How to Choose a Trunk-Mounted Bike Rack

Benefits of Trunk-Mounted Bike Racks

• Low overall cost
  • No hitch or roof rack required
• Good for short or occasional journeys

To help you choose a trunk-mounted bike rack that is compatible with your vehicle and bikes it is important to consider four simple points:

• Vehicle Compatibility
• Bike Compatibility
• Vehicle Accessibility
• User Compatibility

Vehicle Compatibility

• Adjustable racks can be used on most cars, vans and SUVs
• Trunk-mounted racks may not be compatible if your vehicle has a spoiler
  • Depends on height and size of spoiler

Bike Compatibility

Bike racks come in a variety of styles. Consider what style of bike rack would be most compatible with your bike frames and transportation requirements

• Trunk-mounted bike racks hold up to three bikes
• Two cradles hold bike frame, providing even support
• Works best with standard-frame bikes (For example, mountain bikes and road bikes)
• Also compatible with alternative-frame bikes (For example, women's and children's bikes)
  • Ensure that bikes have adequate ground clearance
  • For best fit with alternative frames, use an adapter bar

• Some racks provide anti-sway straps/cradles
  • Prevent rocking during travel
  • Reduce bike-to-bike contact
  • Helps to keep bikes away from vehicle
  • Provide additional point of contact with bike frame - hold bike securely

• Arm Spacing
  • Widely spaced arms
    • Provide extra support for bikes
    • Ideal for carrying larger bikes
    • Smaller bikes (For example, children's bikes) can be difficult to load
  • Narrowly spaced arms
    • Compatible with a wide range of bike sizes
    • Loading small bikes is easy

Vehicle Accessibility

Trunk-mounted bike racks offer limited rear vehicle accessibility

• If the straps are fastened only to the trunk (not under the bumper), the rear of the vehicle can be accessed without removing the bike rack
  • Bikes must be removed before opening rear cargo area

User Compatibility

Installation

• Trunk-mounted bike racks are very easy to install
• Racks use straps to secure the bike rack to the rear of the vehicle
• Convenient to use if you do not have a hitch or roof rack

Caution

• Strapping down bikes and/or bike wheels may be necessary to limit sway during transport and to eliminate bike-to-trunk contact
• Trunk-mount bike racks can deform trunk lid

Storage Space

• Several trunk-mounted racks have a folding feature that allows them to be stored compactly, and others have removeable arms
  • See individual rack for folding capabilities