Are you looking for the best bike rack for your Prius? Look no further, here are 7 of the best bike racks for your Prius.
My friends and I go camping and cycling at least once every month. When one of our friends who would transport our bikes for us moved away, I had to figure out how to transport my bike on my Prius. I love my Prius but I knew my bike would not fit in the back of my trunk for that whole trip.
I researched thoroughly and found the best bike rack for my Prius. There are three different types of bike racks. The roof racks, hitch-mount, and strap on ranks are available for different cars. Some racks are made specifically for certain cars like SUVs, Pick Ups, and Prius.
The least expensive option is the strap-on trunk-mounted bike rack with the roof-mounted rack being more versatile but harder to use. The hitch-mounted bike racks are the most expensive but easy to operate so you should choose the one for you according to your needs and budget. Here are 7 of the best bike racks for a Prius in the market today.
7 Best bike racks for Prius- A comparison Table
Name |
Manufacturer |
Bike Capacity |
Action |
Thule Passage |
Thule |
2 |
|
Allen Sports Premier Bike hitch Rack |
Allen Sports |
2 |
|
The Sea Sucker Talon |
Sea sucker |
1 |
|
Allen Sports Deluxe |
Allen Sports |
3 |
|
Yakima Fullback |
YAKIMA |
2&3 |
|
Hollywood Racks Express |
Hollywood Racks |
2 |
|
Thule T2 Pro XT |
Thule |
2 |
Thule Passage Truck mount carrier- Best bike rack for Prius
[amazon box=”B00K6EHRCO” template=”horizontal” ]The Thule Passage is an easy to use trunk rack carrier for transporting your bikes. It includes safety features to protect your bike from damage without swaying too much. This rack comes with a lifetime warranty.
Specs
- 2 bike capacity
- Six strap system
- Weighs 9.7lbs/10.8lbs
- Bike capacity of 35lbs
This is a very versatile bike rack that can hold different sizes of bike frames. With the patented Fit Digital you can be sure to get the perfect fit for your vehicle. There is a push-button for attaching and detaching the carrier arms making this rack very easy to use.
The classic design and finish of this bike rack will look good on any vehicle. The soft cushion pads offer protection to your trunk and hatch. The vinyl-coated buckles on this rack offer a firm hold to the vehicles while preventing scratches.
Pros
- The dot rubber cradles protect your bike while still holding it securely as you drive.
- The arms twist to the side then down when not in use.
- The six strap system ensures that the rack is secured on the vehicle.
- The anti-sway feature ensures there is no bike to bike contact or damage.
Cons
- It is expensive
- Not ideal for very heavy bikes
Verdict
The Thule Passage bike rack is a great choice if you have a Prius. It is adjustable and ensures your bikes are secure with a six strap system. It can hold up to 2 bikes without swaying or causing damage. It is a worthwhile purchase.
Allen Sports Premier Bike hitch Rack- Compact bike rack for Prius
[amazon box=”B00ASSOGMC” template=”horizontal” ]The Allen Sports Premier bike rack is durable with a 2 bike carrying capacity. The total weight capacity of this bike is 70lbs. This bike rack is easy to install and ensures your bicycles are secure while transporting.
Specs
- Locking loop
- Folding arms
- Dual compact spine shield
- No-wobble hitch installation
The Allen Premium bike rack is a great choice for transporting your bicycles. The 2 capacity bike rack is durable with a weight capacity of 70lbs. The dual-compound spine shield snaps in place to offer a soft landing pad to protect the innermost bicycle while transporting.
The rapid tilt away mast on this rack allows for easy rear access to your vehicle. The internal mechanism keeps the rack secure and in place when in use. The no-wobble hitch installation ensures that there is no movement of the rack inside the hitch to prevent scratching.
Pros
- It is compact with quick carry arms that snap back into place right out of the box.
- The carry arms are foldable with the racks being easily dropped out of the way when not in use.
- The cradle straps are durable and UV resistant to quickly secure your bike in place.
- The soft cradle on the tie-downs protects your bicycles when transporting.
Cons
- It might still sway back and forth
Verdict
The Allen Premier sports bike rack comes with a unique design compared to other racks. It is easy to set up, durable and with quick folding arms, you won’t have any problems using this rack to transport your bicycles.
