11 Best Truck Bed Bike Rack 2024 | Expert’s Guide
As we all know, biking is one of the best sports to do in order to stay in good shape, both physically and mentally.
However, not everyone has the chance to just get up on the bike and start cycling. We know that biking requires certain terrains and scenery. In that light, people tend to organize driving trips or so called biking trips in order to visit places where they can ride their bikes.
Anyhow, planning one of these trips surely is easy, but, there is a little problem when it comes to transporting your bike. Now, you can always mount your bike on top of your car and secure it with straps, but, that won’t provide much security and you will risk of getting your bike damaged.
But, there is a simple solution to this problem, of course, we are talking about bike racks. Therefore, we are going to discuss everything that you need to know about bike racks since they are quite convenient for bike transporting. You can find all sorts of useful information in this article regarding bike racks, and also, the top 11 bike racks reviews as well.
So, let’s begin with the important stuff.
Comparison Table of Top 10 Best Bed Bike Racks
Image | Product | Material |
capacity |
Rack Type |
Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heininger Sports Rack (Editor’s Choice) |
HQ steel |
4 Bikes |
Bed Rack |
Check Price | |
Thule Insta-Gator Truck Mount |
aluminum |
1 Bike |
Bed Rack |
Check Price | |
INNO Racks Truck |
durable steel |
1 Bike |
Bed Rack |
Check Price | |
Top Line UG2500 |
HQ steel |
2 Bikes |
Bed Rack |
Check Price | |
Swagman Bicycle Carriers |
Solid steel |
2 Bikes |
Bed Rack |
Check Price | |
Thule Xsporter Pro |
Aluminum |
2-4 Bikes |
truck mount |
Check Price | |
BV Bike Bicycle |
HQ steel |
2 Bikes |
Hitch Mount |
||
Allen Sports DELUXE |
HQ steel |
2-5 Bikes |
Hitch Mount |
||
Yakima FourTimer |
HQ steel |
4 Bikes |
Hitch Mount |
||
Swagman XC Cross |
Durable steel |
2 Bikes |
Hitch Mount |
||
EGO BIKE Truck |
HD steel |
2 Bikes |
Hitch Carrier |
Note: HQ= High Quality , HD= Highly Durable
Our 11 Picks of best truck bed bike rack
Now, it is time to see everything about some of the best bike racks that we stumbled upon on the market. Namely, all of these racks are quite valuable and they offer many benefits for everyone who uses them. Anyhow, let’s start with the reviews of 11 best truck bed bike racks.
1. Heininger Sports Rack for four Bikes – Best for Large and Heavy Bikes
Heininger Bed Bike Rack will be our first bike rack that we are going to review. Namely, this bike rack surely is one of the most convenient bike racks on the market since it is equipped with many different features that you can heavily benefit from.
First, this bike rack is designed to enable you to carry up to four bikes in your truck bed, and all that without the need to remove any wheels. This comes quite helpful when it comes to arranging stuff when you are planning a bike trip.
As for the installation process, this bike rack has such easy assembly process. You don’t have to use any tools in order to assemble this bike rack, and you can do it without any complications as well. Also, there is a convenient lockable cable that comes included. You can actually lock up your bikes any time and ensure that they are completely safe.
To top it all off, the materials that were used to craft this bike rack are out of the highest quality. The construction is quite durable and sturdy which ensures stability. On the other hand, the soft padding will ensure that your truck doesn’t get any scratches or that your bikes don’t get damaged at all.
- Capable of carrying up to 4 bikes.
- Easy and quick assembly process guaranteed.
- Equipped with durable construction with soft padding.
- Can be used as a standalone bike rack.
Cons and potential flaws:
- This bike rack requires straps as well.
All in all, this is one of the most convenient bike racks out there. You will be able to benefit a lot from it, and, the overall value for the cash simply is amazing. Even though this bike rack is not that expensive, surely does the job perfectly and up to standards.
2. Thule Insta-Gator Truck Mount – Best for Stability of Heavier Loads
Here we have an amazing Thule Insta-Gator Truck Mount that offers quite good stability for your bike when traveling. This bike rack is so lightweight which will provide such an easy installation and quick loading.
Since this bike rack is equipped with quick load system, you can actually mount your bike on it without any problems. You will also be able to save a lot of time and put less effort when it comes to unmounting your bike.
On the other hand, the weight capacity of this bike rack is up to 50 lbs. This will allow you to mount even a bit heavier bikes if you want. The quick installation feature enables you to mount the bike without the need to take the wheels off.
Furthermore, the high-quality materials that were used to make this bike rack will surely provide more than enough durability and stability as well. This means that you can depend on this bike rack to safely hold your bike while you drive.
