The very best roof bike racks enable bikes to be transported safely and securely up and out of the way in which of your automobile’s trunk or rear hatch. Whereas the rooftop type of motorbike rack will not be fairly as standard because it was once, the out there choices are higher than ever.
When you don’t need to set up a tow hitch in your automobile, roof racks are an important various to hitch racks. They work nice on their very own or could be a straightforward method so as to add carrying capability to your automobile’s hitch rack setup. Additionally, the crossbars that maintain your bike roof rack can help racks for different varieties of out of doors actions so to customise your journey rig.
To seek out the most effective roof bike racks of 2024, we rounded up a number of 7 completely different fashions to check and evaluate aspect by aspect. We tasked biking knowledgeable Bennett Shane with placing every mannequin by means of its paces to establish their strengths and weaknesses and to see how they carry out in the actual world.
From the top-rated Yakima HighRoad to the high-end Kuat Piston SR, we’ve received suggestions to fit your rooftop bike-carrying wants. To see all the fashions we examined and their specs at a fast look, try our Comparability Chart. When you need assistance deciding which roof bike rack is finest for you, we’ve included useful info in our detailed Shopping for Recommendation and Value & Worth part so you may be taught extra.
Editor’s Be aware: This information was up to date on October 25, 2024, with the addition of a brand new Value & Worth part.
The Greatest Roof Bike Racks of 2024
Greatest Total Roof Bike Rack
-
Kind
Wheel-on -
Weight capability
45 lbs. (off-road rated to 27 lbs.) -
Rack weight
18 lbs. -
Wheel measurement compatibility
26″ to 29″ -
Max tire width
4″ -
Max. wheelbase
1,320 mm (52″) -
Crossbar compatibility
Common
-
Straightforward loading course of -
Safe bike maintain -
No entrance wheel removing -
Instrument-free set up and removing -
No body or fork contact
-
Reasonably costly -
Lock cores not included
Greatest Finances Roof Bike Rack
-
Kind
Wheel-on -
Weight capability
45 lbs. on aftermarket bars (35 lbs. on manufacturing unit bars) -
Rack weight
19 lbs. -
Wheel measurement compatibility
20″ to 29″ -
Max tire width
3″ (as much as 5″ with fattie equipment) -
Max. wheelbase
1,220 mm (48″) -
Crossbar compatibility
Common
-
No entrance wheel removing -
No body contact -
Bike is steady in use -
Rather less costly than different wheel-on choices
-
Some meeting required -
Lock cores offered individually
Greatest Fork Mount Roof Bike Rack
-
Kind
Fork mount -
Weight capability
40 lbs. (off-road rated to 25 lbs.) -
Rack weight
11.5 lbs. -
Wheel measurement compatibility
Holds bikes by entrance axle -
Max tire width
5″ -
Max. wheelbase
1,270 mm (50″) -
Crossbar compatibility
Common
-
Carries quick-release and thru-axle bikes -
Instrument-free set up and removing -
Barely decrease loading peak with entrance wheel off -
Very light-weight, slim, and straightforward to retailer when not in use
-
Lock cores not included -
Entrance wheel removing required
Greatest Finances Fork Mount Roof Bike Rack
-
Kind
Fork mount -
Weight capability
45 lbs. -
Rack weight
7 lbs. -
Wheel measurement compatibility
Holds bike by fork axle -
Max tire width
3″ (5″ with Fats Bike Adapter) -
Max. wheelbase
1,270 mm (50″) -
Crossbar compatibility
Common
-
Fairly priced -
Smooth and low profile -
Lock included -
Is available in 2 colour choices
-
Would not include a 12 x 100mm axle adapter
Greatest Splurge Roof Bike Rack
-
Kind
Wheel-on -
Weight capability
67 lbs. -
Rack weight
26.8 lbs. -
Wheel measurement compatibility
18″ to 29″ -
Max tire width
5″ -
Max. wheelbase
1,346 mm (53″) -
Crossbar compatibility
Common
-
Tremendous simple operation and loading -
No body, fork, or wheel contact -
Instrument-free wheel measurement modifications -
Straightforward set up -
Sturdy and engaging end -
Might be transformed to a hitch rack with adapter (offered individually)
Greatest Future-Proof Roof Bike Rack
-
Kind
