Carbon fiber bikes have become so popular that there is a variety of bike models, each with its own unique features. There are also many different types of bicycle racks available as well.
If you are looking for the best bike racks for carbon fiber bike frames, then this is a great place to start. You can find the right one with our list of five that we have reviewed and compared.
Why you should look to the top of your car or the back for carrying your carbon fiber bike
When transporting a carbon-fibre bike, it is important to use a rack that doesn’t put any undue stress on the frame. Rooftop mounts and hitch racks that hold onto the frame are not ideal for carbon bikes, as they can cause damage. Instead, look for racks that attach to the top of your car or the back. This will keep the weight of your bike distributed evenly and prevent any damage.
Carbon-fibre tubes are designed for a very specific set of forces, and external clamping isn’t one of them. That’s why you see more and more carbon bikes with integrated seat post clamps or internal routing for cables and hoses.
If you must use an external clamp, make sure it’s a good quality one that won’t crush or deform the frame tubes.
5 Best Bike Racks for Carbon Frames Reviewed & Compared
When it comes to transporting your carbon fiber bike, you need a rack that can do the job without putting any extra stress on the frame. Here are 5 of the best bike racks for carbon frames, reviewed and compared.
1. Saris Freedom Superclamp 2 – Best roof bike rack for carbon bikes
The Saris Freedom Superclamp 2-Bike rack is a great option for those looking for an affordable, easy-to-install roof bike rack. It can fit a variety of connection sizes, and it’s very quick and simple to set up. The main rail holds two arms, each with two hooks, which makes it an ideal option for holding carbon frames.
The Saris Freedom Superclamp 2 is one of the best roof bike racks for carbon fiber bikes. It can hold two bikes in wheel trays and secures them with straps, arms, and hooks. The tested model lacked a tilt option, so the user would have to unload the bikes in order to get into the trunk.
The Saris Freedom Superclamp 2 have a cable lock system. The locks extend from the ends of the rail and attach to the plate in the center, which also has a bottle opener. This rack is simple, solid, and performs great.
2. Kuat NV 2.0 Base bike racks for cars
The Kuat NV 2.0 Base is a high-quality bike rack that sits between the Saris and RockyMounts racks in terms of size. It is easy to assemble and comes with adjustable wheel cradles to avoid bike-to-bike contact.
This bike rack is also very sturdy and stays solidly in place. The tilt mechanism is easy to use, making it a great choice for those who want a reliable and user-friendly bike rack. Additionally, if you have a 2″ hitch, you can attach an add-on to double the capacity to four bikes.
Kuat NV 2.0 Base bike racks are a great option for those who want a stylish and functional bike rack. The tilt mechanism is easy to use and makes loading and unloading bikes a breeze.
The hooks have the best rubber for holding the front wheel in place, which prevents any damage to the bike. Additionally, the rack comes with a bottle opener keychain.
3. Swagman XC2
The Swagman XC2 is a bike rack that is surprisingly reliable for its low price. The rack features a highly adjustable tray system, sturdy and secure ratcheting arms, and a threaded hitch pin that keeps rack movement to a minimum. It also has a low weight of 32 pounds and takes up minimal space when off your vehicle.
This rack is a great option for those looking for a more affordable bike rack. Although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles as some of the more premium racks, it will still transport your bikes reliably from point A to point B. The release mechanism on the ratcheting arm can be difficult to engage, so be careful when using this rack.
The Swagman XC2 is a good bike rack for the price, but it does have some shortcomings. It’s difficult to load the bike nearest the vehicle and the release mechanism on the ratcheting arm is also challenging to engage.
Additionally, there are no locks included with your purchase. And after about 500 miles of use, which did include many miles of dusty gravel roads, the padded frame cradles managed to rub the paint completely off one of our bikes.
If you’re able to spend up, we recommend theKuat NV 2.0 Base above, which addresses most of these issues.
4. RockyMounts BackStage – Best Hitch Rack for Rear Cargo Access
RockyMounts BackStage is the best hitch rack for rear cargo access because it swings away from the vehicle, allowing you to easily get to your luggage or other items in the rear of your car.
