7 Best Inside-Car Bike Racks – Control the Way Your Bike Is Transported! (Fall 2023)

We picked the sturdiest and easiest-to-install options that can secure one to four bikes, or even more!
By
Gloria Bussey
Gloria Bussey
Product Research and Writer
Gloria is a talented writer based in Chattanooga, TN and enjoys kayaking and mountain biking. She graduated with a business degree in 2007 and is now working on a master's i read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Steven Martin
Steven Martin
Vehicle Fit Expert and Consultant
Steven is a skilled car mechanic based in Denver, CO. He's a passionate hiker, devoted backcountry camper and his mechanic expertise allows him to maximize space in any vehi read more
Last updated: August 10, 2023
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Do you want to transport your bicycle without having to worry about whether or not you comply with traffic regulations? You can avoid fines by installing an indoor bike rack in the rear seat anchors on the floor of your vehicle and transport bikes safely and without worries.

In this article, we will review the best inside car bike racks of different types. Our top pick, for example, doesn’t require bolting down, which saves you time and effort, and we included fork-mount and even truck-mount bike racks as well, to make sure everyone can find a suitable option. We will talk about their design, bike carrying capacity, and features. We will also explain everything you need to know about this kind of bike racks in the buying guide.

Quick Summary

  • "This is an interior fork-mount rack for holding up to three bikes, sporting durable steel alloy and rubber construction and easy-to-use design. Almost no installation required. Anti-slip soft Urethane rubber feet. Excellent quality for the price."
  • "This rack can be easily installed inside your truck to safely transport 2 to 3 bicycles. Fork bike fastening. Powder-coated aluminum construction. 3 sets of mounting hardware included."
  • "A fork-mount bike rack for carrying just a single bike, made of steel and aluminum and covered with a limited lifetime warranty. Comes preassembled. Also fits your bicycle front wheels. Excellent price."
  • "A fork-mount block to hold one bike, featuring a quick-release design, made from an alloy of metals. Quick-release skewer included. 1-year warranty. Very affordable."
  • Premium Pick: INNO RT201
    "The truck bed rack is designed to work with all standard bike cable locks and comes with all needed hardware. Accommodates one bike. Doesn’t require wheel removal. Lifetime warranty."
  • "The best option for those who want a large-capacity rack, as it can carry up to four bikes. Alloy steel construction. Soft padding included. Extendable with or without spacer."
  • "Another fork-mount block rack which is made of lightweight aluminum, but it is rigid and sturdy. Comes fully preassembled. Quick release bar. Available in 3 colors."

Top 7 Inside Car Bike Racks Review 2023

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5175 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.9
Features
  • Type: fork-mount rack
  • Capacity: 3 bicycles
  • Material: steel alloy, rubber
  • Dimensions: ‎51.75 x 6 x 8.25 in

More features: anti-slip soft Urethane rubber feet

Our Editor’s Choice is the Minoura VERGO-TF3, a durable and reliable interior car rack for holding up to three bikes. We top-rated it because of its high-quality construction combined with ease of installation without bolting down. This is a fork-mount rack, and it is made of steel alloy and rubber. The rack has dimensions of 51.75 x 6 x 8.25 inches and has a set of anti-slip soft Urethane rubber feet that grip the floor of the vehicle.

This Minoura model is different from all rather options on our list in the fact that it’s extremely easy to install. It is not fixed to the floor of the car, it is simply left to rest, and the bicycles are placed on it. With the non-slip rubber, the weight of the bicycles prevents the bikes from moving. This particular model is not expandable (only two to three bicycles can be transported on it). The support can be rotated in 6 positions to be able to adapt the handlebar and save space. The 9mm and 15mm supports are adjustable to the length of the bar (they can be moved).

    What do we love it for?
  • Fixings can be moved along the rail to save space
  • Does not require installation and is easy to use
  • It's not expensive
    What were we disappointed with?
  • The bike rack cannot be fixed to the vehicle floor for better support
  • The number of bicycles to be transported cannot be increased
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5837 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.7
Features
  • Type: trunk-mounted rack
  • Capacity: 2/3 bicycles
  • Material: powder-coated aluminum
  • Dimensions: 49 x 7 x 2 in

More features: 3 sets of mounting hardware for traps included

The SARIS Traps bike carrier is a model that is easily installed inside a truck. The rail can be installed inside your car to safely transport 2 to 3 bicycles. It can be placed on the car floor or fixed on a stand. This system allows for simple and efficient transport by removing only the front wheel.

This interior car bicycle rack comes with the fixing screws supplied. It includes three sets of mounting hardware that can be used for traps. This model mounts easily on the floor of your vehicle and can carry multiple bikes lined up side by side. It’s produced by Saris, a brand known for making some of the best bike racks for an SUV without a hitch. This time around, the Sarri Traps will fit inside an SUV perfectly.

