Top 5 Best Bike Racks For Jeep Wrangler and How To Choose The Right One [2021 Update]

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Biking, according to research, is one of the finest ways of keeping fit both psychological and physical. Yet not everyone has the luxury of the beautiful scenery in their vicinity. Thus, planning for a bike trip is the most reliable solution to take. Transporting your bikes to your biking spot can be a challenge. Using your Jeep Wrangler is a convenient way to transport your bikes and equipment. This presents a challenge, as many vehicles do not have enough room to transport bikes. That’s where a bike rack can be an essential.

There are several varieties of bike carriers in the market today, including racks that are made specifically for the Jeep Wrangler. The three types of bike rack models available are roof racks, spare tire racks and hitch mounts.  To avoid confusion and help you with your decision process that may arise when you want to buy the bike rack for your Jeep Wrangler, we have researched products available and are providing a detailed list of the best bike racks for SUV, in this article specifically for Jeep Wrangler. We also considered Jeepers forum to see what they prefer. 

Reviews of Best Bike Racks for Jeep Wrangler

5. Hollywood Racks Bolt On spare tire rack : Budget Friendly Option

Hollywood Racks Bolt-On Spare Tire Rack

The Hollywood Racks Bolt On is a budget friendly product with attractive features. It can be fully adjusted to fit most sized tires with a maximum of up to 12” wide. This will enable the owner to use it for a variety of bikes they may own. A concern for many when travelling with their bike is security.  The manufacturer of this bike rack took this into consideration. It has security locks that are installed to ensure the security of the owner’s bike.

This model works extremely well for those who want to transport more than one bike on their bike trip.  This is because the cradle arms of the rack will support up to two bikes, by helping to support the top tubes. These arms can be folded when they are not in use. The bike rack utilizes wide rubber straps that are designed to run over tubes that are on top, which helps to keep the cradle stable. Stability is paramount to ensuring you have a safe journey.

Pros

  • This model of the bike rack is less expensive.
  • The rack folds up to give you access to the trunk
  • Installed with lock to keep the bike secure
  • The racks are strong, which enables them to carry even the heaviest bikes

Cons

  • The cradle arms of the rack lack vibration dampening thus may not be suitable for bikes that are carbon framed
  • The stability of the rack is not guaranteed because it is subject to the straps
  • This model requires that you have tools to tighten or loosen the rack.

4. Yakima SpareRide Bike Rack : Best SpareTire For JL

Yakima SpareRide 2 Bike Carrier Rack

The Yakima Spare Ride bike rack is made from a steel material that increases the durability of the rack. It also helps to keep it safe from corrosion when exposed to water.  It also increases the longevity of the rack, which we know is an important feature to Jeep Wrangler owners.

The model has mounting plates that fits many lug nuts including an extension to be used on oversized tires.  Therefore, making it able to accommodate almost any type of the bikes in the market today. Having this bike rack gives you the luxury of carrying any bike type you own.  The rack also features a bottle opener installed in the rack arms that allows one to enjoy a drink after a hectic ride.

Yakima Spareride features dual arms that offer maximum bike support and a finger trigger control lever allows you to fold the arms very easily when they are not in use.  This helps you save space in your trunk, as you will not be storing bike rack equipment not being used.

Anti- swing cradles with ratchetting straps, help to hold the bikes in their position.  This helps to avoid contact with multiple bikes and minimize the road shocks. It also ensures your bikes will be in rideable condition upon arrival at your destination.

Pros

  • Attachment is separate to the trunk and its arms fold to give you enough coverage.
  • It has a trading pad that helps you to easily tighten without using any tools
  • The anti-swing cradles keep bikes from swaying into each other
  • Steel material ensures increased durability 

Cons

  • The rack has no installed security system to lock the bikes.
  • This model of the bike rack is best suited for lesser number of bikes

3. Thule Upride Universal Bike Rack : Best Roof rack for Jeep Wrangler

Thule UpRide Universal Bike Rack

The designer of this model of bike rack considered the safety of the bikes you are carrying, as well as the rack itself. The bike rack comes with a lock that enables you to lock your bike to the bike rack and the bike rack to the vehicle. This minimizes theft issues.

Weather damage can be a factor to the durability and longevity of your bike rack.  This rack is made of stainless steel that is coated with black paint.  This model helps you use your bike rack with confidence and without fear that it will be corroded.

The designer of the bike rack also considered the limited space in the trunk of your Jeep Wrangler by designing the bike rack to be folded up when it is not in use.

People often own different types of bikes, including different models and sizes. This bike rack will accommodate any type of bike, due to its aluminum trays that are able to accommodate any type of the wheel base and an adapter can be bought to be used on fat bikes.

