e know, we know—bikes are for riding, not for strapping onto your car so you can drive to your destination. But sometimes the distance between two points is a bit too far for you and your bike to handle, and thus, bike racks exist. And while they're all a bit cumbersome to use, there are some that are easier than others, and some that are a better overall value. We did the dirty work and checked some of them out to compare for you so you can make the best choice. Two of these racks are better for heavier duty vehicles that have trailer hitches, while the other two are compatible with most vehicles as they lock into the trunk.
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$$$$: Hollywood Racks HR1400 Sport Rider, $367 This model holds up to four bikes. It mounts on a hitch, which can be limiting in terms of what kind of car you drive, but it also folds up neatly against the back of the car when it's not being used. The rack uses padded universal top clamps and mounting the bikes is easy—just put the bikes into the wheel holders and slide the clamps down onto their frames. Velcro straps are included for stability, and the rack also comes with "no-wobble" tools to insure the rack won't bounce around as your drive. It's heavy, clocking in at 85 pounds, but this rack is meant for heavy duty bikers and travelers with cars tough enough to carry the load.
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$$$: Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch, $157 This is another hitch mount rack, and this one holds two bikes, but if you want, you can purchase an additional piece that expands for carrying four bikes, too. It has a similar design to the Hollywood Racks rack, with placing the bike in the wheel holders and strapping in the frame. The frame grips have a frame-friendly coating so as not to scratch your bikes. The difference here is mainly the price, as it's less than half the cost of the HR version.
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$$: Hollywood Racks F1B The Original 3-Bike Rack, $72 Another Hollywood Racks rack makes an appearance on our list, and for good reason. With four-star reviews, this trunk-mounted rack is a nice alternative from hitch-mounted models, but its construction is every bit as secure. This rack carries up to three bikes, and has a limited lifetime warranty. It's a classic design, one that many companies use, and it installs easily with multi-position hinges. There is a 14.5-inch space between bikes when they're latched in, so there won't be any frame damage to speak of, and the rack folds flat when you're not using it for easy storage.
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$: Allen Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, $35 At $35, the Allen Deluxe Rack is one of the cheapest on the market, but that doesn't mean it's bad. It fits most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs, and has a simple configuration that carries two bikes. Each bike is tied down individually, meaning your ride will be safe and secure during its trip. The rack comes fully assembled and ready to install, and installation is a snap, with straps being tightened down and secured in your car's trunk. It's a great choice for someone on a budget or someone who just doesn't need the bells and whistles of a more expensive model.
$$: Hollywood Racks F1B The Original 3-Bike Rack, $72 Another Hollywood Racks rack makes an appearance on our list, and for good reason. With four-star reviews, this trunk-mounted rack is a nice alternative from hitch-mounted models, but its construction is every bit as secure. This rack carries three bikes, and has a limited lifetime warranty. It's a classic design, one that many companies use, and it installs easily with multi-position hinges. There is a 14.5-inch space between bikes when they're latched in, so there won't be any frame damage to speak of, and the rack folds flat when you're not using it for easy storage.
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