What occurs if you don’t have a hitch installed on your automobile or if you don’t want to spend the money to do so?
We specifically developed this article for SUV owners who don’t want to deal with the headaches of installing a hitch merely to install a bike rack. In addition, a good hitch rack can occasionally be simply too pricey.
There are many solutions available even if your car lacks a hitch receiver, so we took our time investigating to uncover the Best Bike Rack For SUV Without Hitch , comparing the best and most expensive bike racks to the cheapest options.
The nice part is that none of the specific rack styles we review require a hitch and will fit on almost all SUVs. These bike racks for the trunk or rear hatch are quite adaptable. To mount them to your SUV, there is no extra hardware required.
If we had to pick just one bike rack from the list after reviewing all of them, we would go with the Thule Gateway Pro. It will easily attach to practically any vehicle, and on top of that, the bike rack has a strap, so you won’t need any extras.
Best Bike Rack For SUV Without Hitch Reviews
1. Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack
The Gateway Pro is another product from Thule that has never let us down. The Gateway Pro weighs more than the saris bones since it is built of aluminum and plastic. Better quality, security, and even good protection for the bike were provided in exchange, though.
The finest Thule bike rack for SUVs without a hitch is this one. Despite the fact that the Gateway Pro is more expensive than average for a trunk bike rack. However, given the variety of functions that Thule offers on this bike rack, the cost is worthwhile.
The distance between bikes on Trunk Bike racks is 7″, which is likely the largest. Your bikes are well-protected and provided with excellent security thanks to the Gateway Pro. We advise staying away from less costly racks if you have an expensive bike and investing in a nice one like this one. On this bike rack, I could transport my Trek Madone SL 6 without any problems. Besides, you can choose some Tires For Acura RDX .
Anti-sway cradles:
Because Thule values your bike, they utilize them to secure the bikes firmly in position. By doing this, it is certain that the bikes will not come into contact.
Adjustable Arms:
The quick fit lever system on this bike rack enables you to simply fold the arms into various configurations for convenience and compatibility. Utilizing the quick fit level, you can entirely fold the arms down when not using the bike rack.
Security for the Bikes:
Thule also offers security measures like integrated locks that fasten each bike to the bike rack, eliminating the possibility that your bike will be stolen if you are not around to watch over your bikes. Having said that, I wouldn’t want to leave them unattended for too long because all locks can be broken, including this one. It is not a foolproof security measure; it is merely an added feature.
Pros
- high standard of security and safety
- cradles designed to prevent wobble that guard the bike’s frame
- The rack is secured to the trunk using six straps.
- The bikes are fastened to the rack using a cable lock method.
Cons
- A Little Expensive
2. Saris Bike Racks , Mounts 3 Bikes
As one of the pioneering companies to market trunk-style bike racks, Saris continues to provide some of the best trunk bike racks today. Their Saris Bones 2 is a straightforward plastic injection-molded trunk bike rack with a lovely arc design. Interested in the top 3 or 4 bike rack for SUVs without a hitch? The best choice is then this.
A adaptable bike rack that fits many different cars is called the Saris Bones. One of the benefits of having a trunk-style bike rack is this. They fit the majority of cars, whether it is your Minivan, an SUV, or even a sedan, and are practically universal. Although it costs more than the Allen Sports Trunk bike rack, I believe the price difference is worthwhile, therefore if you have the extra cash, I recommend getting this bike rack. Despite being composed of plastic, the construction is far better than that of the Allen Sports Deluxe. Checking the Best Black Spray Paint will be helpful as well.
Folding Arms:
Is the bike rack not in use? Saris has you covered, no problem. You may simply fold the arms down and leave when not using the bike rack. This is a fantastic feature because it eliminates the need for you to remove the bike rack each time you are not using it.
Anti-Sway Straps:
Saris includes Anti-Sway Straps that clip to the seat tube of your bike so that your bike is locked both horizontally and vertically. This prevents the bikes from rocking as they are loaded into the rack.
Arc Design:
The bike rack’s Arc shape is not simply for aesthetic purposes; it also works as a practical tool to increase the space between the bikes. It does make mounting the bikes into the rack a little bit simpler, and it’s a nifty little trick Saris employs that most other manufacturers don’t.
