the rack takes up little storage space.
❌ You want more bike protection: You're probably going to want to take extra measures to protect your paintwork.
❌ Your bike doesn't have a top tube: You'll need an adapter to hold your bike.
This affordable and foldable bike rack from Decathlon can carry up to three bikes, and is designed to sit high up so it doesn't get in the way of your registration plate or rear lights. When not in use it folds flat and can be easily stored away until you need it again.
It features adjustable straps for a good fit, and the feet that come into contact with the car are rubberised to protect the paintwork. It does come with some padding to protect your bike frames from damage, however, we'd also recommend supplementing it with a bit extra to be safe.
Bikes that don't feature a horizontal top tube will need an adapter to hold them in place.
If you're looking to upgrade your setup without overspending, you can find discounts on bike racks and other cycling essentials with our Decathlon coupon codes.
Small stored footprint
12. Hollywood Express 3 Bike Car Rack
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a low-priced rack for three bikes: The Hollywood rack is a good alternative to Decathlon's.
✅ You want easy assembly: The rack is ready to use as sold.
❌ You have a bike with a sloping top tube: You need a standard bike frame to support the bike correctly.
❌ You want easier bike fitting: There's some work required to make sure that the bike is secure and stop the front wheel from moving.
If you're looking for something simple and budget-friendly, the Hollywood F9 Express E3 bike rack could be the ticket. Able to transport up to three bikes at a time, it's super sturdy and capable, as long as you use all six of its straps to achieve adequate grip on a solid area of your car. Without this, there's a risk of wobbling.
To keep things as simple as possible, the rack arrives readily assembled, so there's no need to scratch your head with an instruction manual (as many of us are loathe to do), and when it's not in use you can fold it neatly away into the boot for storage.
Rubber tabs keep the car's paintwork protected, while the bike frames are shielded from each other with rubber separators.
| Bike Rack Model | Mount Type | Capacity | Rack Weight | Bike Frame Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saris Modular | Hitch | 4 bikes | From 35lbs / 16kg | No |
| Rockymounts MonoRail Solo | Hitch | 1 bike - 2 with additional add on | 25lbs / 11kg | No |
| Kuat NV 2.0 | Hitch | 2 bikes - max 60lbs each | 52lbs / 23.5kg | No |
| Yakima FoldClick 2 | Hitch | 2 bikes - max 58kg each | 34lb / 16.3kg | Yes |
| Kuat Piston SR | Roof | 1 bike | 26.8lbs / 12kg | No |
| Yakima HighSpeed | Roof | 1 bike - max 18.1kg | 9.5lbs / 4.35kg | No |
| Thule UpRide | Roof | 1 bike - max 20kg | 17lbs / 7.7kg | No |
| Rockymounts Tomahawk | Roof | 1 bike - 35lbs max weight | 16lbs / 7.25kg | Yes |
| Saris Bones 2-Bike | Trunk/Boot | 2 bikes - 25lbs per bike | 9lbs / 4kg | Yes |
| Thule OutWay Platform 2 | Trunk/Boot | 2 bikes - max 15kg per bike | 27.5lbs / 12.5kg | Yes |
| B'Twin 320 Car Bike Rack | Trunk/Boot | 3 bikes - 15kg max per bike | 19.8lbs / 9kg | Yes |
| Hollywood Express 3 | Trunk/Boot | 2 or 3 bikes - 35lbs max per bike | N/A | Yes |
How to choose the best bike rack for you
There are quite a few things to consider when choosing the best bike rack for your needs. The main issue is whether a rack will work both with your car and with your bike, as we explain below. You also need to consider how easy it is to mount and dismount your bike from the rack. If it's a two-person job and you usually travel solo with your bike, that's a problem.
If you are making a sizeable investment, it's a good idea to consult your car manufacturer and the rack manufacturer to ensure the model you like will actually fit your car.
Price and frequency of use will be important factors, as will how easy it is to store a rack when not in use.
Here's what to think about when choosing the best bike rack for you.
Is my car compatible?
The first, and most important thing to consider when choosing the best bike rack for your needs is to ensure that whatever you buy will be compatible with your car.
To do this, you need to understand how each of the types of bike rack works. Ahead of each section above, we've explained the details of how they function, but a quick run-through is as follows:
Roof-mounted bike racks fit onto the roof bars fitted to your car, which you may need to invest in if you don't have them already. Nearly all cars will allow this, but you'll need to ensure you get ones that are compatible with your car.
Hitch-mounted bike racks need your car to have a tow ball/hitch fitted. If your car doesn't have one, you can get one fitted but this will come at a cost, of course, so first consider whether it's better value than opting for an alternative type of bike rack.
Trunk/boot mounted bike racks use straps and clips and simply fix to the rear of your car using tension applied to the straps - usually using a ratchet mechanism. These come in different forms that are compatible with saloon and hatchback-type cars respectively.
How many bikes do you need to transport?
The next thing to consider is how many bikes you wish to transport. Of course, the more bikes a bike rack can handle, the more expensive it's likely to be, so while a rack that can carry four bikes might be nice to have just in case, you might be paying for something you never actually use.
This is most pertinent with trunk or hitch-mounted racks, as they're designed to carry a set number of bikes and no more. However when it comes to roof-mounted racks, they're usually designed for a single bike, so you can simply buy more at a later date if the family grows.
Are your bikes compatible?
The next thing to consider is whether it will actually fit your bike. The questions here depend on the bike & rack you have in mind.
