Subaru Crosstrek is finally treated as a car with special space needs because of its hatchback design. If you own this vehicle, it’s time to think about how you will transport your bicycles. A bike rack will help you carry bikes securely and conveniently so that you won’t have to worry about the safety of your bicycles.
We have selected and reviewed the 6 best bike racks for Subaru Crosstrek on the market today. We have considered the compatibility and design of a rack to make sure it can be attached to your car without interfering with its design. We also took into account how many bicycles you can transport with this rack and whether it can accommodate additional bikes. Finally, we chose racks that can be attached to your car and detached without any issues. Based on these factors, the Saris Bones EX Bike Rack became our favorite.
Other features: strap mounting, 100% recyclable materials, fits vehicles with spoilers
Saris Bones EX Bike Rack is our Editor’s Choice because of its lightweight design, recyclable materials and, of course, great compatibility with Subaru Crosstrek. This rack is designed to carry 2 bikes of up to 35 pounds each. It comes with a built-in anti-sway strap that ensures your bike stays secure as you go from point A to point B. What we find really great about this rack is that it’s composed of 100 percent post-industrial recycled plastics. These polymers are also injection molded for added sturdiness and durability. Furthermore, since there aren’t many metal parts, rust won’t cause any problems.
This is a great rack with a redesigned shape over its older sibling. There is an improved leg design over the original Bones, which helps to avoid contact with spoilers on most vehicles. Saris also states that the EX fits on 20% more vehicles compared to the original Bones, which is great if you have a vehicle with a flat back where the older Bones model would put the vehicle bodywork at risk of contact with pedals or other parts of the bike.
Other features: 1.25 and 2” receiver, 5” max. tire width, 20” – 29” max. wheel size, lifetime warranty, tilt function, One Key system compatible, bike lock and receiver lock included
Our Premium Pick, the Thule T2 Pro XT, is a strong, versatile two-bike rack that can support e-bikes, fat bikes, and carbon frames. You don’t have to carry the rack to your vehicle since it has integrated wheels. The T2 secures the front wheel with a maneuverable arm and straps around the rim and tire, while the rear is stabilized by a ratcheting strap. The bike rack can fit up to a 5-inch tire without adapters and up to 60 pounds per bike. We saw for ourselves that the stabilizing strap on the rear easily slides onto the tray to accommodate bikes with a wider or narrower wheelbase length. The Pro level Thule alternatives have plenty of locking features, and this model doesn’t stray from that path. The front-wheel arms include retractable cable locks and the larger install knob to prevent theft. Locking cores and keys are included by default with the T2 Pro.
Although both the T2 Classic and T2 Pro XT have a fold and tilt mechanism, there have been significant improvements with the T2 Pro XT. On the Classic, the handle to fold and tilt the rack is behind the bike, which means that you need to reach through the pull it. However, on the T2 Pro XT, the handle is on the right-hand side, so you can tilt and fold without fuss.
Other features: takes a few minutes to assemble, easily adjusts to different bike frame sizes, built in anti-wobble hitch
Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack can carry up to two bikes at 35 lbs each, which makes it ideal for occasional users. It provides enough safety features such as the built-in anti-wobble system that keeps your bike in place while transporting. Bikes can be mounted on this rack quickly, so you can get to your destination faster. If you’re planning to transport your bike often, then Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack is still ideal for you. We think this product is sturdy enough to last for years without any signs of wear and tear because of its alloy steel construction, making it very durable. Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack also provides convenience with its ease of assembly. You won’t need the help of professional bike mechanics in attaching this rack to your vehicle because it is easy to put together and mount on the car.
This is a great option if you don’t frequently need a bike rack. It only takes a few minutes to assemble and the rack is lightweight, making it easy to carry when removed from the vehicle. The horizontal bar folds, so it has a small footprint when not in use. While you can also fold another alternative in Swagman product line, the Swagman XTC2, the pins can make it a little tricky to fold the arms.
