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Hitch racks provide a great way to carry your bikes while remaining easy to load and more efficient than rooftop racks. If you're looking for the absolute best hitch rack, there's no competition with the Kuat Piston Pro X. With pneumatic load arms, LED lighting, and a solid hitch interface, this rack is head and shoulders above the rest; it's also really expensive. Those who want to practice some financial restraint can get all of the performance with fewer features in the Kuat Piston Pro; it lacks the tail lights and fancy coatings but holds your bikes every bit as well for a bit less dough. If you're on a budget or only plan to use a hitch rack occasionally, the RockyMounts MonoRail is a reasonably priced workhorse that won't leave you feeling frustrated. Despite the low price, the MonoRail is chock full of features and weighs less than 45 pounds. Read on to see how all of these racks stack up against each other in real-world usage.
Editor's Note: On December 5th, 2024, we updated this review to add the new Hollywood CrossTrack 2.
When Kuat released the Piston Pro X, it set a new standard for hitch racks and also set a new high price point. Building on the solid construction and excellent design of their flagship hitch rack, they set out to create a less pricey version of the rack, so they nixed the Kashima-coated pistons, fancy powder coat, and LED tail lights. The Piston Pro, like its inspiration, only touches your bike's tires and uses the simplest and most effective way to carry a bike - the tire-hold load arms; they're even compatible with fenders using a strap (available separately). With wide tire fitment, a high weight limit, and tool-free adjustability, this rack offers loads of versatility. It's certainly expensive, but its top-notch security, excellent durability, and super-easy loading experience make it a clear winner. We have many alternatives in this review, but this rack is functionally superior to almost every one of them. Unlike the Thule T2 Pro XTR, this rack features all-metal construction and a durable powder coat finish. It may cost a bit more, but plan to get a decade out of this investment.
Despite being significantly less expensive than the Piston Pro X, this rack still feels expensive. After a few months of use, we really felt like the premium we paid was worth the expense. The powder-coating on Piston Pro is incredibly durable, but it also has a textured surface, which holds onto dirt and road grime more than a smooth finish; it cleans up fine but requires a bit of attention. The only real issue we experienced with the rack was in sub-zero weather while testing snow bikes. On a couple of occasions, the rack wouldn't latch due to ice in the ratchet arm, but a quick squirt of de-icer restored its function. This isn't likely an issue for most users, but if your quiver consists of fat tires with ice spikes, you might want to carry some de-icer spray. Even with these minor concerns, we still enthusiastically recommend this rack.
Long-Term Thoughts: We returned to this review to double down on this being the best overall hitch rack. We've put thousands of miles on this rack (and purchased several more) since writing the review, and they continue to impress us. Riding with friends, you'll often hear them remark, “Dude, that's it, that's all it takes to load your bike!?” As a bicycle industry veteran and paid critic of bikes and cycling gear, our lead tester remarked, "It's easy to be critical of how something coulda or shoulda been made better, but this thing is pretty much perfect.
The Thule T2 Pro XTR is a top pick for a hitch-mounted bike rack, and it's evolved to be better than ever. The rack can safely transport various bikes, from featherweight carbon fiber road bikes to heavy electric mountain bikes (up to 60 lbs per tray). Thule has paid attention to details, making features such as the approachable loading height and quick lock wheel clamps that close with one hand. The load arms clamp down on your front wheel, and a strap holds your rear wheel in place. It's not quite as easy to load as the Kuat Piston models, but it's still quite user-friendly. The wheel trays are wide and accommodate tires up to 5" and wheels from 20" to 29". Thule moved the tilt-release mechanism to the end of the main support arm, which makes it easy to tilt the rack and access your vehicle. If you need to carry more than two bikes, we can recommend adding the 2-Bike Add-On to the T2 Pro.
The T2 Pro XTR isn't exactly cheap; it's also large and weighs 51 pounds, with a sizable storage footprint. We've previously tested the T2 Pro XT version; the T2 Pro XTR is the updated model, which is nearly identical except for two small wheels that aid in moving the rack around to put into storage. This is an excellent hitch mount rack that is user-friendly and expandable. It has a fair bit of plastic that may affect its durability, but we've had no issues.
Long-Term Thoughts: We've had this rack on a number of vehicles since 2019 and still think it's fantastic. It has been a drama-free companion on countless expeditions and has not let us down. Lubricating the load arms and pivots each spring has helped ours maintain its smooth functionality. It looks a little beat up, and the plastic part has oxidized to a dull grey color, but nothing has broken or failed.