It is 10 to 20 pounds heavier than a non-swing-away alternative, but this added weight is worth it for those that prioritize the feature.
When the RockyMounts BackStage was released, it created a lot of buzz in the hitch rack industry. It was one of the first platform racks to have a side-swinging mechanism, which gives you total access to the rear cargo area of your car.
This functionality isn’t available on racks from big brands like Yakima or Thule. The BackStage also comes with many features that you would expect from a high-quality hitch rack, such as a cable lock (although it’s not integrated), the ability to carry different types of bikes and wheel sizes, sturdy ratcheting arms, and quality materials and construction.
RockyMounts BackStage is a great hitch rack because it offers swing-away functionality, which gives you easier access to your vehicle’s trunk.
However, this feature does come with some compromises – the rack is heavier than most other platform-style racks, and the lock is not integrated into the rack. If you’re looking for the ultimate in rear cargo access, the BackStage should be at the top of your list.
5. Thule ThruRide 535
The Thule ThruRide 535 is one of the best bike racks on the market for carbon frames. It fits securely and does not restrict visibility or access to the boot. We tested it on a Ford Escape with factory curved rails and found it easy to use and install.
The mount is well-engineered and can be affixed to factory rails, but I found it finicky. The process would be smoother with a full Thule rack system. The mount’s cam system that holds the front thru-axle or quick-release adapter is solid and confidence-inspiring.
How do you choose the best bike car racks for your carbon fiber bikes?
Vehicle Clearance
When choosing a bike rack for your car, you’ll need to consider clearance between the rack, your bikes, and the vehicle. You can do an actual test fit or contact the manufacturer directly to check clearance.
If neither of those options work, you’ll need to do some digging to find the information you need. Manufacturers oftentimes have a technical drawing available of the rack in question.
One listing to hone in on is the distance from center of the hitch pin to the first tray. This will give you an idea of how much space the rack will take up on your vehicle.
Other important things to consider are the weight capacity of the rack and the type of bikes you’ll be carrying. Make sure the rack you choose can accommodate your bikes.
Material and Build Quality
The best bike racks for carbon fiber bikes are made out of high-quality metal. This is because metal is strong and durable, meaning that it won’t break easily. They are also designed to have long lifespans. This means that they’re built to last and won’t need to be replaced often.
Bike racks for carbon fiber bikes are expensive. This is because they’re made out of high-quality materials and are built to last. However, the investment is worth it as you won’t have to replace your bike rack often.
Racks for carbon fiber bikes use a lot of tough plastic. This is because plastic is strong and durable, meaning that it won’t break easily. They use a lot of tough plastic because it’s lightweight, meaning that it won’t add a lot of weight to your bike.
Weight
When choosing a bike rack for your carbon fiber bikes, it’s important to consider the weight of the rack. Bike racks for carbon fiber bikes are in the 45- to 52-pound range.
Receiver Hitch Size
There are two sizes of receiver hitches for vehicles—1.25-inch and 2-inch—and it goes without saying that you should verify which one you have on your vehicle prior to purchasing a rack.
A 2-inch receiver can handle more weight, which is a consideration if you’re planning on hauling a heavy platform rack with some 50+ pound e-bikes aboard.
The two-bike add-ons that are offered on some platform racks are only compatible with a 2-inch receiver. But if you’ll only be carrying standard mountain or road bikes, a 1.25-inch receiver will work great.
Many hanging racks come with an adapter, so they can work with either hitch size.
Bike and Receiver Hitch Locks
When choosing a bike rack for your carbon fiber bikes, you should consider a few factors. First, you should choose a bike rack that includes a receiver hitch lock. This will ensure that your bikes are secure while you are driving.
Second, you should choose a bike rack that is integrated into the rack. This will make it easier to use and will provide more stability for your bikes. Third, you should choose a bike rack that is easy to use. This will make it easier to load and unload your bikes.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our review of the best bike racks for carbon frames. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. And don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list to stay up-to-date on the latest reviews and comparisons.
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