With roof-mounted racks, they usually hold one or both wheels in a groove to keep the bike steady, and wrap a strap around the wheel to hold it in place. If you're using a bike with fat tyres or deep rims, check the width and strap length to ensure it'll fit. Some then fit a brace bar to the down tube of the bike, clamping it in place. If you're using a bike with deep or thick tube shapes, this is an area to check. Others remove a wheel and bolt the bike into place using the axle, so if you're opting for one of these, check the corresponding axle on your bike to ensure the rack comes with the right sort.
As for hitch racks, the same applies to the groove in which you fit your wheel, so don't forget to check that it'll be compatible.
And with trunk or boot-mounted bike racks, these usually suspend your bike from the top tube, so if you're riding a mountain bike with full suspension, or a hybrid bike with a step-through frame, this could make things difficult, as the bike will be suspended at a potentially insecure angle. It's also worth checking the width between the two braces. If you're trying to transport both adults' and kids' bikes together, then you'll need to strike a balance between wide enough for stability, and narrow enough to fit through the small frame.
No matter the type of rack, they all have a weight limit, so if you're transporting an e-bike, then be sure to double-check the combined weight of your bike and ensure it doesn't exceed the limit.
Is there anything else to consider?
Finally, if you've reached this point and different types of bike racks are still compatible and available to you, then consider the other non-essential characteristics of each. Ahead of each section above, we've listed the pros and cons for each type, which should help you decide, but it's worth weighing up the importance of things like how easy it is to load and unload, access to your trunk/boot, vulnerability to crashing and how they obstruct your visibility whilst driving.
If a hitch or trunk-mounted rack obscures your rear number plate, you'll probably need to buy a separate one to attach to the rear of your rack. In some jurisdictions, you may also need a repeater board for your indicators and brake lights.
How do we choose these products?
We are a dedicated group of cyclists and we try to ride more than the average person. We ride when it's cold, when it's hot, when it's raining, and sometimes even when it's snowing. We spend time racing and we spend time exploring.
As part of all that time, we are always testing new products to share with you. We have the opportunity to drive to more rides and try out more options for carrying bikes on cars. Each time we have a failure, that builds our experience with what works and what doesn't so that we can share that knowledge with you.
We've brought together a collection of products that covers a wide range of uses so that no matter what kind of bike, what kind of vehicle, and even what country you might be in, there's something for you.
Read our guide to how we test for more on our testing and scoring for products.
How do I know what hitch / tow ball racks I can use?
Trucks and larger vehicles will come with a 2in receiver tube. However, even if your vehicle doesn't have anything from the factory, there's almost always a retrofit kit available. You'll want to look for a quality system that mounts to the frame rails and not the bumper and what's available will depend on the tow ratings for the vehicle in question.
Keep in mind that in the US, a 1 1/4 receiver tube can be one of two different types of receivers. Both class 1 and class 2 hitches use the same size but they are different. You'll want to search carefully to see what the rack manufacturers rate their racks for. A class 1 hitch limits the insertion depth and, in some cases, even if a rack is the right size, it won't mount.
Another consideration for this style of rack is local laws and regulations. In Australia for example, if the rack obscures your licence plate, you’ll need an official accessory plate from the RTA; similar rules apply in Europe. The rack will also need to illuminate the plate to ensure visibility from at least 20m away in poor light conditions. In the eyes of the law, the classic photocopy or piece of cardboard with your plate number scribbled in sharpie will earn you a hefty fine. That’s not all; you may also cop a fine for driving around with an empty hitch rack on the back of your car. The moral of the story is to do your due diligence about what's required in your country before making a purchase.
Will my bike be safe using a roof rack?
As long as you are comfortable getting your bike up on the roof, there are a few options for how they stay there. Wheel-off systems keep the bike a little lower and make it a little easier to lift up on the roof. The challenge with using the axle to secure the bike is that there are a lot of variations. Different axle standards and hub spacing might mean easy-to-lose adapters.
The other option is a wheel-on system. This style uses a retention system like what you see on hitch racks but it's up above the car. There are a few that instead grab the downtube but we would tend to steer away from this style. They can scratch your paintwork and, in the worst case, crush the frame. Wheel-on roof-mounted car bike racks are great if you’re transporting bikes with various hub and axle standards. They don't touch the frame but they are a bit less stable, more expensive and require you to lift the bike higher.
The biggest advantage of a roof system is that it's not something you have to think about when it's not in use. The crossbars are either part of the car, or easy to live with always installed. The racks themselves are much lighter than a hitch system since they separate the bike retention from the car retention. It's also worth considering that if you've got a flat roof the initial investment of a rail system opens your roof up to all kinds of add-ons for different uses.
As far as bikes go, the roof keeps them safe from backing into something. Bikes on the roof are also safer from other drivers should you get into a fender bender. Don't forget the bike is up there though. There are a lot of sad stories about driving into a garage or a height limiter bar for a car park with bikes still attached.
How do we test bike racks?
The Cyclingnews tech team is well accustomed to mounting bikes to vehicles, whether it's transporting review bikes or travelling to races we have developed a strong understanding of what makes a good bike rack and the pitfalls.
All bike racks are used for an extended period so we can understand how easy it is to mount to a car, how easy it is to fit a bike to the rack and take it back off, how secure the mounting system feels and how easy the bike rack is to move around and store.
Our reviews and opinions are unbiased and based on extensive use of a bike rack, so you can be sure that Cyclingnews is offering you the best advice possible.
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Josh hails from the Pacific Northwest of the United States but would prefer riding through the desert than the rain. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but also has an understanding that most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn't care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset the answer will be yes. Height: 5'9" Weight: 140 lb. Rides: Salsa Warbird, Cannondale CAAD9, Enve Melee, Look 795 Blade RS, Priority Continuum Onyx
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