Mountain bikes can be heavier and bulkier than road bikes, so the right car rack depends on more than how many bikes you need to carry. Check the rack’s weight limit, how it holds your bike, and whether its straps, trays, or arms fit your wheel and frame setup. These five options include trunk-mounted and hitch-mounted designs, with different trade-offs in capacity, compatibility, and ease of loading.
Quick Comparison
| Bike Rack | Mount Type | Capacity or Fit Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack | Trunk | Up to 70 pounds total | Drivers without a hitch |
| Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack | 2-inch hitch | Four-bike design; check vehicle and rack load limits | Carrying several bikes |
| Young 2 Bike Rack Foldable Platform | 2-inch hitch | 80 pounds total; top-tube frames only | Two bikes with compatible frames |
| MAXXHAUL Platform Bike Rack for 2 Bikes | 2-inch hitch | 40 pounds per bike; tires up to 2.25 inches wide | Mountain bikes within its fit limits |
| Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack | Trunk | 35 pounds per bike | Lightweight trunk-rack option |
Our Picks: Best Bike Racks For Cars For Mountain Bikes reviews
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Rack: A Simple Option Without a Hitch
This trunk-mounted rack carries up to two bikes, with a listed total capacity of 70 pounds. Its 12-inch carry arms are intended to fit a wide range of bicycle styles, while individual tie-downs help secure each bike. A padded lower frame helps keep bikes away from the vehicle, and side straps add lateral stability.
The rack comes assembled and folds flat for storage, which can be useful if you want a straightforward option that does not require a hitch receiver. Its single-configuration design also avoids a multi-step setup process. Still, trunk racks rely on the fit between the rack and your particular vehicle, so check Allen’s fit guidance before buying.
For mountain bikes, pay close attention to the combined weight of your bikes and how their frames sit on the carry arms. The 70-pound limit applies to the rack’s total load, not each bike. As with other trunk racks, bikes may need careful positioning to keep them from touching one another or the car.
Pros:
- Listed 70-pound total capacity for up to two bikes
- Individual tie-downs and side straps help secure the load
- Folds flat and arrives assembled
- Does not require a hitch receiver
Cons:
- Vehicle fit must be checked before purchase
- May take more care to position bulky mountain bikes on the arms
Verdict: Choose this Allen rack if you want a basic two-bike trunk option and your vehicle is listed as compatible, but confirm the combined bike weight stays within its limit.
Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Rack: Carries More Bikes
This hitch rack is designed for a 2-inch receiver and carries up to four bikes. Allen’s tie-down cradle system secures bikes individually, and the carry arms fold away when the rack is not in use. A tilt-back feature provides access to the lift gate, while a no-wobble bolt helps limit movement inside the hitch.
Its four-bike capacity makes it a practical choice for a larger riding group, but the product details provided here do not specify a maximum load. Before carrying mountain bikes, check the rack’s current load limit and your vehicle and hitch limits. Also consider the space between bikes: wide bars and bulky frames can make a full rack harder to load without bike-to-bike contact.
This is the only four-bike option in this group, but it is not a platform rack. Bikes hang from the carry arms, so confirm that your frame shape works with the cradles and that each bike can be secured as intended. The rack requires minor assembly.
Pros:
- Designed to carry up to four bikes
- Individual tie-down cradles secure bikes
- Carry arms fold away when not in use
- Tilts back for lift-gate access
Cons:
- Requires a 2-inch hitch receiver
- Confirm the rack’s load limit and bike-frame fit before use
Verdict: This Allen is worth considering when you need to carry several bikes and have a compatible 2-inch hitch, provided you verify its load limit and the fit of your mountain-bike frames.
Young Foldable Platform Rack: A Two-Bike Hitch Carrier with a Frame Limitation
This platform-style rack holds two bikes and has a stated total capacity of 80 pounds, or up to 40 pounds per bike. It fits vehicles with a 2-inch hitch receiver and uses adjustable brackets, cushioned hooks, a safety latch, and an anti-wobble device to help keep bikes stable during transport. The rack also folds for storage.