Sheesh, this is the rack for the super bike geeks. Kuat went all out building the Piston Pro X, and it's brilliant. While it sets a new benchmark for expensive, you get an extremely high-performance rack with features and technology that no other racks currently have. Tire-hold clamps hold the bike securely by the tires without contacting the frame or your wheels. The user-friendly piston-actuated ratcheting tire arms can be deployed and locked with one hand; no other racks, like the 1UP USA or Hollywood CrossTrack 2, can offer that. Utilizing the clever FastFit wheel chock system, you can quickly load bikes with 18" to 29" wheels. The 67lb per bike weight limit means it can carry almost any e-bike on the market. Slick security features like a locking stainless steel hitch pin and a flexible 12mm cable lock help keep the rack and bikes safe. Why should you buy this instead of the Kuat Piston Pro, which is several hundred dollars less? For starters, LED lights integrated into the rack and plugged into your vehicle help to keep you safe by putting your brake lights on the back of the rack instead of being obscured by the bikes you're hauling. A super durable Tiger DRYLAC powder coat keeps the rack protected and looking great. 99% metal construction, integrated tool storage, and Kashima-coated stanchions give this rack all the extra touches.
The Piston Pro X is not only expensive, but it is also quite large and almost 64 pounds, which makes it difficult to move and store. That said, this is the absolute best hitch rack money can buy. This rack's safety, security, and features may make it worth your dollars. Bikes with full fenders can be accommodated using a simple strap that is available separately. If you want this rack's functionality at a lower cost, Kuat sells the Piston Pro, which lacks brake lights, integrated tools, and Kashima coating but saves a few hundred dollars.
Long-Term Thoughts: We're completely spoiled from using this rack; its functionality and design are just about perfect. The loading process with this rack is superior to every rack we've tested. The only real downside of this rack is its price; if you agree, check out the Piston Pro above. If you want tail light functionality and an easy-to-clean finish with little regard to price, this is your rack.
There are many cheaper racks, but the RockyMounts MonoRail offers great value for its price. It's far less expensive than the Thule T2 Pro XTR but has similar features and performance. The MonoRail uses wheel trays and a spring-loaded clamp arm to secure the front wheel. An articulated tray with rubberized ladder straps supports the rear wheel. We found the rack to be versatile and well-designed, with the ability to handle everything from slim road tires to 5-inch fat bike treads and wheels from 20" to 29". Testers found this rack to be simple and user-friendly, with a one-hand tilt release mechanism at the end of the main support arm that can be used to tilt the rack 30 degrees without unloading your bikes. It has a long noose-style cable lock and a hitch pin lock that secures rack and bikes.
The MonoRail feels well-built with a robust receiver arm, main support spine, and wheel trays. It also has a fair amount of plastic componentry, like the folding front wheel and pivoting rear wheel trays, which may prove to be less durable in the long run. The rack uses a standard threaded hitch pin that requires tools and doesn't expand inside the hitch, so the rack has some inherent wobble. Despite these drawbacks, the MonoRail is a great buy that provides above-average performance and versatility at an affordable price. The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 can be had for a few dollars more and has some features that set it apart, including a tool-free expanding receiver that cuts the wobble and a foot pedal-activated tilt lever. The Sherpa also has less plastic and an integrated security cable.
The 1Up USA 2" Heavy Duty Double is a hitch-mounted bike rack with a simple yet effective design. It's clearly an awesome design, as virtually every rack maker is emulating its form. This rack is built in the United States from extruded aluminum and features a sturdy tray-style hitch mount with two load-arm style tire clamps, which departs from the single clamp design commonly found in most other hitch racks. The all-aluminum structure should provide long-term durability and solid performance. Despite its aluminum construction, the 2 bike rack still weighs 46 pounds, but the wheel trays fold to reduce their footprint and allow easy storage. Compared to other racks we've tested with the same design, the 1UP rack is less user-friendly, and its lack of security features affected its score. Overall, this is a well-made and sturdy bike rack with a minimalist appearance, but its limited adjustability and difficult-to-use tilt mechanism detract from its overall rating.
1Up offers their products directly from the company's website. This rack is a good value should it be as durable and future-proof as it appears. Fat bikers can purchase wheel adapters, and since we reviewed this rack, 1Up has started to include a locking hitch pin with the rack. 1Up USA also makes a fender cushion that allows the rack to hold a bike with fenders but it reduces the racks grip.
Rack Updated — August 2023
North Shore tweaked the NSR 6-Bike since our testing period. Updates include revisions to the cradle design to make it easier to load heavy bikes onto the rack, and the finish is now less prone to scratching or corrosion.
