Top 17 Best Trunk Bike Rack Reviews In 2021 (Draft)

Bike rack is an indispensable piece of cycling equipment whenever you want to bring your bike with you somewhere.

There are various options at different price points, and covers everything you need to know when buying one that meets your needs.

In this review, we’ll guide you through 17 best bike racks currently on the market.

Once finished, make sure to scroll down for useful tips on how to choose the appropriate bike rack and more in-depth reviews.

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• Top 15 Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews In 2021
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Best Trunk Bike Rack Comparison Chart 2021

I’ve also included a comparison chart of 17 best bike racks for you to have some basic information:

What Are The Best Trunk Bike Rack To Buy?

Before reading the reviews, I’ve come up with a list of 17 best bike racks, and picked out some for the best features:

• Best Versatile: Allen Sports 102DN-R Trunk Bike Racks
• Best for Family Group Use: Allen Sports 4-Bike Trunk Bike Racks
• Best Compact: Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Bike Racks
• Best Value: Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Trunk Bike Racks
• Best Bargain: Allen Sports 3-Bike Trunk Bike Racks
• Best Deal: Venzo 3 Bike Trunk Bike Racks
• Best With Additional Straps: Allen Sports 2-Bike Trunk Bike Racks

Top 17 Best Trunk Bike Rack Reviews In 2021

Here we are, at the most expected part of the article. Let’s wait no further and dive right into it.

Allen Sports 102DN-R Trunk Bike Racks

Allen Sports is one of the leading companies in cycling equipment, and its product line of bike racks, particularly the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike 102DN-R Trunk Bike Rack, is no exception.

It comes fully assembled, and the installation process isn’t rocket surgery thanks to the single configuration design.

Whether you’re riding an SUV, a sedan, a hatchback or a minivan, this versatile mount trunk can fit it all.

The side straps are solid enough to maintain lateral stability for added protection to your bike as well as your car.

Another plus is the bungee cord that comes with the purchase to prevent your bike’s front wheel from swaying.

I highly recommend you read the instructions carefully to get this trunk to work well.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Allen Sports
Dimension (inches)	4.49 x 22.99 x 13.7
Weight (lbs)	7.5
Material	N/A
Features	Patented design fits most cars Individual tie downs for protection and security 12” long carry arms accommodate a wide range of bike styles 115” wide carry arms for better bike compatibility Solid side straps

Allen Sports 4-Bike Trunk Bike Racks

Wanting to travel to somewhere with your family and enjoy adventurous rides? Then the Allen Sports 4-Bike Trunk Bike Rack might come in handy.

Assembly is a breeze thanks to the included bolts and screws, and the rack does stand up to frequent use and exposure to light.

I particularly like the arms which fold down while they’re still attached to the truck when not in use. It’s a nice feature that enables me to leave the rack on the car all year round without being damaged.

There’s also no need for you to purchase a cross bar to mount 4 bikes as you can do so without that tool.

In short, it’s a great value rack compared to that of Thule, which is sold at $250.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Allen Sports
Dimension (inches)	25 x 13 x 3.5
Weight (lbs)	4.2 ounces (approx. 0.26lbs)
Material	Steel
Features	Fantastic locking mechanism Solid construction with thick gauge steel and high-strength bolts Folding carry arms

Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Bike Racks

If you’re looking for something that doesn’t cost a fortune, look no further than the Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Bike Rack.

The setup process is ridiculously easy that you wouldn’t believe that your bike is secured safely on the rack.

I feel that there seems to be excess strap length that you can use it at your disposal, apart from the top, bottom and side straps to prevent any wobble.

This bike rack proves to be very reliable after I tested it rigorously on rides with heavy road bumps, high winds, and scorching sun. In short, it stands up to rough conditions with little difficulty.

A small tip is to use a bike lock to further secure the rack as well as the bike, so that they won’t cause any damage to your car.

Why not check it out? This product is available in the 2-bike version as well.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Allen Sports
Dimension (inches)	N/A
Weight (lbs)	~ 15
Material	Steel
Features	3 padded legs 3 adjustable security straps Folds easily for easy storage and transportation Steel construction

Allen Sports 102DB Trunk Bike Racks

Welcome to another product from Allen Sports but don’t rush to the next one because you might miss an excellent option.

At first, I was skeptical of its durability, but after months of use, my worries all went away. This beast works excellently under harsh conditions (high winds, rough trails, storm, etc.) but is not phased at all.

