Recommended Quality 4 or 5 Bike Rack That Won't Break The Bank

Updated 06/09/2023 | Published 06/08/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 5 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(228)

$478.95

Hollywood Racks Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(526)

$39.99

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(228)

$458.95

Question:

I’m looking for a bike rack for 2016 Honda Odyssey hitch mounted. Would like to be able to hold 4-5 bikes 2 of which will be kids bikes and 1 a women cannondale Trail 8. Don’t want to break the bank, but would like something with some quality. There’s so many options! Can you help me? Thanks

asked by: Caitlin L

Expert Reply:

To get the most bang for your buck with a 4 or 5 bike rack the best option is definitely a hanging bike rack because they are far less expensive than a platform rack but give you the same basic functionality. For quality without an exorbitant price, I highly recommend the Yakima RidgeBack, which is super easy to use, highly durable, and comes in either a 4 or 5 bike variety:

- 4-Bike Rack: Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack # Y02458

- 5-Bike Rack: Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack # Y02459

Let's start with ease of use, and that includes installing it in your hitch. Most bike racks, once you put them in your hitch, will require you to get on your hands and knees and tighten a bolt with a wrench; but with the RidgeBack you just slide it in your hitch, tighten the knob at the front of the rack, insert a pin and you're done. And then once you load your bikes, you just take the ZipStrips and push them down over the cradles to however tight you need, which takes literally just seconds.

The racks also come with a hitch lock, fit in either a 1-1/4" or 2" hitch, and are durable to the point they come with a lifetime warranty. The only other thing to keep in mind is that with a hanging rack like this one, if any of the bikes you want to carry has a step-through frame, or for kids' bikes, you'll need to give those bikes a horizontal mounting point with Adapter Bar # HRBA-PRO.

expert reply by: Kyle S