Top 8 Best Bike Rack for Subaru Outback: A Comprehensive Review
Welcome to our roundup of the top 8 bike racks for Subaru Outback! In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore a variety of bike rack options designed to help you transport your bikes with ease and convenience.
Whether you’re an avid cyclist or simply enjoy weekend rides, finding the right bike rack for your Subaru Outback can make all the difference. Let’s dive in and discover the best options available on the market today.
Subaru Roof Bike Rack by Thule
This Subaru OEM Thule roof bike rack is a top-quality choice for transporting your bike securely. The self-adjusting jaws and ratcheting straps ensure a precise and secure hold while loading and unloading your bike is a breeze.
The durable construction and easy installation make it a reliable option for your Subaru vehicle, whether you’re hitting the road for a leisurely ride or a charitable mission to donate bikes to those in need. Trust in the genuine OEM part for a worry-free biking experience.
Allen Sports 2-Bike Trunk Rack 102DN-R
However, potential concerns include the metal hooks possibly causing damage to car surfaces and the strapping system being less convenient than other racks.
We found the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R, Black to be a versatile and sturdy option for transporting bikes. The setup was straightforward, and it easily attached to various vehicle types.
While some users noted minor issues like a squeaky noise, overall, the rack securely held bikes in place during trips, even with quick starts and hard turns.
The only drawback mentioned was the fasteners requiring more time to attach compared to other racks, but its value for the price makes it a recommended choice for biking needs.
Retrospec Lenox 2-5 Bike Hitch Rack
When it comes to our Retrospec Lenox 2-5 Bike Hitch Rack for Cars, Trucks, SUVs with a 2” hitch, convenience is key. The adjustable strap supports make fitting different bike frames a breeze.
Though there might be a slight sway during driving, it securely holds two men’s and two ladies’ bikes.
Easy to install with good build quality, this rack may have a minor rattle when in use, but it’s praised for its sturdy performance overall. It’s a reliable choice for carrying your bikes on your next adventure.
Saris Bones EX Car Trunk Bike Rack
However, some users may experience quality control issues and might need to purchase additional accessories for a secure fit.
We are thrilled to introduce the Saris Bike Racks, Bones EX Car Trunk Bicycle Rack Carrier in Black. This lightweight yet strong rack, weighing only 11 pounds, boasts the strongest frame on the market, ensuring durability and long-lasting reliability. With extensive vehicle compatibility fitting 90% of top-selling vehicles, including those with spoilers, this rack is a game-changer.
Customers rave about its ease of installation and sturdiness, making it a perfect choice for those with hitchless cars. Despite minor quality control issues, the Saris Bones EX is highly recommended for its versatility and ability to fit a wide range of car shapes.
Allen Sports Compact 2-Bike Rack MT2-B
While it offers easy assembly, sturdiness, and compatibility with various car models, potential strap damage to the car’s finish and difficulty in mounting two bikes were noted as drawbacks.
We’ve got the perfect solution for your biking needs with the Allen Sports Ultra Compact Folding 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model MT2-B! This ultra-compact two bike carrier is ideal for travel, commuting, or any time you need a portable bike rack.
With secure tie-downs and padded lower frame, your bikes stay safe and away from your vehicle. Plus, the easy folding design and included carrying bag make storage a breeze. While it’s great for most cars, keep in mind some minor adjustments might be needed for a perfect fit, like the installation above your rear window wiper. Overall, this rack is sturdy, easy to assemble, and a budget-friendly option for transporting your bikes.
Subaru Thule Bike Carrier for Various Models
However, assembly may be a bit challenging, and it can only accommodate one bike without an option for a second with an adapter.
We have a versatile solution for increasing your bike carrying capacity – the Subaru 2015-2024 Thule Fork Mounted Roof Bike Carrier SOA567B011. This bike hitch carrier is equipped with anti-sway cradles to protect your vehicle and bikes.
While some users found it a bit challenging to assemble, it proved to be secure and stable even on long trips. It’s designed to fit most bikes with up to 3” width, making it a reliable option for your outdoor adventures. Just follow the installation instructions carefully for a successful setup.
Thule 910XT Passage 2-Bike Carrier, Black
With the Thule 910XT Passage 2 Bike Trunk Mount Carrier, transporting your bikes is a breeze. The FitDial adjustment ensures a perfect fit to your vehicle, while the soft rubber cradles protect your bike frames securely.