The Sea Sucker Talon- Vacuum Cups Bike rack
[amazon box=”B00APVN0TC” template=”horizontal” ]The Sea Sucker Talon is a unique bike rack with three powerful vacuum cups holding it in place on the back glass, roof, or trunk of your car. You can fit any bike as long as it is within the weight limit.
Specs
- Weight capacity of 45 pounds
- Weighs 6 pounds
- Dimensions 15†x 13â€
- 1 bike carrying capacity
This bike rack is versatile enough to fit almost any car out there including your Prius. It is a very durable and safe rack to use to transport your bicycle. It is also 3 times lighter than most bike racks. It only weighs 6 pounds.
The vacuum mounts are pull rated and can easily handle 210lbs so you can safely transport your mountain and road bikes. This is a versatile bike rack that is easy to install and mount. It can attach on both glass and metal surfaces easily.
Pros
- It comes with a rear-wheel strap to secure the back tire of your bicycle.
- It is small and lightweight to carry around during your trips.
- It is very easy to install and remove when you are done with it
Cons
- It can only carry one bike at a time
Verdict
The Sea Sucker talon has a unique design with vacuum cups securing it to your car. If you enjoy solo rides then this is an ideal option for you. It is stable and won’t damage your car while transporting your bike.
Allen Sports Deluxe- Trunk Mount 3 bike carrier
[amazon box=”B00TRTSGBA” template=”horizontal” ]The Allen sports deluxe bike rack is very well known with a carrying capacity of 2 bikes. It is quite popular due to its price and ease of use. It also comes fully assembled so you can set it up quickly.
Specs
- 3 bike capacity
- Weight limit of 100lbs
- Lifetime warranty
- Fully assembled
The Allen Sports Deluxe bike rack has side straps for better lateral stability on the vehicle. This will ensure that your bicycles get to the required destinations safely. The narrow carry arms can accommodate different bike frames and styles.
The unique tie-downs on this rack is fixed in position on the carry arm but can easily rotate to accommodate a wide range of bicycle frames and sizes. It is a versatile bike rack that can be used on SUVs, sedans, and minivans.
Pros
- The patented tie-down system secures and protects your bicycles while transporting them.
- It is versatile due to the single configuration design that fits a wide range of vehicles.
- The middle frame keeps the bicycles a safe distance away from your car during transport.
Cons
- The instruction guide may not be as helpful
Verdict
The Allen Sports Deluxe bike rack is great for groups because it has a carrying capacity of 3 bikes. It is durable and secure for transporting your bike with security systems to keep your bicycles in place while transporting.
Yakima fullback-Premium Trunk Mounted bike Rack
[amazon box=”B01FW6HRWA” template=”horizontal” ]The Yakima Fullback is a modern and versatile back rack ideal for today’s vehicles and cyclists. It can easily carry 2 or 3 bikes per trip. It also comes with a built-in bottle opener.
Specs
- 2 or 3 bike capacity
- Weight capacity 30lbs per bike
- Zip strips
- Bottle opener included
The Yakima fullback bike rack has padded arms for added protection. The four strap designs allow for easy installation. It offers a better vehicle fit compared to other bike racks because of the external frame and padding in its construction.
The Yakima fullback will keep your bikes in place and avoid any sort of damage. It is better for road and mountain bikes with narrow bars. It is quiet, long-lasting, and better compared to other bike racks available in the market now.
Pros
- The zip straps secure your bike to the rack and can be removed at any time.
- The external frame is tough and padded to protect your paint.
- The SKS locking feature on this rack ensures that your rack is secured to the vehicle and the bikes to the rack to prevent theft.
Cons
- It might be more costly compared to other bike racks.
Verdict
This is a robust and sturdy bike rack that is ideal for a Prius. It is sturdy, durable, and has a locking feature to keep your bikes and car safe from theft. Although expensive, this is definitely worth the price.
Hollywood Racks Express- Lightweight and easy-to-use bike rack
[amazon box=”B004E3RE5I” template=”horizontal” ]The Hollywood Racks Express is an economic bike truck rack. It fits most vehicles with an easy to adjust tubs and six attachment straps. It comes fully pre-assembled so you don’t have to worry about finding the right tools to work with.
