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The Best Bike Racks for a Long Weekend Getaway

The Best Bike Racks for a Long Weekend Getaway

Two Wheels Are Better for Fun

Riding a bike is one of life’s truly worthwhile experiences. The wind rushing past you as you pedal along can create a sense of freedom and escape from the stresses of daily life. Cycling can also provide a great workout, increasing endorphins and leaving you feeling energized and refreshed. Whether you’re exploring new trails, racing through the city or simply enjoying a leisurely ride through the countryside, the physical and mental benefits of cycling are numerous.

However, transporting a bicycle from one place to another is sometimes a daunting challenge, especially if your goal is an action-packed long weekend excursion. Installing a bike rack on your vehicle allows you to transport one or more bikes safely and easily without taking up too much space or scratching exterior paintwork. Best of all, your prized two-wheeled toy also stays undamaged. 

Now that you know a vehicle bike rack is an elegant and convenient solution for transporting your bicycle, the question remains: Which automotive bike rack is the best option for you? Let the NAPA experts take you for a crash course through some options so you can install the best bike rack for your car, truck, van, Jeep or SUV and take the stress out of your weekend adventures. 

Find the Vehicle Bike Rack That Works for You

Vehicle bike racks come in three primary configurations. Hitch-mounted, trunk-mounted and roof-mounted racks all have their pros and cons, and choosing the best option depends on what you drive and how you plan to use your bike rack.

HITCH-MOUNTED BIKE RACKS

  • Pros:  
    • Sturdy construction and easy to use; perfect for the occasional bike rider or serious cyclist
    • Bikes sit at the rear of the vehicle; no worrying about overhead lifting or bridge clearance
    • Bikes sit clear of vehicle, preventing damage to both
    • Most models fold up conveniently
  • Cons:
    • Hitch receiver required
    • Restricted cargo access (depending on model)
    • Loss of hitch access

ROOF-MOUNTED BIKE RACKS

  • Pros:
    • Lower profiles break down and store easily
    • Cargo access is unhindered
    • Hitch accessible
  • Cons:
    • Adds height: beware of overhangs and bridges
    • Certain designs create drag and reduce gas mileage
    • Bikes need lifted overhead
    • May require a roof rack

TRUNK-MOUNTED BIKE RACKS

  • Pros:
    • Great for sedans and coupes
    • Affordable
    • Easy to uninstall and transfer to other vehicles
  • Cons:
    • Limited capacity in certain models
    • Certain models may be flimsy
    • Vehicle paint damage is possible

Take Your Bikes Along!hatch mounted bike rack

If you are searching for an SUV bike rack, consider a hitch-mounted option. If your vehicle didn’t come with a hitch receiver installed, don’t panic—NAPAOnline.com has a wide range of tow hitch receiver options that are designed and constructed to work with most vehicles, and installation is a straightforward at-home project. If you drive a pickup truck, don’t just throw your bike in the back and go! Install the low profile Inno Velo Gripper truck bed bike rack and keep your bike stable on the side of the bed so you don’t damage your truck or your bike.

The SportRack Crest mountain bike rack comes in either a standard or a deluxe model and is the reliable and versatile option if you’re looking to haul multiple bikes. It accommodates a wide range of bikes and features fully adjustable wheel hooks and trays. You can choose locking or non-locking capabilities. Best of all, the center bar of this hitch-mounted bike rack folds easily when you need to access your cargo space—there’s no need to uninstall! It comes with a Lifetime Warranty from SportRack, so you can carry your bikes with confidence.

Stable wheel brackets are a must-have for any SUV or truck bike rack, and the Inno Tire Hold hitch-mounted option is a prime example. Backed by a Lifetime Warranty, this family-friendly rack can accommodate up to four bikes, even bikes with large-profile carbon frames and oversized tires. When the bikes aren’t mounted, the super-simple lever folds up the trays for easy cargo access. 

If a roof-mounted bike rack is a good fit for you, consider the Rhino-Rack Hybrid. It is constructed using high-grade aluminum that is durable without adding extra weight. It features a straightforward three-point locking system, so you can leave your bikes safely mounted without worrying about theft. Additionally, the ergonomic design uses an easy-release trigger. This mountain bike rack comes with a 5-Year Warranty. 

The SeaSucker Mini Bomber bike rack boasts a Lifetime Warranty and a truly advanced, unique design: four 6-inch suction cups secure this rack to your roof, hatchback glass or trunk. It’s built to hold up to 210 pounds, and the durable crank arm stabilizes the pedals so there’s no rotation and scraping while you drive. Additionally, it is a great bicycle rack for e-bikes and is crafted with pride right here in the United States. 

For some cycling enthusiasts, an affordable and versatile trunk-mounted option, such as the SportRack Back-Up, is the best solution. It is also a great way to carry your bike even if you drive a sedan or a coupe. This sturdy car bike rack can hold up to three bikes at a time and features cushioning in the cradles and the support bars to prevent scratches to your bike and your vehicle. It can carry up to 132 pounds and comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. The Advantage TrunkRack car bike rack likewise holds up to three bikes, features paint-saving cushioned components and uses “Anti-Sway” technology to keep your bikes stable during transit.

Weekend Adventure Starts at NAPAonline.com

You don’t have to risk damage to your bike or your vehicle just to take your two-wheeled toy along for the ride. Whether it’s for a leisurely ride in the countryside, a challenging mountain biking adventure or navigating a new city on your e-bike, shop NAPAonline.com for all the latest and greatest bike racks for cars, trucks, vans, Jeeps and SUVs. 

Now NAPA helps you save even more with NAPA Rewards. Sign up and start racking up points on all your automotive part, tool and accessory purchases! Get 1 Point for every $1 you spend, and once you collect 100 points, you automatically get $5 off your next order. Best of all, there’s no card to carry or key fob to flash. Your NAPA Rewards membership is part of your NAPA online account, so you can track your Rewards and check your statement online.

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More than 90 years ago, the National Automotive Parts Association ("NAPA") was created to meet America’s growing need for an effective auto parts distribution system. Today, 91% of do-it-yourself customers recognize the NAPA brand name. We have over 6,000 NAPA Auto Parts Stores nationwide serving all 50 states with a unique inventory control system that helps you find the exact part that you need.

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