Recommended 5 Bike Hitch Mounted Rack

Updated 07/18/2020 | Published 07/17/2020

Question:

Hi - I have been reading on your site about 5 bike racks...from Thule, Yakima, Hollywood Racks and others. I have an old rusty Thule I need to replace. I know how challenging loading 5 bikes can be and I was looking for advice as to which would be your recommendation in terms of ability to most easily load and carry 5 bikes 1 womens hybrid with bar attachment, 4 mountain bikes. Thanks.

asked by: Lirong

Expert Reply:

I recommend using the Thule Apex XT 5 Bike Rack # TH9026XT since it comes with locks for the rack and the bikes, so your investments are fully protected. The XT will be easy to load up and secure the bikes with the ratcheting zip straps, and the anti sway cradles will help keep the bikes from shifting around a lot during travel.

There aren't any platform carriers that will allow you to carry 5 bikes (which would be the easiest to load option) so a hanging rack would be your only option, but the XT is a great choice.

expert reply by: Erik B