Best Bike Racks For A Hatchback

‍Don't let the hassle of transporting your bike weigh you down. Our expert recommendations for the best bike racks for a hatchback will simplify your commute.

The best bike racks for a hatchback are Allen Sports 102DN-R Deluxe, Tyger Auto TG-RK2B202B Deluxe, Saris Bones Bike Rack, Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack, and Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike Rack, among others.

I take pride in my knowledge and expertise in bike racks and cycling gear. My recommendations are backed by thorough research, user reviews, and firsthand experience. This is to ensure readers get accurate and reliable information to help them make informed decisions. So, let’s embark on the journey to find the perfect bike rack for your hatchback and enjoy the satisfaction of making the right choice.

‍Best Bike Racks For A Hatchback

When choosing the best bike racks for a hatchback, several factors must be considered. They include rack type, capacity, bike capacity, compatibility, security, and ease of use.

Let's see how the top-tier bike racks for Hatchbacks compare based on these factors.

1. Allen Sports 102DN-R Deluxe

The Allen Sports 102DN-R Deluxe is a popular and affordable option for those looking to carry their bicycles on the back of their hatchback. This trunk-mounted bike rack is designed to fit most passenger car designs and can safely carry bikes for short and long trips alike.

Specifications

It accommodates two bicycles and has a weight capacity of up to 70 pounds. It's designed with 12-inch long carry arms and a relatively narrow width, which allows for better bike positioning and more accessible storage when not in use.

It also features side straps for added lateral stability on your vehicle.

Performance

This bike rack is known for its user-friendly and straightforward setup, making it perfect for novice and experienced users. The patented design allows for quick assembly, and its sturdy construction ensures your full-suspension bikes are safely transported during your travels.

What Sets It Apart

Unlike other trunk racks, the 102DN-R Deluxe guarantees affordability without sacrificing quality. In addition, this bike rack combines ease of use, sturdy construction, and compatibility with most passenger cars, ensuring excellent value for your money.

Recent Updates

The latest version of this bike rack features an improved design with narrower arms for better bike positioning and side straps for increased lateral stability. Additionally, more padding has been added to the frame to help protect your vehicle and bikes from potential scratching.

Benefits

• One of the best budget-friendly options available.
• Patented design allows for quick assembly.
• Fits most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs.
• Side straps provide exceptional lateral stability for your bicycles.

Drawbacks

• It might not be suitable for all car types or heavy bikes.

Who Should Buy It

This bike rack is ideal if you own a hatchback and require a reliable, easy-to-use, and budget-friendly solution for carrying your bicycles.

Where To Buy It

You can purchase the Allen Sports 102DN-R Deluxe from Amazon or the official Allen Sports website.

2. Tyger Auto TG-RK2B202B Deluxe

The Tyger Auto TG-RK2B202B Deluxe is popular for transporting bikes on hatchback vehicles. This versatile trunk-mounted carrier is designed to fit most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs, making it an excellent choice for many car owners.

Specifications

It has a capacity for two bikes with a maximum weight limit of 66 pounds. It fits most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs, but it's not recommended for vehicles with rear spoilers. The padded lower frame keeps bicycles away from the vehicle, ensuring their protection.

Performance

This trunk bike rack is praised for its sturdy construction and ease of use. It comes fully assembled and features a safety strap for added security during transportation. Users have reported that the rack holds bikes securely and is easy to set up and remove from their vehicles.

What Sets it Apart

One notable feature of the Tyger Auto TG-RK2B202B Deluxe is its compatibility with various vehicles. This versatility is a significant advantage for those who may need to switch cars or who have multiple vehicles in their household.

Additionally, the padded lower frame and safety strap offer extra protection for both the bicycles and the vehicle.

Recent Updates

There are no reported recent updates for this particular model, as it continues to be a reliable and popular choice among consumers. Its design and features consistently provide quality bike transportation for various vehicles.

Benefits

• Wide vehicle compatibility.
• Sturdy and secure construction.
• Easy installation and removal.
• Added protection for bicycles and vehicles.

Drawbacks

• Not compatible with vehicles with rear spoilers.
• The maximum weight limit may be restrictive for some users.

Who Should Buy It

It’s suitable for people who need a reliable and versatile bicycle transportation solution for a wide range of vehicles. It’s especially ideal for families with multiple vehicles or those who frequently switch between different car types.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase this bike rack from the Tyger Auto website or online retailers like Amazon.

3. Saris Bones Bike Rack

The Saris Bones Bike Rack is popular for hatchback owners looking for a reliable, stylish bike transportation solution.

Specifications

It has a 2 to 3-bike capacity and can support up to 35 lbs of weight per bike. It’s designed to be compatible with most hatchbacks, including those with rear spoilers.

The rack is available in three colors: black, blue sparkle, and red sparkle.

