In this article, I cover the 9 best spare tire bike racks.
I’ve tested over 30 bike racks on the spare tire of my vehicle. I found the FIERYRED 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack to be the best choice by far if you want an affordable bike rack that is easy to install and will keep the bikes safe in transit.
The FIERYRED 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack can hold up to 2 bikes in total. The padded cradle beds keep the bikes scratch free and the rack comes with a convenient locking feature that lets you lock your bikes to the rack, helping deter thieves.
If you’re interested in finding more about this spare tire bike rack, as well as the best tire racks around, keep reading.
FIERYRED 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack, 75 lb
Overall Best
This spare tire rack, which can hold 2 bikes up to 75lbs in weight, is made of top-of-the-line, heavy-duty iron that gives the rack its rigid design. It has been finished with a powder coating to help protect the rack in moist climates.
The tire rack is designed to fit most spare tires and bikes of various different sizes and frame shapes. It has a universal mounting plate that fits with most spare tire mounting bases.
The anti-sway design of the cradles will keep your bikes safe and secure even if you’re driving on rough terrain. The anti-sway design prevents the bicycles from wobbling or moving so your bikes stay secure and protected from any scratching.
Also there is enough spacing between each bike to prevent bike-on-bike contact, which helps keep the finish of the frames looking pristine.
The rack does wiggle back and forth slightly with or without bikes on it, causing nothing more than an annoying rattling noise. I put a strap on the rack and attached it to the spare tire for additional support which immediately solved the problem.
One fantastic feature that I loved is the cradles can be locked to protect your bikes from theft- a great benefit that not many bike racks feature.
This spare tire mount even has its own built-in anti-theft lock, which will keep your tire rack safe when you’re away from the vehicle. Again this is another great benefit not nearly enough racks offer.
The only issue with these cradles is that they are not made of a soft material like other racks. They are hard plastic which has the potential to scratch and scuff the finish of the bike if you are going over rouggh terrain. A good solution is to use a soft material in between the bike and cradle to prevent scratches.
Overall, this spare tire bike rack should be your go to choice if you’re looking for practicality and affordability in your spare tire bike rack.
Pros
- Great value
- Holds 2 bikes
- Max 75lbs weight
- Heavy duty iron
- Rust resistant
- Accommodates a range of bikes
- Can fit to most spare tires
- Requires minimal assembly
- Anti sway straps
- Cradles secure bikes
- Anti-theft feature
- Space prevents bike-on-bike contact
Cons
- Cradle padding could be better
- Rack wiggles
Hollywood Racks Bolt-On Spare Tire Rack, Black, 2 Bike
Premium option
The Hollywood Racks Bolt-On Spare Tire Rack, which can hold two 35lbs bikes, is made out of high-quality materials that give it an overall more robust design. It has been coated with a powder finish to help protect it in humid conditions and will even hold up to minor scratches.
The tire rack is compatible with a wide range of spare tires and most bikes regardless of the style, design or shape. It includes a universal mounting plate that fits most spare tire mounting bases.
It can be securely tightened with the hard knob that attaches to the rack, and quickly loosened when you need to get the rack off for a quick off and on. The compact design of this rack also makes transporting and storing it very easy.
Securing the bikes to the cradles with the integrated safety strap ensures that the rack is safe during transport, further helping the bikes stay wobble free at speed.
The anti-sway design of the cradles will keep your bikes safe, secure, and wobble-free. These cradles have been bolstered with padding to prevent bikes from being scratched or scuffed.
The spacing between the bikes isn’t enough to stop bike on bike contact, and because the bikes aren’t secured at the wheels, the handlebars can bang against each other during travel. I recommend using bungee cords to address this.
The Hollywood Rack comes with an anti-theft feature which allows you to lock the rack to the spare tire using the locking system provided. This is a great benefit that other spare tire bike racks don’t offer unless you pay extra.
However, there is no integrated system to stop bikes from being stolen off of the rack. Use your own bike locks to get ahead of thieves.
Overall, this is a great premium bike rack.The low profile design makes getting bikes on and off easy and gives you the ability to open the tailgate even when the rack is attached.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Transport 2 bikes
- 75lbs max weight
- Rust resistant finish
- Prevents scratching
- Supports all bikes
- Easy install and removal
- Anti-sway cradles
- Padded cradles
- Straps keep bikes in place
- Anti-theft feature
- Low profile
- Tailgate can still be accessed
Cons
- Some bike-on-bike contact
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack
Budget option
The versatile design of the Allen Sports Spare Tire Carrier allows it to fit most rear-mounted spare tires. The alloy steel rack can be set up quickly, taking about 15 minutes on the first install. It can transport up to 2 bikes with ease.