The Stay-Put anti-sway cages prevent any unwanted bike-to-bike or bike-to-vehicle contact. Despite the minor inconvenience of loading two bikes closely together, this carrier is easy to install and perfect for local trips or long road journeys. Its compact design allows for easy storage when not in use, making it a versatile choice for any biking adventure.
Thule Gateway Pro Bike Rack
It accommodates various bikes, is easy to install, and durable for long-distance travel. However, it may require additional straps for heavier bikes and a frame adapter for step-through bikes.
We love how the Thule Gateway Pro trunk bike rack offers a secure and safe way to transport 1-3 bikes on the back of our car.
The 6-strap tightening system ensures a snug fit to any vehicle, while the integrated anti-sway cradles and spacing between bikes prevent any contact during transport.
Plus, the compact cradle design accommodates a wide range of bike frames. It’s a convenient solution for getting our bikes safely to the trailhead.
Choosing the Best Bike Rack for Your Subaru Outback
- Compatibility: Make sure the bike rack is compatible with your specific model of Subaru Outback. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure it will fit securely on your vehicle
- Capacity: Consider how many bikes you need to transport and choose a bike rack that can accommodate that number. Some racks can hold multiple bikes at once, while others are designed for just one or two
- Security features: Look for a bike rack that has secure locking mechanisms to prevent theft. Features like locking cables or straps can help keep your bikes safe while you’re on the road or away from your vehicle
Top Bike Rack Brands
Installation and Loading Instructions
- Make sure the bike rack is securely attached to your Subaru Outback by following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully
- Load your bikes onto the rack by placing them in the designated slots and securing them with straps or clamps to prevent them from moving during transit
- Double-check that your bikes are properly secured and that the rack is stable before hitting the road to ensure a safe and enjoyable biking experience
Pricing Information for Subaru Outback Bike Racks
- Entry-level bike racks for Subaru Outback typically range from $50 to $150. These racks usually offer basic functionality and can accommodate 1-2 bikes
- Mid-range bike racks for Subaru Outback fall in the $150 to $300 price range. These racks often feature more secure mounting systems, higher weight capacities, and may be able to carry 2-4 bikes
- Premium bike racks for Subaru Outback can cost upwards of $300 to $600. These racks are usually constructed from high-quality materials, have advanced security features, and can carry multiple bikes with ease. They may also have added convenience features like tilt-down mechanisms for easy trunk access
FAQs of Subaru Outback Bike Racks
The weight capacity for bike racks on a Subaru Outback typically ranges from 100 to 150 pounds, depending on the specific model and year of the vehicle.
It’s important to refer to the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Certainly! Using a hitch-mounted bike rack for a Subaru Outback has several advantages. These include easy loading and unloading of bikes, better visibility compared to roof-mounted racks, the ability to access the rear of the vehicle without removing the bikes, and the potential to carry multiple bikes securely.
Additionally, hitch-mounted racks are generally more stable and offer a higher weight capacity than other types of bike racks.
Yes, bike racks for a Subaru Outback do have locking mechanisms for security. These locking mechanisms vary depending on the brand and type of bike rack you choose.
Some racks come with integrated locks to secure the bikes to the rack and the rack to the vehicle, while others may require purchasing additional locking accessories. It’s essential to check the specific features of the bike rack you are interested in to ensure it meets your security needs.
Yes, there are specific bike racks designed to be compatible with the Subaru Outback’s design. The Subaru Outback is commonly used for outdoor adventures, including biking, so there are several options available to safely transport your bikes.
Some popular bike rack brands that offer models suitable for the Subaru Outback are Thule, Yakima, and Saris. These racks are designed to securely attach to the Outback’s roof, trunk, or hitch, depending on your preference.
It’s essential to check the specific compatibility of the bike rack with your vehicle model to ensure a proper fit and safe transportation of your bikes.
Yes, there are bike racks available that can be easily removed when not in use on a Subaru Outback. One popular option is a hitch-mounted bike rack that can be easily installed and removed from the hitch receiver at the back of the vehicle.
These types of bike racks are convenient and provide a secure way to transport bikes without having to leave the rack on the vehicle when not in use. Be sure to check compatibility with your Subaru Outback model before purchasing.
