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Are you really still using ropes to tie your bike on those truck rails? Well, there's a better way: check out all these cool truck bed bike racks in the market that keep your bike intact on those bumpy roads.
You can purchase one for your bike only or one that accommodates 2 to 4 bikes depending on your usage. Bike racks keep your tandem secure, well-maintained and help you save on space. Read on to know the select best truck bed bike rack and what you need to consider before purchasing your very own.
Top Truck Bed Bike Racks Comparison Chart
Scroll right to see All features
Product | Max. No. of Bikes | Front Wheel Removal | Special Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heininger Automotive 2025 Advantage Sportsrack Bedrack | 4 | Not Removed | Can also be used as a standalone bike rack. | |
Thule bed rider XTR | 2 | Removed | Easy to use and store. | |
Top Line UG2500-2 Uni-Grip Truck Bed Bike Rack | 2 | Not Removed | Very light with an installed security system. | |
Swagman Adjustable Truck Bed Bike Rack | 2 | Removed | Adjustable to fit any truck bed size. | |
Inno Velo Gripper Truck Bed Bike Rack | 1 | Not Removed | Clamp-on installation on the side truck rails. | |
Hollywood Racks T970 Fork Block 1 Bicycle Fork Mount | 1 | Removed | Mounts on any solid surface. | |
Apex Rage Powersports TBBC-4 | 4 | Not Removed | Protects bike spokes and gear. |
Truck Bed Bike Racks Reviews
Heininger Automotive 2025 Advantage Sportsrack Bedrack
Heininger stands out again with their automotive 2025 bike rack model. It is your best choice if you seek to have a rack that you can use on the truck and as a standalone as well.
Our Rating
3.5 out of 5 stars
Overview
Highlights
Heininger’s Automotive 2025 Advantage rack accommodates up to 4 bikes, making it easy to move about with your biking family and friends. You can also use it off the truck as a standalone rack in your garage or parking spot.
The rack has soft padding made of rubber that protects your truck paint and the finish on your tandem from abrasion. Assembling it is quite easy as you neither need to drill holes on your truck nor remove the front wheel of your bike. Ass for security, you will receive a lockable 72” lock cable on a purchase.
Without a spacer, this truck accessory extends between 54.5” to 66.5”. For larger truck beds, it extends with a full-size spacer between 60.5” and 72.5”. It is, therefore, suitable for most trucks and you do not need to use a trailer hitch on it.
Likes
The bike rack can accommodate up to 4 bicycles on any truck bed size, giving room for your cycle and your family’s and friends’ as well. It is adjustable and you will require no tools in the assembling and installation part.
The fact that you will receive a lifetime warranty from Heininger for this particular rack makes it more awesome.
Dislikes
This rack is more expensive than most in the market, probably because of the good quality and great reputation of the manufacturing company. It also does not fit on step-side pick-ups, so have this in mind before making a purchase.
Pros
Cons
Thule bed rider 822XTR
This sturdy product from Thule befits anybody seeking an easy-to-install rack for two bikes that prioritizes security. It comes with 3 Thule One-key lock cylinders that lock the bike to carrier and the carrier to the truck.
Our Rating
3.4 out of 5 stars
Overview
Highlights
The rack has lockable skewers with single-side adjustment. This enhances the stability of the cycle carried and ensures it is safe from thieves on the road. You can only transport 2 bikes of about 70 pounds on it; otherwise, additional bikes will have you buying a bed-rider add-on separately.
To protect your locomotives from abrasion, the rack has rubber padding fir on it. It is made of a telescopic aluminum bar at its core that gives it a firm grip onto the carrier on the side rails. You need not drill holes while installing as the process is simple.
Likes
The rack is easy to install and store. It also keeps the paint on your bike and truck intact thanks to its rubber padding. If you want to carry more than two bikes, there is provision for you to expand that, as long as you are ready to purchase the right accessories for that.