It is a lot quicker to set up than other tire bike racks as it mounts on the tire out of the box, rather than needing to take the spare tire off to fix a mounting plate in.
This unique design also allows it to be taken down quickly.
A metal frame and two lower straps deliver exceptional stability on your vehicle, and the bottom feet help to distribute the weight evenly so it can safely accommodate 2 bikes (up to 70lbs).
The rack has been treated with a rugged powder coated finish, that helps to protect the rack from rusting in most climates as well as stopping bikes from scratching themselves against the rack.
The large carrying arms of this rack mean that it can work with a wide range of bikes that have a different size, shape and design.
Mounting bikes onto the rack can be a bit awkward, as the rack sits higher compared to other spare tire racks. I usually keep a little stool in my vehicle to help make the process much easier.
The cradle beds that the bikes sit in can be adjusted to accommodate all types of bikes. They can even be rotated to help support non conventional frame shapes. These beds have been padded to prevent damage during travel.
Securing bikes to this rack is really easy thanks to the integrated tie downs that have been made from a soft material. This helps keep bikes stable, secure and protected from scratches during travel.
The rack is even covered by warranty, so purchasing is risk free.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Alloy steel
- Takes 15 mins to setup
- Transport 2 bikes
- Max weight 75lbs
- Out of the box ready
- Mounts to spare tire
- Great stability
- Feet distribute weight safely
- Anti-rust finish
- Anti-scratch finish
- FIts a wide range of bikes
- Cradle beds are padded
- Cradle beds can be rotated
- Integrated tie-downs
- Back by warranty
Cons
- Rack sits quite high
Kanruis 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack Bicycle Carrier
The Kanruis 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack Bicycle Carrier, which can support up to 2 bikes which are 34lbs each, is made out of high-quality premium iron and has an overall lightweight but sturdy design. It has been coated with a UV-resistant powder to prevent rusting in humid conditions.
It can accommodate most spare tires with diameters less than 84cm as well as many different kinds of bikes. So if you have a bike in an unusual design or shape, even one that has an odd-shaped frame, don’t worry, it can be mounted on this spare tire bike rack.
This specific bike rack features an universal mounting plate which is included so that it fits most spare tire mounting bases.
A downside is this rack won’t fit if you have a spare tire mounted back-up camera so you may have to adjust this if you prefer this type of rack.
The bike rack can be adjusted to lie flat against a spare tire by twisting the main knob, which lowers the arms in a way that makes the rack compact. This function makes storing and transporting the rack easier.
The cradles’ anti-sway design will keep your bikes safe, secure, and wobble-free in transit . These cradles have been built from a soft material preventing the bikes from being scratched and scuffed.
The integrated straps make securing the bikes very simple. All you need to do is tighten them to fit the frame of the bike. The only issue with these straps is that they are made from hard rubber, which doesn’t protect the bike’s finish as well as softer materials.
Another issue is there is bike-on bike contact when you have both bikes mounted on to the rack. Tie bungees to secure the wheels and handlebars in place and stop them from bashing each other in transit.
The rack comes with an anti-theft feature that lets you lock the bike carrier to the spare tire to help prevent theft. There is no locking system to protect your bikes, so you’ll have to use your own bike locks to secure them to the rack.
Pros
- Supports 2 bikes
- Lightweight design
- Premium iron
- UV-resistant finish
- Rust resistant
- Supports odd-shaped frames
- Universal mounting plate included
- Can lay flat
- Compact design
- Padded cradle beds
- Integrated straps
- Anti-theft feature
Cons
- Straps aren’t padded
BUNKER INDUST 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack
The BUNKER INDUST 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack is composed of heavy-duty iron and has an overall lightweight yet durable design. The versatile design of this rack means it can fit virtually all SUVs and spare tires.
The rack has been finished with a powder coating to keep it rust resistant and to stop it from scratching the bikes.
The tire rack can accommodate a wide range of spare tires with diameters less than 84 cm. This spare tire bike frame may be used to mount a variety of different bikes (up to 2).Even large bikes like fat tire models and e-bikes will work.
Unfortunately, if your vehicle has a rear-mounted spare tire camera, this rack will not work.
Mounting bikes can be a little awkward, due to how high the rack can sit on your tire – I would keep a little stool on hand to make the process easier.
Bikes sit in their own individual ‘stay-put’ cradles that feature anti-sway cages so that the bikes can be held in place even on bumpy roads. Locking the bikes in place is easy with the integrated straps which have been padded to help protect the finish.
The rack straps are also quick release, so getting bikes on and off is really simple compared to other racks on the market.
BUNKER INDUST provides additional straps that can further tie your bike in place. I recommend using these on the handlebars to stop them from moving and causing bike-on-bike damage.
The rack features a tightening knob that can quickly lay the rack flat against the spare tire. This makes the rack compact when not in use. I would sometimes forget the rack was even on my vehicle when in this state!
This compact feature also makes transporting and storing the rack fairly easy. Furthermore, the rack only weighs about 15-20lbs.
Pros
- Heavy-duty iron
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Versatile
- Fits for most SUV’s
- Holds 2 bikes
- Anti-sway cradles
- Integrated locks
- Quick-release straps
- Fast unload and offload
- Rust resistant
- Prevents bike scratching
- Can lay rack flat
- Easy to transport
- Easy to store
Cons
- Does not work with rear-mo cameraunted
Rhino Rack Spare Wheel Bike Carrier
The Rhino-Rack Spare Wheel Bike Carrier is made of robust iron and has a lightweight yet sturdy design. This rack’s adaptable style allows it to fit virtually any SUV or spare tire. It is capable of holding upto 2 bikes.
The rack can be quickly installed to a spare tire in 20 minutes or less, and it features a UV-resistant finish to combat rust and prevent the rack from scratching bikes.
Mount fat bikes, e-bikes or any kind of bike to this rack. Small bikes can be a little awkward, but the cradles beds can be adjusted slightly to make it easier. The cradle pads have been made from a soft material that helps protect bikes and keep them wobble free.
The integrated straps that secure the bike in place in the cradle bed can be tied tightly without causing too much tension on the frame.
The only issue is that these straps haven’t been made from the softest material, so they can scratch and scuff the finish. Place a soft material in between, like a cloth, to prevent this.
The rack secures the bike at 2 points on the frame. This is fine for safety but leaves the handlebars and wheels free to move around in transit. This can cause bike on bike damage. Secure them in place with extra straps or bungee cords.
The rack’s arms can be folded flat when no bikes are mounted, this leaves it compact on the vehicle without taking up much room. This design makes transporting and storing much easier.
SUV owners should note that the Rhino-Rack is not suitable for off road use.
Pros
- Iron
- Lightweight
- 75lbs load capacity
- Sturdy design
- Adaptable to fit SUVs and spare tires
- Hold 2 bikes
- Takes 20 minutes to set up
- UV resistant finish
- Rust resistant
- Prevents bikes from scratching
- Mount all styles of bikes
- Integrated straps
- Padded cradle beds
- 2 Points of contact
- Folded flat
- Easy to transport
- Simple to store
Cons
- Straps not made from soft material
- Handlebars can wobble
YAKIMA - SpareRide, Bicycle Rack
The Yakima SpareRide Bike Rack can be easily attached to any spare tire mount. You don’t even need any tools. It provides enough room to transport 2 adult bikes of any shape, size or design.
The rack has been made from alloy steel to give it its strong and durable design and has been fitted with tire tread pads that interact with the spare tire, to reduce the rack wobbling.
The anti-sway cradles have been designed to stop bikes from bumping one another during travel, and do this a lot better than other spare tire bike racks on the market – they leave enough room for each bike to have some wiggle room.
That said, scratching and scuffing between bikes can still happen while travelling, so I tend to tie bikes and handlebars in place using bungee cords. This isn’t a fault with the product, it’s common for this to happen with spare tire bike racks and even hitch racks.
The integrated straps help to secure the bikes in the cradle beds, preventing them from falling off during travel. These are quick release straps so getting bikes on and off is pretty quick.
Bikes can be locked in the rack using the provided SKS locks, deterring thieves and giving peace of mind – a great benefit over many bike racks that don’t even include anti-theft features.
When the rack is not in use you can quickly fold the arms down, leaving the rack in a compact state on the back of your spare tire. Alongside its lightweight design (29lbs), storing and transporting this rack is quite simple.
