10 Outstanding Hitch Bike Racks in 2023

You are asking which are the most outstanding hitch mount bike racks in 2023. Well, we spent a good amount of hours to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each bike carrier and show you only the best options you can get.

If you enjoy biking and traveling distances to discover new places on your bike with your family in 2023, then the new top-rated hitch bike racks might be your best choice. No matter which type your bike is or if you have children’s bikes or women’s bikes, these state of the art hitch bike racks are the best on the market today. Loading and unloading is extremely easy, installation is a matter of minutes, versatility and durability are their main features.

Since there are many options to explore, the research process can be hard. To save you some time to get a high-quality carrier, we compiled a list of the best hitch bike racks and the best platform bike racks in 2023 along with some tips.

Here is the list of our 10 Finest Hitch Bike Racks (2023 Update):

1. Thule T2 Pro XT (best overall bike carrier)
2. Swagman Chinook (best seller)
3. Hollywood Racks Sport Rider
4. Rocky Mounts Backstage
5. Yakima Dr. Tray
6. Yakima RidgeBack
7. Kuat NV 2.0
8. Yakima HoldUp
9. Saris Freedom
10. Kuat Sherpa

1. Thule T2 Pro XT Platform

Thule T2 Pro XT has a series of features that make it really awesome. It is heavier and costs more than most hitch racks, and it requires a little more care. T2 Pro XT comes with a simple Auto Attach system and doesn’t require any tools to be attached to your car or SUV. It is considered one of the best 2-bike hitch racks and it can be extended to 4-bikes with XT add-on from Thule.

T2 Pro XT allows mounting of virtually any kind of bikes, with its 20-29” supported wheelbase and 5” thickness of the tire, without any adapters. Versatility is further enhanced at this rack by the fitting of 1.25 and 2” receivers and the possibility to extend it’s capacity to 4 bikes.

T2 Pro XT is extremely well built and it can be considered the benchmark for hitch mounted bike carriers or by many the best SUV bike rack.

2. Swagman Chinook Hitch Bike Rack

Swagman Chinook is one of the best hitch bike racks through the fact that is lightweight and easy to install, adjustable and secure.

Swagman Chinook is relatively lightweight and the installation is pretty simple. It weighs 35 lbs. and can carry 2 bikes (up to 45 lbs. each) and fits both 1 ¼” and 2” hitch receivers. Fits most bike frame sizes, shapes, and styles. The adjustable locking hooks and the 2 same key lock cylinders easily secure the frame to the rack.

3. Hollywood Racks HR1400 Sport Rider SE Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider is a very durable and flexible 4-bike hitch bike carrier and fits most bike types. It can carry 2 or 4 bikes, is easier to use and has better build quality than most of the bike racks. It comes pre-assembled and is ready to use right out of the box.
The bicycles are very secure even when going 70 mph on the highway, and the carrier is very durable.A good fit for bikes of different sizes whether they are men’s, women’s, or children’s bikes. Bicycles can be loaded extremely quickly and are held securely thanks to the ratcheting clamp design. It also folds flat when it’s not being used. Check out here more information about Hollywood Racks Sport Rider.

4. RockyMounts Backstage Swing Away Platform Hitch Rack

Backstage hitch mount bike rack from Rocky Mounts is ideal and one of the best platform bike rack if you’re looking for the best fit on your van, combined with sturdiness and versatility.

Rocky Mounts Backstage is one of the best hitch bike rack which can also swing away so you get extra 3 inches at each side of the tray for extra versatility. The Rocky Mounts bicycle hitch carrier carries 2 bikes, with no extension possibilities, but that does not mean it isn’t versatile. You can mount 20” to 29” wheel bikes and this platform, tray-style hitch rack will even get well with your fat bike, as it supports up to 5” wide tires.

5. Yakima Dr. Tray Hitch Mount Rack

Yakima’s Dr. Tray will suit most of the users that seek a hitch mount tray rack, due to the amazing adjustability, versatility and ease of use, and providing a great clearance.

It can carry almost any type of bikes, including fat, road or mountain bikes that are up to 5 inches. Versatility is unmatched due to the variety of bikes supported, the load capacity extension possibility, through the Ez+1 accessory that allows you to carry a third bike. Dr. Tray fits virtually any kind of bike, with 26” to 29” wheels and tires up to 5” wide (it is fat bike compatible out of the box) and its versatility is further enhanced by the easily adjustable trays, even when the bikes are loaded, through the QuickChange lever.

6. Yakima RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Carrier

The carrier fits both 1.25 and 2-inch receiver hitches. It is able to accommodate most bicycles and frame styles and features a really nice ratcheting strap system to secure everything in place. The slight curve to its mast keeps the pedals and other parts of the bike away from the frame. Yakima Ridgeback can easily fold away from the car. Check out here more information about Yakima Ridgeback.
Conclusion: Even if the cost is a bit high if you are serious about riding, it worth the investment. The carrier is sturdy, safe and durable.

7. Kuat NV 2.0

Kuat NV 2.0 bike carrier is well suited to carry downhill, road and mountain bikes and basically almost any type of bike. From an aesthetic standpoint, it is the best. You can easily extend to carry 2 extra bikes with Kuat NV add-on.

Kuat NV 2.0 is easy to lower due to the new and improved pivot system with foot assist so there is no risk to damage your bike. The bike cable locks on the new NV 2.0 are now improved, making them stronger and longer. It takes durability, stability, and security to the next level, being the successor of Kuat NV

8. Yakima Hold Up Hitch Mount Carrier

Yakima HoldUp offers excellent ergonomics, a low loading height and a nice capacity to accommodate heavy bikes.

The Yakima Holdup is a relatively affordable hitch mount bike rack which tilts up and down by pulling a spring-loaded pin located back near the hinge of the carrier. It stands out with a compact design, due to the trays being hinged on the clamp end. When not in use, the wheel trays can be folded in towards the center of the rack, making it more compact for storage.

9. Saris Freedom Hitch Mount Bike Rack

The good looking and versatile hitch-mount rack worth the money and is best suitable for carrying lightweight bikes, but then again it remains one of the first choices if you’re looking for an affordable, versatile and easy to use hitch mount bike rack.

Saris Freedom is unique in its versatility and design being one of the best platform bike racks for almost any type of bike including slim road ones, full suspension mountain bikes while fitting both 1 ¼” and 2” hitch receivers.

10. Kuat Sherpa Platform Hitch Bike Rack

Kuat Sherpa is an amazing platform bike rack with a unique and simple design and lightweight. With a simple and stylish design, the Sherpa hitch bike rack is easy to use and store, especially due to its redesigned pivot with foot assist, the low loading height and the ergonomics of the front wheel clamps and rear wheel straps. The loading and unloading of the bikes is this way a piece of cake.

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