Let’s put it this way: it’s sunny out, you’d like to ride at the beach, you’ve just tuned up your fat bike, and you’ve set up your old mountain bike rack.
Whether it’s hot or cold, fat bikes are great. Just one bummer; they’re a bit of a drag to load onto just any bike rack.
It won’t fit in your old mountain bike rack, so you decide to go shopping for one that fits. But what are the best fat tire bike racks you can get this year? Read on to find out.
Best Bike Racks For Fat Tire Bikes: Our Top Picks and What to Avoid
The best fat tire bike racks need to accommodate fat tire bikes, which can have tires as wide as 4 or 5 inches (or even wider!). The average mid-range fat bike weighs between 33 and 40 pounds, so fat tire bike racks need to be strong.
The following are some of our top picks for fat tire bike racks:
| Brand | Model | Top Advantage | Top Disadvantage | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thule |   | T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack | Fits 20 – 29″ wheels and up to 5″ tires without adapters | The price | Click to check price |
| Yakima |   | HoldUp EVO 2 | Strong and stable and has a heavy weight capacity | Heavy and bulky | Click to check price |
| Saris |   | Superclamp EX | Lightweight but strong enough to carry 2 x 60lb bikes | Release handle requires a strong grip to activate | Click to check price |
| Kuat |   | NV 2 | Durable and strong with fully integrated cable locks | Some people find it difficult to assemble | Click to check price |
| Hollywood Racks |   | Sport Rider | Excellent heavy bike capacity for up to 2 x 80lb bikes | Fits 2” hitches only | Click to check price |
| Rockymounts |   | Backstage Swing Away Platform | Allows full access to the rear of your vehicle with or without bikes | Heavy with limited tray clearance | Click to check price |
| Swagman |   | Current ebike approved hitch bike rack | Designed for all types of bikes, including fat bikes and ebikes | The straps have been reported to disintegrate by a few customers | Click to check price |
When choosing the best bike rack for fat tire bikes, it’s best to avoid lightweight bike racks that may not be able to handle the heavier weight of fat bikes. It’s also best to avoid roof-style bike racks as you don’t want to be hauling your fat bike over your head.
The best bike racks for fat tire bike racks tend to be hitch mount platform-style racks. There are several reasons why cyclists prefer the hitch mounted style. These include the following:
- Hitch mounted bike racks can carry heavier loads;
- You don’t have to worry about overhead clearance;
- They are more aerodynamic and so more fuel efficient than roof-style racks.
How We Selected the Best Options: Our Results and Criteria
As biking enthusiasts, we have tested many bike racks over the years, but with the new craze in fat tire bikes, we have chosen to take a closer look at bike racks that are fit for this purpose. We have taken into consideration the following criteria:
Brand Reputation
How the brands that make the bike racks measure up when it comes to its customers, users, and other stakeholders’ opinions. The stronger the brand reputation, the more trust the brand has for people to recommend buying their products.
Modular Design
We look at how well the product has been designed for its intended use and if the parts are easily put together or replaced. We also look at how easy the bike racks are to use in everyday situations.
Weight Capacity
As we are specifically looking for the best bike racks for fat tire bikes, the weight capacity is very important. The average fat tire bike weighs between 33-40lbs. Top-end and custom models can be lighter. However, because of the fatter tires, the bikes need wider wheel rims, which means wider fork arms as well as wider seatstays and chainstays. All this extra width adds on extra weight, so the bike racks need to have extra weight carrying capacity.
Customer Reviews Over A Multitude Of Sites
When considering the different fat tire bike racks, we take the opinions of you, the user, very seriously. That’s why we look at all customer reviews, both good and bad, on various different platforms. These include sites like Amazon, plus the many different cycling and outdoor gear forums, as well as review focused websites.
Ease Of Installation
The bike rack industry is extremely popular right now, and there’s a lot of competition out there. Manufacturers are getting very creative, and one of the things they are using to try and set themselves apart is the ease of installation as well as the ease of use.
While we use the above criteria when we are reviewing the different fat tire bike racks, we also include our personal experiences with the different bike racks we have used.