- Lightweight bike rack with quick load system.
- Quick and easy installation guaranteed.
- High-quality materials offer great durability and stability.
- Solid capacity of 50 lbs allows heavier loads.
Cons and potential flaws:
- There might be a little wobbling movement.
3. INNO Racks Truck Bed Bike Rack – Best for Space Saving
INNO Truck Bed Bike Rack is a little bit different bike rack than any bike racks that we reviewed so far. Namely, this bike rack is designed for space saving and it has the ability to perfectly fit any bike size. In other words, this bike rack is simply one of the most convenient ways of transporting your bike.
Now, this bike rack will not take a lot of space in your truck bed which will allow you to pack a few extra things for your road trip. You just have to mount the bike, which is quite easy, and you will be able to save up to 90% of the space in your truck bed.
Furthermore, the compatibility with bikes of this bike rack is simply amazing. You can easy mount any type of bike, no matter the size or the weight. This is possible because this bike rack is equipped with features that allow it to perfectly adjust and hold the bikes of all shapes and sizes.
Definitely one of the best things about this bike rack is that it has D-Rings. Simply speaking, this bike rack is equipped with built-in D-Rings that provide tie-down points so that your bike is safe and secure. You won’t have to worry about the security of your bike once you mount it on this bike rack.
- This bike rack saves a lot of space.
- Compatible with every shape and size bikes.
- Stability ensured due to D-Rings feature.
- Simple and quick installation guaranteed.
Cons and potential flaws:
- Detaching the bike requires a little bit more time.
In the light everything we said about this bike rack, it is only logical to conclude that you can actually benefit a lot from it. With easy installation feature and ability to adjust to any type of bike, this bike rack surely offers some really great benefits.
4. Thule Xsporter Pro Aluminum Truck Rack – Best for Providing Security
Thule Xsporter Pro Aluminum Truck Rack for bike transporting is equipped with the variety of features that directly contribute to its overall performance and value. Simply speaking, this best truck mount bike rack will definitely ensure that your bikes are safe and secured in the back of your truck.
Now, the first thing that catches the eye about this bike rack is the material which it is made out of. Namely, this bike rack is made out of the high-grade aluminum which ensures maximum durability and stability as well. Also, the aluminum material is lightweight so you won’t be having any problems when it comes to removing the bike rack from your truck.
On the other hand, the AirTrip technology ensures that this bike rack has quite great performance. The bars are integrated with this feature which allows them to redirect airflow and ensure superior aerodynamics.
Also, there is a convenient SecureLock feature that offers security for your bikes. You can lock the rack to your truck with four One-Key lock cylinders. This will ensure that your bikes are safe and secured when you leave them unattended.
- High-grade aluminum material for maximum durability.
- AirTrip technology is offering superior aerodynamics.
- Ability to lock your bikes with One-Key lock feature.
- Easy to install and to use.
Cons and potential flaws:
- This rack requires Thule rack system crossbars.
In conclusion, the Thule bike rack surely will enable you to transport your bikes safely. This bike rack holds massive value for the price and it is one of the best bike racks that you can find in this price point category.
5. Top Line UG2500 Truck Bed – Best for Quick and Easy Mounting
Here we have a top line UG2500 truck bed bike rack that is capable of carrying up to two bikes. Namely, this bike rack surely will ensure that your bikes are safe and secured. Besides that, the whole installation process is easy and you will be able to mount the bikes in less than two minutes.
Next, the convenient security feature that is equipped on this trailer hitch bike rack will ensure that your bikes are locked and safe. This will allow you to leave your bikes unattended for some time, in case you want grab a drink while on the road.
Also, the materials are of the highest quality, and this bike rack surely is durable and quite sturdy. With this type of bike rack, you surely won’t need anything else when it comes to transporting bikes.
- Equipped with convenient security system for protection.
- Easy installation and quick mount feature.
- Made out of the high-quality steel material.
- Ideal for large and bulky truck beds.
Cons and potential flaws:
- There might be some wobbling during the ride.
After all, this bike rack surely holds quite good value for the cash since it offers a lot, and the cost is not that high. If you ever need a convenient tool for transporting your bikes, then you can’t go wrong with this one for sure.
6. Swagman Bicycle Carriers Pick Up – Best for Bike Protection
Swagman Bicycle Adjustable Truck Bed Bike Rack surely is equipped with some special features that allow you to transport your bikes safely and easily almost anywhere. This bike rack is made out of the high-grade materials that offer quite great durability and are able to support any bike on the market.