Wheel-on -
Weight capability
75 lbs. -
Rack weight
14 lbs. -
Wheel measurement compatibility
16″ to 29″ -
Max tire width
3″ (as much as 5″ with Fats Tire Spacer Package) -
Max. wheelbase
1,371 mm (54″) -
Crossbar compatibility
Common
-
100% metallic building -
Very steady and safe bike maintain -
Might be transformed to hitch mount rack with adapter -
Might be mounted to the again of camper vans -
Is available in Black or Silver -
No body, fork, or rim contact
-
Loading course of takes slightly apply to good -
Industrial appears will not be for everybody -
Wheel measurement modifications require instruments
One other Nice Roof Bike Rack
-
Kind
Wheel on -
Weight capability
44 lbs. -
Rack weight
17 lbs. -
Wheel measurement compatibility
20″ to 29″ -
Max tire width
3″ (as much as 5″ with Fatbike Adapter) -
Max. wheelbase
1,300 mm (51″) -
Crossbar compatibility
Common
-
No body or fork contact -
Safe and confidence inspiring maintain of bikes -
No entrance wheel removing wanted
-
Lock cores are offered individually -
Takes a number of apply runs to get loading and changes dialed
Roof Bike Rack Comparability Chart
Roof Bike Rack | MSRP | Kind | Weight capability | Rack weight | Wheel measurement | Max tire width | Max wheelbase |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yakima HighRoad | $299 | Wheel-on | 45 lbs. | 18 lbs. | 26″ to 29″ | 4″ | 1,320 mm (52″) |
RockyMounts BrassKnuckles | $250 | Wheel-on | 45 lbs. | 19 lbs. | 20″ to 29″ | 3″ (5″ w/ fattie Package) | 1,220 mm (48″) |
Yakima HighSpeed | $289 | Fork mount | 40 lbs. | 11.5 lbs. | fork mount | 5″ | 1,270 mm (50″) |
Kuat Trio | $198 | Fork mount | 45 lbs. | 7 lbs. | fork mount | 3″ (5″ w/Fats bike adapter) | 1,270 mm (50″) |
Kuat Piston SR | $498 | Wheel-on | 67 lbs | 26.8 lbs. | 18″ to 29″ | 5″ | 1,346 mm (53″) |
1Up USA Roof Rack | $270 – $290 | Wheel-on | 75 lbs. | 14 lbs. | 16″ to 29″ | 3″ (5″ w/ Fats Tire Package) | 1,371 mm (54″) |
Thule UpRide | $300 | Wheel-on | 44 lbs. | 17 lbs. | 20″ to 29″ | 3″ (5″ w/ Fatbike Adapter) | 1,300 mm (51″) |
How We Examined Roof Bike Racks
At GearJunkie, we love driving from the home every time potential, however such as you, we frequently drive with our bikes earlier than beginning our rides. Having a high quality rack to securely and securely transport our treasured bikes is an extremely necessary a part of our transportation state of affairs.
Not solely do we would like our bikes to keep away from harm to our bikes in transit, however we additionally prefer it when the rack is straightforward to make use of, steady, and appears good too. To that finish, we’ve examined the most effective roof bike racks in the marketplace to search out the most effective in 2024.
Our Professional Tester
For our roof bike racks purchaser’s information, we recruited biking knowledgeable Bennett Shane to check and evaluate seven of the newest and best fashions we might discover. Bennett is an obsessive bike owner and biking gear aficionado who takes nice delight in his small fleet of high-end street bikes.
Not solely is he meticulous concerning the situation of his gear, however he’s additionally been biking significantly for over 2 many years and has seen the evolution of motorbike racks in that point. Bennett additionally spent a few years working for a number of outstanding manufacturers within the biking trade and has developed an uncanny depth of information about all issues biking, together with bike racks.
Our Testing Course of
After rounding up a various number of seven roof bike rack fashions, Bennet spent months testing them side-by-side. With a set of Thule Wing Bar Evo crossbars mounted to his Subaru Forester, he put every of those racks by means of our rigorous testing course of.
Every was put in and eliminated quite a few occasions, and bikes had been loaded and unloaded repeatedly. From stop-and-go driving on metropolis streets to freeway speeds on the freeway, we examined every rack’s stability and bike safety, together with necessary components like bike compatibility, ease of use, safety features, and sturdiness.
