Are you looking for a good bike rack that will fit your truck bed? In this article, we list 7 of the best bike racks for your truck bed in the market today.
We go cycling once a month with my dad as a father-daughter activity to keep our bonding. My mum tugs along sometimes when she is up to it but then it becomes a challenge carrying all three bikes on the back of my dad’s pickup truck because they would keep on wobbling. To make transporting them safer, we bought a bike rack that was well suited for his pickup truck and had a 3 bike carrying capacity.
The Truck bed of a car is the area where goods are placed or people sit to get to their desired destination. A good truck bed bike rack will ensure that your bikes are held down firmly to prevent tipping and swaying while transporting them. With all that space it can be a challenge to get the right bike rack. It can be a lot of work but fortunately, we made a list of 7 of the best bike racks in the market today for your truck bed.
The 7 Best bike racks for Truck bed – A Comparison Table.
Name |
Manufacturer |
Bike capacity |
Action |
Thule Bed Rider |
Thule |
2 |
|
Heininger Automotive Sports Rack |
Heininger |
4 |
|
Swagman Pickup bike rack |
Swagman |
2 |
|
Thule Inst-Gater Bicycle Rsecureack |
Thule |
1 |
|
Pipeline Truck Bed Bike rack |
Pipeline Racks |
4 |
|
Rage Power sports Apex TBBC 4 bike rack |
Apex |
4 |
|
Saris Kool 2 Bike Truck Bed mount |
Saris |
2 |
Thule Bed Rider Truck rack-Best fork-mounted  bike rack
[amazon box=”B019RNQC1Q” template=”horizontal” ]The Thule Bed Rider is one of the best for mounted truck bed bike racks in the market. With this rack, you can transport 2 bikes to your destination and back safely. You also don’t have to bolt or drill them in to ensure stability.
Specs
- Silver
- 2 bike capacity
- Made of aluminum
Thule is one of the most popular players when manufacturing quality bike racks. This rack is made of aluminum with a stretched telescope bar. The bar has soft rubber feet to hold onto the side of the rails of your pickup truck. This eliminates the need to drill holes and bolting.
The maximum weight capacity of this bike is 70lbs. The bike has physical dimensions of 532 inches wide by 7.8 x 2.8 inches. With this size, it is much easier to store this bike rack when you are not using it anymore. You should remember that with a fork mount rack, you need to take off the front wheel.
Pros
- The lockable skewer comes with side adjustments to make it easier to secure your bike to the carrier.
- If you want to transport more bikes, you can simply purchase the add-on block.
- It includes lock cylinders to lock the bikes to the carrier and the carrier to the truck to prevent theft.
Cons
- It will not work with trucks with over the rain bed liners.
Verdict
The Thule bed rider is a fork mount carrier for transporting 2 bikes. It ensures that your bikes are secure and wobble-free when transporting them. It includes a lock for extra security, you won’t regret buying this bike rack for your truck.
Heininger Automotive Sports Rack- extendable truck bed bike rack
[amazon box=”B000FQ75B6″ template=”horizontal” ]The Heininger automotive bed rack comes in color black and can transport up to 4 bikes per trip. With this rack, you don’t even have to remove any wheels from your bike. It can also work as a standalone bike rack away from your truck.
Specs
- 72†lockable cable
- 4 bike carrying capacity
- Weighs 8 ounces
- Product dimensions: 31 x 27 x 6 inches
The Heininger Automotive bed rack is a quality bike rack that retails at a high price. The design makes it easy to just roll your bike and haul it up easier. This bike rack will fit tires up to 27†and 2.5†wide. It is also extendable to fit truck beds between 54.5â€-66.5â€. If you want to use a larger pickup truck, this bike rack has a spacer that will stretch its capacity between 60.5â€-72.5â€
This bike rack comes with soft foam rubbers to use at the points of friction to protect your bikes and the finish of your truck bed. It is one of the lightweight bike racks in the market. The locks and cables are long enough to keep your bikes secure while parked or moving.
Pros
- You can easily assemble this bike without needing any tools.
- There is soft padding included ensuring that your bikes finish is protected.
- You don’t need to use your trailer hitch so it is left free for hauling other items.
- It comes with a limited lifetime warranty for the buyer of the bike rack.