Besides that, there is a convenient telescopic bar that ensures quick and quite easy installation. Also, this telescopic pole ensures quite good adjustability to any size truck bad, so you won’t have to worry about that.
Next, the fork-mount blocks will ensure security for your bikes. This will keep your bikes secured for as long as you want, therefore, you can leave your truck unattended for some period of time.
To top it all off, this bike is made out of the solid steel material and it has quite durable construction. You basically won’t have to worry about durability or your bikes safety with this one.
- Great capacity of 35 lbs per bike.
- Quick installation due to telescopic bar.
- Solid steel construction for maximum durability.
- Fork-mount blocks ensure security and stability.
Cons and potential flaws:
- Requires tools for installation and proper knowledge.
Anyhow, this bike rack surely will provide everything that you need in order to carry your bikes on the road with you. The overall value for the cash is quite high since this bike rack is equipped with many features and it doesn’t cost much.
7. BV Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack Carrier – Best for SUV vehicles
BV Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack Carrier is possibly one of the best bike carriers for SUV when it comes to security and stability. Namely, this bike rack will ensure that your bikes are safely transported even in the toughest scenarios.
Now, this bike rack is attached to the back of your truck. Anyhow, with the tilt-back design, you can easily open the rear gates of your truck without the need to detach the rack. This feature is quite convenient since it will save you a lot of time.
As for the installation process, we can say that this bike rack is definitely easy to assemble. Besides that, this bike has quite convenient fold-up design that allows you to save space when you don’t need to use it. Also, detaching this bike rack is quite easy as well. This feature will definitely save you a lot of time.
Possibly the best thing about this bike rack is that it is equipped with anti-wobble design. Namely, this rack offers 2-way anti wobble system that gets rid of oscillations and wobbling movements while you drive.
- Equipped with tilt-back design for convenience.
- Safety reflector ensures safety and better visibility.
- Anti-wobble design equipped for better stability.
- Made out of the high-quality materials.
Cons and potential flaws:
- This bike rack doesn’t have lock feature.
To wrap up this review, we can say that this bike rack is definitely packing a lot of value. You will hardly find any better bike rack with these types of features in the price point category that it belongs to.
8. Allen Sports DELUXE HITCH MOUNTED BIKE RACK – Best for Pickup Trucks
Allen Sports Bike Rack is a two-bike carrier that comes from a line of very valuable and high-quality bike racks. Namely, this best hitch bike rack for pickup truck is ideal for road trips or camping excursions where you want to bring your bike with you.
Now, this bike rack is equipped with tie-down feature that allows you to individually secure your bike. This will provide the much-needed security and stability for your bikes while you hit the gas pedal on your truck.
Besides that, the compatibility of this bike rack is absolutely amazing. Simply speaking, the special design accommodates a wide range of frames. This means that you can use this bike rack on every type of truck no matter the dimensions.
To top it all off, this bike rack is finished with powder-coat which ensures quite good durability. Also, you can surely depend on this bike rack to be your loyal companion on road trips for a long period of time.
- Great maximum capacity of 70 lbs.
- Ideal for road trips and camping excursions.
- Tide-down feature offers great security.
- Compatible with wide range of frame sizes.
Cons and potential flaws:
- Doesn’t completely fold down, only tilts.
The bottom line is that this bike rack surely will enable you to bring your bikes on a road trip with you and won’t have to worry about anything. You just need to properly install it and mount the bike on this bike rack. The rest of the job will be done by this bike rack. Also, the value for the price ratio is quite amazing since this bike rack belongs to the ‘’affordable’’ price point category and it offers a lot.
9. Yakima FourTimer Hitch Bike Rack – Best for standard frame Bikes
One again we have a bike rack that is capable of transporting up to four bikes. Namely, Yakima FourTimer Hitch Bike Rack is made out of the high-quality materials that surely offer great durability and security for your bikes.
Now, the ability of this best trunk mount bike rack to adjust to any type of design, frame, and shape is quite amazing. You can actually carry up to four different bikes without worrying about suspension or wheel size at all. This feature is quite convenient for families or large group of friends that plan on going to a road trip.
On the other hand, you will be provided with the ability to quickly and easily load and unload bikes out of this bike rack. This is possible because of the overall design and easy-loading features. Also, you won’t have any problems installing this one onto your truck bed.
Furthermore, this bike rack is equipped with a convenient SKS hitch lock feature that allows you to secure your bikes. This means that you don’t have to worry about your bikes if you ever leave them unattended, which can happen a lot.
- Adjustable to fit any frame design of bikes.
- Ensures easy loading and unloading of bikes.
- Ideal for large, small, kid, and grown-ups bikes.
- SKS hitch lock feature equipped.