You need not worry about the security of the bike since the rack has a firm grip on it. It has lockable skewers for this.Dislikes
It is cumbersome to remove front wheels from your cycle before mounting it. The rack is also incompatible with some recumbent and mountain bikes.
Pros
Cons
Top Line UG2500-2 Uni-Grip Truck Bed Bike Rack
The UG2500-2 Unigrip truck bed bike rack from Top Line has the most straightforward installation system that takes two minutes only. If you seek to save time and energy on this step, this one is for you.
Our Rating
3.5 out of 5 stars
Overview
Highlights
Top Line’s Unigrip rack is light, weighing about 4 pounds. It is easy to install since you do not need to drill holes into the truck rails or bed. In two minutes, you will be done with the installation and hitting the road.
You can choose to use it with or without bed-liners. Be aware, however, that the small clamp does not accommodate all types of bikes, thus read the manual and check your bike type before purchase. In case of instability when driving, install a PVC pipe to stabilize its grip.
It is a secure rack; thus you need not tense up whenever you leave your bicycle on the truck to get a snack.
Likes
Besides being very light (weighs 4 pounds), it is pretty easy to mount. It takes only two minutes to mount it on your truck, and it is very secure on the truck bed - thieves have nothing on you.
Dislikes
You have to be keen in the installation part, despite it being a quick procedure. If you install it poorly, the bikes will sway when you are on the move, and this increases the risk of damaging them especially when on a rough terrain. Also, the rack cannot be folded, so you have to find adequate space for you to store it when not in use.
Pros
Cons
Swagman Adjustable Truck Bed Bike Rack
If you are looking for an adjustable, quality, pocket-friendly truck bed bike rack, then this one from Swagman is your answer. It is made of steel for durability and has great spacing between bikes.
Our Rating
4.3 out of 5 stars
Overview
Highlights
The rack has a telescopic steel bar that can be adjusted to fit on any truck bed size. The rubber ends fitted on it enhance the grip onto the rails and prevent it from scratching your vehicle and tandem. It is easy to install it because you will need no tools or drilling processes.
It also has quick-release skewers that secure your bike forks onto the carrier. The spacing is epic thanks to its fork blocks that can be repositioned along the main bar. This prevents your two cycles from knocking against each other while you are on the move.
Additionally, it comes at a very friendly price, hence giving value to your hard-earned cash spent.
Likes
Swagman racks are always of high quality, durable and very pocket-friendly. They can accommodate two bikes and give great spacing, such that these cycles are not in contact with each otherThe other amazing thing about these racks is that they can be adjusted to fit various truck sizes and the installation part is easy.
Dislikes
Having been made of steel, the rack is relatively weighty. This means that you will not like removing it from the truck often. Moreover, sometimes the package received on order does not a very encouraging sense of style in its packaging.
Pros
Cons
Inno Velo Gripper Truck Bed Bike Rack
It comes in two types; the standard one for standard truck beds and the c-channel for a c-channel truck system. Choose one depending on the vehicle you will do the mounting.
Our Rating
4.2 out of 5 stars
Overview
Highlights
Inno Velo Gripper Truck Bed Bike Rack is if you want to save on space for other gear and accessories. Its clamp-on installation lets you mount it on the side rails with your bike upright. You need not remove the front wheel or fold your cycle.
The rack is adjustable to hold to hold any bike size, and can only support one bicycle at a time. The manufacturers test it thoroughly to give your tandem that solid hold on the side of the bed. You can hit the bumps without worrying about abrasion and scratches on your bike/truck.
The clamps used have d-rings where you shall tie your cable lock for security. You, however, have to purchase these cable locks separately.
Likes
INNO Velo invested in creating enough space for any other cargo you have, even with your bike on the rails. The bike can be mounted upright, regardless of its size. Furthermore, you rest assured of the security of your tandem for there are D-rings on the clamp to provide firm tie-down points for the lock cable.
Dislikes
You can enhance the security system of your rack and bike. However, you will need to take care the lock cable or any other preferred locking system yourself, since it comes without one on order.
