When you are heading over for a vacation to a camping site or any such venue, it is always a good idea to carry your bike with you. It will allow you to go biking out there in the wilderness. You can explore the surroundings closely when you’re on your bike. The problem is that many people do not have a bike rack. They do not even know about different types of bike racks available.

I always use the bike roof rack. It ensures that my bikes are safe on the roof. Over the years, I have used quite a few of them. Resulting, I have compiled a list of top 10 best bike roof racks which you can consider when you’re looking to buy one. I have used most of these and been satisfied with their performance. I will also follow this list up with a buying guide to help you pick the right one.

1. RockBros Roof-top Bike Rack

The bike roof rack which is on top of my list can carry up to 3 bikes. It is suitable for SUVs, vans, sedans and most of the other automobiles. It can hold mountain bikes, road bikes and different types of bikes. That is why carrying any bike over the roof will be easy with the help of this rack.

With the help of a quick-release mechanism, installing and removing the bike rack is quite easy. Additionally, it comes with the adjustable strap that makes it easy to install it. The rubber suckers mean that it is relatively stable and does not cause any scratches on the roof.

The load which can it can carry is 20 KG, which makes it suitable for up to 3 bikes. The material in use is aluminum alloy. Due to this very reason, durability is on the higher side. The rack can handle any weather as well. With the help of adjustable mounting clamps, you can mount it on any vehicle. The ease of use, along with the all-weather construction makes it a winner.

2. CyclingDeal Alloy Roof Bicycle Rack

The main advantage of this bike roof rack is that it can carry loads up to 66 lbs. It can accommodate two bikes. Hence; you will be able to carry a bike for your companion as well. Additionally, it uses the 6063 aluminum. This aluminum is dust resistant and is aesthetically pleasing and rust-resistant. It is highly durable and lightweight.

Also, it is not only easy to install but also easy to remove. You can easily adjust the bracket position according to your requirement. As a result, it is suitable for all automobiles.

It can help you carry any type of bike. The weight of the product in itself is just 5.25 KG, which means that it is easy to install on the roof. At the same time, the construction is such that the wheels of the bike will be highly stable and in place. There are straps to keep the wheels of the bikes in place. Due to this very reason, irrespective of driving; it will remain in its place. With the help of adjustable straps, you can keep the bike stable. If you’re looking for 2-bike rack which can carry a significant amount of load, this one fits your requirements perfectly.

3. Yakima Top Car Bike Rack

If you’re looking for a versatile bike roof rack, you can go with this option. The design is quite slim. However, it can carry any road and mountain bike as well. It can fit bikes with the wheels ranging from 26 inches to 29 inches. As a result, it is suitable for almost any type of bike.

When you look at the construction, it consists of low profile design. As a result, any kind of hatch interference is not a problem at all. The crossbar spread should be between 18 inches to 35 inches for easy installation. It comes with the universal hardware which can mount it on any automobile.

With the help of torque tightening knobs, you can adjust and keep the bikes in place. The torque customization option certainly makes it much secure as compared to some of the other bike racks. The design is such that the bike will not touch the roof. As a result, there will be no scratches at all. It can fit up to 2 bikes which ensure that you can carry a bike for your companion as well. The torque tightening knobs certainly makes it a great choice.

4. Yakima ForkChop Car Top Rack

If you’re looking for a single bike roof rack, you can go with this option. As you can see, the design is such that the rack consists of interchangeable inserts. These inserts can hold the tires of your bike. They are compatible with a variety of tire options. Due to this very reason, you can carry different types of bikes easily.

The minimalistic design means that installation is a breeze. With the help of tool-free installation, you need not worry about following the elaborate procedure to install it. It comes with universal mounting hardware, which is another advantage.

The rack is compatible with axle size up to 15mm. The crossbar spread can be anywhere between 32 inches to 50 inches. As a result, installing it on most of the automobiles is not a problem. The bike frame will not touch the roof of the car, which means that you need not worry about scratches. If you’re looking for a minimalistic roof rack, you should not ignore this option.

