Have you ever tried to place your bikes in the backseat or trunk of your car? Well, it’s not possible to cram the bikes in your car without breaking them into pieces. So, how do you carry them to your favorite picnic destination?
You may want to bring your bikes for racing or trekking. But, you can’t use a bike if you are planning a long road trip. The only way to carry your bikes is by installing them on the rear of your car. That’s where the universal bike racks come into the picture. The racks are designed to house bikes of varying sizes and shapes seamlessly, and in such a way that they stay stable and sturdy throughout your trip. It is the best way to bring your bike to any location without having to worry about safety.
Let's have a look at the 4 best universal bike racks for cars
Hitch Mounted Rack 4-Bike Premium Carrier
Best Overall
- Reasonably priced
Pros
- Easy to install
- Installation hardware is included
Cons
- large
Universal Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier Rack for Car
Budget option
- Affordable
Pros
- Durable and sturdy construction
Cons
- hard to access rear cargo
Hitch Mounted Rack 2-Bike Capacity
Premium option
- Great all around option
Pros
- Two locks for the security of the bike and rack
Cons
- expensive
These racks are available in different types. The most popular option is the hitch rack, which connects directly to the rear gates of your vehicle and accommodates 1-5 bikes flawlessly. Let’s say you find the perfect rack for your car. How do you install it? And, how exactly should you place your bikes on the rack? For that reason, it is important to find easy-to-install universal bike racks that can fit just about any car easily and house any type of bike without any hassle. If you are still worried about the installation, check out the 4 popular and easy to install universal bike racks for cars.
Hitch Mounted Rack 4-Bike Premium Carrier
This universal bike rack can hold up to 4 bikes at a time (each weighing up to 30 lbs). The rack comes with a safety strap that keeps your bikes secured to the rack throughout the journey. Plus, it has 8 rubber straps that hold the bikes in place. These rubber straps are UV-resistant and super stretchable. This 2-arm and 8-straps rack is designed to accommodate a wide variety of bikes, including gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and road bikes. Made of high-quality and durable powder-coated steel, it comes with an anti-wobble system that protects the bikes from wobbling when the car is in motion. It also has rear reflectors that offer better visibility in dim lights and at night.
The company has added the Quick Release Smart Tilt feature that helps drop the rack quickly, allowing you smooth and easy access to the cargo. Fold the rack and store it away when it is not in use. The foldable design makes it possible for you to fold it instead of removing the rack multiple times between uses. You need to buy the KAC Bike Frame Adapter separately if you are placing the low-frame bike on the rack. Here are the features of the rack:
Features
– The anti-wobble design keeps your bikes in place
– Quick-release tilt design
– 8 safety straps made of rubber
– Fits well with 2” hitch receivers
– It can accommodate up to 4 bikes
– Rear reflector for better visibility
– Made of powder-coated steel
Universal Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier Rack for Car
Get an XCAR 2-bike universal hitch-mounted rack for your sedans, SUVs, and other types of cars. It comes with the hardware required for the smooth installation of the rack on the rear gates of your vehicle. The installation is super simple. Connect the rack to your car’s rear end securely and place each bike on the rack securely with the individual tie-down cradle system. It offers a hassle-free way to carry your bikes to different locations. Use its safety straps to secure your bikes and keep them from moving excessively during transportation.
The company sells the model with adjustable mounting saddles that can accommodate 2 and more bikes at a time and keep them secured to the rack. It is designed to house bikes of varying sizes and shapes easily. Make sure you tighten the mounting saddle after placing the bikes to ensure that the bikes do not move during transport. Plus, you can enjoy a great level of flexibility with the rack with its flexible carry arms that can be folded when the racks are not used. If you are using the rack and need access to the rear gates, use its tilt-down feature to lift the rear gates of your car smoothly and access the cargo without any hassle.
Features
– Handle a weight of 150 lbs
– Made of heavy-duty steel
– A folding carry arm
– Premium and adjustable mounting saddles
– Compatible with vehicles featuring 2” hitch receivers
– Tilt-down design
– Foldable arm designs
– Strong rubber straps for keeping your bikes secured to the rack when the car is on the move
Hitch Mounted Rack 2-Bike Capacity
Another bike rack known for easy and quick installation is the KAC Overdrive Sports K1-RT is your best bet. It comes equipped with an adjustable ratchet that makes it easier for you to attach and remove the bikes from the rack efficiently. The flexible design also enables you to place different styles and frames of bikes on the rack. The manufacturer sells this product with spare keys that lock the bikes in place and ensure their safety during transportation.
It has a heavy-duty and robust when tray that’s designed to hold both narrow and fat tires flawlessly. Plus, it comes with four safety straps that can be used to secure the bike to the rack. One strap can secure two bikes easily. It is the best bike carrier for different bikes, including mountain bikes, e-bikes, and more. It has an anti-wobble system that prevents unnecessary wobbling and movement of the bikes when your car is in motion.
It also has a rear reflector that enhances visibility at night. Use the Quick Release Smart Tilt Lever technology to get quick access to the back of your car without having to remove the rack altogether and install it back. It can also be folded away when you don’t need it. Just fold and store it away to save space. However, do not tilt the bike when it’s loaded with two bikes. Remove the bikes first. The model can hold up to the weight of 120lbs combined. The rack fits the 1 1/4“ hitch receiver.
Features
– Quick-release tilt-down design
– Anti-wobble system
– Made of powder-coated steel
– Limited lifetime warranty
– Dual locking ratchet
– Rear reflector added
Hitch Mounted 2-Bike Rack-100 lb Capacity
MAXXHaul 50025 is designed for all types and sizes of cars – be it a sedan or an SUV. The product can carry up to two bikes each 50 lbs securely. It comes with two carry arms and safety straps that keep the bikes securely attached to the rack. It comes with an integrated locking knob that keeps the bikes stable. The bikes do not wobble and nor do they move when the car is in motion. The rack can fit with the cars having 1 1/4 inches to 2 inches hitch receivers.
Plus, the installation is pretty simple and takes only a few minutes. It also comes with the swing back function that enables you to get access to the rear gates of the car easily. You don’t need to remove the bike from the rack in order to access the rear gates of the car. The rack is pretty versatile and can accommodate any type of bike effortlessly. Plus, it comes with padded hooks that protect the bikes and the rear of the car from scratches and other damages.
Features
– Compatible with I II III IV V hitch receivers
– Handle weight of up to 100 lbs
– Buckle type straps
– Anti-wobble system
– Compatible with all types of cars
– Sturdy cradle
– Padded hooks
– Swing-down design
– Integrated locking knobs
Our last say on universal bike racks
The best part about these racks is that you don’t need any mechanical tools or special knowledge to install the bike racks on the hitch receiver. It’s not rocket science. Just go over the manual that contains detailed instructions for the installation of the bike racks and you are good to go.