Shopping for Recommendation: The best way to Select a Roof Bike Rack
With quite a few roof bike rack choices in the marketplace to select from, discovering the proper one generally is a problem. With completely different bike mounting kinds, wheel and tire measurement compatibility, and weight limits, there are a lot of components to contemplate. If a hitch bike rack isn’t for you, our useful information may also help you discover the appropriate roof bike rack.
Bike Mount Fashion
Historically, bikes had been mechanically clamped into roof racks on the fork dropout, and the entrance wheel was saved contained in the automobile. Fork mount racks are nonetheless an possibility, however each main model has developed another type of roof bike rack that enables the entrance wheel to stay on by grabbing the entrance tire with a clamping system.
This design saves time getting the bike mounted onto the rack and area contained in the automobile. Total, wheel-on racks have change into the preferred type of roof racks as they’re barely extra user-friendly.
Wheel On
Inside the wheel-on class, the bulk use a clamping arm to safe the entrance wheel whereas a ratcheting belt cinches down on the rear rim, which sits near the tray of the rack. Because the rear wheel is locked in its vertical place by the rear triangle of the body, this a part of the bike doesn’t require as a lot enclosure because the entrance wheel.
Typically talking, a lot of these racks keep away from body and fork contact, however the strap by means of the rear wheel will at all times make contact along with your rear rim. The one potential draw back is that there isn’t any mechanical attachment between the rack and the bike.
Some manufacturers, like 1Up USA and Kuat, design their racks with clamping arms at each ends. This design means that you can orient the bike in whichever route you need within the tray and alter them fore and aft if wanted. The twin clamping arm system additionally solely makes contact with the bike’s tires, so there isn’t any body, fork, and even rim contact to scuff up your fancy bike.
Fork Mount
Fork-mount racks are precisely what they sound like. They safe the bike by the fork’s axle and seize the rear wheel on the tray with a strap. Mounting the bike requires eradicating its entrance wheel, but it surely supplies a steady and safe mechanical connection between the bike and the rack.
Apart from stability, the opposite foremost advantage of fork mount racks is that you simply don’t should elevate the bike fairly as excessive to load it. Since fashionable bikes include a wide range of completely different diameter and width axles, most high quality fork mount racks include a number of choices, or the appropriate measurement is offered as an extra buy.
Wheel Dimension, Tire Dimension, and Wheelbase Size
When you plan to mount a motorbike with a protracted or quick wheelbase, super-wide tires, or smaller wheels, test the rack’s specs to make sure that it will probably accommodate your wants. For street and gravel bikes, this gained’t be a difficulty, however for Fats, Downhill, and BMX bikes, it’s necessary to know the boundaries of any rack’s compatibility before you purchase.
Most wheel-on roof racks have a fairly wide selection of match that can have the ability to deal with the wheel and tire sizes of most traditional, adult-sized bicycles. When you’re largely carrying the identical bike or sort of motorbike, you normally don’t have to make any modifications. When switching between wheel sizes, nonetheless, you’ll normally have to regulate the wheel clamps barely to suit. That is usually fairly fast and straightforward and could be achieved with out instruments on most fashions.
For fork mount racks, wheel and tire measurement is way much less of a difficulty, because the bikes mount by the entrance axle of the fork. Axle compatibility is an even bigger concern right here, so you should make sure that you have got the right measurement adapters for all the bikes you propose to hold.
Once more, test the specs of the rack to see what axle adapters a mannequin comes with. Most manufacturers promote further axle adapters if the rack doesn’t mechanically include the one you want.
Bike Weight
Along with dimensions, test to make sure that the rack’s weight restrict exceeds the burden of your bike. Typically talking, the burden limits of roof bike racks are decrease than these of hitch bike racks. That stated, you additionally should elevate your bike to roof stage to load it onto the rack, in order that’s one other limiting issue to contemplate. It may be exhausting sufficient to elevate and steadiness a 30-pound bike, so most of us don’t need to hoist a 50-pound eMTB up there anyway.
A lot of the roof bike racks we examined have weight limits within the 40 to 45-pound vary, which is greater than ample for almost all of street, gravel, CX, and XC/path mountain bikes. Some long-travel mountain bikes and e-road bikes will creep near the burden restrict in some instances.