The SARIS Traps bike rack is easily mounted inside the boot. It sits on the floor of the vehicle and can hold 2 bikes and 2 extra wheels. However, the bike rack doesn’t feature an anti-theft system which we think is not necessary as the installation is always indoor.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Fork bike fastening
  • Comes with sets of mounting hardware
  • It is lightweight and powder coated for the sake of durability
  • Ideal for use in trucks
    What is not ideal about it?
  • You need to remove your bicycle's front wheel
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6965 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.5
Features
  • Type: fork-mount
  • Capacity: 1 bicycle
  • Material: steel, aluminum
  • Dimensions: 7.3 x 3.2 x 3.6 in

More features: limited lifetime warranty

The model with the best value for money is the Hollywood Racks T970. This is a fork-mount bike rack for carrying just a single bike. The bike rack is made of steel and aluminum, looks rigid, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.  The Hollywood Racks 970 Fork Block is a bike rack that needs to be mounted to a solid surface. The body is made from 6061 aluminum. It has a heavy-duty 9-millimeter quick-release skewer.

The Hollywood Racks model is built with high-strength metal and fasteners. The metal body is coated with thick power that ensures the rack can withstand all the elements even though it will not be used indoors. The bike rack will fit one mountain bicycle and is easy to install.

The rack has a lot of paddings that protect your car and bikes. The product is also covered by a limited warranty in case you have issues with it. It’s also one of the most affordable interior car racks for bicycles. It is made by an industry renowned brand that’s known to produce some of the best bike racks for minivans.

    What do we love it for?
  • The rack comes preassembled
  • Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
  • Will also fit your bicycle front wheels
    What were we disappointed with?
  • We wish it can carry more bikes
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4467 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.1
Features
  • Type: fork-mount block
  • Capacity: 1 bicycle
  • Material: alloy
  • Dimensions: 9 x 100 mm

More features: quick-release skewer included; 1-year warranty

Sold for less than $20, our Budget Pick is the MBP bike rack. This is a fork-mount bike block with a quick-release design. It’s made from an alloy of metals. However, it can only carry one bicycle. It comes with a one-year full warranty. It has 100 millimeters of block width where the fork is designed to be attached. The fork-mount block rack allows you to mount your bike either horizontally or vertically.

The rack is ideal for transpiring one bicycle inside your vehicle and is also suitable for your storage needs. It’s not so wide or long in dimensions and will not take a lot of space in your car. So, you will be able to keep other things in the car trunk with the bicycle.

    Why is it special?
  • It's made of strong but light-alloy construction
  • Allows vertical or horizontal mounting
  • Has a Quick Release system for ease of access
    What are the flaws?
  • The fork-mount block rack can only mount one bike
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5271 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
8.8
5
Premium Pick

INNO RT201

Features
  • Type: truck bed bike rack
  • Capacity: 1 bicycle
  • Material: metal blend
  • Dimensions: 12.5 x 10.3 x 2.7 in

More features: works with standard bike cable locks; hardware included; lifetime warranty

The INNO RT201 Bike Rack cannot carry more than one bicycle but it’s a premium quality model that is made of metal blend. This is a truck bed type of bike rack that comes in 6 pieces that can be easily connected and mounted. The Innos RT201 is referred to as one of the best truck bed bike rack for danger-free transportation.

The truck bed rack is designed to work with all standard bike cable locks and comes with all needed hardware and a lifetime warranty. There is no need to drill any mounting area. We also liked that you don’t have to remove the front tire of your bike before mounting.

    What are its best features?
  • Made of durable metal blend
  • Comes with a lifetime warranty
  • Hardware included and it doesn't need any drilling
  • Doesn't require wheel removal
    What could be improved?
  • A bit expensive
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7705 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.7
Features
  • Type: truck bed bike rack
  • Capacity: up to 4 bicycles
  • Material: alloy steel
  • Dimensions: 31 x 27 x 6 in

More features: extendable with/without spacer; soft padding included

The best option for those who want a large-capacity rack would be the Automotive 2025 Advantage from Heininger. This is also a truck bed type of bike rack, but it can contain up to four bicycles. You can’t find any other larger capacity rack on the market than this. The SportsRack BedRack is made from alloy steel and is extendable with or without a spacer. In addition, there are soft padding included with the rack system. This will prevent your car and bicycle from getting scratched or the parts damaged.

With this truck bed rack, you can haul four bicycles onto your truck bed and you wouldn’t need to remove any wheel. Assembling is quick and there is no tool needed for this. In addition, the bike rack has a lockable cable. You can extend it from 54.5 inches to 66.5 inches without using a spacer. And with a spacer, it’s extendable from 60.5 inches to 72.5 inches.

