Best Locking Bike Racks for a Truck Bed

Updated 12/31/2018 | Published 12/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Insta-Gater Pro Truck Bed Bike Rack - 1 Bike

(42)

$299.95

Swagman Patrol Truck Bed Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Fork Mount - 9-mm Skewer and 15-mm Thru-Axle

(10)

$309.99

Question:

I see you can lock bike to the clamp. But how do you lock clamp to the bed rail?

asked by: Mitchell

Expert Reply:

If you are looking for a truck bed bike rack that actually locks to a truck bed, then you will want to look at the Swagman Patrol, # S64701. The biggest difference with this bike rack and the Topline you were originally looking at is that the front wheel must be removed to mount the bikes. There is also a price difference as the locking bike racks always tend to run higher in price to bike racks that don't lock. This is more of a "you get what you pay for" type of situation.

If you aren't a fan of removing the front wheel, then your best locking bike rack option is the Thule Insta-Gater Pro, # TH93VR. This bike rack uses straps that run under the tailgate to secure the bike rack to the bed. If your tailgate locks, then this bike rack will be locked with it.

I've attached links and review videos of these bike racks for you to check out and compare.

expert reply by: John H