If you require a quick answer, the best rear mounted bike rack is the Thule Race Way. It’s capable of carrying up to three bikes and has a clever design that reduces any potential damage to both your bikes and car. However, if you require an affordable alternative, the Perruzo Cruiser Deluxe is the best option and it’s a universal fit for most cars.
To rate the rear mounted bike racks within this article, we based our recommendations upon our experience of using multiple racks, plenty of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the load capacity, ease of installation, construction, straps and ratchets used for fastening, warranty and value for money.
Best Rear Mounted Bike Rack Overview
- Best Overall: Thule Race Way
- Best Value: Perruzo Cruiser Deluxe
- Best For Hatchback: Thule Clipon 9103
- Best For Vans or Estates: Thule Backpac 973
- Best For Saloons: Saris Bones
- Best Value Runner-Up: Oypla Universal
Compared to the more popular towbar bike rack, the rear mounted alternative is cheaper and easier to fit. However, to avoid disappointment, you’ll want to ensure the rear bike rack you choose is compatible with your vehicle.
Below is a list of the best rear mounted bike racks that are suitable for most cars and can carry up to four bikes.
The Best Rear Mounted Bike Racks
1. Best Overall: Thule Race Way Rear Mount Bike Carrier
Thule are a highly reputable brand that are well-known for their high quality bike racks. The Race Way is a great example of that reputation and it’s their flagship model that’s available as a 2 or 3 bike carrier to best suit your requirements.
In order to maximize security, Thule provide locks that secure the bike to the carrier and the carrier to the vehicle.
- Suitable for carrying 2 or 3 bikes
- Patented Fast-Dial which guarantees a “perfect fit”
- Sure-Tight ratcheting cables for maximum fastening
- Moulded rubber pads to prevent scratches
- Road dampening cradles to absorb bumps
- No-sway cages to prevent bike-to-bike contact
- Powder coated black/grey finish
- Relatively expensive (even for a Thule product)
Although expensive, the Thule Race Way is the ultimate rear mounted bike rack that has the backing of the reputable brand. It guarantees a perfect fit, protects the paintwork from scratches, locks securely and is suitable for 2 or 3 bikes. To conclude, the Race Way model ticks all the boxes and the only drawback is the expensive price tag.
2. Best Value: Perruzo Cruiser Deluxe Bike Rack
A more affordable alternative to the Thule bike racks is the Perruzo Cruiser Deluxe, which is suitable for up to 3 bikes. According to the brand, it’s a universal fit with almost all cars on the UK roads and it also supports all types of bikes.
- Carries up to 3 bikes
- Supplied with 3 pairs of cradles and straps
- Anti-bounce fail-safe straps for extra safety
- ISO 9001: 2000 certified
- Fits most cars and support all bike types
- Requires assembly from the box
- May need additional straps to reach the top for some hatchback/saloon cars
Overall, the Perruzo Cruiser Deluxe is an excellent all-round rear bike rack that offers the best value for the money. It’s lightweight, easy to use, fits most cars and is suitable for all types of bikes. There really isn’t much to dislike with this rack and it’s an affordable alternative that won’t disappoint.
3. Best For Hatchback: Thule Clipon 9103 Rear Bike Rack
A more affordable rear mounted bike rack by the reputable Thule brand is the Clipon model. It uses a unique snap-on mounting system and is suitable for most estate or hatchback cars.
In terms of it’s carrying capabilities, it’s able to support up to three bikes and it has a load capacity of 45 KG.
- Suitable for most estates and hatchbacks
- Easily mounts to the rear door
- Still provides access to the boot whilst mounted
- Adjustable quick release straps
- Coated with rubber to prevent car and bike damage
- Not the easiest bike rack to install to your car with the provided instructions
The Thule Clipon is part of the budget range by the brand but it still has many premium features such as the clever snap-on system. Overall, it’s a well-designed rear mounted bike rack that also provides the desirable access to the boot unlike many of the alternatives on the market.
4. Best For Vans or Estates: Thule Backpac 973 Rear Mounted Carrier
Another rear mounted bike rack by Thule is the Backpac 973 model and it’s designed specifically for estate cars or vans. Depending upon your requirements, it can carry two bikes as standard but with the optional Thule adapters attached, it can carry up to 4 bikes.
Unlike the alternative rear mounted bike racks, this model transports bikes at a much greater height. This means that it avoids triggering parking sensors and hiding the number plate or taillights.
- Supports up to 4 bikes with an adapter
- Load capacity of 60 KG
- Folds down flat for easy storage
- Keeps the number plate and lights visible
- Coated in rubber for extra protection
- Bike frame holders are detachable for easier loading
- Optional locks available for additional security
- Not the easiest of bike racks to assemble
Overall, the Thule Backpac 973 is a high quality rear mounted bike rack that’s capable of carrying up to 4 bikes. As it’s produced by Thule, it does come with a premium price but it’s a worthwhile investment that you won’t regret.
5. Best For Saloons: Saris Bones Rear Mounted Bike Rack
Saris are an American brand that produce a number of premium bike racks and their “Bones” rack is one of their best models. It features an arc-based design that fits over most spoilers and separates bikes on different levels.
According to the brand, it’s one of the strongest frames on the market and it’s made entirely from recyclable materials.
- Carries up to 3 bikes at a time
- Spring buckle straps
- Vinyl coated hooks and rubber feet
- Fits over most spoilers
- Ratcheting anti-sway straps
- Made using recyclable materials
- Relatively expensive when compared to the alternatives
Overall, the Saris Bones 3 is a high quality and versatile rear mounted bike rack that won’t disappoint. Unlike many of the alternatives, this rack is the easiest to use on saloons and is also ideal for cars with spoilers.
6. Best Value Runner-Up: Oypla Universal 3 Bike Rack
One of the cheapest rear mounted bike racks that’s actually worth buying is by the Oypla brand. It’s suitable for carrying up to 3 bikes and it can be easily folded down for storing when not in use. According to the brand, the universal design of the rack makes it suitable for most saloons, coupes, hatchbacks and people carriers.
- Carries up to 3 bikes
- Load capacity of 40 KG
- Universal and robust design
- Fits most saloons and hatchbacks
- Exposed metal hooks aren't coated in metal, which could damage your car as you install it (could potentially improve on this with a DIY FIX)
How We Rated The Racks
As we are keen cyclist ourselves, we’ve tried and tested a variety of bikes racks over the years and have plenty of experience to base our recommendations on.
However, as well as our experience of using multiple type of racks, we also based our recommendations upon hour of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the load capacity, ease of installation, construction, straps and ratchets used for fastening, warranty and value for money.
Conclusion
Rear mounted bike racks are a cheap solution to transporting your bikes safely. They connect to the boot of your car using a number of adjustable straps and some are suitable for carrying up to four bikes. Although many of the cheap options may be tempting, it’s always worthwhile spending slightly more for a better quality rack.