5. Prorack Frame Bike Carrier

The first thing which you need to understand about this bike carrier is that the weight carrying capacity is 30 lbs. It is suitable for a single bike. The advantage of this bike rack is that it can help you carry disc brakes as well as axles. That is why; mounting the bike is not a problem at all.

The design of the bike carrier is such that it will not increase the wind resistant. Due to this very reason, you can easily drive at a comfortable speed. Additionally, with the weight of just 7.4 LBS, it is easy to install.

When you’re mounting a bike, it consists of a locking jaw which can hold the bike in its place. Therefore, the bike will be highly stable. You need not worry about removing the wheel of the bike. You can simply strap it in and use the locking jaw to secure it. The excellent locking mechanism along with the ability to carry axle and disc brakes means that it is one of the best bike rack options you can buy.

6. Yakima – Front-Loader Bike Carrier for Roof

Yakima is a well-known name when it comes to bike roof racks. The bike rack which I am speaking about now can carry one bike. It can fit the wheels ranging from 20 inches to 29 inches. The tire thickness can be up 3 inches. Loading and unloading your bike is quite easy. It can hold it in an upright position, which is an advantage. You can carry a bike with disc brakes and axles. As a result, it is easy to use with any bike.

The crossbar spread which you need is between 16 inches to 48 inches. Due to this very reason, it is one of the most versatile bike racks on offer. Additionally, it does not require any tools for installation, which is another advantage.

The design is such that the bike will not touch the roof of the car. As a result, you can be sure that you will not have to worry about scratches or any other problems. It comes with universal hardware, which means that you can install it without having to buy additional hardware. These features make it an option worth considering.

7. CyclingDeal 1 Bike Car Roof Carrier

If you’re looking for a bike rack for a single bike, you can consider this option. It consists of a steel frame. The steel frame is powder-coated, which means that you can use it in any weather. Additionally, the construction is such that it can hold the bike in place quite easily.

With the help of tie-down straps to secure the wheels, it is easy to use. It comes with the accessories to use the bike rack. Additionally, a manual is included, as well.

The weight of the bike rack in itself is just 4.65 lbs. So, you can install it on any automobile quite easily. It can accommodate bikes having the fork width of 9 MM. That is why; most of the bikes which you use are compatible with this roof rack. If you’re looking for a lightweight bike roof rack for a single bike, you cannot miss this one.

8. Swagman Up-right Bike Roof Rack

With the help of plastic and steel construction, this bike rack is highly durable. At the same time, it is lightweight as well. It is suitable for a single bike. The advantage, however, is that you can install multiple such racks to accommodate more bikes.

The rack consists of tie-down straps. As a result, the wheels will be entirely stable. It consists of lockable fixtures, which mean that the bike will remain stable in its place throughout the journey. That is why; it is certainly one which can secure the bike. It is suitable for bikes having bars up to 3 inches wide.

The weight carrying capacity of this bike rack is 35 lbs. It is more than enough for most bikes. Also, it is compatible with a wide variety of bikes, which means that you will not have to worry about the type of bike which you carry. All in all, it is an option worth buying when you’re looking to carry a single bike in an upright fashion.

9. Thule Up-ride Bike Roof Rack

The roof rack which I am highlighting now is 14 inches wide and 6 inches high. If you’re looking for an upright bike rack, you can definitely consider this one. The design is such that the bike will not touch the roof. It means that you need not worry about scratches at all.

You can mount any bike frame on it, including the traditional and the modern designs. With a simple interface, you can mount and Undermount the carrier easily. It is suitable for tires measuring from 20 inches to 29 inches. It can handle 3-inch wide tires as well.

With the help of proper locks, you can be sure that the bike will be securely held in its place. The locking fixture is available. If you intend to use it, you can get the locks separately. Additionally, the securing straps are heavy-duty, which means that you will not have to worry about buying them separately. The fact that it is from a well-known brand and can secure your bike in place quite quickly makes it a reliable option.

10. Yakima – Fork-Lift Fork Bike Carrier

The last bike rack on my list is again a Yakima rack. It can carry a single bike. The standard 100 mm x 9 mm front hub bike compatibility means that mounting and removing the bike is quite easy. With the help of adjustable length, it can help you carry the bike.

