Top 11 Best Truck Bed Bike Racks Review In 2021

I researched over 50 of the best truck bed bike racks available on the market before buying 20 of them to test side-by-side.

A great bike rack that best suits your truck bed is key to transporting your precious bicycles with peace in mind. That’s why choosing the right one is extremely necessary.

In my test session, I spent hours, days, and even months testing and analyzing each option’s strength, ease of installation, ease of use, and more with the goal to help you out in your decision-making process.

How To Use A Truck Bed Bike Rack?

Rack installation

First of all, you need to know how to install the rack. It is easy to assemble a truck bed bike rack. If you are already familiar with it, it only takes you from two to five minutes to set up a truck bed bike rack.

Firstly, set one side of the crossbar on the truck bed, and extend it out to the other side of the truck. Get it nice, tight, and close to the clamping arm. Once you have slid out the extending arm and padded brackets are on each side of the truck bed, spin the micro adjust to lock it down firmly.

The next step is to install the rack onto the crossbar. It is quick and straightforward. All you need to do is put your plastic bushings with the flip or flange facing the outside – one on the left side and one on the right side of each rack. Then, slide the shelf over the top of the bushings, line everything up.

Bike installation

The first time you put a bike into the rack, you need to get it set up to fit the tire size. There is a major adjustment on each frame, which you can move to the suitable position that best fits your wheel size.

Once you select the position, go ahead, put the wheel into the rack, pull the upper arm down, and press against the tire.

Lock installation

Locks help to keep your bike standing firmly even when your truck is riding on rough terrains. Firstly, pull out the safety pin, replace it with a lock, secure the lock and then reinstall the safety pin at the closest hole to the end of the cap.

The lock for your rack has a flat side and a rounded side. The flat side installs onto the locking pin. Put the locking pin through the center hole on the rack unit, and the flat side of the lock goes all the way to the bottom.

Modern rack systems usually come with an updated security strap, which helps secure your rear tire and rack.

There are only three main steps you need to go through to install a truck bed bike rack. They are straightforward, and I believe that everyone can understand and set it up successfully.

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Popular Truck Bed Bike Rack Brands

Swagman

Swagman manufactures truck bed bike racks with various styles and sizes, so if you can not find a suitable bike rack for your truck from other brands, go to Swagman showrooms, and I am sure you can find what you are looking for.

Thule

Besides Swagman, Thule is also one of the big fish in the bike rack niche. Products from this brand can be awarded best value truck bed bike rack. The design of Thule bike racks is minimal so that users can quickly assemble and learn how to use them. This feature also makes it effortless to store those bike racks when unnecessary.

The bike racks are made of high-quality material with super durability, but the price is reasonable, and most of you can afford one.

Heininger

In terms of capacity, Heiniger bike racks overwhelm other brands. If your five-member family is going out for a camping trip on your truck and want to take your bikes with you, a Heninger truck bed bike rack is the most significant choice for you since it can hold up to five cycles. You do not need to take off the front wheel, so it is super convenient and time-saving.

Saris

If you are afraid that you can not handle your bike rack alone, it is too complicated to install it. Go ahead to a bike store and pick a truck bed bike rack from Saris. Most bike racks of this brand are equipped with an inbuilt hydraulic pump, which helps to automatically fit the rack tightly and adequately without any tools needed.

INNO

INNO is famous for economical space-wise truck bed bike racks, allowing you to optimize your truck bed for further storage. INNO bike racks are made of lightweight material, so you can easily take them anywhere with you.

These bike racks are compact and lightweight, but that doesn’t have any impact on their durability. They are still super secure and reliable.

Brands of The Best Truck Bed Bike Racks

Buying from a reliable brand is always peaceful in mind. If you wonder who makes the best truck bed bike racks, here are some suggestions of mine:

Hollywood Rack

Hollywood Rack was founded in 1973 and has been a trunk-mounted rack manufacturer since then.

Their products are known for ease of assembly, strength, and durability. Plus, they began selling their racks to many well-known bike companies like Nishiki, Peugeot, and Schwinn.

