The Best Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks

The Best Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks

rack with bikes image by Canakris from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Bike racks are an essential vehicle accessory when making your way to a distant trail or road race, and hitch-mounted bike racks are a great option for their convenience and ease of use. Hitch-mounted racks rarely need to be taken off of a vehicle and are much easier to access than most roof racks. The best hitch-mounted racks are able to provide easy bike mounting and removal, keep bikes safe and secure during travel, and stay out of the way when not in use.

Yakima Backswing 4

One of the most flexible bikes racks available, Yakima's Backswing 4 carries up to four bikes with ease. When not in use, the rack's body folds flush to the vehicle, and it also folds away from the vehicle to allow you access to your vehicle's rear compartment. With its straps and frame cradles, the Yakima "is very secure and easy to use" and "accommodates a wide variety of bikes," according to Outside Magazine.

Thule Roadway 914

With its frame cradles and strapping security system, Thule's Roadway 914 bike rack will securely hold four bikes or up to 140 pounds total. Its anti-sway cage keeps bikes from swinging on the road, and it can fit both 1.25 and 2-inch receivers right out of the box. CarBikeRacks.net lauded the Roadway's flexibility, noting that its "folding options mean that you can keep the rack on your vehicle full time and it won't get in the way."

Allen 532 RR

Amazon's best-selling hitch-mounted bike rack, Allen's 532 RR 3-bike rack utilizes a patented tie-down system that keeps bikes secure on the road, and its frame cradles keep the bikes from swaying and sliding during travel. To save space, the arms swing down when not in use, and the rack swings downward to allow access to the rear of the vehicle.

Article Written By Billy Brown

Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California. An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.

Write for Trails.com
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