Pros
Cons
Hollywood Racks T970 Fork Block 1 Bicycle Fork Mount
Hollywood Racks T970 Fork Block 1 Bicycle Fork Mount is one that can mount on any solid surface besides the truck bed. You can use it on the truck toolbox, trailer and at home as well.
Our Rating
4.6 out of 5 stars
Overview
Highlights
The fork mount is the best for you if you want to transport one bike on your truck with the front wheel removed. Its aluminum body with heavy duty 9mm quick release skewers gives your bike a firm grip on the car.
If you want to customize the fork block so that you can mount your bike on your van, wall, truck or floor, you can. Its heavy duty bolts can mount on any solid surface, and it is delivered pre-assembled. It is a perfect fit for 100mm front wheels but could be a bit wider for 20’’ bicycles.
It is a quality product that comes at an affordable price. If you want to make it more secure for your bicycle and trailer, consider buying a locking cable or any other locking system you prefer.
Likes
Besides your truck, you can mount this Hollywood rack on any other solid surface, even at home, as long as the space is sufficient. If you do not want to remove it from the truck after use, then do not. Its usage is flexible and it comes at an affordable price.
Dislikes
Besides your truck, you can mount this Hollywood rack on any other solid surface, even at home, as long as the space is sufficient. If you do not want to remove it from the truck after use, then do not. Its usage is flexible and it comes at an affordable price.
Pros
Cons
Apex Rage Powersports TBBC-4
Apex Rage Powersports TBBC-4 is a bicycle rack released in 2012, fit for anybody who wants no tools in the installation process. It protects the gear and spokes of your tandem.
Our Rating
3.4 out of 5 stars
Overview
Highlights
Apex Rage Powersports TBBC-4 is used on all-terrain vehicles with 52.75” to 73” truck beds. It has a steel tube construction with foam padding, which protects your bike spokes and gear system from damage during transportation.
It needs no tools to assemble it since it has pin clip connections. You, however, have to be very keen on the instructions in the manual in this step to avoid faulty installation. You can mount your bike and three others once installed on the truck bed.
If you want to enhance the safety of your cycle and other gear, buy tie-down cargo straps for the job. Apex does not include it in the purchase package of their TBBC-4 bike rack.
Likes
This rack with a sturdy steel tube construction can hold your bike and three others, so incite your friends to each biking expedition. It needs no tools in the installation stage. When you hit the road, you can hit it hard because the spokes and gear system of your bike remain well protected.
Dislikes
You need to be extra keen when reading the manual of installing this rack; otherwise, you will get mixed up in the practical steps and mess up. It is also quite unfortunate that the packaging style used for this rack is not the best there is.
Pros
Cons
The Ultimate Truck Bed Bike Rack Buyer’s Guide
It is useless to know the top bike rack brands in the market without knowing what you really want in the one you will purchase. It is wise to keep the shopping experience as personal as possible because what suits another person will not suit you perfectly.
Below are some of the factors that should guide you when looking the best truck bed bike rack for you. You can also visit https://www.cooltruck.com/whats-best-for-me/what-type-of-rack/ to know the type of bike racks there are before you dig in.
Number of bikes
Do you often go biking alone or in the company of family and friend? Are you just moving the bike so that you can ride in the city then transport it back to your farmhouse in the evening? Know the number of bikes you will often need to carry.
A rack that accommodates one bike is suitable if you only transport your bike and want to save on the truck bed spacing. One with a maximum capacity of two is the best if you have two bikes at home; yours and your sibling’s, child’s or better half’s. Go for a rack that holds up to 4 bikes if biking in groups is your things and want to help in the transportation part.
If you are not sure of the number of bikes you will need to carry on a regular basis, go for the racks that can be enhanced to accommodate more bikes.