Cons and potential flaws:
- This bike rack fits only 2’’ hitch receiver only.
As we already mentioned, this bike rack is a pretty convenient thing to have if you plan on going on a road trip with your family. You can easily fit any type of bike on this bike rack. Also, the overall value is massive since this bike rack is not that expensive and it offers quite a lot.
10. Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Rack – Best for Easy Mounting and Removing
Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack is one of the best rear mounted bike rack models that are capable of fitting up to two different bikes. With the maximum load capacity of 35 lbs per bike, this bike rack is offering quite a lot.
This means that you can actually transport almost any kind of bike, no matter the frame design, weight, or any other stuff. Besides that, there is a convenient feature that allows you to access the read-of-vehicle without the need to remove the rack.
Next, the high-quality materials that this bike rack is made out of surely will contribute a lot when it comes to durability and stability of the bikes. Namely, you actually don’t have to worry about your bikes getting damaged or scratched at all. The heavy-duty construction surely will hold tightly your bikes at the back of your truck.
However, the best thing about this bike rack is the anti-wobble feature. Simply speaking, your bikes will be safe and hold in one place no matter how fast you drive. This built-in feature will ensure that don’t have to worry about your bikes once you mount them on the bike rack.
- High-quality materials equipped for durability and stability.
- Easy to mount and remove bikes.
- Ability to adjust to any bike frame design.
- Anti-wobble feature equipped for maximum security.
Cons and potential flaws:
- Fat tire wheels trays are sold separately.
In conclusion, this is one of the most valuable bike racks on the market. It doesn’t cost much, but it provides you with the ability to transport any kind of bike. Also, it ensures the security and stability of your bikes, while you don’t have to worry about anything.
11. EGO BIKE Truck Bike Rack for Two Bike – Best for Large SUV Vehicles
New Upright 2 Mountain Bike Rack that comes from a line of EGO BIKE products will surely provide so many benefits for you. If you plan on transporting only two bikes, then this one is definitely for you. Let’s see why.
First of all, this best trunk bike rack for SUV is equipped with adjustable sliding wheel chocks that allow you to fit almost any kid of bike on this bike rack. This means that you can mount even the smallest bikes on this bike rack. Also, the compatibility with different frame designed bikes is also high, so you don’t have to worry whether this bike rack can carry your bike.
On the other hand, this bike rack is equipped with the heavy-duty construction that offers quite amazing durability on the road. You can actually benefit a lot from this feature, since you can sit back and drive while your bikes are safe and secured at the back.
Also, the installation process is quite easy when it comes to this bike rack. You won’t face any problems or complications while installing this one. Besides that, the position that this bike rack is installed will ensure that your bikes won’t scratch the truck’s paint in the truck bed.
- Adjustable wheel chocks equipped for convenience.
- Easy to install and to load and unload bikes.
- Heavy-duty construction offers great durability and security.
- Able to carry different frame designed bikes.
Cons and potential flaws:
- The bolts are a little bit hard to tighten.
All in all, this is one quite valuable and worth the money bike rack. If you have two bikes that need to be transported, then this one is basically made for you. You can benefit a lot from this bike rack since it will ensure maximum security for your bikes.
Ways to carry bike on truck or pickup
First of all, let’s see some the most convenient ways of transporting your bike with your truck or pickup.
1. Using the rooftop
Now, you can always transport your bike on the roof of your truck. In order to do so, you first have to have the best roof mounted bike rack so that you can mount your bike on it. Also, the security straps are of the essence here since they will basically hold your bike in place.
However, this definitely isn’t the best way of transporting your bike for so many reasons. Namely, the straps can always snap, especially if you drive a bit faster. This will lead to heavy damages on your bike since it will fall and get completely broken.
2. Transporting bike inside the truck
Next, you can transport your bike inside your truck. However, this way of transporting requires a lot of space and you probably won’t have it since there are other things that you have to pack as well. Also, bike is not that small and it will probably use a lot of space.
On the other hand, this is definitely a safe way of transporting your bike, but, there is always a risk of damaging it if you pack too much things around it.
3. Using the bike rack
That leaves us with the possibly the best way of transporting your bike with your truck. Using the bike rack surely will provide great security and you will have the inside of the truck for packing other important things. However, there are lots of different bike racks on the market, and you can never be sure which one to pick.
Never the less, this definitely is the best way to transport bike in truck bed since bike racks are designed for that purpose only.
Easiest way to carry bike on truck
As we already mentioned, using a bike rack to transport your bike is definitely the easiest and the most convenient way of carrying your bike on the truck. Not only that your bike will be safe and secured in the back of your truck, but also, you will save quite a lot of space.