Two outliers are the Kuat Piston SR and the 1Up USA Roof Rack, with 67- and 75-pound weight limits, respectively. Whereas it might be exhausting to elevate bikes that heavy to roof stage and would seemingly be greater than many crossbars can deal with these weight limits replicate the truth that these racks can each be transformed to hitch racks with equipment.
Safety
Many racks have cable locks constructed into them for the aim of securing your bike to the rack and deterring theft. You’ll nonetheless need to ensure you can lock the rack to your automobile crossbars to stop theft of the rack and presumably the bikes which might be mounted to it.
So, test to see if lock cores are included within the worth or if they’re offered individually. As a rule, the racks are made to simply accept lock cores, however they don’t mechanically include them. Sometimes, a set of lock cores will add about $75 {dollars} to the price of a rack if they don’t seem to be included.
Crossbar Compatibility
It’s necessary to make it possible for the roof rack you might be selecting is appropriate along with your automobile’s crossbars. Many autos have manufacturing unit crossbars of various shapes, and whereas the mounting {hardware} included with most racks is adaptable to most manufacturing unit crossbars, it’s not a given.
If you’re buying crossbars similtaneously your roof rack, you may guarantee clean compatibility by going with the identical model for each rack and crossbars. Fortuitously, most racks now have nearly common crossbar compatibility, so you may relaxation assured that with Yakima and Thule crossbars, you’ll have the ability to mount nearly any roof rack simply. Most producers additionally listing a rack’s crossbar compatibility on their web sites so that you don’t have to guess.
If you need a clear look with a mechanical connection between the rack and crossbar, then T-track crossbars are the way in which to go. T-track cross bars have a channel that holds the mounting {hardware} that the rack then threads into, making a super-secure maintain for driving on tough surfaces and likewise deterring theft of all the rack system. The one small draw back to that is that it takes a bit longer to take away and set up the rack between journeys, and also you’ll have some small elements to maintain monitor of in storage.
Alternatively, many racks connect with the cross bars with 4 heavy-duty coated straps that make set up and removing a snap. Many racks are designed to be put in tool-free, assuming they don’t seem to be going into T-type crossbars. Others would require a standard hex instrument to clamp the {hardware} onto the crossbars.
Some racks can even require a little bit of meeting previous to set up, however most shall be absolutely assembled out of the field. Plan forward and allocate about half-hour to put in and familiarize your self with the rack’s operate earlier than hitting the street.
Loading Top
One of many largest challenges with roof bike racks is that you need to elevate your bike as much as the peak of your automobile’s roof to load it. Because of this, roof racks are finest fitted to use on shorter autos like sedans, station wagons, and compact SUVs. That is additionally a operate of your peak in addition to your power and skill to elevate and steadiness a motorbike whereas loading it.
Relying on the roof peak of your automobile, some racks shall be simpler to function than others. If in case you have a compact SUV, for instance, take into account whether or not a wheel-on rack will can help you attain and apply downward drive to the entrance arm comfortably. On this case, a fork mount rack with a fork clamp positioned near the tray is likely to be a more sensible choice.
Some racks require the applying of downforce from a comparatively excessive place, that means that some customers may want to face on the trim of an open door to realize adequate leverage to clamp the bike into the rack. Given that you simply’ll be lifting your bike above shoulder peak, this may require a measure of coordination and apply.
Versatility
Unsure if you need a roof rack or hitch rack? A number of manufacturers produce racks that may work as both type, supplied you buy the hitch-mounted add-on attachment. Each the 1Up USA Roof Rack and Kuat Piston SR we examined are designed this fashion, permitting people who buy these racks to adapt the rack if their storage wants or selection of auto modifications sooner or later.
Within the case of the Piston SR, Kuat sells a 2-inch hitch adapter ($159) that turns it right into a single bike hitch rack. For the 1Up, you should purchase a 1.25-inch ($232) or 2-inch ($255) Single Hitch Meeting, or they promote a 2-inch Double ($355) that may convert 2 roof racks right into a double hitch rack.