Swagman

This is one of those pioneers in designing and manufacturing hitch style bike racks. They were set up 30 years ago, based in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, and are known for various ground-breaking designs in many big markets.

Saris

Saris truck bed bike racks are always praised for their affordability without compromising quality and performance. In general, their racks are easy to mount, lightweight yet durable.

Thule

This is currently the leading company in the outdoor and bags market and has over 4500 points of sale in nearly 140 countries around the world. They were established in 1942 by the Thulin family.

What Are The Best Truck Bed Bike Racks to Buy?

For the Best Truck Bed Bike Racks, there are so many choices to put into the list, but I ranked these models based on a set of criteria that will help the majority of bike riders. They are all long-lasting, efficient in holding bikes in places, and won’t leave a mark on the bikes too!

If you are curious about these high-quality bike racks, let’s go into the review to pick out what is the best for you.

• Best Overall: Saris Bones Car Trunk Bike Rack

“Great load capacity, can fit a wide range of bikes, durable and foldable design, easy to use, can carry multiple bikes.”

• Best For Single Bike: Thule Insta-Gater Pro Truck Bed Bike Rack

“Easy to use and install, completely durable, ensure the best safety and no-scratch bike locking.”

• Best Cheap Price: Hollywood Racks T970 Bicycle Fork Mount

“Small, lightweight and compact design, easy to use, good grip on a single bike, can be stored anywhere.”

• Best Compact: INNO RT202 Truck Bed Bike Rack

“Small and lightweight design, adjustable with many pieces, can fit any types of bikes, space-saving for your truck bed.”

• Best For The Price: Swagman PICKUP Fork Mount Bike Rack

“Trouble-free setting up, simple and easy to use, can hold up to two bikes, slim and elegant design.”

• Best For 4 Bikes: Heininger Automotive Truck Bed Bike Racks

“Fit up to 4 bikes, and be changed into a standalone bike rack, good lightweight and padded construction, long-lasting and easy to keep the bike safe.”

• Best For BMX Bikes: Heininger Advantage Truck Bed Bike Racks

“Durable and comfortable to use, BMX bike-friendly, double-bike rack, can be used as a standalone one.”

• Best For Mountain Bikes: Goplus Truck Bed Bike Racks

“Good for mountain bikers, easy to use, fit kid bikes, can be used from both sides.”

• Best Capacity: Advantage SportsRack Truck Bed Bike Rack

“Fit a lot of bikes, carry four bikes at once, easy to set up, can be used as a standalone rack.”

• Best High-End: BIKEHAND Truck Bed Bike Racks

“Stable and secured transport of bikes, easy to use, no locking needed, can fit all types of bikes, high-priced and high-quality design.”

• INNO RT201 Truck Bed Bike Rack

“Space-saving, lightweight and adjustable design, easy to use, fit a wide range of bikes.”

Best Truck Bed Bike Racks Comparison Chart 2021

For anyone that is short for time, you can look through this Best Truck Bed Bike Rack comparison chart. This is a comprehensive, easy to understand, and detailed lists that will help you to get what you want:

Top 11 Best Truck Bed Bike Racks Review In 2021

Now let’s dive into my Top 11 Best Truck Bed Bike Racks review right away!

Best Overall: Saris Bones Car Trunk Bike Rack

For multiple bikes use, the Saris Bones Car Trunk Bike Rack, 2 and 3 Bike Options is quite a good recommendation. With a mid-end price, this one can hold on 2 or 3 bikes depending on the version you purchase.

This one so far is my most favorite since it can be mounted anywhere, on the car trunk or truck bed, the same way. Moreover, all its arms can be folded when not in use to make the space less occupied.

Another thing worth mentioning is that it has additional features for safety. The straps can be adjusted to tighten the grip on the bike, and the feet are rubber end pads to minimize unwanted damage on your bikes.

