Tow bar bike racks

We put ve of the best to the test

TESTING PROCESS

TO FIND THE best tow bar-mounted bike racks on sale, we evaluated how easy each rack was to mount on the tow bar (the best don’t require any tools) and how easy it is to open the boot once the rack is fitted. We also considered the speed and ease with which you can load bikes on to each rack, along with how many bikes each rack can carry. Finally, we considered versatility. Some tow bar-mounted racks can serve several different uses, doubling up as luggage racks or even cargo box carriers.

1 MAXXRAXX 4 Bicycle Voyager Easyfixx Carrier

Price £320 Buy from maxxraxx.co.uk Rack weight 12.3kg Max bike weight 80kg (4 bikes)

The Voyager tamper-proof carrier arrives as a collection of square tubes but takes just minutes to fit. Its show-stopping feature is the speed and ease with which you can load bikes on to it.with freesliding crossbar supports, spacing out your bikes is simple, and a heavy-duty ratchet strap, which takes seconds to tighten up, locks the supports and bikes in position in one operation.

You can also get a Maxxraxx accessory that allows you to fit the rack to vehicles with bulky rear-mounted spare wheels. Another optional mount lets you fit the rack in a way that keeps the tow bar free.

WHAT CAR? SAYS

TOW BAR BIKE RACKS 2. Bak-rak Bike-rak with box or tray capability

Price £109 Buy from bak-rak.com Rack weight 8kg Max bike weight 70kg (4-5 bikes)

The Bike-rak is made up of four laser-cut square tubes that fit together in minutes to form your bike rack.the anchored bungee cords let you secure your bikes to it quickly and easily.you can reposition the ‘arms’ and attach Bak-rak accessories, including a big carry tray and a 400-litre box. WHAT CAR? SAYS

3. Westfalia BC60 Portilo

Price £433.20 Buy from amazon.co.uk, pfjones.co.uk Rack weight 17.5kg Max bike weight 60kg (2 bikes)

The BC60 is pricey, but its versatility and ease of use help justify that. You can fit it without using tools, then load it with two bikes (three with an optional mount), or buy a Westfalia rear tray or 200-litre box to carry other items. Built-in locks secure it to your car and bikes, and it allows good boot access. WHAT CAR? SAYS

4. Atera Strada DL 3

Price £394.95 Buy from amazon.co.uk, roofbox.co.uk Rack weight 14.5kg Max bike weight 45kg (3 bikes)

Installing this three-bike rack (a mount for a fourth is available) is simple and tool-free, and there’s a reassuring ‘safe to go’ indicator. Locks secure the rack and bikes, and it has strong straps for more protection.you can’t fit a luggage rack or box, though, or keep your tow bar free when it’s on your car. WHAT CAR? SAYS

5. Halfords 4 Bike Tow Bar Cycle Carrier

Price £199.95 Buy from halfords.com Rack weight 15.1kg Max bike weight 60kg (4 bikes)

This four-bike model feels sturdy but takes about half an hour to assemble with the spanner supplied and is missing a few valuable features. Forget using the boot while it’s fitted; the rack doesn’t tilt or slide for easy access. It also lacks locks, so you’ll need to buy some to keep your bikes safe. WHAT CAR? SAYS