If you want to learn more about the different brands of fat tire bike racks that made it onto our ‘best of’ list, then keep on reading!
People Also Ask:
Do all bike racks fit all bikes?
No, not all bike racks fit all bikes. Bikes come in many different shapes and sizes, including kids bikes, ladies and gents bikes, road bikes, MTBs, and BMX bikes, to name just a few. When choosing the best bike rack for your needs, you will need to consider the size, type, and how many bikes you want to transport. Plus, you will need to take a close look at the carrying or load capacity of the different types of bike racks and brands.
Will fat bikes fit on all bike racks?
Fat bikes will fit on some but not all bike racks. For example, fat bike tires measure from 3.8 – 5.2” wide, whereas standard mountain bike tires measure 1.9 – 2.6” wide. So you will first need to test-fit your bike onto the rack of your choice. While hitch racks are the best choice for fat tire bikes, not every bike is a perfect fit on every hitch rack (or the cradles they use). It’s rare, but on occasion, some bikes (particularly women’s or kids’ models) do not fit perfectly on some cradles, and fat tire bikes may require an additional adapter.
Best Heavy Duty Fat Tire Bike Rack: For Those Big Beasts
Fat bikes are not so easy to load onto just any bike rack. The bike rack that transports your fat tire bike must be able to accommodate the wider tires and overall heavier weight. So if you are looking for the best heavy duty fat tire bike rack, we suggest the following:
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider 2 Bike Hitch Bike Rack
Advantages:
- Rack can carry 2 bikes of up to 80 lbs each!
- This rack tilts down for easy rear cargo access even with the bikes loaded.
Disadvantages:
- This rack does make frame contact with your bikes (although the hooks are heavily padded).
- Only fits 2” hitches.
This heavy duty fat tire bike rack is good for anyone who needs to transport super heavy bikes (including ebikes), safely and securely. It features a patented “no wobble – no tools” hitch tightening system for fast and secure installation. Plus, the rack tilts down for easy cargo access, even with your bikes loaded, and it folds flat against your vehicle when not in use.
| Type: | Hitch Mount – Platform |
| Weight: | 56lbs |
| Weight Capacity: | 80lbs per bike |
| Number Of Bikes: | 2 |
| Material: | Alloy steel, plastic |
| Ease Of Set-Up: | Medium |
The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider is the most heavy duty fat tire back rack on our list. It’s a very strong and sturdy bike rack and is a more affordable alternative to the more premium priced bike racks on our list. It has a relatively low clearance which makes it easy to load heavy bikes. Plus, the universal wheel holders fit tires up to 5” wide, and the ratcheting system is secure and easy to use.
People Also Ask:
Does tongue weight matter for bike racks?
Tongue weight (TW) is the amount of downward weight that your hitch ball can carry, so yes, the tongue weight does matter for bike racks and the weight of the bikes you intend to carry.
The tongue weight of your hitch should be able to handle at least 10% of the total weight of your bikes and your bike rack. Always make sure to check the class of the hitch that you have installed before using your hitch to carry heavy bikes. And always make sure the hitch you have installed is Class II or higher.
Best Fat Tire Bike Rack With Ramp: Roll-up & Lock
What about if you don’t feel strong enough to lift up your fat tire bike onto the platform of your bike rack? Then a bike rack with a bike ramp is your best solution! The following fat tire bike rack comes with a bike loading ramp and is our top pick:
Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack
This is Thule’s best option for a fat tire bike rack that comes with a ramp and is, in fact, the best on the market. However, the Thule brand is synonymous for racks of all kinds and has many different bike rack options available.
Advantages:
- Comes with a ramp to help you roll your heavy fat bike on and off the rack.
- Has wheels and a handle which makes it easy to maneuver and store when not in use.
Disadvantages:
- The premium price tag.
- Grips the bikes by the frames instead of the wheels.