Specs
- 2 bike rack
- Weight limit of 35lbs per bike
- Weighs 10lbs
- Item dimensions: 20.50 x 5.40 x 30.40 inches
The Hollywood Racks Express is an easily adjustable bike rack. The adjustable hubs let you adjust the racks so that the bikes are hanging in the best position for your car. You should make sure to check the Fit guide to make sure it will fit your vehicle.
When you lock your bike it may feel a bit lose until you knot the straps. It is sturdy in appearance while still being lightweight. This makes it easy to attach and very portable. This is a highly recommended bike rack that is worth your money.
Pros
- It folds flat for easier storage
- The tie-down straps ensure extra security for your bikes and car.
- The soft cradles help protect your bikes finish.
Cons
- There is an issue with straps falling off
- It shouldn’t be used for E-bike
Verdict
If you are looking for an easy to use the bike rack, the Hollywood Racks Express is the one for you. It is extra safe and secure due to the tie-down straps and easily adjustable for a better fit. This is a great option for any cyclist with a Prius.
Thule T2 Pro XT Bike Rack- Foldable bike rack
[amazon box=”B01N1GURYY” template=”horizontal” ]The Thule T2 Pro XT rack is great for carbon frames, mountain bikes, fat bikes, and Ebikes. This is a versatile rack that fits 20-29†wheels and up to 5†tires without adapters. This bike rack comes in black and silver.
Specs
- Foldable
- Dimensions 54 x 15 x 43 in
- 2 bike carrying capacity
- Maximum bike weight 60lbs
- The load capacity of 100lbs
The Thule T2 Pro XT bike rack is durable and safe for transporting your bike. It securely locks your bike with an integrated 24†cable lock. This secures our bike to the rack and prevents theft. This product weighs 51lbs
The frame ratcheting arm on this bike rack secures the bike without frame contact. This rack offers great spacing between the bikes to keep them from any damage. You also can adjust the bike mounts side to side to minimize the interference
Pros
- The tool-free attachment makes it easier to install and remove this bike rack.
- This bike rack is foldable and compact making it easier for storage.
- It tilts down easily to allow you clear vehicle access.
Cons
- It is not compatible with recumbent bikes
Verdict
The Thule T2 Pro XT is a unique bike rack that is reliable, easy to use, and sturdy. It offers good performance and safety for your bicycles while transporting them. It is a great choice if you have a Prius.
What to consider when buying the best bike rack for a Prius
Not all bike racks are ideal for transporting bikes on a Prius. The bike rack must be well designed to fit your Prius and safely transport your bikes. You should consider the construction, the durability, the weight capacity, and the safety features of the bike rack.
Safety and Security
Your bike rack needs to have safety features. It should be secure enough to prevent theft and to also avoid damage or scratches to the other bikes and cars. The bikes should not sway from side to side and should be held firmly as you transport them. Make sure to get a rack that fits your bike frames and sizes.
Assembly and installation
The bike rack that you buy must be easy to install so that you don’t have any problems setting up. The compact ones are easy to install and accommodate bikes according to their capacity. Some bike racks come pre-assembled so that you don’t need to use too many tools to put it together.
Compatibility
Different bike racks have different compatibility. Some bike racks are made for specific cars while others are universally compatible to fit almost any car out there. You should ensure that the bike rack is compatible with your car before buying one. If you are buying a universally compatible bike then it is the best option.
Capacity
There are different bike racks out there. Some of them can accommodate just one bike while others are adjustable to accommodate more than 3 bikes. Although some bikes can carry more than 2 bikes, the weight capacity should also be considered. For 2 bike carriers, the weight capacity is usually 70lbs.
Price
First thing when you want to buy a bike rack for your Prius, you should consider the price. You should have a budget amount so that you can comfortably choose the style, structure, and other features of the bike rack you want. Your decision becomes easier once you know the amount you are working with.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should do enough research before buying just any bike rack for your Prius. The bike rack should be compatible with your Prius and for the sizes of your bike frames and tires.
The bike rack you chose should hold your bikes securely as you transport them. It should also have a lock feature to ensure that they are safe from theft. This list has some of the best bike racks that you can buy if you have a Prius.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the importance of a bike rack having a padded frame?
A padded frame ensures that the smooth finish of the paint on the car and bike remains intact.
-
Are all bike racks compatible with a Prius?
No. there are specific bike racks that are made for specific cars like Prius, SUVs, and Pickups. Other bike racks are universally compatible and can be adjusted to fit almost any car.