Other features: foldable, 6-strap tightening system, integrated anti-sway cradles
If you are interested in a Thule bike racks that don’t have the hitch, then the Thule Gateway PRO is a great option. It’s a foldable trunk rack with a 6-strap tightening system. Finally, it’s constructed of aluminum and plastic, much like the T2 PRO. When not in use, the incorporated arms fold down. However, they include anti-sway cradles to protect the two-wheelers from harming one another during transportation, and when in use, they provide 7″ of clearance between bikes. Finally, there’s a built-in cable lock mechanism. The Thule Gateway Pro Trunk Bike Rack is designed for individuals who want a trunk-mounted rack with nice security features.
Although the trunk mounts are similar with the Thule Gateway and Thule Passage, the Gateway allows you to adjust to ensure the bikes are level with the ground. There is a tendency with the Passage that the bikes are at a little bit of an angle, depending on your bike model. With the Gateway, you can simply adjust the bike angle with the cinching lever to ensure a secure fit.
Other features: 12-inch-long-carry arms, strap mounting, foldable, extra-large car pads
The Allen Sports Premier S102 Trunk Rack is a two-bike, 70-pound capacity rack that’s one of the simplest to attach to your bike rack. Thanks to the extra-large car pads, you won’t have to worry about the rear windscreen’s integrity or the vehicle’s finish with this rack. These distribute weight more evenly by spreading it out among several areas. The angled fit arms also make it simpler to place your bikes on the rack. They’re also simple to work with when you’re mounting your bikes. We can definitely say that this rack is great for individuals who would like extra protection for their read windscreen and the car finish.
The Allen Sports S102 is best suited to those who need the ultimate flexibility. Unlike the Allen Sports Deluxe, the Premier has a quick set up and fold design with rapid tilt away and quick securing cradle straps. The design allows the rack to be set up in seconds with excellent lateral stability and patented tie down system to protect your vehicle and the bikes.
Other features: adjustable frame, 3 types of attachment straps, comes fully pre-assembled, lifetime limited warranty
The F2 Over-the-Top is one of our best trunk bike racks for cars with spoilers. It features an adjustable “high rise” frame, which prevents the strap from touching the spoiler, and is lightweight to install. The F2 Over-the-Top’s stylish appearance includes detachable hatch anchor plugs and swiftly connects straps to hatches, trunks, roof rack cross bars, and raised rails on the vehicle. To mount a children’s, women’s, or alternative frame bike to this two-arm rack, you don’t need to buy an adapter bar (which is sold separately). However, a bike adapter bar may be required to mount certain bicycles or maintain your bike level on the rack. The majority of step-through models, dual-suspension bikes, and small children’s bikes will require a bike adaptor bar. Attach the Over-the-Top to the roof of your vehicle using the included D-ring straps if it has crossbars or raised side rails.
The main advantage of the Hollywood Racks F2 compared to the brand’s Sport Rider models is that you can still access your vehicle trunk, even once the rack is loaded. This is an attractive feature for those who have a smaller vehicle and don’t want to impede access to valuable cargo space without affecting your field of vision.
If you want to choose the finest bike rack for your Subaru Crosstrek out of hundreds of choices, you’ll need to know how to cut corners. This frequently necessitates a thorough examination of the rack’s characteristics and, by extension, its advantages. In this portion of the write-up, we’ve divided down the features and made it simpler to figure out what you’re searching for.
First of all, you need to understand that not every bike rack will fit both types of Subaru Crosstrek. As a result, it’s essential to look at the compatibility specifications before buying one.
Here are some popular types of bike racks for Subaru Crosstrek:
Roof Mounts – These bike carriers attach to the roof of a car via bars or hooks on top of hatchbacks or around window edges inside trunks. They can carry 2-3 bicycles at once with ease but are more expensive than other options. Also, consider that they do not work on all vehicles, so you have to check compatibility before buying one. If unsure, get in touch with the manufacturer or dealer to double check if it is compatible with your vehicle model.