If you're looking for a way to transport multiple mountain bikes, the North Shore NSR-6 is an excellent option. This rack can carry up to six bikes in a vertical/hanging orientation, making it ideal for larger SUVs or pickup trucks. The design of this rack is impressive, as it eliminates any potential interference between bikes. Even on rough terrain, there's no need to fret that your handlebars might be rubbing your saddle. Additionally, the rack offers excellent ground clearance, making it a great choice for shuttle laps or use on rough roads. With a maximum weight capacity of 360 pounds, you can confidently load downhill or electric mountain bikes without fear of overloading the rack. The sturdy rack is constructed entirely out of metal and has a durable feel. There are also two and 4-bike versions available for a lower cost than the 6-pack model we tested.
Unlike other racks, the NSR-6 is designed specifically for mountain bikers and may not be suitable for other types of bikes such as BMX, road, gravel, or hybrid bikes with rigid forks. It is important to note that this rack is only compatible with mountain bikes with suspension forks. While enduro and downhill mountain bikers will love it, this rack may pose some challenges for shorter riders when loading and unloading. Additionally, it is quite heavy and bulky, making it difficult to move and store when not in use.
If you enjoy traveling or have joined the “van life” trend to explore the world with your bike, you may face some challenges when transporting your bikes. Luckily, RockyMounts has designed the BackStage platform hitch rack to cater to the specific needs of modern camper vans or anyone who requires easier access to the rear of their vehicle. The BackStage is essentially the MonoRail with a swing away mount. Another great swing away option is the RockyMounts AfterParty, which is essentially the GuideRail with a swing away mount. Most other hitch-mounted racks we tested interfere with van's rear doors, even when tilted down, the BackStage and AfterParty feature an impressive tilt mechanism at the rear of the rack. The feature that impresses us the most about these racks is the arm that pivots 180 degrees out and away from the rear doors, moving both the bikes and the rack clear of the door's range. The BackStage is incredibly versatile, with a weight limit of 60 lbs per bike and wheel cradles that fit a wide range of bikes and tires up to 5 inches wide.
The BackStage is a convenient choice for people who need to easily access the back of their vehicle, even though it has some minor issues. Bikes with wide handlebars may have limited clearance on the tray, so they must go on the outer tray. Additionally, the rack is quite heavy and bulky, making it hard to maneuver. Nevertheless, compared to other brands that charge extra for swing-away accessories, the BackStage is a great value.
Accessing the rear of your SUV or truck, with the MonoRail can be quick and easy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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Ergonomic and easy to use, this really is the best rack you can buy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
We have done real-world tests on various bike racks for the past seven years. Every year, we thoroughly research and purchase the latest, most innovative, and interesting racks to put through our rigorous, side-by-side comparisons. Our full-time bike testers use these racks for shuttle runs, rescue missions, and daily commutes. We install them on vehicles such as cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs and haul every type of bike they are designed to carry, including some questionable ones. We test them on long trips, off-roading, and in different weather conditions, from snowmelt to snowfall. We keep them on our vehicles folded to see how well they interact with our doors, tailgates, and hatchbacks. Finally, we store them in our garages and inspect their connections and mechanical bits to understand how they wear. Throughout our testing process, we take notes constantly to determine which products excel in which areas and how they can benefit specific user groups.
We test hitch racks using the following six performance metrics and the following weightings:
20 percent weighted to the Ease of Everyday Use
20 percent weighted to the Ease of Removal and Storage
20 percent weighted to Versatility
20 percent weighted to Security
10 percent weighted to the Ease of Assembly
10 percent weighted to Durability
Senior mountain bike review editor Joshua Hutchens and multi-discipline bike racer Curtis Smith supplied the experience and know-how behind this review. Doing considerable testing and hauling, Jeremy Benson who has authored multiple Tahoe guidebooks. Jeremy is a long-time Lake Tahoe resident who rides and races mountain and gravel bikes throughout the summer months. Curtis logs considerable hitch rack miles racing road, mountain, and cyclocross. Pat Donahue also provides his input to this review. He is an avid mountain biker with knowledge of various bike racks. He has a knack for breaking things, which makes him well-suited for testing durability.
The anti-wobble hitch cam is tightened with an 8mm security allen key. Not only does this keep the rack from wobbling around while driving, but it adds an extra layer of security.
load, drive, unload, repeat. we loaded bikes hundreds of times on each rack
We weigh and measure all of the racks we test.
