When you think of bike racks, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably something like this: That’s a great example of how bike racks can be incorporated into any space.
But what about if you don’t have a space to put them? Or what if you want to install one but don’t know how much it will cost? In this blog post, we will explore the different types of bike racks and how much they cost.
From standard vertical bike racks to roof-mounted racks, we will cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your purchase.
How Much Does A Bike Rack Cost?
Bike rack systems can come in various prices and styles, but the most popular ones typically range from around $60 to $200. The more features a bike rack has, the more expensive it will be.
Some basic models only hold two bikes, while others can accommodate up to eight bikes. Most bike racks also include a cable lock that you can use to secure your bikes if you’re not at home.
If you’re looking for a new bike rack, then there’s no reason why you should have to spend a fortune on it. There are plenty of cheap options that will do an adequate job at transporting your bike from A to B. If you want something more advanced, though, then expect to pay somewhere in the region of $100 or more for it!
The average price for a decent bike rack falls somewhere between $60 and $200, depending on where you live and which features it has built into it. Obviously there are cheaper options available out there if this figure is too high for you, but they may not offer all the features that other brands do at a higher price point!
| Bike rack | Average cost | Minimum cost | Maximum Cost | Required Add-ons |
| Trunk bike rack | $163 | $33 | $450 | Top Tube adapters/lock cable/wheel stabilizer |
| Hitch bike rack | $536 | $77 | $1100 | Fat tire adapter/locks/add-on tray |
| Roof bike rack | $288 | $260 | $330 | Lock/front wheel holder |
| Spare tire rack | $188 | $80 | $400 | Top tube adapter |
What Is A bike Rack
Bike racks can be a costly investment for cyclists. The prices range from around $60 to over $200, and the quality also varies. There are different types of bike racks, including horizontal and vertical mounts. Horizontal mounts are more popular because they are easier to use and look nicer, but vertical mounts offer more stability.
Some bike racks come with accessories such as baskets or hooks that can be used to store bikes. The most important factor when choosing a bike rack is the size of your vehicle. If your car’s trunk is not large enough to accommodate the rack, then you will need to purchase a separate storage option.
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Bike Rack
Buying a bike rack can be a daunting task. If you are new to this, you need to consider several factors before buying one.
Here are some of the factors you should consider:
Budget
Before looking at different bike racks, take some time to figure out how much you’re willing to spend. Once you know this amount, it’ll be easier for you to narrow down your search and find something within your budget range. You might even be able to find a deal that will save you money!
Type Of Bike Rack
Bike racks can be classified as trunk-mounted, roof mounted or hitch-mounted. Trunk mounted racks require no additional hardware and is easy to install. Roof-mounted racks require you to remove your bike’s front wheel and use straps to secure the bikes onto the rack.
Hitch mounted racks are usually made of steel and can carry multiple bicycles at once.
Suitability Of The Rack for Your Car
It is important that you ensure that your car is compatible with your chosen bike rack before purchasing it. You should also check if there are any incompatibilities between your car’s make and model and the type of rack you want to buy.
Some bike racks may not fit into certain types of cars because they might not have enough space for installing or properly fitting the rack on the vehicle’s body or bumper.
How many bikes will be mounted?
How many bikes are going to be mounted on your car? If it is just one or two bikes, then it is best to go with something like a trunk mount rack because they are easy to install and remove.
However, if there are three or more bikes, then it is best to go with a roof mount rack because they do not take up much room in the back of the car and they do not require any extra equipment for installation.
How Much Does A Trunk Bike Rack Cost?
If you’re looking for a bike rack to transport your gear, you’ll want to consider a trunk bike rack. Prices vary depending on the model and features, but a basic trunk bike rack can cost anywhere from $80 to $320.
Trunk bike racks can be installed in the rear of your car or truck, and they come in a variety of sizes and styles. They typically attach to the back of your vehicle using straps or hooks, and they allow you to transport up to three bikes at a time.
If you’re planning on using your trunk bike rack frequently, it may be worth investing in a longer strap or hook system. Additionally, make sure to select a rack that is compatible with your vehicle’s type and suspension system.
How Much Does A Hitch Bike Rack Cost?
Hitch bike racks are a great way to transport bicycles without having to attach them to the vehicle. They can be installed on the back of a truck, van, SUV, or car and can hold up to three bikes.
The cost of a hitch bike rack will vary depending on the model and the size of the rack.
How Much Does A Roof Bike Rack Cost?
A roof bike rack can be an expensive addition to your vehicle. In fact, many bikes are so expensive that the cost of the rack may not be an issue for some people. For example, if you have an expensive mountain bike or road bike, it might not make sense for you to spend more than $100 on a rack when you could spend that money on another bike instead.
That being said, there are times when a roof bike rack is still worth it even if it costs more than your bike — especially if you need more than one bike. If you regularly drive long distances with two bikes in tow or want to keep them secure while parked in public spaces, then spending extra on a quality roof mount can be worthwhile.
Cost To Install A Bike Rack
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Bike Rack? The cost of installing a bike rack varies depending on where it is being installed and how many people are doing the installation.
The average cost of installing a single bike rack is $40-$60 per hour, but this can vary greatly depending on how much time it takes for someone to do the work and how much experience they have working with bicycles.
If you are going to install your own bike rack, then you will need access to some basic tools such as an electric drill, screwdriver, pliers, saws and hammers. You should also make sure that your vehicle has enough room inside for transporting any materials that need moving around during installation as well as any tools that will be needed during construction (such as nails or screws).
Comparison of the Best Bike Racks for 2023
| Bike rack | Mount style | Weight capacity (per bike) | Price | |
| Best bike rack overall/Best platform hitch bike rack | Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack | Platform | 60 pounds | $900 |
| Best bike rack overall runner-up | Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack | Platform | 40 pounds | $630 |
| Best cheap and easy-to-use bike rack | Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Mounted Bike Rack | Trunk | 35 pounds | $33 |
| Best bike rack if money is no object | Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack | Platform | 65 pounds | $1,000 |
| Best trunk bike rack | Saris Bones EX Car Trunk Bike Rack | Trunk | 35 pounds | $230 |
| Best trunk bike rack runner-up | Allen Sports Premier Trunk Rack | Trunk | 35 pounds | $109 |
| Best roof bike rack | Yakima HighRoad Rooftop Bike Mount | Roof | 45 pounds | $279 |
| Best roof bike rack runner-up | Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack | Roof | 44 pounds | $330 |
| Best hanging hitch bike rack | Thule Camber Hitch Bike Rack | Hanging hitch | 37.5 pounds | $341 |
| Best vertical hanging hitch bike rack/Best bike rack for carrying a lot of bikes | Yakima HangTight 4-Bike Hitch Rack | Vertical hanging | 37.5 pounds | $899 |
| Best pickup truck bed bike carrier | Thule Insta-Gater Pro Truck Bed Bike Rack | Truck bed | 50 pounds | $310 |
| Best spare tire bike rack | Allen Sports Deluxe Spare Tire Rack | Spare tire | 35 pounds | $70 |
How Much Does A Bike Rack For A Car Cost?
A bike rack for a car costs anywhere from around $50 to $300, depending on the quality and features of the rack. Some racks are simple and easy to install, while others require professional installation.
Conclusion
All things considered, the bike rack price shouldn’t be a deciding factor if you are shopping for them. Certainly there are some very expensive options that come with all kinds of bells and whistles, but there are plenty of cheaper alternatives out there.
Depending on your vehicle and what kind of budget you have to work with, you should be able to find a bike rack that suits your needs and fits your budget.