Performance

User experiences with the Saris Bones Bike Rack highlight its ease of installation, secure bike transportation, and minimal impact on vehicle gas mileage. Injection-molded arms and legs ensure durability and rust resistance.

What Sets it Apart

Distinct from other racks, it has a stylish design and offers more convenience. It’s considered one of the most versatile racks for cars with rear spoilers, and the environmentally-friendly design uses only recyclable plastic materials.

Recent Updates

Recent updates to the Saris Bones Bike Rack include the availability of accessories such as wheel straps, hatch huggers, and strap management caps, which can enhance the user experience and provide additional security.

Benefits

• Lightweight design.
• Ease of installation.
• Secure bike transportation.
• Compatibility with a wide range of hatchbacks, even those with rear spoilers.

Drawbacks

• Limited bike capacity compared to other trunk mount racks.

Who Should Buy It

If you are looking for an eco-friendly bike rack, you'll appreciate the rack's construction made from recyclable materials.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase the Saris Bones Bike Rack directly from the Saris website or from local and online retailers. Be sure to compare prices to find the best deal for your needs.

4. Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Rack

One of the top choices for bike racks suitable for a hatchback is the Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack. It offers a great combination of functionality, durability, and ease of use, making it perfect for cyclists who want a reliable and secure way to transport their bikes.

Specifications

This trunk-mount rack can accommodate up to four bicycles and has a hitchless design. It's made from alloy steel, ensuring a robust and sturdy structure. The rack itself weighs 11 pounds, adding minimal weight to your vehicle.

Performance

Users rave about the Premier trunk bike rack's stability, ease of setup, and quick, secure cradle straps. It’s also foldable, which simplifies storage when it's not in use.

Moreover, the design boasts wide-positioned feet, providing stable and secure load carrying.

What Sets it Apart

Unlike fork-mounted bike racks, this trunk rack offers compatibility with a wide range of vehicles, including sedans and hatchbacks. Its single-configuration design makes it a versatile and convenient choice for bike transportation.

Recent Updates

Allen Sports is known for constantly improving its products to enhance user experience. The Premier bike rack now has a dual compound Spine Shield, which provides additional protection during transport or when loading and unloading bikes.

Benefits

• Quick and easy setup.
• Foldable design for compact storage.
• Wide compatibility with various vehicles.
• Secure and stable bike transportation.

Drawbacks

• It may obstruct certain vehicle features, such as the rear wiper.
• The potential risk of damage to car paint due to the rear mounting.

Who Should Buy It

It’s an excellent bike rack if you frequently travel with downhill mountain bikes and require a versatile, easy-to-install option that provides secure transportation.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who own cars with a hatchback design and cannot use traditional roof-mounted bike racks.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase the Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack from various online retailers, including Amazon.

5. Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike Rack

One of the top contenders for bike racks is the Swagman CHINOOK. This hanging-style hitch rack is an excellent choice for hatchback owners looking for hitch-mounted racks.

Specifications

This hitch mount rack is designed to fit most bike sizes, including kids' bikes, wheels, and tire widths. It can accommodate front and rear tires up to 3 inches wide and wheels from 20 to 29 inches in diameter. For fat bike tires, a fat tray-style hitch rack is available separately.

Additionally, this hitch rack has integrated cable locks to secure the bike to the racks. The cable locks also secure the rack to the vehicle.

Performance

This hitch bike rack performs well for lighter-duty use and has a good range of adjustability. It securely holds E-bikes in place and comes standard with a hitch lock pin and locking clamps for added security.

What Sets it Apart

Unlike a fork mount rack, this hitch bike rack offers great versatility. With the ability to adjust quickly and load bikes with different sizes, tire widths, and wheel diameters, it’s a suitable option for various hatchback owners.

Recent Updates

While no recent updates to this hitch-mounted bike rack have been reported, it's essential to keep an eye on the manufacturer's website and product listing for any updates, improvements, or additional accessories they may release.

Benefits

• Fitment for a variety of bike sizes and types.
• Adjustability for different wheel and tire sizes.
• Standard locking hitch pin and clamps for added security.
• Affordable price point compared to other hitch mount racks.

Drawbacks

• It's more suited for lighter-duty use, unlike other hitch racks.
• Requires the purchase of additional fat bike trays for wider tires.

Who Should Buy It

It’s an excellent option if you are looking for  reliable, cost-effective hitch-mounted bike racks to secure your bikes safely. It’s most suitable for recreational cyclists or those who do not require heavy-duty transportation solutions for their bikes.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase the Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Mount Bike Rack from Swagman's official website.

6. Thule Passage Bike Carrier

The Thule Passage is one of the best bike racks for hatchback vehicles. It provides a secure and convenient way to transport your bikes to the rear of your car without the need for vertical hanging racks or a roof mount rack.