    What stands out?
  • No tool needed for installation and quick to assemble
  • Comes with soft padding that prevents scratches
  • Can carry up to 4 bikes
  • Includes a lockable cable
  • Extendable with and without spacer
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • It could be sturdier
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2353 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.5
Features
  • Type: fork-mount block
  • Capacity: 1/2 bicycles
  • Material: aluminum alloy
  • Dimensions: 12.6 x 3.94 x 3.15 in

More features: quick release bar; 3 colors available

The Beyst is another fork-mount block rack but it’s our Most Sturdy Rack option. It is simply hooked to the bike’s fork after the front wheel might have been removed. It’s a fork-mount bike rack for carrying just a single bike. The bike rack is made of lightweight aluminum but it looks rigid and sturdy.

The Beyst Fork Block is a bike rack that needs to be mounted to a solid surface. The body is powder-coated to ensure the rack can withstand the elements. The bike rack will fit one bicycle and is easy to install.

It’s also one of the most affordable interior car racks for bicycles although it’s not as affordable as our budget pick. But we liked that it comes in three colors.

    What stands out?
  • The rack comes fully preassembled
  • Comes with quick release
  • Available in yellow, silver, and black
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • We wish it can carry more bikes; you'd need to buy one more if you have another bike to carry
  • Will need the front wheel removed

Things to Consider

Today, it is possible to find different types of car-specific bicycle racks on the market. Thanks to them, you can transport your bike comfortably and safely. The interior car racks for bikes can be used for storing and transporting bikes and there’s no need to be worried about getting fined. In this buying guide, we will tell you all about this accessory.

Why Choose Inside-Car Bike Racks?

7 Best Inside-Car Bike Racks – Control the Way Your Bike Is Transported! (Fall 2023)
An in-car bike rack would be a good choice if you have a large vehicle, like SUV

Inside-car bike racks are safe and practical. For those users who do not like the idea of leaving their bikes outdoors, they are a very good option. But they also have many other features that make them an excellent choice to transport our bikes optimally and without headaches:

  • You will save on fuel: If you have used other types of bike racks before, you will immediately notice the fuel savings when using an interior bike rack. By transporting the bikes inside the vehicle, it will not affect the aerodynamics or the tractive force of your car in the least.
  • Easy to install and safe: Its fixing system through the anchor points of the seats of your vehicle ensure good fixation, avoiding any type of movement and slipping while driving.
  • Capacity of up to 4 bicycles: You can find many options of indoor bike racks that can transport from 1,2, 3, and up to 4 bicycles. Of course, the larger and more spacious your vehicle, the more possibilities, and the best thing is that being installed inside, you will not need a very powerful car to transport your bicycles.
  • They comply with the regulations: In this case, the bike racks for the interior of your vehicle do not cover the license plate or the lights. You only need to add an extra outside mirror on the right-hand side of the bike if the bikes prevent you from fully seeing through the inside mirror.
  • Ideal for all types of vehicles: In the product review section, we offer you a wide range of indoor bike racks made and adapted for different vehicle brands as well as universal indoor bike racks that adapt to all types of cars: indoor bike racks for cars, vans, etc.
  • They give you peace of mind: The rack is an effective solution for transporting mountain bikes, racing bikes, and electric bikes. With the indoor bike racks, you will ride your racing bikes or heavy bikes with peace of mind. However, other fastening systems could cause you problems due to their weight.

Features to Consider Before You Buy a Bike Rack

Below, you will find out some of the features you should consider before buying a bike rack, the car interior models especially.

Type and Mounting Options

We can find three main types of different models of indoor bike racks on the market. The first is a platform that is fixed to the floor anchor of the trunk and/or seats. It is the safest but the one with the least universal options, although the hooks can be modified to the width you want.

The second type of interior bike rack is a universal metal bar that you can adjust in length until it touches both sides of the vehicle and remains fixed. It comes with an adapter to attach to the front fork of your bike. It is a good option if you have a small car, but for vans or larger cars, the best option is the third option that we will discuss below.

Finally, you can buy a non-slip model such as the Minoura VERGO-TF3 that is fixed by the weight of the bicycles. This is perfect for large cars with space inside. For added security, you can secure it with a strap to provide added stability.

Compatibility with Your Car

7 Best Inside-Car Bike Racks – Control the Way Your Bike Is Transported! (Fall 2023)
You need to consider the free space you have in your car, so the rack itself and the bikes on it can fit into it

They are ideal for couples in small and medium-sized cars, although the larger the vehicle, the greater the number of bikes you can install without having to reduce the number of passengers. So it is also a good option for those who want to safely transport their bicycles inside their minivan or van.

If you are the type who needs space in the back of the vehicle, perhaps interior bike racks are not the right one for you and you should evaluate other models that will better suit your needs. In addition, some indoor bike racks, when they are installed with bicycles, can cover the visibility of the rear window, something that can be annoying for some users.