Analysis and Test Results
We tested these bike racks on multiple vehicles, from little hatchbacks to big vans and everything else we were driving. The variety of vehicles is important because these racks can offer dramatically different performances based on the type of vehicle they're used with. We noted obvious characteristics and small details to evaluate these racks.
What's the Best Value?
Bike racks are crucial for transporting our bikes from one location to another. Some bike racks can be quite expensive, with prices that rival the cost of a bicycle. However, we don't evaluate products based solely on price. We understand that value is an important factor. When you purchase at a bike shop or online, you want to feel confident that you're getting a good deal you'll be happy with.
The RockyMounts MonoRail is the best value of all the hitch racks tested. It requires more assembly than other models, but you're rewarded with a solid rack with an easy-to-use tilt release and solid transport trays. For those who don't mind paying for the best, who can buy and appreciate the nuances of fine gear, look no further than the Kuat Piston Pro X. With exceptional ergonomics, built-in brake lights, and solid security features, you'll be hard-pressed to find a nicer bike transport experience.
The Piston Pro X is built to withstand the toughest conditions with its Tiger Dry-Lac powder coat finish.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Everyday Use
People are generally more likely to use something if it is easy to use. This also applies to bike racks, as an easy-to-use bike rack will save time and allow for more time spent riding. Ease of use boils down to two key factors: how easy it is to load bikes onto the rack and whether it blocks access to the vehicle (we will discuss security measures separately). In our evaluation of the loading process, we looked at the height of the load and the attachment method. Hitch racks may cause some obstruction to vehicle access, but some manufacturers offer swing-away or drop-down options, which we consider when scoring this metric.
After conducting multiple seasons of hitch rack testing, the Thule T2 Pro XTR has received the highest rating. This rack boasts a low loading height and well-designed front wheel clamps, making bike loading a breeze without any awkward balancing. Other models, such as the 1 Up USA 2" Heavy Duty Double, require a more coordinated approach to prevent bike teetering. The T2 Pro XTR's standout feature is the release lever located on the end of the rack, allowing for easy rack lowering or raising with just one hand. The Yakima StageTwo is also user-friendly, with its easy-to-use tilt-release handle for rack folding. Similarly, the MonoRail and BackStage racks from RockyMounts have user-friendly tilt release handles.
Some vertical hitch racks can hold up to six mountain bikes.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Need a bike rack that can hold a large number of bikes? The North Shore NSR-6 and Yakima HangOver 6 are great options. These racks allow bikes to be loaded vertically, accommodating up to six bikes while keeping them near the bumper. They are especially suitable for gravity and enduro enthusiasts but are limited to bikes with suspension forks. The NSR-6 is the more user-friendly option, with a higher payload capacity for e-bikes or downhill bikes. It also doesn't require awkward straps; a small rope tie secures the rear wheel. The HangOver 6 is slightly less user-friendly but has a better tilt mechanism.
One of the best features of the Thule EasyFold XT is the fact that it folds up small for storage. It also has 2 small wheels on its underside so you can roll it.
Credit: Laura Casner
E-bikes are becoming more popular, and transporting these heavy bicycles presents a challenge for more rack manufacturers to address. We find it difficult to lift a 50+ pound bike onto a tray-style hitch rack and think others will too. Both the Thule EasyFold XT 2 and Yakima OnRamp have 60+ lb per bike weight limits, and both come with a ramp system that allows you to roll the bike up onto the rack instead of having to perform a deadlift. These two racks are a little complicated in securing your bike to the rack, but the ramp feature has obvious appeal for those who find it difficult to lift heavy bikes into place on the rack. Of the two options, the Yakima OnRamp is a bit more user-friendly with a more confidence-inspiring hold. It's also less expensive. The Yakima StageTwo boasts an impressive 70 lbs per bike weight limit, and you can also purchase the optional RampUp ($99) loading ramp to roll bikes up onto the rack. This is a much sturdier option with a simpler loading process and more secure bike hold than the racks mentioned above. Kuat also offers aftermarket ramps that work with any of their NV or Piston racks. An inexpensive way of improving your rack's versatility is to add a loading ramp, especially for e-bike riders.
Having an OnRamp lets you simply roll your bike up to its travel position.
Credit: Laura Casner
Ease of Removal and Storage
Many people will install a hitch rack and leave it there permanently. Those of us with the rack on full-time want to know how it affects our vehicle usage, access to the rear, and fuel economy. How difficult it is to remove and store won't be a big concern, but for bikers who only occasionally use the rack, its ease of removal and storage are far more important. The difficulty of this process can vary depending on factors such as the rack's size, weight, and attachment method.