Also, it’s very easy to install or remove because it folds down flat, so that you don’t have to leave the rack on the car all the time.

Be carefully with the inner set of straps, which is close to the car surface, or you’ll get some unwanted scratches.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Allen Sports
Dimension (inches)	23 x 15 x 4
Weight (lbs)	8
Material	Steel
Features	Single configuration design Steel construction

Allen Sports 103DN-R Trunk Bike Racks

Don’t skip if you’re looking for a compact 3-bike bike rack at a low price.

While it includes everything needed for this rack to work perfectly, the assembly process is a bit tiresome.

I highly suggest you mount the bikes alternatively, meaning that one bike points this way, and another one points the other way. In doing so, the weight is evenly distributed throughout the rack.

Moreover, using tape to wrap the metal strap clips could not only help prevent your car from being damaged, but also to help the clips grip better to the surface.

And call a friend to help you hold the rack up and tighten the straps should you cannot do it alone.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Allen Sports
Dimension (inches)	28.6 x 14.2 x 4.5
Weight (lbs)	10
Material	N/A
Features	Padded lower frame Side straps for added stability

Allen Sports 103DB Trunk Bike Racks

Though similar to the previous model, this one still differs in some aspects.

First off, installing this mount trunk only takes a few minutes and you’re good to go.

The rack has no protective padding on the legs, which means you need to cover them with a piece of cloth or cushioning to avoid any car scratches.

Also, it does have rail dividers for each bike, and make sure that the bikes are mounted in opposite direction.

After months of use, I really feel this rack works fabulously. There’s been no issue with wobble or so thanks to the leftover hanging strap which you can use to further tighten your bike.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Allen Sports
Dimension (inches)	28 x 18 x 5
Weight (lbs)	10
Material	N/A
Features	Single configuration design

Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Trunk Bike Racks

If you’re looking for a rack similar to that of Thule, but more budget-friendly, then you’re at the right place.

Made of high-quality components, the rack is very sturdy and performs excellently.

It attaches tightly to the car, so there’s no slipping in spite of frequent opening and closing of the back trunk. Also, it doesn’t scratch your car thanks to the padded legs.

I like the fact that I could mount my women’s bike without a cross-bar adapter, which saves me money and time.

Overall, the quality of the rack is far better than the price suggests. Why not get it? The Tyger rack is available in 3 options.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Tyger
Dimension (inches)	20 x 15 x 9.02
Weight (lbs)	8.58
Material	N/A
Features	Padded lower frame Heavy duty straps

Allen Sports 102900CP Trunk Bike Racks

You’d probably think: “Allen Sports again?”, but I’m sure this one will satisfy you.

The product comes fully assembled, and the instructions are clear so that the installation process is only a matter of minutes.

I like the fact that it includes a bicycle adapter to ease transportation of such bikes as suspension, step-through, BMX, and women’s bikes.

Just be careful when you lift or dismount the bike; otherwise you’d get yourself hurt.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Allen Sports
Dimension (inches)	23.2 x 14 x 4.3
Weight (lbs)	11.05
Material	N/A
Features	Padded lower frame Simple, sturdy design

Venzo 3 Bike Trunk Bike Racks

With the Venzo 3-bike trunk bike rack, you won’t be disappointed of the quality it brings.

At first impression, the rack seems to be very sturdy, and holds the bikes securely throughout the ride.

Though the geometry is not perfect for flat-back SUVs, it works flawlessly on sedans with trunks.

I particularly like the 6 straps holding system, which gives a nice stability for every outdoor situation thanks to those 6 different side traps.

For small kid bikes or ladies Y-shaped bikes, make sure to use an adaptor bar to mount them on the rack.

While you sit pretty and comfortably, the rack comes with a life-time warranty.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Venzo
Dimension (inches)	32.28 x 18.11 x 5.91
Weight (lbs)	13.1
Material	Steel
Features	6 straps holding system Top tube compatible from 25mm to 40mm in diameter Rubber fixed band with UV resistance Rust resistance with Wrinkle black powder

Allen Sports 2-Bike Trunk Bike Racks

Don’t let those bad reviews keep you from buying this bike rack from Allen Sports.

The mount itself is very easy install. It took me less than 5 minutes to finish everything.

Once installed, it works admirably perfect and stands up to frequent uses, very solid.

I love the fact that the arms of the rack folds down when not in use, and especially the whole rack leans backwards so that I can open the rear hatch.

I would recommend you purchase different set of straps, 6 straps for example, and this hitch would work like a champ. The included straps won’t hold the bike in place.

