Are you into leaving your house sometimes? Well, put it there partner.. we’re proud of you!
And if you are the type of person who goes outside, maybe you’ve learned to ride a bike. MAYBE you need a way to put that bike on your car.
And oh boy, we’ve got plenty of solutions that won’t break the bank.
Cheers to our moderately active friends, let’s take a look at the best bike racks for Nissan Ultimas:
1. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R
Allen Sports is a well-known brand that sells this trunk mounted system like hot cakes.
A huge advantage of this setup is that it requires no additional hardware installation. And they’ve become increasingly popular because of that.
This particular trunk mount rack is very affordable, and it really doesn’t have a competitor within this price range. Contact points against your Ultima are padded so you don’t have to worry about scratches..
And the hooks will make sure everything stays tight and secure. This particular model can hold up to two bikes. Another really great thing about these types of racks is that they can be installed/uninstalled in minutes.
If you’re looking for an affordable solution, this has to be one of the top choices available.
2. Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Deluxe Black 1-Bike Trunk Mount Bicycle Carrier Rack. (Fits Most Sedans/Hatchbacks/Minivans and SUVs.)
Like our previous example, Tyger Auto also has a trunk mounted setup. But the difference between the two is pretty easy to spot.
This is the beefier older brother of Allen’s design. And pretty much every single component is going to be a bit upgraded.
But that does come at a price, this ain’t as cheap as the Allen either!
This sturdier option is only for the 1-bike carrier model they have. But they do have other choices that can hold up to 3 bikes. We like Tyger because they throw in a lifetime-warranty.
And companies that do that tend to focus a bit more on workmanship so they don’t have to spend all day honoring them! For the price? Well, it’s true you can find more affordable options. But if you want something longer term, this might be something that suits your lifestyle.
3. YAKIMA - Highroad Wheel-On Mount Upright Bike Carrier for Roof Racks, 1 Bike Capacity
We’ve departed the world of the trunk mounts and now we’re onto something completely new and exciting.
A roof mounted bike rack! The great thing about these is you’ll have nothing hanging off from the rear of your vehicle.
But you of course will need a roof rack installed previously on your Ultima to use it. There are universal options for that available, but it’s not quite as easy as the tension mount setups.
They also tend to cost a bit more. Yakima has great build quality for all their products and so it’s one of those things that’s worth the splurge if you’re an avid biker. If you’re more recreational? Then we think a tension mount might be better suited.
Something to note as well is if you live in an area with lots of low hanging trees or anything with a low-clearance, then having one of these might be nerve racking.
We really like that this folds down when not in use and has three contact points for a bike though. It just depends what’s right for you.
4. Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
“What brand of hitch rack is that Billy?”
*Billy puts on his sunglasses*
“It’s the.. the Swagman”
Ohhh yeah that’s exactly how the conversation is going to go anytime you’re seen with your hitch rack!
Where does a rack like this excel? Well, if you have heavy bikes, a lot of bikes, or you plan frequently then a hitch mounted system is extremely popular. While tension mounts are easy, nothing is going to compare to the stability of something locked into the frame of your car.
Of course this will require you to already have a hitch installed. But if you do, the Swagman XC2 is a steal of a deal. And it’s one the best bang for your buck deals available right now. Which explains why they’re so popular.
This will fold up and out of your way when not in use.
5. Saris Sentinel 2 Bike Trunk Rack Bicycle Carrier
Saris has a really cool design for those of you who are liking the tension mount setups.
This will hold 2 bikes and perhaps the coolest aspect is that it’s Made in the USA. Which is surprisingly uncommon nowadays.
They also offer a lifetime warranty on this product and have another version that can hold up three bikes. Just based on the warranty alone, we think this is a good option to take a look at.
What are the most common types of bike racks and where do they excel?
Roof racks, hitch mounted racks, and tension mounts are the most common setups. If you want a super stable setup or are planning on carrying 3+ bikes then we think a hitch mounted rack is best. But the drawback is it requires previous installation of the hitch.
And if you want something unobtrusive, then the roof mounted racks will do. But they too require a roof rack to be installed before you can use them.
For most riders, the tension mounted racks will be the best choice. They can be installed easily, and put away easily and require no extra modifications. They also tend to be more affordable in addition to requiring no extra gear. Which is why we think they’re so popular.
Hopefully, this guide helped you to make an informed decision on getting a bike rack for your Nissan Altima. There are plenty of different styles when it comes to getting your bike on your car since it’s such a popular hobby.
For us, we think the best overall value is either going to be the Allen Rack or the Tyger Rack(if you want the beefier design). We lean towards tension mounts for the majority of riders.
But whatever you end up getting, let us know how it worked out. And thanks for stopping by! We appreciate your presence.