Biking is a fun and healthy way to get around, but transporting your bike can be a hassle. While roof racks and hitch-mounted racks are popular options, they can be expensive and require installation. This is where spare tire bike racks come in.
Spare tire bike racks are an affordable and convenient way to transport your bike. They attach to the spare tire on the back of your vehicle, making it easy to load and unload your bike. They are also lightweight and easy to store when not in use.
When looking for the best spare tire bike rack, it’s important to consider factors such as the number of bikes it can hold, the weight capacity, and the ease of installation. You’ll also want to make sure the rack is compatible with your vehicle’s spare tire size and bolt pattern.
After researching and testing multiple spare tire bike racks, we have identified the top options on the market. These racks are durable, easy to use, and can securely transport your bikes. Whether you’re a casual rider or a serious cyclist, one of these racks will make transporting your bike a breeze.
Best Spare Tire Bike Racks
We understand that carrying a bike can be a hassle, especially when you have limited space in your car. This is where spare tire bike racks come in handy. They are easy to install and can accommodate multiple bikes at once. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best spare tire bike racks available on Amazon. Our team has researched and tested various products to provide you with the most reliable and efficient options. Whether you are a frequent biker or just looking for a convenient way to transport your bike, we have got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Spare Tire Bike Carrier (US $399)
If you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable bike carrier that attaches to your spare tire, the Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Spare Tire Bike Carrier is a great choice.
Pros
- The aluminum construction makes it lightweight and durable.
- The Stay-Put cradles with anti-sway cages keep your bikes in place and prevent them from moving around during transport, protecting your bike frames and ensuring stability.
- The integrated locking cable and locking knob provide added security, keeping your bikes and carrier safely attached to your vehicle.
Cons
- Some frame styles may require a Thule Frame Adapter to securely attach to hanging bike racks.
- The plastic lock cover is not very durable and can easily break.
- The carrier is not suitable for smaller bikes with narrow frames.
We recently used this bike carrier on a road trip and were impressed with its performance. The lightweight aluminum construction made it easy to install and remove, and the Stay-Put cradles with anti-sway cages kept our bikes securely in place without any wobbling or movement during transport. The integrated locking cable and locking knob provided added peace of mind, knowing that our bikes were safely attached to the carrier and our vehicle.
One downside we noticed was that some frame styles may require a Thule Frame Adapter to securely attach to hanging bike racks, so be sure to check your bike’s frame before purchasing. Additionally, the plastic lock cover is not very durable and can easily break, so be careful when removing it to replace with the included metal key lock.
Overall, we highly recommend the Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Spare Tire Bike Carrier for anyone in need of a reliable and secure way to transport their bikes on road trips or outdoor adventures.
YAKIMA Spare Tire Rack, 2 Bike Capacity (US $339)
If you’re looking for a durable and secure spare tire bike rack, the YAKIMA – SpareRide is a great option.
Pros
- The SuperCush ZipStrip cradles make loading and unloading bikes a breeze.
- The Anti-sway cradle is designed to stop bikes from bumping into one another.
- The full SKS locking package ensures your bikes are safe and secure.
Cons
- Bikes over 35 lbs should not be carried on this rack.
- Basic assembly is required.
- It may not fit all tire sizes.
We recently purchased the YAKIMA – SpareRide for a road trip and were impressed with its durability and ease of use. The SuperCush ZipStrip cradles made it easy to load and unload our bikes, and the Anti-sway cradle kept them from bumping into each other during transport. The SKS locking package gave us peace of mind that our bikes were safe and secure.
However, it’s important to note that this rack should not be used for bikes over 35 lbs and that some tire sizes may not fit. Additionally, basic assembly is required, but it was fairly easy to put together.
Overall, we would highly recommend the YAKIMA – SpareRide for anyone in need of a reliable and secure spare tire bike rack.
Rhino-Rack Spare Tire Bike Rack (US $188)
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy bike rack that can carry up to two bikes, the Rhino-Rack Spare Tire Bike Rack is worth considering.
Pros
- Easy to set up and secure with included straps
- Can be adjusted to offset your spare tire on either side
- Can carry most types of bikes, including fat tire bikes
Cons
- May not fit all spare tire sizes and types
- Bike straps may be difficult to fasten securely
- Not recommended for heavy off-road use
We recently used the Rhino-Rack Spare Tire Bike Rack on a weekend camping trip and found it to be a convenient and reliable option for transporting our bikes. The setup was quick and easy, and the included straps kept the bikes secure without scratching them.