All in all, you will not be disappointed with this mount.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Allen Sports
Dimension (inches)	N/A
Weight (lbs)	N/A
Material	Steel
Features	Weight capacity of 70lbs Rugged powder coat finish No wobble-hitch connection Tilts back for easy access to rear hatch Fits wheelbase from 35’’ to 48’’, wheels from 20’’ to 29’’

Allen Sports 3-Bike Trunk Bike Racks

There’s no surprise when I introduce you to another product from Allen Sports because its quality is undoubtedly excellent.

The assembly part could not be easier. Just simply attach the lower tube to the base tube with one bolt, and the upper tube to the lower tube with two other bolts.

It’s fairly easy to put on and put off the bikes, and the mount trunk feels very solid and reliable despite constant use under harsh conditions.

The provided regular straps are enough to hold 2 bikes, but I’d recommend you use extra bungee cords to avoid any swaying.

Moreover, the rack has anti-wobble locking mechanism that has a key, so you don’t have to worry about your bike being stolen, or perhaps the rack also.

Just be careful when taking the key out of the lock as you don’t want to bend it.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Allen Sports
Dimension (inches)	N/A
Weight (lbs)	N/A
Material	Steel
Features	Fits 1.25’’ or 2’’ hitch 16’’ long, folding carry arms Black coat powder finish Tilts away main mast

Allen Sports 5-Bike Trunk Bike Racks

For those looking for a rack that accommodates a group-sized use, meet the Allen Sports 5-Bike Trunk Bike Rack.

The rack is made of decent quality materials, and very easy to assemble and attach.

Moreover, the mounting brackets rotate on the bars, allowing you to attach the bikes to the rack at any angle.

Another great feature is that the bar can be lowered by removing the retaining pin, but you should only do when the bikes are not loaded to the rack.

It’s totally possible to fit 5 bikes without having the pedals rammed through the spokes of other wheels.

Remember to mount them at different angles, and you’re good to go.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Allen Sports
Dimension (inches)	N/A
Weight (lbs)	N/A
Material	Steel
Features	Hold a max weight of 175lbs Dual compound cradles and quick secure straps Quick fold carry arms Straps have padded cam buckle Quick install locking insert hitch No wobble hitch installation

Allen Sports Premier Trunk Bike Racks

I was a bit skeptical at first, but my worries soon went away after my 2000-mile trip.

The rack is well-built piece of equipment and performs very well once taken out of the box.

I love the fact that the product includes extra large car pads not only to help distribute the bikes’ weight evenly, but also to protect the car finish.

Also, there’s 2 patented lower straps secure the bottom hook in place, so that the bikes are more than stable stable on the rack.

If you need to attach a women’s bike, make sure you have a special bar adaptor. And the trunk cannot be open while you’re using the rack.

Other than that, it’s a great bike rack that’s worth the money!

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Allen Sports
Dimension (inches)	N/A
Weight (lbs)	N/A
Material	Steel
Features	Max load of 70lbs Patented tie-down system for security and protection Narrow carry arms fit a wide range of bike styles and sizes Dual compound feet

BV 2 Bike/4 Bike Trunk Bike Racks

Let’s move onto another brand today. With the BV Bike Rack, I’m sure you would be pleased with the quality it brings.

Featuring the tilt back design, you are able to open the rear hatch without detaching the bike rack, which is very convenient.

After many uses, the rack is still in good condition and seems to have minimal rocking or movement.

Though it’s made of heavy steel, I feel that installing or removing it isn’t a problem at all. You can ask your friend for help if needed.

A safety reflector is a bonus since it helps enhance visibility during night to ensure driving safety.

After use, the rack folds up nicely for storage, which is a smart idea for space saving.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	BV
Dimension (inches)	N/A
Weight (lbs)	N/A
Material	Steel
Features	Max load is 35lbs per bike 2-bike rack fits 1.25” and 2” hitch receiver 4-bike rack fits only 2” hitch receiver Tray-styled loops and padded arms

Saris Bones 2 Bike Trunk Bike Racks

Apart from Allen Sports, Saris Bone is also a tough competitor for its broad array of high-quality cycling equipment.

I like the fact that this rack is constructed with 100% recyclable, non-rusting materials.

And the design is such that the ratcheting hold downs are simple for you to adjust. In other words, the rack itself is very easy to use.

I’d give the highest marks to the straps in terms of design. They’re very easy to manipulate and tighten the bike securely on the rack.