Trunk Mounts – These are the most popular types of bike racks for Subaru Crosstrek. They attach to trunk lids and can hold 2-3 bikes with ease. They’re easier to install than roof mounts, but they also cost more because of their design that allows you to easily lift your car’s lid without removing the rack.
Hitch Mounts – A hitch mount is one of the cheapest options on the market. It’s made for sedans, SUVs, wagons and hatchbacks so it won’t scratch your paint. However, some models may have problems with sturdiness or stability on rough roads so ensure checking reviews before buying one. If you do not have a hitch on your car or do not want to install one, check out our list of the best bike racks for SUV with no hitch.
Trunk & Hitch Mounts – This type combines Sturdy trunk mounts with hitch-mounted racks that can carry up to 4 bikes. They are more expensive than other options but give you the convenience of using your trunk. Their price varies on weight capacity, so make sure it is compatible with the total weight of your bicycles before buying one.
Material and durability play a major role when picking the best bike rack for Subaru Crosstrek . The stronger it is, the more expensive you will pay.
Cheaper models are made of light material such as aluminum or thin steel that can bend with ease. This can result in damaging your bicycles and even scratching your car’s paint job.
You need to consider the number of bicycles (or types of bicycles) you plan on transporting before buying this accessory. If you own cruisers, road bikes or mountain bikes; you need an option that accommodates them all. For example, most trunk racks can hold two bicycles. Meanwhile, roof racks are designed for four bicycles (two on each side). Of course, some models attach to the hitch and can up to five bicycles at once.
The size of the bike rack for your Subaru is very important. Bigger racks are heavy and may make your car unstable. However, smaller racks are not only lightweight but more portable than the larger ones which you will find cumbersome to attach.
Before buying one of these accessories, it’s essential to read reviews for specific models to find out what other customers are saying about security. Some models come with locks that can deter thieves from stealing your bikes or rack itself. Others use straps and buckles instead – which is better for short-term parking or picking up a quick bite to eat at a restaurant during a road trip.
It’s important to keep budget limits in mind before making any decisions. Generally, cheaper bicycle racks won’t be as stable as pricey options so consider the price versus what you get. Also, always double check compatibility specifications the manufacturer’s website before you purchase one.
If unsure, don’t hesitate to contact customer service or check user reviews on Amazon since they contain up-to-date information regarding each product’s pricing and durability.
The market offers many affordable types of car racks for Subaru Crosstrek so it’s essential to create a budget before you start shopping. Once the spending limit is set, ensure looking at compatibility specifications to know if it will work with your vehicle model. Also, consider buying either trunk or roof mounts since they are more durable than hitch carriers.
In addition to compatibility, you should think about any special features that would be beneficial for your needs. For example, some models come with built-in locks. In this case, you may decide to purchase a certain model because you need extra security for your bikes and cars as well as the rack itself. On the other hand, if you live in an area where heavy rainfall is common, getting one with a cover could be beneficial for keeping your bicycles dry during transit.
To summarize our top selections, the Saris Bones EX is a fantastic option for anybody looking for a trunk-mounted bike rack for their Subaru Crosstrek. Despite the fact that it doesn’t contain metal components, it’s well-made, inexpensive, functions whether or not your car has spoilers, and you may recycle it at the end of its lifespan.
The Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR 2 bike hitch rack is our premium pick since it greatly improves both the bikes and the rack’s security. It also has a bigger weight capacity than other alternatives presented, as well as some convenience functions.
The Hollywood Racks F2 Over-the-Top 2-bike rack is one more great option for transporting bicycles in your Subaru Crosstrek. It is lightweight, and includes 3 types of attachment straps and adjustable “high rise” frame that works well for cars with spoilers.
Thanks for reading this article! We hope that it was useful in helping you out. If you have any questions or would like to suggest an article idea, please leave a comment below. Stay safe!
