Best Light Bike Rack for Women Cyclists

Published 12/30/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(888)

$199.99

Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable Lock for Hollywood Racks Bike Racks

(78)

$45.19

Question:

Good Morning! i am looking for recommendations on a hitch-style bike rack for 1 or 2 mountain bikes. I am a 110 lb single female so it would need to be something that I can lift and attach to the hitch on my own. I consider myself to be strong but I do have limits, given my size. As for the vehicle, I have a 2018 Toyota Highlander. Any advice or recommendations you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

asked by: Nicole

Expert Reply:

I got you girl! From all the different bike racks we have down here in etrailer, there are a select few that I actually enjoy lifting and installing by myself. As another strong but small independent woman, I understand the struggle. Attached at the bottom of the page are my videos using these bike racks. I wasn't the one to test fit them on your specific vehicle, the 2018 Toyota Highlander, but you can also find those vehicle-specific videos on the product pages.

My absolute favorite is the Thule Helium 2 Bike Rack # TH44VR. It only weighs 43 lbs which is distributed across the rack so it's easy to carry. The best part is how easy it is to mount bikes on it. The ratcheting tire mounts are a premium design and allow you to mount and dismount your bike in three easy moves. You can tilt it away to access your hatch even with your bikes loaded. It comes with a cable lock and hitch lock.
It also has a hanging-style version, the Thule Helium Pro # TH9042PRO. This is a great rack at only 19 lbs, but I always prefer platform-style racks due to the extra stability they offer. Plus, not having to lift your bikes as high when using a platform bike rack is nice.

Another more economical option is the Hollywood Racks Destination 2 Bike Rack # HLY94FR. This one is extra light at only 20 lbs and it's small too! I like how I can carry/install it with one hand and it folds up be very easy to store. The main downside to this rack is that it has a bit more of a process. My video shows the different knobs and levers you need to use for each step. It also can't tilt away, so you'd need to remove your bikes to open your rear door. Still, once you get a hang of the process, it is a great, light yet sturdy bike rack. This doesn't come with a cable lock so I recommend picking up the Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable Lock Set # HRLHPTC so that you can use the same key for both locks.

While I will always prefer the Thule Helium # TH44VR for an absolute stress-free experience, if you don't mind the extra steps or you want something more economical, then the Hollywood Racks Destination 2 # HLY94FR is a great option as well.

expert reply by: Evangeline M