Installation
The installation stage is one that could get you grateful for buying the rack or cursing for two hours as you struggle to get it mounted. Take into consideration how understandable the instruction on the manual is, and seek an expert’s opinion if you want perfection. You can check out YouTube videos and guidelines from https://www.etrailer.com/ whenever you get stuck.
It is important to note that most of these racks need no tools to install, nor drilling ion the truck. They are pretty simple to install with their pin clip connections and adjustable telescopic bars.
Frequency of usage
Do you transport your bikes every day to work or just during the weekends? Do you want it for a one-time operation? This will help you know if you actually have to buy one or you can just hire at a lower price once are for all.
For regular users, look for the most durable racks. They could be pricey, but totally worth your money. If you use it once in a while, go for the relatively cheaper options- they serve the purpose well too.
Other Functions
There are racks in this list and the market that only mount on the truck bed. Once you uninstall them, you cannot use on any other place because of their make, size, and weight. Buy such if you have no intentions of making it multipurpose.
Buy a rack that you can mount on your wall or garage if you want diversity. Some even act as standalone racks. It is totally up to you to decide on how much functionality you require.
Price
The best racks come at a price and could be a little expensive. If your budget allows, you can buy any that meets your specification without worrying about the cost. Also, if you really want the costly rack and you have no money, it is okay to save up, borrow or look for stores that allow payments done in installments.
However, you do not have to rob the bank for this. There are –plenty of affordable racks in the market that serve the same purpose as the high-end brands. As long as the quality is excellent and the purpose shall be served, stick to your fixed budget and buy what you can afford.
Truck Size
Ensure that you are conversant with the side of your truck bed to avoid the mistake of buying a bigger or smaller rack. There are those that can fit on any truck size because they are adjustable. Go for those if you are not sure on the dimensions of your vehicle.
If, however, you insist on getting the perfect fit for your particular bed, know the size and look for a matching rack. You can always check on the manual of the product or consult experts at for this information.
Security
How secure do you want to keep your rack and bike? Does it really matter if one comes without a lock? Do you want to tie down your cargo with straps? These are guiding questions that will come in handy in your selection. Check out some amazing tips on how to secure your cycle from https://www.peacebicycles.com/advice/how-to-lock-up-a-bike.
Some racks come with a security system already in place. All you need to do is lock up your rack onto the rails and the bike onto the rack. There are those that come without a security system but have provisions for you to buy your own cable and straps. Keep your cargo safe and hard for a thief to get away with them when you leave your truck somewhere.
FAQs
Does an Apex Rage Powersports TBBC-4 hold 29” bikes?
Unfortunately, it does not. 26” is the maximum it can take. You can, however, check other brands like Thule and Swagman for that.
Where should I put my front wheel after removing it?
You can put it in any of these three places:
- Tie it with a bungee cord onto the truck rail.
- Place it next to your bike.
- Put it inside the vehicle.
I have an e-bike. Do you have recommended truck bed bike racks for that?
Yes. Top Line 1 Bike Carrier UG2500-1 is the best for this job as it can accommodate one bike of up to 55 pounds. It is also easy to use, secure and will not scratch any delicate parts of your e-bike.
I have a cover on top of my truck bed. Will a Heininger Automotive 2025 Advantage SportsRack be low enough to transport my bike with the bed still covered?
Not really. The bike has to be transported upright, and the rack is somewhat raised, so the cover will be an obstruction.
Conclusion
Moving bicycles on the truck bed is quite a hustle when you do not have bike racks. They could get scratched, and you cannot hit the bumps in peace because you know your bike could break. It is for this reason that you should purchase a sturdy, durable rack like Heininger Automotive 2025 and Thule Bed Rider XTR.
If you are on a budget, you can buy a Swagman Adjustable Truck Bed Bike Rack or a Hollywood Rack T970. They are of high quality and serve the purpose efficiently. Do remember to pick the rack of your choice per our buying guide. It will not only assist you in buying the best bike rack in the market but the ultimate one for you specifically.
Enjoy shopping!
Great guide I really liked it. Will try heineger on my 14 ram.