Moreover, each the 1Up USA and the Kuat Piston could be mounted horizontally to the again of campervans. This enables for customized rack setups above different cargo packing containers, and many others. We’ve even seen some individuals mount the 1Up vertically on the again of vans, though Kuat particularly doesn’t advocate that for the Piston SR.
Sturdiness
Whereas many racks use plastic {hardware} that may degrade and fail after years of publicity to harsh circumstances, extra firms are starting to supply absolutely metallic designs with harder finishes that can in all probability outlast most automobiles. We applaud this as a result of it retains racks the place they belong — on the street and out of landfills — and saves a ton of cash in the long term.
Realistically, any of the racks on our listing will final fairly a very long time, however the 1UP-USA Roof Rack will outlast all of them. With a very metallic building, replaceable {hardware}, and a full suite of alternative elements out there, 1UP desires you to get your cash’s value. These racks will significantly outlast the autos you employ them on.
Kuat can also be bringing some severe sturdiness to the desk with the Piston SR. Sure, this rack is dear, but it surely additionally has an nearly fully metallic building and strong construct that may deal with extra weight and abuse than different roof racks. It additionally has a great-looking and super-durable end that could be very proof against street spray and corrosion.
Value & Worth
In comparison with hitch-mounted choices, roof bike racks are typically fairly a bit inexpensive, however there’s nonetheless a fairly wide selection in worth. Contemplating the truth that every roof rack can solely carry one bike at a time, you might have to buy multiple if you should haul two or extra bikes. Moreover, if you should buy crossbars and lock cores, the associated fee can add up fairly rapidly. It’s value including up the entire value and evaluating your whole bike rack choices to see what works finest on your finances.
Finances
On the subject of transporting bikes, we don’t assume that purchasing the most affordable rack potential is the most effective thought. Certain, yow will discover very cheap roof racks that value round $100, however they’re poorly made, aren’t very steady or safe, and can seemingly maintain your bike by the body and harm your paint over time. That is why the least costly fashions we advocate are within the $200 to $250 vary.
Simply because these racks value lower than the others we examined doesn’t imply they don’t work properly. Kuat’s Trio ($198) fork-mount rack has a glossy look, holds the bike very securely, and even comes with an built-in cable lock. For contemporary street and gravel bikes, you’ll have to buy a 12 mm thru-axle adapter individually, but it surely nonetheless prices lower than the competitors. Within the wheel-on class, the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles ($250) is comparatively simple to make use of, steady, and sturdy, too. It’s not profitable any vogue exhibits, but it surely does its job properly.
Mid-Tier
A lot of the roof racks in the marketplace fall into the center of the worth spectrum at round $300. Generally, we see enhancements in aesthetics, supplies, or user-friendliness. Yakima’s HighRoad ($299) will get our nod for the most effective general roof rack as a result of it’s so simple to make use of. That is notably necessary with roof racks, given how awkward it’s to elevate your bike to roof peak and safe it in a rack. The front-wheel clamping system and TorqueRight knob present a hassle-free expertise. The identical is true of the Yakima HighSpeed ($289) fork-mount rack. The fork attachment system and TorqueRight knob make loading bikes just a bit simpler.
Whereas it isn’t fairly as user-friendly, the 1Up USA Roof Rack ($270 to $290) has a sturdy, all-metal building that can seemingly outlast the automobile you mount it on. It’s additionally extremely adaptable and might convert to a hitch-mount rack and even be mounted to a campervan or overlanding rack in case your wants change.
Premium
Whereas it’s arguably the highest-quality and best-performing roof rack in the marketplace, the Kuat Piston SR ($498) is probably going priced out of attain for a lot of. That stated, the premium worth buys you a rack with a end high quality and ease of use which might be by means of the roof (on the roof?).
With hydraulically actuated, ratcheting entrance and rear wheel clamps, it’s extremely simple to load and safe your bike, plus its tire-hold design avoids contact along with your fancy body and rims. Like Fox’s top-tier suspension parts, the gold Kashima coating on the pistons certainly provides to the worth, however the remainder of the construct is simply as spectacular. The powder coat end is as handsome as it’s sturdy, and the automotive-grade {hardware} goals to make sure you get your cash’s value. Just like the 1Up Roof rack, the Piston SR can be transformed to a hitch rack with the acquisition of an adapter.