Cons
- The rack padding can come off occasionally
- The bed rack does not fit some smaller trucks.
Verdict
The Heininger Automotive Bed Rack is a quality bike rack that holds up to 4 bikes. You don’t need to remove any wheels or worry about bolting with this rack. It is secure and ideal for transporting your bikes long distances.
Swagman Pickup  bike rack- Adjustable Bike rack
[amazon box=”B00I25NI4K” template=”horizontal” ]Swagman was started 30 years ago and still produces quality bike racks to this day. The Swagman Pickup  bike rack can carry up to 2 bikes safely. It is easy to assemble so you can use it almost immediately you buy it.
Specs
- 2 bike carrying capacity
- Weight limit of 70lbs
- Made of stainless steel
The Swagman Truck bed bike carrier is easy to use without having to drill for installation on your truck. It is also adjustable to fit many truck sizes. The rubber end pads on this bike rack help to better grip the bed rails of the truck.
With this truck bed rack, you don’t need any tools for your bikes to fit properly. After installing the rack on your truck, the bike will lock into position. This bike rack also comes with a lifetime warranty after purchasing the product.
Pros
- For proper spacing of your bikes, you can reposition the fork blocs along the main bar.
- It is a sturdy bike rack that will last you a long time.
- It is easy to install and use
- The bikes are secured on the fork mount blocks to secure your bikes to the rack.
Cons
- The lock pins keep popping off
- The metal easily rusts
Verdict
The Swagman truck bed bike rack is adjustable to fit the back of your truck and safely transports 2 bikes. If you are looking for a sturdy and secure bike rack for your bikes, this is the one for you.
Thule Insta-Gater- Best wheel-mounted racks
[amazon box=”B000GT2VYI” template=”horizontal” ]The Thule Insta-Gater is an ideal bike rack if you prefer riding alone. It is a lightweight bike rack that can hold only one bike per trip. Thule lives up to its reputation with this quality addition to their collection.
Specs
- Weighs 9.9 pounds
- 1 bike carrying capacity
- Made of stainless steel
- Weight capacity of 50lbs
The Thule Insta-Gater bicycle  rack is easy to install because you just have to simply set straps into the tailgate opening and close the tailgate to secure. The black powder on the steel is strong and corrosion-resistant.
This is a durable bike rack that is retailing at a very reasonable price in the market. It fits 20†to 29†wheel diameter and up to 3†wide tires. This is a stable and reliable bike rack. It also comes with a lifetime warranty after the purchase of the rack.
Pros
- The hook securely keeps your bike in place by grabbing the front of the wheel
- The raising and lowering of the ratcheting arm over the wheel allows for easier loading and unloading of your bike.
- The Thule one key lock ensures that your bike is locked to the bike rack to prevent theft.
Cons
- The clamp may be too small
- It is not compatible with all types of bikes.
Verdict
The Thule Insta-Gater is a great 1 bike carrier truck bed bike rack for your pickup. It is durable, easy to install, and use. If you enjoy traveling and going on solo rides, this is the best bike rack for your truck bed.
Pipeline Truck Bed Bike rack- Best bike rack for Pickup owners.
[amazon box=”B00HUK1KRA” template=”horizontal” ]The Pipeline Truck bed is the easiest bike rack to use for your pickup. It can hold up to 4 bikes for transporting. Your truck bed must be 58.5 inches wide at the cab to be able to use this bike rack
Specs
- Adjusts to fit .75 inch to 2.8-inch tires
- 4 bike carrying capacity
- Minimum bed width of 59â€
- 2 forward and rear facing arms
The Pipeline truck bed bike rack is very easy to use and install. If you have no experience with installing a bike rack, this will not be too difficult for you. The good thing is that you don’t have to drill or bolt so that you can secure it to your truck.
You can also use it in your home to hold your bikes securely. You should know that is bike rack is not compatible with bikes with full fenders. It is well designed for modern bikes and mountain bikes for more experienced cyclists.
Pros
- It is very easy to install this bike rack to your truck
- You don’t have to remove the front wheel of your bike to secure it to the bike rack.
- This bike rack can accommodate 4 bikes which are more than other racks on the list
Cons
- The rods keep popping out
- There is a little wobbling when driving with this bike rack.