Product Specs

Weight	4 Kilograms
Dimensions	30 x 8 x 30 inches
Materials	Composite

Key features:

• Arc-based Design
• Carries 2 Bikes (35lbs/Bike)
• Rubberized Feet And Coated Straps
• Injection-molded Arms And Legs

To learn more about this truck bed bike racks, please watch this review video:

Best For Single Bike: Thule Insta-Gater Pro Truck Bed Bike Rack

If you only have one bike to carry around frequently, you can try this Thule Insta-Gater Pro Truck Bed Bike Rack. With such a firm and sleek design, this one can ensure that your bike will not get a scratch while staying firmly on the truck bed.

The thing that I like most about this model is its One-Key locking mechanism that will add an extra layer for security. This one suits various models of bikes, including e-bikes and fat bikes too, as long as your bike is under 50lbs.

This bike rack came in fully assembled; I just needed to get it on the truck bed and attach it, then easily lock my bike in. Its price may fall into the mid-end, but for such ease of use and durability, I would totally recommend this.

Product Specs

Weight	11 Pounds
Dimensions	40.6 x 18 x 6.7 inches
Materials	Aluminum, Plastic

Key features:

• Holds One Bike Up To 50lbs
• Accommodates Wheel Sizes From 20-29″
• No Frame Contact
• Adjustable Rack
• Integrated Security

To learn more about this truck bed bike racks, please watch this review video:

Best Cheap Price: Hollywood Racks T970 Bicycle Fork Mount

Also, a single-bike rack, but this Hollywood Racks T970 Fork Block 1 Bicycle Fork Mount is dirt cheap. It only cost me under 20 bucks, and it does the job well.

This truck bed rack is tiny, and you can snug it in anywhere; whether it is your toolbox or the truck cabin, it won’t take much place. This one has a decent grip on the front wheels of the bikes with the quick-release skewer.

Even though this model is for one bike only, it is so cheap that you can buy several ones to keep your bike safe on the truck bed.

Product Specs

Weight	Not available
Dimensions	Not available
Materials	6061 aluminum

Key features:

• 9mm Quick Release Skewer
• Mount To Any Solid Surface
• 6061 Aluminum Body

Best Compact: INNO RT202 Truck Bed Bike Rack

Also a small guy, but the INNO RT202 Truck Bed Bike Rack has quite a few components for you to attach and modify. It comes in pieces, so you have to figure out and adjust the mounting position so it would fit your truck bed the most.

Although the pieces look blizzard in the first place, it turns out to be quite straightforward when assembling them together. You get the chance to set them up, so you can adjust everything to make sure that it fits your bikes.

Again, this one is a single bike rack, so you would not be able to chain many bikes on one. Still, this is a versatile choice which virtually locks any bike in safely.

Product Specs

Weight	1 Pound
Dimensions	12.5 x 10.3 x 2.7 inches
Materials	Blend

Key features:

• Upright Position Bike Mount
• Fit All Bikes
• Easy Installation
• D-Ring Clamps

Best For The Price: Swagman PICKUP Fork Mount Bike Rack

If you prefer simplicity, you may want to check out this Swagman PICKUP Fork Mount Bike Rack. Made from high-quality stainless steel, this is one of the most cost-worthy truck bed bike racks that I have ever invested in.

This is a double bike rack and a fork mount, so setting up takes no time at all; also, the assembling is hassle-free. You don’t even need to drill any hole, just pop it up and let the rubber end pads secure the rack on.

The telescoping design is slim and compact; it won’t take much space on your bed truck. Also, you can adjust the mount to the desired places to hold your bikes.

Product Specs

Weight	13.5 Pounds
Dimensions	6 x 3.5 x 54 inches
Materials	Stainless Steel

Key features:

• Maximum Weight Capacity Of 35Ibs. Per Bike
• Fork Mount Blocks
• Solid Stainless Steel Frame
• 9mm Quick Release Skewers

To learn more about this truck bed bike racks, please watch this review video:

Best For 4 Bikes: Heininger Automotive Truck Bed Bike Racks

For the best capacity, I recommend the Heininger Automotive 2025 Advantage SportsRack BedRack. It can lock up to four bikes, so for group traveling, this would help to keep all bikes in places.