Compatibility with Your Bike

For which bicycles is a bicycle holder (interior) suitable and how are they attached? A mounting bracket with a width of 100 mm is suitable for numerous bicycles. Bikes with wide forks such as fat bikes or mountain bikes may require a 110mm or larger rack. The best indoor bike rack will fit multiple sizes and systems, or come with adapters, such as the Minoura bike rack.

However, to be able to transport a bicycle with a bicycle rack in the interior of your trunk, the front wheel must be removed. The bike would be too high in the bike rack (interior) without removing the wheel and would not fit in the trunk. The bicycle is attached to the front bicycle fork.

The front-wheel axle is replaced by an axle on the bike rack. If your bike has a thru-axle, you will also need a thru-axle bike rack (interior). Bikes with quick releases are also held in a bike carrier (interior) with a quick release.

Build and Durability

The build and durability of the product are good features to watch out for because they will be holding the weight of one or more bicycles. Durable racks are built from steel. Aluminum offers lightness but racks made with this material aren’t usually resistant. However, this doesn’t mean all aluminum-made racks aren’t sturdy or durable enough. Our most sturdy model, the BEYST Bike Block fork-mount is made of aluminum, but it’s thickly made.

Ease of Installation

Look for racks that don’t require drilling, or if possible, the removal of the front wheels. However, there are bicycle models that are attached to the front fork and need the wheel removed. You will find models for both quick release and thru-axles in different sizes. You can also choose a bike carrier without assembly that you can easily put in your trunk.

Accessories Included

7 Best Inside-Car Bike Racks – Control the Way Your Bike Is Transported! (Fall 2023)
With a complete set of tools and accessories included, you’ll have no hassle installing the rack

Some interior bike holders have optional attachments and accessories. Some models come with the hardware accessories included while others like the MBP Fork-mount Bike Block come with quick-release skewers for having quick access to the bike. Finally, some models such as the Minoura VERGO-TF3 come with rubber pads that prevent the car or bike from getting scratched.

How to Mount a Bike Rack inside Your Car or Truck?

Handling a bike carrier for the interior of a car is particularly easy if no assembly is required. The bike carrier is equipped with non-slip rubber feet and can simply be placed in the trunk. You can attach an interior bicycle carrier with straps or a clamping system without tools.

A fork-mount as a bicycle carrier is usually screwed to the ground. If the fork-mount is to be used for an interior in the car, you need a stable wooden board as a base that should be as wide as your trunk so that the bike holder cannot slip to the side.

The screws are often included, so you only need a cordless screwdriver for assembly.

Before you buy a bike carrier, you should consider in which direction you want to install the bike carrier. If the bike rack is mounted so that you push the bike forwards into your car, attaching the bike is often a bit tricky. The Heininger Automotive 2025 can help here. This is extendable so you can easily place the bike on the stand outside the trunk and then push it into the car with the stand.

FAQ

Is transporting a bike inside your car better than outside?

Asides from the passenger seat it occupies, the inside car bike carrier can help you save on fuel, compared to outside models. A bike rack for the interior of a car is also useful in bad weather, but also if you want to drive the car and bike into a garage. There would be no need of using a rack with an anti-theft lock.

What are the safety precautions of transporting a bike inside a car?

In some countries, it is not legal to carry the bicycle inside the car if it is not properly secured. This is because, in the event of an accident, there is a danger that the bicycle will move abruptly and injure the passengers. Ensure the bike is securely mounted so that it cannot be projected in case of sudden braking.

Our verdict

Here you have it! Above, we reviewed the best inside car bike racks that are easy to install and are made of durable materials.

Our Editor’s Choice is the Minoura VERGO-TF3. We chose this because it can carry up to three bikes and it is made of steel alloy and rubber.

The best option for trucks is the SARIS Traps bike carrier. This is a model that is easily installed inside a truck to safely transport 2 to 3 bicycles.

Finally, our best value pick is the Hollywood Racks T970 as it is made of steel and aluminum, looks rigid, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

References

1.
The Benefits of an Interior DIY Car Bike Rack and How to Make Your Own
Yes, we are cyclists but sometimes we need to put our two-wheeled friends in another form of transport to get to where we want to ride. Public transport is great but it doesn’t always go where and when we need it.
2.
What's Driving You Crazy: Is it legal to have a bike rack on a car covering up the rear license plate?
Dave from Berthoud writes, “What’s driving you crazy? I have a photo on my phone of a bike rack on a car covering up the rear license plate - with no bikes in it. Is that even legal?”
3.
Bike Laws
The League’s bike law resources help you understand the laws that affect bicycling and connect our current legal landscape to the advocates who are pushing for better laws.
9,9
Total Score
Minoura VERGO-TF3 Interior Car Rack for Bicycles - Editor’s Choice
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