Pros
- The vinyl-coated straps prevent you from scratching your automobile.
- A distinctive design enhances the appearance of your car.
- The arc shape provides extra space for setting each bike.
Cons
- While altering and changing the bike, it wasn’t the best feeling.
3. SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Rack for Cars
The newest kid on the block with a novel, sophisticated concept is Sea Sucker. Although they were not the first company to produce suction cup bike racks, they were the first to do so expertly. Their bike racks are sturdy and capable of supporting nearly 45 pounds, which is astounding for suction cups.
Making the switch from a regular bike rack to a suction bike rack requires a fair degree of bravery. It was a significant leap of trust, and the Sea Sucker delivered. Suction cups are a great alternative if you want a simple bike rack. Additionally, because it is universal, it will suit any type of car you may own.
Versatility:
The greatest benefit of using a suction cup bike rack is how many mounting options it gives you that no other bike rack can match. If you need to place your bike on a curved roof, Seasucker is the ideal option.
Usefulness:
The Seasucker is very simple to set up; all you have to do is pump the suction cups to make a strong seal before mounting your bike.
Pros
- Very Flexible.
- Very Simple Installation.
- Without any to, assemble.
- Very Flexible.
- Very Simple Installation.
- Without any to, assemble.
Cons
- Price.
- The front wheels must be removed for installation.
4. Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack
With the upride, Thule adopted a unique strategy of using ratchets rather than the conventional fork locks typically found on Best Bike Rack For SUV No Hitch. The front wheel is securely fastened to the ratchets without making touch with the form’s frame, and the rear wheel is fastened to the bike racks with zip straps. Due to this, the Upride is a fantastic option for pricey bikes with carbon frames.
Not everyone is ready to pay USD 200 or more on a bike rack that can only hold one bike rack, but the quality and features the Upride offers make the extra cost worthwhile in my opinion. A roof bike rack should be taken into consideration by anyone seeking for a very secure bike rack that doesn’t make touch with the bike’s frame. Compared to other bike racks that employ a fork lock system, the ratchet method is particularly convenient and makes it possible to load and unload the bikes considerably faster.
Ratchets:
The Thule Upride is a practical bike rack that has two front ratchets to secure the bike in place. Therefore, you don’t need to remove the front wheel; simply attach the ratchets to the type, and the bike will remain in place. The removal of the wheels eliminates a significant portion of the loading time.
Security:
The Gateway is also not an exception in this regard; it has an inbuilt lock mechanism that can be stored inside the rack’s frame when not in use.
Pros
- You may mount the bike on the Rack without removing the front wheel.
- There is no contact between the ratchets and the frame.
- can also transport large electric bikes.
- simpler to mount
Cons
- Due of the flexible design, there are cracks
- costlier than other roof bike racks
5. YAKIMA – SpareRide, Bicycle Rack
Given that the Yakima bike rack weighs roughly 29 pounds, it comes with ZipStrip cradles to guarantee that it is securely fastened up after installation. You may DIY the rack using the many parts that come with this stylish Yakima bike rack. If you’re concerned that this rack won’t fit on your tire, let me assure you that Yakima has once again upheld its reputation by offering three distinct mount bracket sizes.
The three mounting tongues can hold the majority of SUV tires, including those big, clunky Jeep Wrangler tires. So, if your SUVs have those large tires on the back, this is for you. Overall, a strong, durable rack ensures the security of both the bike rack and your bike. One of the best two bike racks for SUVs without a hitch, so to speak.
Optimal Security:
A locking bike cable with SKS technology is included with the purchase.
You may swap out the mounting tongue that is now put on the mounting plate and replace it with the one that is appropriate for your automobile using the Allen key that is included with this bike rack.
Design:
We just enjoy the design of this particular spare tire bike rack. When placed on the vehicle, this product by Yakima looks incredibly stunning because they put a lot of thought into its design.
Pros
- adjustable arms
- includes a detachable ZipStrips cradle
- Installed in thirty minutes
- affordably priced.
Cons
- does not support bikes with full suspension.
Bike Rack Buying Guide For SUV Without Hitch
The Toyota Sienna is ideally suited for the various bike racks that we have already described. Let’s now discuss a few vital questions that you MUST address while selecting the bike rack for your car.
Which kind of rack do you like best?