Verdict
The Pipelines truck bed bike rack is an ideal truck bed rack for transporting up to 4 bikes. It is durable, easy to install, and safely secure your bike on your truck. The stainless steel makes this rack durable enough to last you a long time.
Rage Power sports Apex TBBC 4 bike rack – Best durable bike rack
[amazon box=”B0085ETJKK” template=”horizontal” ]The Rage Power sports Apex 4 bike truck bed is durable and very durable. This bike rack requires no tools to install on your truck bed. This is a practical and sturdy bike rack for transporting your bikes.
Specs
- 4 bike carrying capacity
- Suitable for all-terrain vehicles
- Weighs 30 pounds
- 1-year warranty
The Rage Power sports Apex TBBC truck bed rack is durable and ideal for transporting up to 4 bikes. It is a great bike for going on cycling trips with your family or a group of friends. To increase the security of your bikes, you can use the tie-down cargo straps for your bike rack.
With this bike rack, you can drive as fast as you want because the spokes and gear system will ensure that the bikes are well protected. It also comes with a one year warranty from Apex as soon as you purchase the rack.
Pros
- It does not require any tools for assembly just uses pin clip connections
- It is durable and powder-coated steel construction to last longer
- The foam padding protects the bicycle spokes and gearing.
Cons
- It doesn’t have the best packaging
- The instructions are not very easy to follow.
Verdict
The Rage Power sports bike rack is ideal for the cyclist who loves riding in groups. It is a durable and secure bike rack that is easy to install and use. If you usually have to transport more than 2 bikes, this is the best one for you.
Saris Kool 2 Bike Truck Bed mount- Best fork mount bike rack for your truck
[amazon box=”B000BT5776″ template=”horizontal” ]The Saris Kool bike truck bed is ideal for transporting bikes securely to your desired destination. There is no drilling required with this bike rack so you don’t have to be worried about installing.
Specs
- 2 bike carrying capacity
- 100% recyclable
- Truck beds from 50-74 inches
- Weighs 7 pounds
The Saris 2 bike rack is durable and you can also increase the number of bikes using the Bike Add-on. This add-on can be added to the top, rear, or front of the bike. This is a very versatile bike rack or load stopper.
You can also use this rack as a load stopper and install it anywhere in your truck bed. The rubber grip pads will properly adhere to metal surfaces and bed liners. They can mount almost any bike on to this rack
Pros
- The hydraulic pump gives your bikes a snug fit by being adjustable.
- The pressure-limiting valve ensures your vehicle’s sidewalls are protected.
- The fork mount design holds the bike in place when driving.
Cons
- The clamp could be too small
- The frame is not locked to the truck bed.
Verdict
The Saris 2 bike rack is a durable and easy to install bike rack that you can use for transporting your bikes. This is a great option if you have a pickup and want to securely transport your bikes.
What to consider when choosing the best bike rack for Truck Bed
When buying a truck bed bike rack, you should consider your budget and the frequency of use of the rack. Here is more to consider.
Capacity
Most bike racks can accommodate two bike racks. If you have a large family or usually go cycling as a group, you might have to get a bike rack with more carrying capacity. Bike rack with more than 2 capacities is more expensive.
Security
The security of your bikes is important while transporting them. Most bike racks come with locks to ensure that they are safe from theft even when you are not driving. Other bike racks come with an anti-wobble feature so that your bikes are protected and there is no scratching.
Budget
The price of the bike rack depends on its carrying capacity, the construction, and other safety features that come with the bike. You should buy the best bike rack according to your budget that will fit your truck. Make sure to get value for your money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting the best bike rack for your truck bed can be a challenge. To make it easier you should know what you are looking for according to the budget, durability, safety, and carrying capacity of the rack.
You should get a durable rack that will securely hold your bikes without damaging them while driving. The racks should also be easy to use and install so that they don’t stress you out before you try them. Get one of these bike racks so that you can safely transport your bikes with your truck.
Frequently Asked questions
-
Can my 2 bike carriers accommodate one more bike?
You should consider the manufacturer of your bike rack and find out if they sell add-ons so that you can add more bikes to the rack.
-
How do I clean the truck bed bike rack?
Cleaning is simple and does not take too much time. You should ensure that the rack is properly dried to avoid rusting.