Pros

  • Black painting to protect it from corrosion
  • Made of stainless steel which ensures the durability of the bike rack
  • One key lock system to lock your bike and the rack
  • Can work with any type of bike

Cons

  • Can only ferry one bike at a time

2. Yakima Double Down Ace 4 Bike Rack : Outdated but still works

Yakima Double Down Ace 4 Hitch Bike Rack

Have more than three bikes and want to take them all on your bike trip? The Yakima Double Down Ace 4 bike rack is the best bike rack for you. The hitch mount bike rack has a capability of carrying up to four bikes simultaneously.

This bike rack is made with a steel body that is coated with a powder finish that protects the rack from rust, thereby increasing durability and gives you comfort to use in any kind of weather.

Yakima Double Down Ace also comes with security features installed including ananti-wobble lock that helps to fit the rack into the hitch swiftly and locks the bike rack to the vehicle. For added security the lock has a key system that safeguards both the bike rack and the bike.

Pros

  • Installed with same key lock for security
  • Made of galvanized steel material for durability
  • Folds up when not in use for easy storage
  • Installed with anti-sway cradle to hold bikes in position
  • Carries up to four bikes

Cons

  • A hitch is required for installation
  • Interferes with the access to the Jeep trunk
  • Outdated

1. Kuat Transfer 2 Bike Rack : The Best Option

Kuat Racks Transfer - 2 Bike Rack - Gun Metal Gray

The Kuat Transfer 2 Bike Rack is a commodity that provides value for your money. This model features a bike rack made of steel which is garnished with gray powder for water resistance. This enables the owner to use in any weather.

Security is key to any product you are purchasing and the designer of this bike rack did not forget about that. The rack has an optional lock that is sold separately that helps secure your bike to your Jeep Wrangler.  This hitch bike rack gives you the luxury of having to carry a maximum of two bikes at a time.  This gives you the luxury of having extra space to include your friends and family on your bike adventure.

 The Kuat Transfer 2 Bike Rack includes a lifetime warranty that includes all the technical damages to the rack and the damages from wear and tear.

Pros

  • The folding capability of the bike rack makes for easy storage
  • This model allows you to carry two bikes on your Jeep Wrangler
  • The height of tray is low that helps one to mount the bikes on the racks without much effort.
  • The foot lever of the rack is easily accessible even when loaded with bikes.

Cons

  • The assembling of the pieces of the rack takes a lot of time

Buyers Guide: How To Choose Bike Rack For Jeep Wrangler

There are a few things you need to consider when buying a bike rack

1. Budget

Budget is your primary decision criteria and you need to set values in your mind because bike racks vary too much in price. A typical bike rack can be purchased as low as $40 and as much as $400. If you are low on budget, try to look at best budget options. However, if you have a nice amount to invest for the bike rack, consider buying premium ones with great style and long life.

2. Ease of Use

We can divide this part into 3 separate parts:

  • Assembling your bike rack for first use : Are you the DIY person that can do the job yourself? If so don't worry, most of bike racks are easy to assemble. If you are not that kind of person, choose the ones that comes assembled out of box
  • Trunk Accessibility : If this matters for you consider buying racks that fold and attached to hitch receiver.
  • Mounting Bikes to the Rack : This is important especially if your bike is heavy.

3. Security

Security should be the top concern depending on where you leave and value of your bikes. I would not use a cheap rack to risk my $1000 bike.

4. How many bikes will you carry

This should be planned in advance. However, If you are low on budget and have 4+ bikes to carry, you may consider expendable bike racks and start with carrying just 2. When you have the budget , consider adding proper accessories to your rack to increase its capacity to 4+.

5. Weight and Type Of Bikes

Type of bikes and their weights should be well considered. Do you have fat bikes? The bikes that will be carried are the same type or varies?

6. Style

For me, its not the main concern, but still it should be always in your mind. You wouldn't want an ugly bike rack for your new Jeep? Then go for a stylish one. 

Conclusion

When it’s time to go to the market to look for a bike rack for your Jeep Wrangler, there are many options to select from. You will need to consider the number of bikes you are going to carry, your budget, how often you use the trunk and the security features of the rack. These factors are the ones that differentiate one bike rack from the other. This article is prepared to help with your decision process.  The above-mentioned racks are the best bike racks for Jeep Wrangler available in the market now. By reviewing the features and benefits of the above products, we believe you will find the bike rack that suits your specific needs.  You will be able to choose the bike rack for your Jeep Wrangler that will bring you joy for years to come.

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