Depending on your bike tires, you can extend the bike carriers to fit, so it is quite versatile, though there will be a limit size of the tire’s width. Even made from strong and tough steel material, the padded design promises no scratch on your bikes whatsoever.

One of the best bike carriers in terms of bike capacity, but it is surprisingly lightweight. Furthermore, you can detach it from the truck to use as a standalone rack.

Product Specs

Weight	0.5 Pounds
Dimensions	31 x 27 x 6 inches
Materials	Steel

Key features:

• Soft Padding Included
• Standalone Bike Rack Alternative
• Can Be Extended
• Fit Tires Up To 27” And 2.5″ In Width

To learn more about this truck bed bike racks, please watch this review video:

INNO RT201 Truck Bed Bike Rack

Another model of the INNO made its way into the list with such an efficient performance. Also a mounting bike rack, this one is just as small as its same-brand models, taking virtually just a few centimeter square area on the truck bed.

Nevertheless, the decent grip of an adjustable bike rack can ensure a safe trip with your bikes. Just follow what is written in the manuals, you will get a reliable rack anytime you need.

Product Specs

Weight	3.9 Pounds
Dimensions	12.5 x 10.3 x 2.7 inches
Materials	Blend

Key features:

• Hardware Is Included
• No Need For Front Tire Removal
• Space-Saving

Best For BMX Bikes: Heininger Advantage Truck Bed Bike Racks

For BMX bikers, the Heininger Advantage SportsRack BedRack Elite 2 Bike Truck Bike Rack will be the one for you. This one has a wide range of accommodating tires, from the standard ones to BMX and fat tires, so no worry about your bikes not fitting the rack.

It can hold up to 2 bikes and mount nicely on the truck bed while being space-saving. Moreover, you can rest assured with the locking mechanism integrated for better security.

You can take it off to use as a bike rack on the ground too – keeping your bikes safe anywhere!

Product Specs

Weight	25 pounds
Dimensions	28 x 19.25 x 10.25 inches
Materials	Not available

Key features:

• Compatible Wheel Sizes From A 700c To A Plus MTB
• 24” Cable Lock Included
• Capacity Of 2 Bikes
• Alternative Use As Standalone Bike Rack

To learn more about this truck bed bike racks, please watch this review video:

Best For Mountain Bikes: Goplus Truck Bed Bike Racks

Mountain bikers can trust the Goplus Bike Rack Bicycle Stand Cycling Rack with their mountain bikes. Also a multiple-purpose bike rack, this one can fit different types of bikes.

You can even lock your bikes from both sides – front and back – so there will be less contact among the bikes. The capacity of 4 bikes suits most demand for family and group use, so this one is really popular.

The design seems simple and sleek and is made from high-quality materials too. You can expect long-term service from these bike carriers.

Product Specs

Weight	11 lbs
Dimensions	47”L x 13″W x 10″H
Materials	Steel

Key features:

•   Sturdy Construction
•   Simple But Practical Design
•   Eliminate Potential Clutter Of Bike Parking
• Compact Design Holds Up To 4 Bikes

Best Capacity: Advantage SportsRack Truck Bed Bike Rack

Advantage SportsRack BedRack Elite Truck 4 Bike Rack can carry up to 4 bikes, a good capacity at a reasonable price. This one may look huge, but it does not take that much space and can help you secure and organize all the bikes on the truck nicely.

You do not need to remove any wheels to bring the bikes around with this one, so it will reduce a lot of work for bikers. Moreover, it can be extended according to the bike and bike tires’ size, accommodating the majority of bikes on the market.

The assembling is no hard work, and you can detach it from the truck easily. You can also secure it on the ground to use as a bike rack locker.

