Roof-mounted bike racks
Despite the growing popularity of tow bar and hitch-mounted racks, roof-mounted bike racks remain one of the most common and effective ways to transport bikes on a vehicle. The first step is ensuring you have the correct roof bars fitted to your car. Most aluminium roof bars feature a T-track channel, making it easy to install bike racks by simply sliding the bolts along the channel and securing the rack in place.
Depending on the length and style of your roof bars, you can typically carry up to four bikes on the roof, especially when alternating their orientation.
Once you've chosen roof bars compatible with your vehicle, the next step is selecting the most suitable bike rack for your needs. Roof-mounted bike racks generally fall into three main categories:
- Frame Holder Racks secure the bike by clamping the down tube, with both wheels remaining on. This design makes loading and unloading quick and straightforward.
- Tyre Holder Racks support the bike by gripping the wheels, avoiding any contact with the frame. This style has become increasingly popular, particularly among carbon frame bike owners who prefer not to clamp delicate tubing.
- Fork Holder Racks were once the go-to option for carbon frames, offering excellent stability by securing the front fork. However, they require removing the front wheel and can be slightly more involved to install.
Choosing the right roof-mounted bike rack involves a few important considerations, particularly the type of bikes you intend to carry. For example, a budget-friendly frame holder is often ideal for standard or children’s bikes (14” and up). If you own a carbon frame bike, a tyre holder is strongly recommended to avoid clamping the frame. And if you’re after maximum stability with minimal side-to-side movement, a fork-mounted rack is a solid choice.
Here are our picks from each of the three sub-categories of roof-mounted bike racks:
Frame holder bike rack - Thule ProRide 598
Among the many excellent frame-holding racks we offer, the Thule ProRide 598 stands out as a staff favourite. Designed by the renowned Swedish brand, this model features enhanced padding on the frame clamp to provide extra protection for your bike. It’s also ergonomically designed, allowing you to apply tension at eye level for ease of use. Compatible with all major roof bar brands—CRUZ, Rhino, Yakima, and, of course, Thule. It’s a reliable and user-friendly option for a wide range of cyclists.
Tyre holder bike racks -Rhino Rack Hybrid and Yakima front loader
If you’re looking for a roof-mounted solution that keeps your bike secure without contacting the frame, two strong contenders are the Rhino-Rack RBC050 and the Yakima FrontLoader. Both racks hold the bike by the wheels, making them ideal for carbon frames or bikes with unique geometries.
The Rhino-Rack RBC050 is a practical and affordable tyre-holder roof rack that secures bikes by the wheels without contacting the frame, making it ideal for carbon or alloy bikes. It fits most roof bars and accommodates bikes with wheel sizes from 20" to 29". With easy mounting and basic lockable security, it is well-suited for casual riders and families.
The Yakima FrontLoader also holds bikes by the front wheel, avoiding frame contact and allowing both wheels to stay on. Known for its wide compatibility and tool-free installation, it fits wheel sizes from 20" to 29" with tyre widths up to 3 inches. Its adjustable rear wheel cradle and quick loading make it an excellent choice for those needing versatility and convenience.
Whether you're transporting a high-performance carbon frame or simply looking for a no-fuss, secure way to carry your bike, both models deliver outstanding performance and reliability.
Fork holder bike racks - Yakima ForkChop and HighSpeed - updated
While a slight wobble in a frame holder rack is perfectly normal and safe, some cyclists particularly those with high-end or performance bikes prefer the added stability of a fork-mounted rack. By securing the bike via the front fork, these racks minimise side-to-side movement and offer a more solid, low-profile fit.
The Yakima ForkChop is a standout minimalist, two-piece system that offers a sleek and simple way to carry your bike. The front clamp attaches via the fork mount (after removing the front wheel), while the rear cradle secures the back tyre with a strap. It requires no tools and fits almost every style and brand of roof bars. Compact enough to fit in a shoebox, it’s a smart solution for riders who value both portability and performance.
The Yakima HighSpeed is a more premium option, offering enhanced stability with a streamlined design. It’s compatible with both quick-release and thru-axle forks, and installation is fast and tool-free. The HighSpeed mounts to most roof bar systems and can be adapted for T-tracks using Yakima’s SmarT-Slot kit. Its sturdy construction and aerodynamic profile make it ideal for securely transporting road, gravel, or mountain bikes at speed.
Both models offer excellent fork-mounted solutions, whether you’re after ultra-compact simplicity with the ForkChop or a more refined, high-performance setup with the HighSpeed.
**Spare-wheel-mounted bike racks
If your vehicle has a rear-mounted spare wheel, it opens up the option to carry bikes directly on it, an ideal solution for 4WDs and SUVs. One of the best options available is the BUZZ Pilot, which stands out for its ease of use and secure design. Unlike many spare-wheel racks that hang bikes from the frame, the BUZZ Pilot supports bikes on a stable platform, offering greater protection and reduced movement in transit. Once the bikes are removed, the rack folds up neatly against the vehicle, making it a practical and space-saving choice for spare-wheel bike transport.
Updated on: 16/09/2025
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