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The perfect bike ride isn't always right around the corner, so sometimes it's necessary to pack up your gear and set out on the road in search of one. Of course, most vehicles lack the space or capacity to fit a bike or two, so a reliable bike mount for your car is a must-have. You can safely store your bikes with a trunk mount or a roof rack, and fortunately, you don't have to spend a ton to get one. The perfect mount or rack will be a little different for every rider, so it's important to find one that fits your individual needs. This starts with the type of car you drive and bikes you ride, as well as how many you need strapped in and where you want them to sit. That said, no matter which type of mount you go with, you should always focus on well-built, sturdy options that will hold up over time.
To help you hit the road with your bikes securely in tow, we found some of the best car mounts for bikes that you can find online. So whether you're careening down a rocky slope on your mountain bike, cruising through canyons with some fat tires, or training for the Tour de France on a winding road, you can easily find the perfect mount to get everything there in one piece. Plus, you can find one that'll work with any budget. Keep reading to find out our top picks!
1. The Best Overall Car Mount for a Bike
Saris Bones EX 2-Bike Trunk Rack - Amazon, $210.00
Saris makes several solid bike mounts within the Bones umbrella, which they've been producing for more than 25 years. In that time, of course, vehicles have changed, and the newest line of mounts has expanded to fit 20% more vehicles (it'll work with around 90% of popular car models). The Bones EX rack strikes a nice balance, with capacity for two bikes and a spring-loaded ratchet strap, and it works well with sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. It's made with 100% recyclable materials and the arched design supports each bike on different levels with no overlap.
2. A More Budget-Friendly Option
Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Mounted Bike Rack - Amazon, $34.97
If you're on a tight budget and are looking for a solid, no-frills rack, this option from Allen Sports fits the bill. The price point is as low as you can find anywhere, and its versatility coupled with secure strap configuration makes it an excellent value. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that it's among the most popular bike mounts available on Amazon. This model also supports two bikes.
3. The Most Versatile Car Mount for a Bike
MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack - Amazon, $113.89
If you do a few different types of riding, you might want to look into a car mount for a bike that'll fit each of the models you have. This mount from MaxxHaul should do the trick, with hooks and cradles that hold a range of tire sizes, plus removable vertical posts and a max capacity of 80 pounds. The rack works well with all types of vehicles, and for the price, you'll have a tough time finding a more flexible option.
4. The Best Option for Families
Thule Apex XT 4-Bike Hitch Rack - REI, $479.00
For those who are setting off with more than a pair of bikes, this four-bike hitch rack comes with some extra space without adding too much bulk. Of course, it isn't the most cost-friendly option, but the more weight you add to a mount, the more you want to feel secure that it's a high-quality product. The Thule Apex XT definitely qualifies, and works with all types of bikes, providing seven inches of space between each one to prevent bike-to-bike contact. The rack can hold up to 150 pounds, and the anti-sway cradle extensions will keep the whole family's rides secure.
5. The Best Luxury Option Car Mount for a Bike
REI
Kuat NV 2.0 2-Bike Hitch Rack - REI, $849.00
If cost isn't a big concern for you, the Kuat NV 2.0 is definitely one of the best car mounts for a bike you can find. Its design is minimal yet extremely durable, and the flexible cradles are super easy to adjust to your needs. It's an easy install with no tools required, and an upgraded ratchet arm ensures stability while driving and a quick release once you reach your destination. Of course, this option is on the higher end price-wise, but you're unlikely to need a replacement any time soon. One reviewer sums up its benefits: "High quality, completely secure, comes with built in work stand and cable locks. Easy to use and install. You don't feel or hear it while driving. One person can easily do everything on their own."
6. The Best Roof Mount for One Bike
Swagman Standard Fork Mount Rooftop Bike Carrier - Amazon, $58.70
If you'd rather mount your bikes atop your car instead of hanging them off the back, you can do it affordably with this Swagman roof rack. It's a breeze to install in just a few minutes, and its nine millimeter quick release skewers keep your bike in place on the fork mount blocks. The main downside is that it only holds a single bike, but it's a great option for those venturing out on a lot of solo rides.