Product Specs

Weight	36 Pounds
Dimensions	31 x 20 x 14 inches
Materials	Steel

Key features:

• Works With Or Without Truck Bedliners
• Transports Up To 4 Bikes
• Sturdy Standalone Four Bike Rack

Best High-End: BIKEHAND Truck Bed Bike Racks

The last one on the list may be a bit expensive for a double-bike rack, but the BIKEHAND Bicycle Floor Type Parking Rack Stand deserves the price. This one is the most versatile as it can lock in any type of bike and work as a bike stand.

The clever design allows this bike rack to be foldable and portable, so you can set it up anywhere you want, whether in your house or on the truck bed. This one grips onto the tires, which stops the tires from rolling during the ride and keeps the bikes intact.

You don’t need a lock with this model; just ride it in and put it into the rack; it will automatically close down and hold onto the bike. The materials are also the best of the best, so your bike rack will last a long time.

Product Specs

Weight	7.68 Pounds
Dimensions	19 x 15 x 6 inches
Materials	Steel

Key features:

• Fit All Bikes Up To 2.4″ Tire Width
• No Assembly Required
• Spring Holding System
• Quick & Easy Effortless Push-In System

To learn more about this truck bed bike racks, please watch this review video:

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Truck Bed Bike Racks In 2021

Intended use

This is the very first thing to consider before choosing any truck bed bike rack. Determine whether you frequently load/unload several bikes around or not.

If you find yourself doing that regularly, it’s probably no need to spend extra time removing a bulky, complicated bike rack system.

For you, a fork-mount rack is worth investing in because it won’t interfere with your truck’s ability to multi-task as it is positioned near the vehicle’s cab and has a low-profile.

But on the contrasting option, considering a cheaper, easier-to-disassemble rack is worth it if you only need to transport bikes once or twice/year. Side clamps are a great choice for this specific case as they’re quick to install/uninstall.

Bike holding styles

There are commonly three styles to hold a bike on your trunk bed:

• Side-mount systems
• Fork mounts
• Wheel mounts

	Pros	Cons
Side mount systems	Easy to assemble/disassemble	Prone to be stolen by thieves
Fork mounts	Usually feature built-in key lock systems for security enhancement Offer the highest level of security for bikes	Hard to remove   Might scratch the fork finish
Wheel mounts	High level of security to bikes without scratching its finish It has built-in key lock systems	Difficult to detach

Truck bed sizes & Number of bikes

Two other important elements to keep in mind is how many bicycles you intend to carry and the size of your truck bed.

There are three main options:

• Side-clamp mounts – ideal for hauling 2 to 4 bikes at a time
• Wheel mount racks – ideal for 2 to 3 bikes
• Tailgate pads – good for up to 6 bikes

FAQs

How do you transport a bike in a truck bed?

There are many ways to consider it. The cheapest is using soft straps or bungee cords but I highly recommend avoiding ratchet-typed straps as they’re hard to hold your bike down.

If your budget is a bit loose, try a specialized truck bed bike rack to secure bikes better.

What is the best trunk bike rack?

My go-to picks are:

• INNO RT201 Truck Bed Bike Racks
• Heininger 2035 Truck Bed Bike Racks
• Hollywood Racks T970 Truck Bed Bike Racks

What are the best bike racks for SUV?

I’d like to choose:

• Pipeline Racks Truck Bed Bike Racks
• YAKIMA Truck Bed Bike Racks
• Swagman TAILWHIP Truck Bed Bike Racks

How do you make a PVC bike rack for a truck bed?

What is the easiest bike rack to use?

My most favorite options are:

• Advantage SportsRack Truck Bed Bike Racks
• Saris Kool 2 Truck Bed Bike Racks
• Thule 822XTR Truck Bed Bike Racks

My Top Pick

My top pick is the Advantage SportsRack Truck Bed Bike Rack because of its modular design which not only offers extra ease of use but also makes the rack itself sturdier.

So your bikes don’t sway or shift while driving. Its four-bike holding capacity is another noteworthy feature.

Do you love the 16 best truck bed bike racks that I’ve listed above? Which one do you love the most? Kindly let me know and thanks for reading.