The hardest part would probably be attaching the clips to the side of the trunk, which needs a bit of work to make sure those straps are tightened.

All in all, it’s a well-design, foolproof rack available at an affordable price.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Saris
Dimension (inches)	30 x 8 x 30
Weight (lbs)	8.82
Material	N/A
Features	Max load of 70lbs (35lbs per bike) Arc-based design Injection-molded arms and legs Foolproof

Saris Bones 2-4 Bicycles Trunk Bike Racks

Look no further as this is definitely the bike rack you should get.

The design is cool, which enables you to adjust the arms to make practically any type of bike fit at no awkward angle.

Also, the fit is incredible in that you can still gain access to the rear trunk while having the rack attached, a feature that’s less common on some other racks.

There are 3 strapping points (2 on the top tube and 1 on the seat tube) to maximize stability and security.

The rubberized feet are big and work well, and that they leave no scratches on the surface.

In short, the elements on the rack are just wonderfully combined at a reasonable price point.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Saris
Dimension (inches)	22 x 16 x 8
Weight (lbs)	10
Material	N/A
Features	Arc-based design Injection-molded arms and leg Ratcheting anti-sway straps secure and stabilize bikes

Saris Bones 3 Bikes Trunk Bike Racks

Don’t skip just because it’s the last product or you’ll miss a great option.

Just like other Saris bike racks, the one also features arc-based design with injection-molded arms and legs.

The straps are a retractable and has one-touch adjustability for car fit and strap management.

The rack can be stolen easily if not secured properly, so I’d recommend you lock it n your car while riding.

Overall, I’m quite satisfied with this product from Saris.

Product specs:

Manufacturer	Saris
Dimension (inches)	22 x 20 x 9
Weight (lbs)	12.2
Material	N/A
Features	Max load of 105lbs (35lbs per bike) Arc-based design Injection-molded arms and leg Spring buckle straps with vinyl-coated hooks Rubberized feet for paint protection Ratcheting anti-sway straps

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Trunk Bike Rack In 2021

There are several key factors which can affect your buying decision, so read them carefully before jumping to buy one:

Types of rack

Hitch bike racks

This is the most common type of rack on the market for its lightness and compactness.

Trunk/ Hatch-mounted bike racks

These racks are excellent alternatives to hitch racks, and even roof racks since they’re available at a more budget-friendly price point.

If you don’t travel much, then go with the trunk/ hatch-mounted bike rack.

Roof-mounted bike racks

As the name suggests, it is mounted on the roof of the car so that you can gain access to your rear hatch without removing anything.

The only downside is that these racks need a crossbar to connect to.

RV bike racks

RV bike racks can be broken down into 2 styles: front-mounted or rear-mounted.

However, these racks are not as popular as their counterparts.

Features

Security cables

A good locking mechanism will alleviates many of the worries that both the rack and bike can be stolen.

Alternatively, you can purchase an aftermarket lock to secure the rack.

Padded attachment points

Padded legs will keep your car from abrasion and the straps should also be coated with plastic or rubber to not scratch your bikes.

Bike attachment points

Read the product description carefully to see which size of hitch receiver the racks can slide into.

For hitch racks, we’d recommend you use a 2” hitch receiver since it’s stronger than smaller-sized ones.

For trunk racks, the padded bar which lays against the trunk, is the main attachment point. Since it’s the main attachment point, the bar needs to be strong enough to keep the bike stable and secure.

Number of straps

As a rule of thumb, the more straps, the better because they add extra protection.

FAQs

What is the best trunk bike rack?

Whether you ride once in a while or on a daily basis, the best bike rack should be made of decent quality materials, perform well, and most importantly, should suit your needs at a reasonable price point.

Allen Sports or Saris Bones are two of the most trusted brands for bike racks.

How safe are trunk bike racks?

The safety of bike racks depends on the number of straps and how they’re tightened. If you tight them correctly, the rack should stay stable and prevent your bike from swaying.

Also, the design of the trunk also affects the security of the rack so you need to pay close attention to.

Can you open your trunk with a bike rack on it?

Some rack designs allow you to get access to the rear trunk with little or no difficulty, whereas some others make opening and closing the trunk a challenge.

Why are bike racks so expensive?

Each bike rack has a unique locking mechanism. The more materials needed and more features added, the price goes up significantly. However, not all expensive bike racks deliver excellent performance.

Do bike racks damage your car?

Bike racks without padded attachment points could scratch your car surface. Make sure to read the product description carefully whether or not they have protection pads.