This Thule Easy Fold XT bike rack has been specifically designed to transport heavy bikes, which includes fat tire bikes and ebikes. While it comes with a premium price tag, the quality of Thule is unsurpassed. The ramp enables you to easily load up to two bikes without any heavy lifting required.
| Type: | Hitch Mount – Platform |
| Weight: | 45lbs |
| Weight Capacity: | 65lbs per bike |
| Number Of Bikes: | 2 |
| Material: | Aluminium, plastic |
| Ease Of Set-Up: | Easy |
There is a 36” ramp included, which for a normal height car or truck, creates a ramp with a suitable angle to easily push up your heavy fat tire bike. If you drive an SUV or high clearance truck, there is an option to purchase a longer 56” ramp, so the angle of loading is not so steep. The wheel trays are strong and fit most size wheels, but you may have to buy an adapter to fit fat bike tires wider than 3”.
While these two fat tire bike rack options are our top picks by category, there are many different options out there. If you still haven’t found what you are looking for, read on to find out more!
Best Thule Fat Tire Bike Rack: America’s Staple Racks
Thule is a world renowned Swedish company that specialises in all sorts of outdoor gear and transport boxes and racks. Thule specializes in bike racks and has many options, even for fat tire bikes. However, the following is our top pick:
Thule T2 Pro XTR
The Thule Pro XTR makes it to the top of the list of most bike gear reviews of ‘best bike rack’ and for a good reason. While Thule makes a range of 24 different bike racks, the Pro XTR is our firm favourite.
Advantages:
- Loaded with some awesome extra features.
- Can hold tire widths of up to 5” without having to purchase a separate adapter.
Disadvantages:
- The price.
- It’s heavy so you may not be able to install it alone.
This bike rack has many different features, which include (but are not limited to) an easy to use tilt mechanism which gives easy access to the rear of your vehicle, plus locks are included as a theft deterrent for both your bikes and the bike rack itself. This top quality bike rack also has wheels at the bottom to make it easy to maneuver this bike rack in and out of your garage, despite its heavy weight.
| Type: | Platform |
| Weight: | 52lbs |
| Weight Capacity: | 60lbs per bike |
| Number Of Bikes: | 2 |
| Material: | Aluminium |
| Ease Of Use: | Easy |
This high-quality and versatile design fits most bikes and is super easy to use. Thule has been scoring big with this bike rack, as its been a firm favourite with all users over the past few years. And we have to agree. It’s easy to connect to your hitch, and it’s easy to load your bikes and secure them with the ratchet arm and integrated locking cables. While the high price might put you off, you cannot go wrong with the quality of a Thule bike rack.
People Also Ask:
Does Thule make good bike racks?
Thule has been designing and manufacturing outdoor adventure products since 1942. The company has a wealth of expertise when it comes to designing innovative products, and their bike racks are no exception. The first hitch-mounted bike carrier was launched in 1992, and since then, the company and its bike racks have gone from strength to strength, and they are recognised as one, if not THE top brand.
Still haven’t found what you are looking for? Then read on to find out more!
Best Yakima Fat Tire Bike Rack: From the Best in Plug & Play
Yakima is another one of the leaders in designing and manufacturing world-class, easy, and safe to use bike racks. They offer many different bike rack solutions and accessories, but the following is our top pick to use with fat tire bikes:
Yakima Hold-Up EVO 2
Despite the brand offering many different bike rack solutions, the Yakima Hold-Up EVO 2 is our top pick for transporting fat tire bikes. Let’s look at the reasons why:
Advantages:
- Fast and easy to load and offload bikes.
- Plenty of spacing between bikes.
Disadvantages:
- Very heavy bike rack.
- Not the best design for smaller wheels.
Yakima’s many fans out there will not be disappointed with this high-end offering from the brand. The Yakima Hold-Up EVO 2 is easy to use and offers plenty of spacing between two bikes, built-in locking cables, and a simple ‘tool free’ installation system for you to easily ‘plug’n’play’!
| Type: | Hitch rack – platform |
| Weight: | 50.6lbs |
| Weight Capacity: | 50lbs per bike |
| Number Of Bikes: | 2 |
| Material: | Aluminium/steel |
| Ease Of Use: | Easy |
While the YakimaHold-Up EVO 2 advertises that it fits all bike wheel sizes from 20” – 29”, we found that wheels under 24” were not so easy to fit. This is down to the fact that the wheel tray distance is not adjustable. However, the rear wheel trays do pivot, which allows different bike sizes with bigger wheels to easily fit onboard. Plus, there’s plenty of distance between each bike, so there’s no fear of scratched frames.
