How To Choose the Right Hitch Mount Bike Rack the Stress-Free Way
Choosing the right hitch mount bike rack can be a stressful experience when so many options are available, so we want you to feel confident in making the correct choice. Considering how you plan to use it, how many bikes you plan to carry, and what your budget is will help you choose the right hitch bike rack for your needs.
What's Your Budget?
The first item to tackle will be your budget. Hitch-mount bike racks can range in price from about $100 to $1000, so knowing what you can spend is an excellent place to start. If you are looking for a lower-priced option, there are plenty of cheap hitch-mount bike racks on Amazon. Higher priced options are often constructed with higher quality material, more features, and more bike carrier placements.
Before settling on a budget, it is important to think about what you will be using the rack for. If you plan on using it for occasional weekend trips, this may be a quick purchase that does not require a lot of brain power. However, if you plan on taking it on longer trips with expensive bikes you will want to buy a reliable and durable rack, which is often more expensive.
Want a high-quality, affordable hitch mount bike rack for your vehicle? Shop our best bike racks in a price range you can afford.
Related Link: Roof Mounted Bike Rack vs. Hitch Mounted Bike Rack: Pros and Cons
How Many Bikes Do You Need to Transport?
Another contributing factor will be how many bikes you plan to transport. Hitch mount bike racks come in a variety of capacities ranging from 2 to 7 bikes. If you have a large family and need to transport multiple bikes, be sure to choose a bike rack with the capacity to hold all of your bikes.
Before diving into hitch rack options, determine what vehicle you will be using it on. There are many different types of racks available, so it's important to select the one that is best suited for your vehicle.
Even if you only have one or two bikes to transport, having extra capacity can't hurt-- you never know when a friend might want to join you on a ride. VelociRAX vertical hitch bike racks carry up to 7 bikes, making them perfect for large families and groups. We have personally experienced the frustration and time commitment it takes to pack several bikes on the car, so we designed a rack the whole family can use.
What Vehicle Will You Be Using?
Before diving into hitch rack options, determine what vehicle you will be using it on. There are many different types of racks available, so it's important to select the one that is best suited for your vehicle.
If your car doesn’t have a hitch, then a roof-mounted bike rack might be the best option for you. But if your car doesn’t have a roof rack or if you want to carry more than four bikes, you'll be better off with a hitch-mounted bike rack.
Each bike rack has its own specifications, so look into rack specs, hitch requirements, and weight limits before purchasing. If you have multiple vehicles with hitches that you use to transport your bike, then consider a rack that can be easily transferred and attached from one vehicle to the next.
Do You Need Access to the Trunk?
Not all hitch-mounted bike racks are created equally. When considering a hitch-mount bike rack, one of the first things you'll need to think about is trunk access.
If you prefer to have access to the back of your vehicle, a model that sits close to the trunk and is fixed in place won’t be a good option for you. In this case, it would be beneficial to choose a rack that has enough clearance or can be moved away from the trunk.
One of VelociRAX's standard features is the hinge-assist dampers to slowly lower a fully loaded rack. The ability to tilt away from the vehicle provides easy access to the trunk, even when bikes are loaded.
Tired of your bike rack getting in the way of your everyday life? Upgrade your biking lifestyle with a VelociRAX hitch mount bike rack that lets you access the trail and your trunk with ease.
Related Link: Best Bike Rack for Minivans
Where Will You Store the Bike Rack When It’s Not in Use?
An important factor often left out of the equation is how the rack will be stored when the rack is not in use. If you have limited storage space, you’ll want to choose a model that does not take up a lot of space when it is removed from the vehicle.
VelociRAX vertical hitch bike racks are the perfect solution for those with limited storage space. Our racks can easily be removed from your vehicle and stored on the provided garage mount. VelociRAX garage mount can be used to minimize rack storage space and can double as a garage rack for bikes. This VelociRAX feature makes it the perfect choice for anyone who wants a hassle-free car and garage bike rack solution.