Specifications

It comes in two variations: the Thule Passage 2 for carrying up to two bikes and the Thule Passage 3 for carrying up to three bikes. Each model is equipped with soft rubber cradles to protect your bikes, a 6-strap tightening system for a secure fit, and foldable arms for easy storage when not in use.

Additionally, it has a hitch receiver that makes it easier to install and mount bikes onto the rack.

Performance

This rack offers excellent performance, securely holding bikes in place during transportation. The rack's design ensures stability and prevents bike-to-bike or bike-to-car contact, minimizing the risk of damage.

Additionally, the 6-strap tightening system provides a snug fit on various hatchback car models.

What Sets it Apart

It stands out from other trunk mount bike racks due to its ease of installation and versatile fit. The tool-free installation process and adjustable straps make attaching and removing the rack from your vehicle simple.

Plus, the soft rubber cradles protect the bike’s frame from scratches and damage during transportation.

Recent Updates

Thule continually improves and updates its products; the Passage is no exception. The most recent updates focus on enhancing the rack's overall stability and compatibility with more car models, ensuring a better fit and performance for hatchback owners.

Benefits

• Easy and tool-free installation.
• Secure transportation of 2 or 3 bikes.
• Fits various hatchback car models.
• Soft rubber cradles protect bike frames.
• Foldable arms for compact storage.

Drawbacks

• Inability to carry tandem or recumbent bikes.
• There’s a potential need for an additional adapter for bikes with a step-through frame.

Who Should Buy It

It’s an excellent choice if you want a secure, easy-to-install, and versatile bike rack to transport your bikes to the rear of your car. It's suitable for casual cyclists, families, and those who don't have a tow hitch or roof rack installed on their vehicle.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase the Thule Passage bike carrier on various online platforms, such as the Thule official website.

7. RockyMounts BrassKnuckles Bicycle Rack

When looking for the best bike rack for a hatchback, the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles offers an excellent option in terms of design, performance, and compatibility. The quality and sturdiness of this product make it a highly reliable choice for carrying bikes on any adventure.

Specifications

It can carry one bike, holding up to 45 lbs and 35 lbs on factory crossbars. It features a no front-wheel removal system and makes no contact with the bike frame, securing the bicycle by its front wheel.

Performance

Performance-wise, the BrassKnuckles offers great stability and ease of use. The aggressive handle shape provides the leverage needed to secure the bike, ensuring safe transportation even at high speeds.

What Sets it Apart

The no-wheel removal and no-frame-contact features set this rack apart from other roof racks, taking the hassle out of bike transportation and reducing any risk of damage to your bike frame.

Recent Updates

While there may not be any significant recent updates to the BrassKnuckles model, this bike rack continues to prove its reliability and effectiveness among users and its compatibility with a wide range of car models.

Benefits

• Sturdy.
• User-friendly than other car bike racks.
• No front-wheel removal is necessary.
• Compatible with most roof bars.

Drawbacks

• It does not come with locks included.
• It can be a bit expensive compared to other roof-mounted bike racks.

Who Should Buy It

If you need a reliable bike rack for your hatchback car and prefer a roof-mount design that doesn't require removing the bike's front wheel, the BrassKnuckles is a perfect choice.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase the BrassKnuckles bicycle rack from Amazon, depending on your location and preferences in online shopping.

The Impact of Bike Rack Design on Wind Resistance

Wind resistance, also known as drag, is a significant factor that affects fuel efficiency when driving a car with a bike rack attached. The bike rack's design can significantly impact wind resistance, so choosing an aerodynamic rack that minimizes drag is essential.

One way to evaluate the aerodynamics of different bike rack designs is to use wind tunnel testing. Wind tunnel testing involves placing a bike and rack in a controlled environment and measuring the drag generated at different speeds and wind angles.

Below are some bike rack designs known to be aerodynamic and minimize wind resistance.

• Roof-mounted bike racks that are low-profile and streamlined.
• Hitch-mounted bike racks close to the car's rear and have a curved design to reduce turbulence.
• Fork-mounted bike racks that attach to the front of the car and have a narrow profile.

On the other hand, some bike rack designs that are known to generate more wind resistance and drag include

• Trunk-mounted bike racks that extend far from the car and have a large profile.
• Bike racks that hold the bike upright rather than at an angle, which creates more turbulence.

When choosing a bike rack for a hatchback, it's essential to consider the design's aerodynamics and how it will affect wind resistance and fuel efficiency. Look for low-profile racks, streamlined and close to the car, to minimize drag and improve performance.

Also, wind tunnel testing can provide quantitative data on the aerodynamics of different bike rack designs. For example, a study conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder compared the drag coefficients of various bike rack designs in a wind tunnel.

The study found that roof-mounted bike racks had the lowest drag coefficients, followed by fork-mounted racks and hitch-mounted racks. Trunk-mounted racks had the highest drag coefficients, generating up to 70% more drag than roof-mounted racks.

Here's a table summarizing the drag coefficients of different bike rack designs: