Editor’s Note – This list of the best inside car bike racks was updated on January 16, 2023, to improve content relevance and usefulness.
If having a semi-permanent bike rack on your vehicle’s roof or installed on your car’s hitch isn’t something you’d like to invest in, then an inside car bike rack is a significant consideration. These bike racks are handy when you’re not a regular cyclist, don’t want the hassle of installing or removing racks, and want to quickly load your cycles whenever you decide to take them out on a quick trail ride.
Besides the downside of detaching the front wheel to mount your bike to the inside car bike rack, these bike racks prevent everyday transportation situations such as bugs plastering the frame throughout the trip, making you constantly worry about overhead clearance or bikes falling off. There is also less worry about the rack or its bikes being stolen, like what would be an option if you had an externally mounted bike rack such as a hitch, trunk, or rooftop bike rack.
Our Pick!
Hollywood Racks T970 Fork Block
The Hollywood Racks T970 Fork Block is the master of versatility. Thanks to its practical and straightforward design, it can serve as an inside car rack, floor mount, wall mount, or truck bed mount.
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Hollywood Racks Offer the Best Overall Inside Car Bike Rack
The Hollywood Racks T970 Fork Block gets the vote for being the best bike rack for your vehicle’s interior. Thanks to its practicality and straightforward design, it can serve as an inside car rack, floor mount, wall mount, or truck bed mount. At $19.99, it’s a good investment if you’re on a budget.
1. Hollywood Racks T970 Fork Block
Dimensions:
7.3 x 3.2 x 3.6 inches
Material:
Steel and Aluminum
The installation is very straightforward and even easier to adjust according to your bike’s features and your car’s design. The entire fork block is quite heavy-duty, and once the bike has been mounted, it sits pretty stable and secure.
Regarding carrying capacity, this is a single bike carrying block; however, given its affordable price, should you want to transport multiple bikes, you can have almost four times as many T970s for the price of a single high-end rack. Also, as with many, if not all, inside car bike racks, the T970 attaches your bike by the fork, so you’ll need to detach the front wheel. This will also significantly lower the bike’s profile, making it easier to fit inside your car. Still, watch out for angled windows on tailgates.
Pros
Cons
The Saris Traps Triple Track Is Great for Multiple Bikes
The Saris Traps Triple Track is an excellent investment if you’re looking for an interior bike rack that caters explicitly to multiple bike transportation. Capable of transporting up to four bikes, this inside car bike rack is easy to install and remove. It’s a perfect interior bike rack for quick weekend cycling trips with the family.
2. Saris Traps Triple Track
Dimensions:
37 x 7 x 1 inches
Material:
Aluminum
The Saris Traps Triple Track is mounted inside the back and trunk of your hatchback, SUV, or truck bed. The construction consists of 47 inches of a powder-coated aluminum frame, 2 inches wide and as many inches tall. The rack can hold up to four bikes; best of all, it easily mounts on any wall. It’s relatively lightweight, so you might want to bolt it down permanently or be careful about weight distribution when mounting the bikes.
The frame holds the bikes upright, locking the fork using fork-mount traps. However, this and the wheel mounts are sold separately, which I found disappointing. Still, it’s excellent value for the money, and you get a sizable capacity for the whole family.
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The Interior Bike Rack From CyclingDeal Offers the Best Versatility
This multifunctional interior bike rack from CyclingDeal is great for versatility. Along with transporting bikes, this inside car bike rack can also be used as a crossbar adapter for your car, truck, or SUV. It can adjust its length from 13.5 to 23 inches and fit almost any vehicle. This bike rack can also be used to stabilize bikes when mounted to bike repair stands, wall storage racks, or other car bike racks. Considering this and its agreeable price stage, this is my top choice for a bike rack with many versatile storage and transportation options.
3. CyclingDeal Interior Bike Rack
Dimensions:
2.76 x 3.94 x 16.54 inches
Material:
Aluminum and Rubber
The bike’s frame is protected from scratching through rubber mount straps, while one of the strap ends is fully rotatable, meaning that this bike rack can be fitted to all bike frames. Upon inspection, the rack is lightweight due to its high-quality 6063 aluminum alloy construction. Although the bike rack only weighs around 1.3 pounds, it has a carrying capacity of 33 pounds.
Installation is done by strapping one end of the rack around the car’s interior door handle or rails inside the vehicle’s doors. The other end of the rack is then strapped to the bike, which is how the bike is kept upright, stable, and in position. There is no need for drilling or acquiring a tow hitch or additional bike mount.
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What Is an Inside Car Bike Rack?
An inside car bike rack is a device mounted inside a vehicle, usually a trunk or hatch, to transport one or more bicycles. It typically attaches to the vehicle with straps or hooks and provides a secure way to transport your bicycles safely.
Are There Any Benefits to Using a Bike Rack Inside Your Car?
- Increased security as an inside car bike rack keeps your bike secure and out of sight, reducing the theft risk.
- Easy access. When the bike rack is installed inside the car, you can easily access the bike without opening the trunk or taking it out of the car.
- Damage protection. An inside car bike rack protects your bike from the wind, rain, and other damaging elements, protecting your bike from wear and tear.
- It keeps the bike more secure. With an inside car bike rack, your bike is firmly secured and won’t move around or fall off during transport.
A Buyer’s Guide For Inside Car Bike Racks
If you want to transport your bike inside your vehicle, an inside car bike rack is a great option. Before purchasing, here’s a helpful buyer’s guide to consider.
Your Vehicle
Choose the correct type of bike rack for your vehicle. Most inside car bike racks are designed to fit standard sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks, but you can also find models specific to certain vehicles.
Consider the Size of Your Bikes
Consider the size of your bike. Before purchasing an inside car bike rack, ensure your bike will fit securely in the rack. Please measure the length and width of the bike, and compare it to the specifications of the rack.
Number of Bikes
Look at the bike capacity of the rack. Consider how many bikes you will need to transport, and choose a rack to accommodate them.
Ease of Installation
Think about how easy the rack is to install and use. Some racks are more complex and require more time for installation, while others are more user-friendly.
Are the Racks Adjustable?
Opt for an adjustable rack. It is essential to choose a bike rack that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of bikes.
Security and Stability
Check out the security features. Some racks come with locks and security straps to ensure the bike’s safety during transportation. Consider the weight of the rack. Choose one lightweight but still provides enough stability to keep your bike safe.
Budget
Compare the price range. Inside car bike racks can range from budget-friendly to expensive, so choose one that fits your budget.
Timo is an outdoor enthusiast and gear specialist who is constantly exploring. As an avid hiker, he has completed the ADK 46ers, South Beyond 6000, GA4000, and the Colorado 14ers. He's ice climbed Mt. Hood, hiked up half a dozen mountains in the Alps, and spent three consecutive summers constructing a sustainable trail through the Colorado high country.
Do you make a trap to hold an ebike made by specialized that has thru axle on the front fork?
Hi, I’d like to make loading and unloading my folding e-bike easier. I have a Honda fit and have been using a tarp/blanket to protect tail gate and then use it to help slide the bike in. Then I lay bike on its side and wedge towels and other things around it to protect it while I’m driving. Wondering if you know of a tray type slider that would work, that doesn’t cost more than the bike ($900 plus accessories)