One of the first decisions you will need to make for your bike rack is this. The majority of bike racks with a hitch are substantial, however this post is about bike racks for SUVs without a hitch. You do have a variety of options, such as trunk bike racks, roof bike racks, spare tire bike racks for SUVs, and if none of those work, a suction cup bike rack that will unquestionably fit your vehicle.
What about bicycles for children, bikes for ladies, and bicycles with curved top bars?
You don’t need to worry about it whether you’re using a conventional adult bike, a road bike, or a mountain bike. However, you would require specialized racks or an adjuster if it was a child’s bike, a woman’s bike, or a bike with curved top bars. Some bike racks include an adjustable base so you can fit bikes of various sizes, including youngsters’ bikes. Additionally, if your top bar is not straight, you cannot place a bike rack. You’ll need a bike frame adapter for that; it’s required for any bike with a curved top bar or a women’s bike.
What kind of rack do you require?
The size of your bike rack is the next thing you must decide. The Trunk Type Bike Rack, which has the highest carrying capacity of all the bike rack styles we looked at in this post, is the ideal option if you wish to transport numerous bikes. In addition, if you only need to transport one bike, your choice will depend on your own preferences.
What about bicycles for children, bikes for ladies, and bicycles with curved top bars?
You don’t need to worry about it whether you’re using a conventional adult bike, a road bike, or a mountain bike. However, you would require specialized racks or an adjuster if it was a child’s bike, a woman’s bike, or a bike with curved top bars. Some bike racks include an adjustable base so you can fit bikes of various sizes, including youngsters’ bikes. Additionally, if your top bar is not straight, you cannot place a bike rack. You’ll need a bike frame adapter for that; it’s required for any bike with a curved top bar or a women’s bike.
What are your financial limits?
Although it is entirely up to you, we do advise against purchasing the cheapest bike racks that you can locate. This post reviews the best bike racks for SUVs without a hitch and practically all price points, from the most affordable to the most expensive.
How frequently will you use the bike rack?
An investment for the long haul is a bike rack. You want a rack to last you for at least a few years, after all. Only if the bike rack is strong enough to withstand the inevitable abuse will that occur. Therefore, if you anticipate using it frequently, choose a product with solid construction. Or, to save money, choose a budget rack if you only plan to use it sometimes.
How To Install A Bike Rack On A Car?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a bike rack on my SUV without a hitch?
Yes, you can utilize a bike rack on an SUV without using a hitch. Suction cup bike racks, roof bike racks, spare tire bike racks, and trunk bike racks are some of the additional types of bike racks that are available.
Do SUVs have bike racks in the trunk?
Yes, SUVs can use trunk bike racks with ease. Just be certain to choose the appropriate one if your SUV has a spoiler. Not every trunk bike rack can function well when there is a spoiler.
In an SUV, how do you transport a bike?
Put the seats in the lower position and move the bike into an SUV if you wish to transport it there. On the other hand, you can utilize automobile bike racks to transport your bike outside of your SUV.
Which bike rack is the simplest to use?
Platform hitch bike racks are typically the simplest, safest, and most practical to use.
How can a bike be mounted on an SUV’s roof rack?
You might or might not need to remove the front wheel depending on your particular bike rack. All you need to do is raise the bike, set it on the rack, and secure it as necessary. You may simply access your roof by opening the door and standing on it, or by using a door step.
Last Words
Installing a bike rack on your SUV without a hitch might be very difficult. The cost of purchasing a hitch to install a bike rack might be very expensive.
Therefore, we used this chance to compile a list of all the Best Bike Rack For SUV Without Hitch that are currently on the market. If you’ve read through this list, you should now have a decent idea of the bike rack you should think about purchasing. If not, you can read our buying guide, which discusses the bike rack you should purchase based on your needs, if you’re still unsure.
In terms of our recommendation, we’d say the Saris Bones are a terrific option due to their versatility and the number of bikes they can hold, meaning your SUV would only need one bike rack. It’s just a terrific product altogether, and we would say that it definitely hits the sweet spot in terms of price, features, and build. The arms are foldable so you don’t have to take it off.
One recommendation might not be adequate for everyone, but it will be the best option for the majority of individuals seeking for a nice bike rack that provides everything yet is reasonably priced.
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