Lastly, the spare tire bike racks even come with an integrated bottle opener.
This rack is also covered by Yakima’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 29lbs weight
- Alloy steel
- Compact design
- Transport 2 adult bikes
- Strong and durable
- Anti-sway straps
- Integrated straps
- Quick release straps
- Rust resistant
- SKS locks
- Anti-theft feature
- Quickly fold away
- Easy to transport
- Simple to store
- Max 70lbs load
- Integrated bottle opener
- Backed by lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some bike-on-bike contact
Surco BT300 Spare Tire Rack
The Surco rack attaches to most spare tires using the heavy duty mounting plate provided. It takes about 20 minutes to set up. This rack has been made from alloy steel, giving it a durable but lightweight design, and a black powder finish to prevent it from rusting.
This rack is one of the easiest I’ve installed on my spare tire.
I recommend using some kind of grease inside the threads of the mounting plate, as this section has not been finished with protective paint like the rest of the rack, so it can get rusty. And there is a risk of cross-threading if you are not careful.
Despite it having no folding feature like other options, this spare tire bike rack can quickly be taken down in just a couple of minutes so such a feature isn’t necessary.
The Surco can transport up to 3 bikes with ease. They can be mounted on the rack by placing the bike in the non-scratch padded channel.
It has a unique design compared to cradle beds as there is a larger layer of contact between rack and bike, keeping the bike perfectly wobble free during travel. And there is no messing around with straps, just place the bike in and lock it in place.
If the bike has an odd shaped frame, it is almost impossible to mount it. The rack has been designed for round tubular framed bikes only.
There are no anti-theft systems in place, for either the rack or the bikes. I would suggest buying your own to keep bikes secured in place.
Pros
- Heavy duty
- Alloy steel
- Lightweight
- Easy setup
- 20 minutes to install
- Transport 3 bikes
- Black powder finish
- Rust resistant
- Fits most spare tires
- No scratch mounting
- Padded holding beam
Cons
- Mounting plate can rust
- No folding feature
- Odd shape frames won’t fit
- No anti theft feature
Swagman RV Approved Around the Spare Deluxe Bike Rack
This RV approved bike rack from Swagman is the perfect choice for RV enthusiasts looking for a spare tire bike rack. It has plenty of load capacity and the unique design prevents your bikes from interacting with one another and getting damaged in transit.
Let’s start off with the build and design of this bike rack. It comes with a robust, all metal construction that we found to be sturdy and flex free. We did not have any concerns about the rack straining under load either.
Load capacity is rated at just over 70 lbs, more than enough for 2 adult sized road bikes. Just don’t expect this RV spare tire bike rack to carry your heavy mountain bikes or e-bikes.
The bike cradles keep your prized two-wheelers secure. Fully adjustable ratcheting straps hold your bikes at the frame so you can mount most any shape of bike. The soft rubber prevents any scratching of your bikes.
The unique design of this spare tire bike rack actually allows it to mount around the spare tire. The lower frame actually bolts on to the welded bumper of your RV for added support and stability.
There are quick release pins on the rack that let you quickly move it out of the way when you need to access the spare tire.
U-bolts and brackets make for a more confident inspiring fit. Not to mention, it is dead simple to get installed. All in, it took us less than 20 minutes to have the rack setup. That said, we do recommend getting it professionally done if you aren’t comfortable wrenching on your RV.
But what’s it like out on the open road? Well, we don’t own an RV personally, and ‘#VanLife’ means even rental prices are through the roof! Thankfully, one of our readers who has an RV offered to drive out and test the rack with us. Thanks Joshua!
We found this rack to be quite stable. It does not wobble at all, which is great for the long haul journeys most RVs will inevitably be used for. The ‘anti-sway’ design of the bike cradles prevents the bikes from interacting with one another or the back of your RV.
Really, the only problem we encountered with this bike rack was its low bike capacity. 2 bikes may be enough for the smart car that only seats 2, but on a full size Winnebago that you’ll use for family road trips and the like, it falls a good 2 or 3 bikes short.
Pros
- All metal build
- Rigid and firm design
- U-bolts for quick installation
- Anti-sway design
- No wobbling at speed
- Holds up to 70 lbs of weight
- Bolts on to continuously welded RV bumper
- Mounts around the spare tire
- Quick release pins allow for spare tire access
- Adjustable straps
- Holds bike frames firmly
- No frame scratching
Cons
- Only carries 2 bikes