The key compatibility detail is its frame restriction: it is designed for top-tube frames and is not for step-through models. That matters for mountain bikes with unusual frame shapes or setups that do not give the hooks a suitable place to hold. Check your bike’s frame and the maker’s fit instructions before choosing this rack.
Compared with the hanging Allen hitch rack, this model uses a platform layout rather than carry arms. Its 80-pound total limit gives you a clear number to compare against your bikes’ weights, but the 40-pound per-bike limit still applies. It is a focused option for two compatible bikes, not a universal fit for every frame style.
Pros:
- 80-pound total capacity, with up to 40 pounds per bike
- Platform-style design with adjustable brackets
- Includes a safety latch and anti-wobble device
- Folds for more compact storage
Cons:
- Works with top-tube frames only, not step-through models
- Requires a 2-inch hitch receiver
Verdict: Pick the Young rack if you have a 2-inch hitch and two top-tube mountain bikes that meet its per-bike and total weight limits.
MAXXHAUL Two-Bike Platform Rack: Check Tire Width Before You Buy
The MAXXHAUL is a steel platform rack for two bikes, with a listed capacity of 40 pounds per bike. Its adjustable tire cradles and padded hooks are specified for wheels from 20 to 26 inches, tires up to 2.25 inches wide, and wheelbases up to 63 inches. Those measurements are especially important for mountain bikes, since tire size and width vary widely.
This model fits 2-inch Class III and IV hitch receivers only. The supplied product details say it is not compatible with Class I or II hitches, RVs, campers, or trailers. A locking knob secures the upright post to reduce sway, and the post can be removed to make storage more compact.
The fit limits are the main trade-off. A mountain bike with a wheel larger than 26 inches, a tire wider than 2.25 inches, or a wheelbase beyond 63 inches falls outside the listed specifications. Measure your bike rather than assuming that a rack described for mountain bikes will fit every mountain-bike setup.
Pros:
- Supports up to 40 pounds per bike
- Adjustable tire cradles and padded hooks
- Removable upright post helps with storage
- Locking knob helps reduce rack movement
Cons:
- Listed tire, wheel, and wheelbase limits may exclude some mountain bikes
- Fits only 2-inch Class III and IV receivers
Verdict: The MAXXHAUL is a sensible platform choice if your bikes fit its specific measurements and your vehicle has the required hitch class.
Saris Bones Two-Bike Rack: A Lightweight Trunk-Mount Choice
The Saris Bones is a trunk-mounted rack for two bikes. It weighs 11 pounds, and each bike can weigh up to 35 pounds. Its arc-shaped design places bikes at different levels to help separate them, while ratcheting anti-sway straps help hold each bike steady. Rubberized feet are designed to protect the vehicle’s finish, and coated straps help protect the bikes.
Saris describes the rack as fitting most vehicles, including some with spoilers, but that is not a guarantee for every car. Check vehicle compatibility before purchase and follow the installation guidance. As with any trunk rack, take care when securing mountain bikes so that frames and parts do not rub against the vehicle or each other.
Its 35-pound limit per bike makes weight a key check for heavier mountain bikes. Compared with the Allen two-bike trunk rack, the Bones has a lower stated per-bike limit but provides an explicit limit for each bike and an arc design intended to separate them. It is a useful option if you want a lightweight rack and your vehicle and bikes fit its limits.
Pros:
- Lightweight at 11 pounds
- Supports two bikes up to 35 pounds each
- Arc design and anti-sway straps help separate and stabilize bikes
- Rubberized feet and coated straps help protect contact points
Cons:
- Vehicle fit should be confirmed, especially with a spoiler
- Per-bike weight limit may not suit heavier mountain bikes
Verdict: Choose the Saris Bones if you need a lightweight trunk rack and both your vehicle and mountain bikes fall within its fit and weight limits.
How to Choose a Bike Rack for a Mountain Bike
Confirm your car and hitch compatibility
Start with the attachment point. Trunk racks need to fit your vehicle’s shape and rear hatch or trunk, so check the maker’s fit information for your exact vehicle. Hitch racks require the correct receiver size and, in some cases, a specific hitch class. For example, the Allen four-bike and Young racks require a 2-inch receiver, while the MAXXHAUL is specified for 2-inch Class III or IV receivers. Also check your vehicle and hitch load limits.