Besides that, mounting the bike on the bike rack is also quite easy. However, that mostly depends on the type of the bike rack and its design. In other words, there are bike racks that have different kind of setup, but, they are all quite easy to install.
What to look for when choosing best truck bed bike rack
Now, let’s see everything that you need to take into consideration in order to choose the most suitable bike rack on the market. Keep in mind that these next things that we are going to mention actually are quite important for choosing the best bike rack.
Consider your budget
First of all, you need to consider how much money you are willing to spend on a bike rack. Since there are lots of different bike racks that belong to different price point categories, you must at least approximately decide how much money you can spend.
The price of a bike rack vary according to the overall size of it and features as well. Some of the best bike racks are offering many possibilities and they are made out of the high-quality materials. However, if you want to get the very best bike racks, you should be able to pay top dollar.
Number of bikes
Knowing exactly how many bikes you need to transport will surely help when choosing the best bike rack. For some people, the bike racks ability to carry more bikes is the most important feature, therefore, you need to find the one that suits you the most.
Also, it is a good idea to get a bike rack that has the ability to carry more than one bike, even if you don’t need it every time. This is important because sometimes you might invite a friend to go on a bike trip with you, and an extra slot for bike transport surely is important. In that light, getting the bike rack that can carry more than one bike is definitely the best choice.
Security
It is also important to know about the security that a certain bike rack provides. Namely, some bike racks lock into the back of your truck. However, there are also some bike racks that are not offering any locking features, so you have to improvise a little bit when it comes to security.
Anyhow, it is probably the best choice to get the bike rack that offers great security with locking features. If you tend to leave tour bikes unattended, a locking feature will come in quite helpful when it comes to security.
Material
Next, the material and the construction of the bike rack are essential for its performance and overall value. Simply speaking, you need to get the bike rack that is made out of the high-quality materials and that has heavy-duty construction. The durability of the bike rack depends on the material as well, therefore, getting a durable and sturdy bike rack surely will ensure that your bike doesn’t get damaged.
Also, the expectancy rate of bike rack is directly correlated to the materials and construction as well. This means that if you get a durable bike rack, it is more likely that you will benefit a lot from it for a long period of time.
Never the less, it is also a good idea to have a spare tire bike rack in case you need a little bit extra space for storing your bikes.
How often will you actually use it
Also, it is quite important to know how often you will use your bike rack. If you plan on getting a bike rack for occasionally use, we recommend getting a mediocre one. But, if you use your bike rack often, getting a high-quality one surely will provide many benefits.
This is because the most durable bike racks are providing great security and they will last for a long period of time. On the other hand, if you don’t use your bike rack often, it is definitely the best choice to get the one that is easily mounted and removed from your truck.
Other functions
As we all know, most of the bike racks are designed for only one purpose, to carry bikes. However, that does not have to be the case every time. You can also use a bike rack for other purposes as well. They can be a pretty convenient thing when it comes to supporting something, or transporting something else, rather than the bike.
Frequently Asked Questions about best truck bed bike rack
Let’s see some of the most frequently asked questions about bike racks.
1. Question: Is installing bike rack complicated?
Answer: Well, that depends on the type of the bike rack. Also, there are some bike racks that have easy installation features.
2. Question: Do I need to secure my bikes with straps as well?
Answer: There is no need for that if you have a security feature equipped on your bike rack.
3. Question: How long does a bike rack last?
Answer: That mostly depends on the quality of the materials, but, bike racks usually last for a long period of time.
4. Question: Are bike racks the only way of transporting bikes with my truck?
Answer: Of course not! However, they are the most convenient and the easiest way of doing so.
5. Question: Is it necessary to mount the maximum number of bikes on my bike rack?
Answer: Not at all. You can use a four bike rack for transporting only one bike as well.
6. Question: How can I be sure that the bike rack will fit my truck bed?
Answer: All you need to do is to compare the dimensions of the bike rack with your truck bed dimensions.
7. Question: Are there any warranty possibilities when it comes to bike racks?
Answer: In most cases, yes! But, some manufacturers are not providing warranty for their bike racks.
8. Question: Is it possible to use best rear bike rack for standalone bike racks?
Answer: That depends on the model. But, most of the heavy-duty bike racks can be used outside of the truck bed.
Wrapping Up
As we can see, transporting your bikes is not hard, especially if you have a convenient way of doing so. Anyhow, we have provided you with every piece of information about bike racks and we reviewed one of the best bike racks on the market.
Now, it is only up to you to decide which one to get and enjoy your road trip without worrying about your bike’s safety. You can’t possibly go wrong with any of these bike racks for sure.