How Often Will You Use It?
Another important thing you need to ask yourself when choosing a hitch-mount bike rack is how often you plan to use it. If you only plan on using it once or twice a year traveling short distances, then you may not need to spend the money on a more durable model. There are plenty of affordable options out there that will get the job done without breaking the bank.
On the other hand, if you use your bike rack frequently, or use it to travel considerable distances, you'll want to invest in a model that is durable and reliable. This will ensure that your bike is safe and secure each time you use it. The last thing you want is for your bike rack to fail or break while in use, and cause damage to your bikes.
Just remember you get what you pay for, so manage your expectations appropriately.
Need an accessible, durable hitch mount bike rack for up to six bikes? Shop our most popular VelociRAX 6 hitch mount bike rack.
Related Link: What Are Your Hitch Bike Rack Options? Here are 5 Questions to Ask!
How VelociRAX Outperforms Other Hitch-Mount Bike Rack Options
When looking for a hitch-mount bike rack, it's important to consider all your options. There are many different types and brands of hitch bike racks on the market, and it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is right for you. In this section, we'll take a look at some of the other popular hitch bike racks on the market.
VELOCIRAX 5
The VelociRAX 5 is a 5-bike hitch mount rack that is made of full-steel construction, so unlike other racks, there are no breakable plastic parts. It features a patented tilting design that allows for access to your vehicle's trunk (even while loaded) and loading and unloading of bikes.
Pros:
- 3 to 7 bike carrier options
- Durable steel construction
- Damper assist lowering
- Integrated anti-rattle wedge
- Strong rubber straps to secure bikes only touching the tires
- Garage mount included
- Convenient roll-in and roll-out loading
- Can accommodate 20” tires
- Can carry E-bikes and fat tires
- Allows trunk access
Cons:
- Can be heavier than other racks because of its durable steel construction
- Only one local pickup location in the US, so you may need to factor in shipping
1UP USA RECON RACK
1UP newly released Recon 5 and Recon 6 hitch mount racks as their entry to the vertical bike rack world. The 1UP Recon 5 and Recon 6 hitch racks are the newest from 1UP, and they can carry five or six bikes.
Pros:
- Can carry up to six bikes
- Tilts back for easy loading
- Powder coated finish
- No bike frame contact
- Anti-wobble hitch insert
Cons:
- Limited to 5 and 6 place holder options
- Complicated strap securing system
- Too tall for kids to load bikes
- Completely lift bike to load
YAKIMA HANGOVER 4 BIKE
The Yakima HangOver 4 offers a simple design that makes it quick and easy to load your bikes. The Yakima HangOver 4 also has built-in anti-sway cradles that help keep your bikes secure and stable while driving.
Pros:
- Easy install
- Built-in anti-sway cradles
- Foot operated tilt mechanism with two angles
- Build with heavy duty steel parts
- Can access the trunk
Cons:
- Does not accommodate 20’’ tires
- Bikes can not exceed 32.7 lbs (no e-bikes)
- Plastic strap for bottom tire
- Limited bike options (no road bikes or Cannondale Lefty’s)
VelociRAX: Redefining the Way to Transport Bikes
Vertical bike racks can transport more bikes than tray-style racks, trunk-mounted racks, and roof racks. The space-saving vertical hitch mount bike rack has helped our family and we hope it helps you in your bike traveling endeavors. Racks can hold 3 to 7 bikes (on a single rack!). Our racks have built-in hinges for convenient loading and unloading.
Two of our best-selling racks are the VelociRAX 7 and the VelociRAX 5X. When you compare it to other vertical racks, you'll discover that a durable, simple-to-use rack that can accommodate up to seven bicycles is significantly less expensive than you may imagine.
Explore our bike racks and find the right rack for your needs. They are in stock and ready to ship! When it comes to choosing a hitch-mounted bike rack, VelociRAX has you covered!
Related Link: Can Your Bike Rack Keep Up With Your E-Bike?