Compare the weight limits with your bikes
Mountain bikes can vary in weight, so check each bike’s weight before choosing a rack. Separate per-bike limits from total capacity: the Young rack lists 40 pounds per bike and 80 pounds total, while the Allen trunk rack lists 70 pounds total. The Saris Bones lists a maximum of 35 pounds per bike, and the MAXXHAUL lists 40 pounds per bike. Do not exceed either the rack’s stated capacity or the vehicle and hitch limits.
Measure wheels, tires, and wheelbase
Some racks have specific measurements that can rule out certain bikes. The MAXXHAUL lists support for 20- to 26-inch wheels, tires up to 2.25 inches wide, and wheelbases up to 63 inches. Compare those figures with your bike, including any changes such as wider tires. Do not assume that a rack will fit just because it is marketed for bicycles or mountain bikes.
Check how the rack holds your frame
Hanging racks use arms and tie-downs, while platform racks support bikes at the wheels and may also use hooks or brackets. Frame shape matters: the Young rack is specifically for top-tube frames and is not for step-through models. Before buying any rack, confirm that its contact points can hold your bike as intended and that the bikes can be positioned without rubbing against one another or your car.
Think about loading and access
Consider how often you will load bikes and whether you need to reach the rear of the vehicle. The Allen four-bike hitch rack tilts back for lift-gate access and has arms that fold away when not in use. The Young rack folds for storage, and the MAXXHAUL has a removable post. A trunk rack avoids the need for a hitch, but its fit depends on the vehicle and it needs to be attached to the rear of the car.
Plan for storage and routine checks
Look at how much space the rack takes up when it is off the car. The Allen trunk model folds flat, the Young rack folds, and the MAXXHAUL’s post can be removed. Before each trip, follow the maker’s installation instructions and check that the rack, straps, cradles, and bike tie-downs are secure. Recheck compatibility if you change vehicles or make major changes to your bike setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a trunk rack for a mountain bike?
Yes, if the rack fits your vehicle, the bike’s frame works with its carry arms, and the bike is within the rack’s weight limit. Check the maker’s vehicle-fit guidance and secure the bike so it does not contact the car or another bike.
Are platform racks always a better choice for mountain bikes?
Not always. A platform rack can support bikes at the wheels, but you still need to check its hitch requirements, weight limit, and wheel, tire, or wheelbase limits. The MAXXHAUL, for example, has specific wheel and tire measurements. Frame compatibility can also matter on a platform rack, as it does with the Young model.
Will the MAXXHAUL rack fit a bike with 29-inch wheels?
The listed wheel range for this rack is 20 to 26 inches, so a 29-inch wheel is outside its stated specifications. Check the manufacturer’s current fit information before considering it for a bike with a different wheel size.
Can the Young rack carry step-through mountain bikes?
The supplied product details say it is designed for top-tube frames only and is not for step-through models. Check with the manufacturer if you are unsure whether your bike’s frame is compatible.
How many bikes can the Allen hitch rack carry?
The Allen Deluxe hitch model is designed for four bikes and requires a 2-inch receiver. The product details provided here do not list a maximum load, so verify the rack’s current load limit and your vehicle and hitch limits before loading it.
What should I check before using a trunk-mounted rack?
Confirm that the rack is listed as compatible with your vehicle, then follow the installation instructions. Check the total rack capacity and the weight of your bikes, and make sure the bikes are individually secured without rubbing against the car or each other.
Final Recommendation
For two mountain bikes, the Young foldable platform rack is a strong option if both bikes have compatible top-tube frames, weigh no more than 40 pounds each, and your vehicle has a 2-inch receiver. The MAXXHAUL is worth considering when your bike measurements fall within its listed tire, wheel, and wheelbase limits. If you do not have a hitch, compare the Allen and Saris trunk racks against your vehicle fit and bike weights before buying. The best choice is the one that matches your car, hitch, frame style, and bike measurements—not simply the rack with the most capacity.