While it is heavy and large, the tool-free locking anti-wobble adjustment knob on the Yakima BackStage makes installation and removal of the rack quick and easy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
While hitch-mounted racks are generally heavy to move around, their benefits and ease of use once mounted are abundant. Despite their weight and size, many higher-end models, like the Yakima StageTwo, Thule T2 Pro XTR, and Thule EasyFold XT, are quite easy to work with. They use a tool-free system to install/remove the rack from the hitch and lock it. Unlock a knob, turn it counterclockwise, and pull the rack off. These racks are somewhat heavy and large, so moving them around can be a chore, although the EasyFold XT folds into a neat little package, making it an exceptionally compact hitch rack. Likewise, the 1Up Heavy Duty Quik Rack folds down smaller than other similar racks for storage.
Both of the vertical hitch mount racks we tested are heavy and bulky. They aren't that easy to move around and they take up a fair amount of storage space.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
The two vertically oriented hitch racks did not score well in this metric; their footprints are huge and very heavy. The North Shore rack weighs 70 pounds, while the HangOver is even heavier at nearly 80 pounds. The weight and shape of these objects make them difficult to carry. After removing these racks from your hitch, you may struggle to navigate them through narrow spaces without causing damage. It's recommended to seek assistance when removing and storing these racks to avoid potential injury.
Versatility
We evaluated the adaptability of various bike racks by examining their ability to transport multiple kinds of bicycles. Factors such as wheel size, tire width, bicycle frame shape, and frame size can pose challenges for some racks. Racks that make contact with a bike's frame often struggle in this aspect, as various frame shapes and sizes are available in the market. On the other hand, racks that secure bikes using other methods, such as wheel-mounted trays, offer more adjustability and can accommodate various wheel sizes and tire widths.
If you're looking for a bike rack that can accommodate tires up to five inches wide, the Thule T2 Pro XTR, Rocky Mounts MonoRail, or Yakima StageTwo are all great options. These hitch-mounted tray-style racks have ratcheting arms that clamp onto the front wheel, providing versatility and avoiding any contact with the frame. The back wheel is secured with a sliding strap that can be adjusted to fit the bike's wheelbase, regardless of the frame's size or shape. While these tray-style hitch racks can carry two bikes, you can often purchase an extension to carry three or four bikes.
The Yakima HangOver 6 and North Shore NSR-6, both vertical-style racks, are popular among mountain bike enthusiasts. These racks have limited versatility, only accommodating bikes with suspension forks. Bikes with rigid forks, such as road/gravel bikes, BMX bikes, rigid kids' bikes, or rigid hybrid bikes, will not fit due to the reduced clearance between the fork crown and tire. The North Shore NSR-6 is more desirable as it has a higher payload capacity of 360 lbs, making it suitable for E-bikes. In contrast, the Yakima HangOver 6 can only carry up to 37.5 lbs per bike, so it cannot transport electric mountain bikes or some downhill bikes.
Speaking of e-bikes, the Yakima OnRamp and Thule EasyFold XT are both reasonably versatile racks. They are rated to carry heavy e-bikes and work with most regular bicycles. They aren't the most user-friendly racks but offer a ramp system to load heavy e-bikes. This feature is attractive for anyone with difficulty loading heavy bikes onto a rack. The Yakima StageTwo is our favorite model for heavy bikes with a 70-pound per tray weight limit and the optional loading ramp (sold separately). The Hollywood Destination E-bike Rack can also hold 70 lbs per tray and includes a loading ramp.
Using a cable lock that secures to the end of the hitch pin, this rack offers convenient security.
Credit: Laura Casner
Security
Bike theft is a common issue these days, particularly when valuable bikes are left unattended on vehicles. Bike racks come with varying levels of security, some having no security measures while others have integrated locks that secure both the rack and the bikes to the car. However, even the most challenging security measures can be broken by a determined thief given enough time and the right tools.
In addition to the features included with each rack, we suggest purchasing an aftermarket bike lock to add an extra layer of security. Another factor to consider is the value of the racks itself, so use a locking hitch pin to prevent the rack, with or without bikes, from being taken.
Vertical hitch mount racks hold bikes vertically, hanging from the fork crown.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Conclusion
We hope that if you've made it this far in our article, you've created some opinions of your own, and you'll find the selection of a hitch rack a little less daunting. Hopefully, you'll also understand that we couldn't possibly test every vehicle with every rack, but seeing some of the issues we raised will give you a good idea of what to look out for when outfitting your vehicle. We hope our testing metrics and process will allow you to select a rack that works for your needs regardless of how it scored in our tests.
