Rear-mounted bike racks

No tow bar? Install the bike rack on your car

Bike racks will fit virtually any car, which is super convenient for cycling holidays, races and training sessions to name a few. You can install them in no time at all!

Bike racks for tow bar mounting are by far the most popular option when it comes to bike racks. Sadly though, not every car is equipped with a tow bar. Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to transport your bicycle(s) and bicycle parts like (spare) wheels, including using bike racks for the trunk lid. 

Are you looking to transport a bicycle on car without a tow bar? Do consider one of the many alternatives, like a roof rack you can install on the car roof - either for transporting an upright bicycle or individual bike wheels - an indoor bike rack, or even a cargo carrier. 
The most practical option by far is a bike rack for rear mounting, suitable for cars without a tow bar and specifically designed for mounting on the trunk lid - a.k.a. the fifth door.
 

The best rear mounted bike rack for your situation

When you’re shopping for a bike rack for the trunk lid or car roof, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Such as, whether or not it will fit on your car. Fortunately, bike racks for the trunk lid fit a wide variety of cars - yet it is always smart to check whether its mounting method is compatible with your car. Also make sure to check whether the bike rack can hold the number of bicycles you wish to transport.

Other important factors include:
-    Carrying capacity; not every bike rack can carry heavy bicycles
-    The maximum weight per bicycle
-    User comfort
-    Tire size
 

How do you mount a bike rack on cars without a tow bar?

Bike racks for rear mounting are installed using special straps and clamps (or complete kits that include all the parts you need, often produced by the brand itself). 

It is a matter of using the straps/clamps to install/permanently anchor the bike rack to your car. Always make sure that you’re working with mounting parts that are compatible with your bike rack and car and always carefully follow the instructions that came with your bike rack.
 

How do you prevent damaging your car while using a bike rack?

Choose a bike rack that is compatible with your car and the type of bicycle you wish to transport. Keep the maximum load-bearing capacity of the car in mind, as well as that of the bike rack. What type of bicycle fits it best? By making sure the car, bike rack and bicycles are all compatible with each other, you can prevent a lot of damage. 

More tips to reduce the risk of damage:
-    Carefully follow the mounting instructions for the bike rack. 
-    Try using foam, rubber or other protective materials around points of contact between the bicycles, bike rack and car. 
-    Check for worn and damaged parts regularly. 
-    Be mindful while driving with a bike rack on your car.

 

Can you transport e-bikes on a rear-mounted bike rack?

A bike rack that you mount on the trunk lid or fifth door of the car can be a great alternative when transporting your e-bike. For cars that have a spare tire mounted on the back of the car, there are special bike racks that can be mounted in place of this spare tire. The roof rack is another great option.

If you’re looking for a great bike rack for rear mounting that can carry two e-bikes, know that there are bike racks designed specifically for this purpose. The Pro-User Diamant, for instance, or the Thule EasyFold, and other special Thule e-bike racks. 

Please note that when a rear-mounted bike rack is suitable for e-bikes, this is always explicitly stated in the product information. If this is not the case, you can be sure that the bike rack is not suitable for e-bike transport. 

Heavier electric bicycles are not suitable for rear mounting. There is also a limit to what roof racks can carry. Roof racks for bike parts and bicycles can carry up to 20 kg with reasonable stability; an e-bike should not exceed this limit. 

Weight limit aside, there is also the matter of getting the e-bike up on the roof rack. When going on holiday, it can be easier to just rent a bicycle (with or without electric support) instead of taking your own bicycle along.
 

What does a bike rack for rear mounting cost?

You will find solid bike racks for rear mounting at Hollandbikeshop. We offer great rear-mounted bike racks for as little as 100€ and up to 400€, like bike racks for the trunk lid, bike racks for the roof and bike racks to put inside your car (think indoor bike racks, installed in the cargo space or trunk of a van or very spacious car) by top brands like Hapro, Minoura, Twinny Load and XLC. 

Hollandbikeshop.com is the number 1 bike shop for all your bicycle transport from A to B. We have the largest range of bicycle parts (over 100,000) available from stock.