The weight which it can handle is 35 lbs. The crossbar spread which it requires is anywhere between 16 inches to 42 inches. With the no frame contact, you can be sure that scratches will not be a problem. It consists of straps as well, which can secure your bike.

It requires a tool-free installation, which means that you will not have to spend a significant amount of time installing it. Also, the aerodynamic design will not slow you down when using this rack. Due to this very reason, you can use it without modifying your driving. The convenience which this rack provides sets it apart from various other options.

In my opinion, when searching for the best roof racks, these are the ten options to consider. Once you choose from these ten options, you can be sure that carrying your bikes will be easy. If you cannot decide between these ten options, it is a good idea to go through my buying guide below. It will help you make the right buying decision.

Bike roof rack Buying Guide

In this buying guide, I will go into the details of the parameters which you should keep in mind while choosing such a roof rack.
Things to consider while buying a bike roof rack:

The parameters which you should keep in mind while comparing the roof racks are:

• Carrying capacity:

You have to look at the bikes which the roof rack can carry. If you’re looking for a single bike carrier, you have to choose accordingly. You will find carriers that can carry one bike and two bikes on my list above. You can choose according to your requirement.

• Weight handling capacity:

It is always suggested to take into account the weight handling capacity as well. Mountain bikes and other specialized bikes can be heavy. Due to this very reason, you should not ignore the weight handling capacity. You should always choose a rack that can carry more weight as compared to the weight of your bike. When there is a safety, that is always an advantage.

• Installation procedure:

You have to always look at the installation procedure to understand whether you can do it on your own or not. Only once you look at the installation procedure, you can understand how much time will it take and when you need to remove the rack, will you be able to remove it easily or not. Doing all of this can make using the best bike roof rack quite easy.

• Mounting and un-mounting mechanism:

You have to also look at the mechanism for mounting and un-mounting the bike. You need to always keep in mind that if it consists of straps, that is a definite advantage. Additionally, it should not take a long time to mount and un-mount the bikes. Only when the rack is easy to use and does not take a lot of time in mounting and un-mounting, you can go ahead and buy that rack.

I personally consider these four factors only when choosing the bike roof rack. That is why; it is always better to go with these factors rather than any other. I will now answer some of the FAQs pertaining to roof racks.

FAQ

What is the best bike roof rack?

The RockBros Rooftop Bike Rack is the best bike roof rack as it can carry three bikes and can handle up to 20 KG of weight. It is compatible with any bike, which is another advantage. With the help of adjustable mounting clips, you can be sure that it is easy to stabilize the bike.

Can I fit a roof rack on my car?

Most of the roof racks are compatible with any automobile. You have to just look at the crossbar spread required, and you can make your decision accordingly.

Do I need crossbars for a roof rack?

Not all roof racks require crossbar, but what most of them do.

Do roof racks damage your car?

If you can install the roof racks correctly, they will not damage your car. A lot also depends on the type of roof rack which you go with. A single rack can last for years together and will work without damaging your car.

What is roof rack used for?

The roof rack is useful for carrying bikes, kayaks, paddleboats, surfboards and a variety of other things. It all depends on the type of roof rack which you choose. The ones which I am speaking about in this article are the bike roof racks.

Can you go through a car wash with roof racks?

It is not advisable to take your car through the car wash while the roof racks are mounted. So, you should prefer to remove them before the car wash.

How does a roof rack affect a car’s performance?

A roof rack increases the drag of the car. It will obstruct the airflow. The quantum of disruption, however, is minimal. However, when it is empty, and if the design is aerodynamic, the drag will be minimal. Even with the bike, in most cases, the effect on the car speed is not that noticeable.

How much load should be carried on your roof rack?

The manufacturer will specify the load which you can carry on the roof rack. You cannot go beyond that limit.

So, when you’re looking for the best bike roof racks, these are the ten options to consider. With my list above, it becomes super easy to choose the perfect option. Instead of taking into account all the options available, you can shortlist the model which is suitable for you from my list above. The buying guide will certainly help you do so.