We appreciated the adjustable feature, which allowed us to offset the spare tire on either side. This was especially helpful since our spare tire is located on the driver’s side. We were also able to carry a variety of bikes, including our fat tire mountain bikes.
However, we did encounter some issues with the bike straps. They were a bit difficult to fasten securely, and we had to double check them several times during our trip. We also noticed some rust on the rack after a few days of use, which may be a concern for long-term durability.
Overall, we would recommend the Rhino-Rack Spare Tire Bike Rack for its ease of use and versatility. Just be sure to check the fit for your specific spare tire and double check the bike straps before hitting the road.
eric products, but the quality and durability of the YAKIMA TubeTop make it worth the investment.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack (US $69)
We highly recommend the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use bike rack.
Pros
- The patented design carries bikes up high, away from road and hot exhaust.
- The 15 inches long carry arms easily accommodate 2 bicycles (up to 70 pounds).
- Fits nearly all externally mounted spare tires, including those with over the tire third brake lights.
Cons
- Allen’s warranty does not cover items purchased through third-party sellers.
- Minor assembly required.
- IMPORTANT, PLEASE CONSULT MANUFACTURER WEB PAGE FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE FIT.
This bike rack is perfect for those who want to take their bikes with them on their outdoor adventures. The patented design keeps the bikes up high and away from the road and hot exhaust, ensuring that they are safe and secure during transport. The 15 inches long carry arms are long enough to accommodate two bicycles weighing up to 70 pounds, making it perfect for families or groups of friends.
One of the best things about this bike rack is that it fits nearly all externally mounted spare tires, including those with over the tire third brake lights. This makes it incredibly versatile and easy to use. The patented individual tie-down cradles secure and protect bicycles, ensuring that they don’t move around during transport.
While there are a few minor cons to this bike rack, such as the need for minor assembly and the fact that Allen’s warranty does not cover items purchased through third-party sellers, these are minor issues that can easily be overlooked. Overall, we highly recommend the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use bike rack.
Surco BT300 Spare Tire Rack (US $161)
If you’re looking for a spare tire bike rack that can transport up to three bikes, the Surco BT300 Spare Tire Rack is a great option.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Durable construction
- Secure grip on bikes
Cons
- Limited compatibility with newer RAV4 models
- May require additional straps for extra stability
- Heavy and may affect gas mileage
We recently used the Surco BT300 Spare Tire Rack on a road trip and found it to be a reliable option for transporting our bikes. The heavy-duty mounting plate made installation a breeze, and we appreciated the non-scratch padded channel that kept our bikes secure and protected during transport.
While the durable black powder coat finish held up well against the elements, we did notice that the rack added some weight to our vehicle and affected our gas mileage. Additionally, we had to purchase additional straps to ensure extra stability during transport.
Overall, if you have a compatible vehicle and are looking for a reliable spare tire bike rack, the Surco BT300 Spare Tire Rack is a solid choice.
Check the application guides to ensure exact vehicle fitment.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best spare tire bike rack, there are a few things that you should consider. In this section, we will discuss some of the most important features to look for when choosing a spare tire bike rack.
Tire Size
The first thing you need to check is the tire size of your vehicle. Not all spare tire bike racks are compatible with all tire sizes. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications before making a purchase.
Bike Capacity
The number of bikes you want to carry is another important factor to consider. Some spare tire bike racks are designed to carry only one or two bikes, while others can carry up to four bikes. Make sure to choose a bike rack that can accommodate all of your bikes.
Rack Weight
The weight of the bike rack is also a crucial factor to consider. You don’t want to choose a bike rack that’s too heavy for your vehicle to handle. Make sure to check the weight of the bike rack and ensure that it’s compatible with your vehicle.
Security Features
It’s important to choose a bike rack that has good security features. Look for a bike rack that has locking mechanisms to prevent theft. Some bike racks also have anti-sway features to keep your bikes from moving around during transport.
Compatibility with Bikes
Make sure to choose a bike rack that’s compatible with your bikes. Some bike racks may not be suitable for certain bike types, such as road bikes or mountain bikes. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the bike rack is compatible with your bikes.
Ease of Use
Finally, you want to choose a bike rack that’s easy to use. Look for a bike rack that’s easy to install and remove. Some bike racks also have foldable designs, making them easy to store when not in use.
In conclusion, when choosing the best spare tire bike rack, you should consider the tire size, bike capacity, rack weight, security features, compatibility with bikes, and ease of use. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a bike rack that meets your needs and provides a safe and secure way to transport your bikes.