Often Requested Questions
Which bike attachment type is healthier kinda relies upon. Each have their benefits, so it’s actually as much as the person to determine what’s finest for them and the bikes they carry. Wheel-on racks are user-friendly in that you simply don’t should take away the entrance wheel to load the bike or retailer the entrance wheel in your automobile.
That stated, you do should elevate the bike barely larger to load it, which may make the method more difficult relying in your peak, power, or the peak of your automobile’s roof. Additionally they are typically barely much less steady general than a fork mount, however not sufficient to be problematic.
Fork-mount racks require the entrance wheel to be eliminated, and you should hold the wheel someplace in your automobile in transit. You additionally have to be certain you have got the right measurement adapter to suit your bike’s entrance axle measurement. The positives are that the mechanical connection of the rack to the fork axle could be very steady, and also you don’t should elevate the bike fairly as excessive to load it.
Biking is an costly sport, and it solely appears to get dearer with every passing yr. It’s not simply bikes, elements, and equipment both, it’s throughout the board, together with bike racks. In comparison with most hitch-mount bike racks, roof racks are comparatively inexpensive, however that doesn’t imply they’re low-cost.
In any case, we belief these items to carry our bikes safely and securely on high of our autos at freeway speeds. For that purpose, shopping for the most affordable roof again rack yow will discover isn’t one thing we essentially advocate.
Nonetheless, there’s a reasonably large vary in worth of the racks we examined, from round $200 as much as $498. What does shelling out the large bucks for the Kuat Piston SR get you? We’ll begin by saying that the Piston SR is essentially the most superior design of all of the racks we examined. The hydraulic One-Faucet piston arms make utilizing it far more user-friendly than related racks.
It has an enormous vary of motorbike match and a better weight restrict than most. It can be transformed to a hitch rack when you select. The development can also be bombproof, because it’s made nearly totally of metallic and has a sturdy powder-coat end that ought to look nice for years. This rack is an funding in nice design, performance, and sturdiness.
Do you should spend that a lot? Completely not, however you may if you wish to. You might simply as simply spend $270 for the 1Up USA Roof Rack and get a rack that capabilities equally and can final at the least as lengthy with minor sacrifices in user-friendliness. In the end, it’s as much as you to determine what you’re keen to spend.
Many roof bike racks will work with fats tire bikes, that means tires as much as round 5 inches large. Some racks would require buying a particular adapter equipment to accommodate tires or axles that large, however producers usually supply them at pretty cheap costs.
The Thule UpRide, RockyMounts BrassKnuckles, Kuat Trio, and 1Up USA Roof rack can all be tailored to work with fatter tires. Straight out of the field, the Kuat Piston SR is able to dealing with tires as much as 5 inches large and modifications to wheel measurement are additionally tremendous simple with the tool-free adjustment.
Some light-weight electrical bikes could fall throughout the weight limits of some roof bike racks, however typically talking. roof bike racks will not be one of the best ways to move e-bikes. Even when your roof rack can deal with heavier bikes, just like the 1Up and Kuat are rated for, you’ll want to contemplate the burden limitations of your manufacturing unit or aftermarket crossbars.
Lifting heavy bikes to roof peak might be the most important concern, as it may be very difficult for most individuals to boost and steadiness a 50+ pound bike up that top. If in case you have electrical bikes, we advocate hitch bike racks as one of the best ways to move them. Hitch racks have decrease loading heights and better weight limits, and a few may even be used with loading ramps to get your e-bikes into place.
Most roof bike racks are fairly compact when they’re folded down and never carrying a motorbike, so leaving them all the time isn’t too huge of a deal for most individuals who use them often. When you use your rack sometimes, otherwise you merely want the look of your automobile with out the rack when it’s not in use, then eradicating it between makes use of could also be a consideration.
Most racks contain a number of bolts that have to be tightened to safe them on or across the crossbars, so it usually entails a instrument and about 10 minutes to put in or take away them from the automobile. The exception to this rule and the best to put in/take away of all of the racks we examined are the Yakima HighRoad and Yakima HighSpeed. Each racks use a tool-free strap system that makes it fast and straightforward to mount them up to be used whenever you want them.
We reviewed the most effective hitch bike racks for 2024 with choices for each finances. Prime picks embrace Thule, Kuat, RockyMounts, and extra.
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