Top 10 Best Bike Racks in the UK 2021 (Thule, Saris and More)

Finding the right bike rack can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time. But, armed with a little bit of knowledge and understanding about the options and what they’re best suited to, you should find the right one in no time. 

Knowing how many bikes you want to transport is pretty important as different racks have different capabilities. So, depending on whether you plan on taking off just you and the bike or heading on a group cycling holiday, you’ll need to consider the recommended amount a rack can carry and its loading capacity.

 
Thankfully, this is all pretty easy to find out from a glance at the product specs. You’ll generally find that racks are able to load between one to four bikes. As you’d imagine, the loading capacity rises parallel with the number one can carry, but it is usually somewhere between 15 and 70 kg.

 
One thing to remember is that if you plan on loading an electric bike, you will have to take its heavier weight into account. So, you’ll want to ensure that the rack is both suitable for this type of bike and that the load is sufficient to carry it safely. 

Next up, you'll need to make sure the rack is suitable for the type of car you own. Bike racks aren’t universal, so you don’t want to be disappointed when it turns up and doesn’t fit. However, naming all the cars that fit certain models is a bit excessive, so there’ll be some work to be done on your part.

 
Many bike rack brands provide vehicle fit guides that you can use to identify the correct model for your car. Likewise, some websites will allow you to input your registration, which will automatically confirm whether it’s a match or not.

 
As there are so many types of cars to list, for our recommendations, we have added whatever information we can to help you. For example, the types of cars (SUVs, hatchbacks, 4X4s) or whether there are any requirements such as roof racks. That said, if you like the look of something, it’s still worth checking with the company for a guide to the vehicles it will fit. 

Once you’ve considered the number of bikes and the type of car you have, then it’s time to look at the different styles of racks available. There are generally three main categories: roof, rear and towbar. In this section, we’ll look at each individually and consider their pros and cons. 

Roof racks are one of the most popular systems. They’re often very versatile and can accommodate different types of equipment, which is handy if you like to partake in other excursions as well. Furthermore, they’re solid and stable, and one of everyone’s favourite parts – they don’t block access to your car doors or boot. 

However, it’s not all hunky-dory. Firstly, as they distress the aerodynamics of the vehicle, roof racks can affect your fuel economy, even increasing the cost by up to 30%. Also, these styles are frequently designed for only one bike, which means you may be required to buy multiple separate racks if you need to transport more than this. 

Rear-mounted racks are fitted to the back of your car, usually with some straps. As well as being generally cheaper than the other options, they don’t require roof bars or towbars so you won’t have to shell out for those either. Rear racks can often carry multiple bikes or e-bikes and are easy to assemble or disassemble.

 
The downside is that this type can interfere with access to your boot, though if you want to be able to get in while travelling, have a look for tiltable syles that are designed to solve this dilemma. Secondly, if bikes aren't strapped in properly, they can be known to sway a little. This could cause contact with your car and other bikes, resulting in scratching or dinging. 

If you already have a tow bar or are happy to buy one, then a bar-mounted rack becomes an option. This style is known to be the best for carrying more bikes and has a large load capacity. Therefore, if you’re looking to take the whole family, these are a solid option. And of course, as they mount directly to the towbar, you can leave the roof free to carry other things. 

Again, though, this does mean that access to the boot of your car could be restricted, which can be frustrating. Not only that, but if you don't already have a tow bar, you'll need to find out whether your car can actually be fitted with one. Smaller city cars, sports cars and some hybrids are among those which may not be suitable.

Finally, you’ll want to consider any security or anti-theft features. One wouldn’t usually leave their equipment strapped to the car, but sometimes, it has to be done. Sadly, this is a feature that isn’t all too common in a bike rack, but it’s even less likely in roof or rear-mounted types. Therefore, your best chances are with a towbar-mounted rack.

It’s still rare with this style, but some offer full locking systems that ensure the rack is bolted to the car and the bikes are secured to the rack. While it’s not ideal, you can use your regular bike lock as a temporary solution if you do need to leave the vehicle. However, it’s important to remember to take this off before you continue to drive. 

So, now that you’ve given your purchase perhaps a little more thought than you would have initially, it’s time to take a look at the best options available to buy right now. We have some of the most trusted names in the game, so you can rest assured your bike will be safe and sound. 

Looking for more products for your cycling excursions? Whether you favour going for solo Sunday rides, family day outs or touring holidays, we've linked three more bike-related articles below that we think will be of interest. 

So there you have it – our comprehensive guide to finding the perfect bike rack. We hope that you found the buying guide informative and helpful, and fingers crossed we had something in the ranking to suit your vehicle. All that's left to do is load up and get out and explore!

Author: Lewis Clark