Bike racks have become very popular motoring accessories, thanks to the increase in biking and staycations. But with so many options available, which rack should you choose?

Bike racks can be fixed to the roof, the bootlid, or a tow bar. Roof-mounted racks are the most popular, followed by towbar-mounted racks. However, racks that go on the bootlid are not as popular anymore, mainly because they can’t be used on lightweight plastic boot panels.

In this article, we will focus on roof-mounted and towbar-mounted racks. Roof-mounted racks are generally more affordable, easy to store, and can fit most vehicles. However, they can be difficult to load, especially on tall SUVs or vans, and they may not fit in car parks with height barriers.

Towbar-mounted bike racks, on the other hand, are a universal fit and make it much easier to load the bikes. They have also overcome some of the traditional issues with boot access and storage. Some towbar racks even have the option of doubling up as luggage racks or cargo box carriers. Additionally, some brands provide a dedicated mount on the tow bar assembly, allowing the tow ball to remain free for other uses like a caravan or trailer.

Before choosing a rack, always check the maximum weight your vehicle’s roof or tow bar can support. Consider the weight of the bikes, the rack itself, and for roof systems, the weight of the roof bars and their maximum load limits. Racks with lower weight and higher load capacity offer more flexibility.

Top 5 Tow Bar-Mounted Racks

1. Maxxraxx 4 Bike Voyager Easyfix – Best Buy

Price: £320.00