Best Saris Fat Tire Bike Rack: Your Best Lightweight Option
Saris is another well-known brand that only makes all things bike. From bike racks to accessories and everything for training, you can rely on Saris for their bike gear. However, we’re looking at the best fat tire bike racks, so the following is our top pick from Saris:
Saris Superclamp EX
The Saris Superclamp EX comes in a 2 bike and 4 bike carrying capacity. While Saris makes both trunk and hitch bike racks, if you’re looking for a bike rack to carry fat tire bikes, then this rack is their best option.
Advantages:
- Has the best rear window visibility.
- Offers dual wheel-clamping hooks for a secure ride.
Disadvantages:
- Bikes are placed quite close together, which increases the risk of scratches.
- Tools are needed when installing or uninstalling this rack.
As the Saris Superclamp EX doesn’t block your rear view when your bikes are not loaded, it’s a great rack for frequent bikers who prefer to keep a rack on their car, even when they’re not using it. Plus, this rack is simple to use and can adjust to fit both kids and adult bikes, so it’s great if you ride as a family.
| Type: | Hitch rack |
| Weight: | 38lbs |
| Weight Capacity: | 60lbs per bike |
| Number Of Bikes: | 2 or 4 |
| Material: | Not available |
| Ease Of Use: | Easy |
The Saris Superclamp EX comes in either a 2 or 4 bike version. This rack is so easy to load that even a child can handle it. However, if your tires are wider than 4”, you will have to buy their fat tire wheel adapters, which are available as an upgrade.
If you are a regular rider and don’t want the hassle of constantly adding or removing your rack, the fact that this rack folds away and doesn’t block your rear view makes this an excellent choice!
Summary: Our Final Results and Picks for the Best Fat Tire Bike Racks Per Section
Too many to choose from? Let’s narrow it down to the best of the best. Here are our top 3 picks for the best fat tire bike racks:
| Ranked | Brand | Model | Why We Liked It | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | | Thule | T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack | Fits 20 – 29″ wheels and up to 5″ tires without adapters | Click to check price |
| Runner Up | | Yakima | HoldUp EVO 2 | Strong and stable and has a heavy weight capacity | Click to check price |
| Best Budget Option | | Rockymounts | Backstage Swing Away Platform | Allows full access to the rear of your vehicle with or without bikes | Click to check price |
You can find a lot of fat tire bike racks on the market today, but we compared the best prices for you. Check the price of the bike rack you’re interested in to see if it’s on sale. There’s always a chance!
People Also Ask
Can a Saris bike rack carry an ebike?
Not all Saris bike racks are strong enough to carry ebikes. However, the Saris Superclamp EX, mentioned as one of our top picks, is certainly capable of carrying ebikes. In addition, the other Saris platform racks, like their Door County, MHS, and Freedom models, are all capable of carrying 2 ebikes weighing up to 60 lbs each.
Summary: Our Final Results and Picks for the Best Fat Tire Bike Racks Per Section
I know we have this above, but here it is again. Just trying to make sure you get one of these bike racks because they’re most likely on sale:
| Ranked | Brand | Model | Why We Liked It | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | | Thule | T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack | Fits 20 – 29″ wheels and up to 5″ tires without adapters | Click to check price |
| Runner Up | | Yakima | HoldUp EVO 2 | Strong and stable and has a heavy weight capacity | Click to check price |
| Best Budget Option | | Rockymounts | Backstage Swing Away Platform | Allows full access to the rear of your vehicle with or without bikes | Click to check price |
Today, fat tire bike racks come in many different types, but we’ve identified the best price points for each category, so you don’t have to. You never know, there might be a sale on the bike rack you’re most interested in!
Final Thoughts
There are clearly a lot of fat tire bike racks available in the market, and we’ve identified the best price points for each category, so you don’t have to. So click the link on the fat tire bike rack that you’re most interested in to check the price. You never know, it could be on sale at this time of year!
Also read: How Far Apart Should Bike Racks Be Placed?
