The Best Rear Bike Rack for 2023
These rear bike racks are easily the best way to efficiently transport essentials while riding, so why not get yourself one today?
Adding a bike rack to your bike is a practical way of expanding your carriage space. And with a good rear bike rack, you can now take the weight of the load off your shoulders, prevent back strain, and ride around comfortably. Loaded racks may add significant weight to the bike, making side-to-side shaking appear strange. However, you should get used to it quickly.
What is the best bike rack available today? We tested numerous brands to provide you with the best choices possible. Below are our recommendations for the best rear bike racks.
Everything We Recommend
1. Best Product
Ortlieb Quick Rack
2. Runner Up
Blackburn Expedition
3. Cost Effective
ROCKBROS
4. Almost Made the Cut
Portland Design Works
1. Best Product
1. Best Product
Ortlieb Quick Rack
This rack features a quick-release mechanism for rapid attachment and detachment, engineered for effortless installation.
Specifications
- Weight
- 1.54 pounds
- Dimensions
- 12.2 x 15.75 x 5.51 inches
- Material
- Aluminum
- Load Capacity
- 66 pounds
Pros
Compatible With All Ortlieb Bags- Suitable For 26 And 28-Inch Wheels
- Two Mounting Levels
Cons
Attaching A Bag To The Lower Level Can Be Tricky
Previous Customer Experience
| Overall |   | 5 |
Who It's For
There is nothing better than Ortlieb's Quick Rack regarding rear bike racks. Given that it’s super easy to install and take down, it’s perfect for a shared bike. It’s also great for the days you want to ride your bike without a rear rack.
Why It's Great
This rear bike rack is a great fit for bikes with 26- and 28-inch wheels (with a maximum tire width of 2.35"). Mudguards and adaptors for bikes without eyelets are available as optional extras. If you just have one bike, the Quick Rack allows you to rapidly convert it from a road warrior to a touring bike, commuter bike, or shopper bike. This also makes traveling easier.
Potential Flaws
A minor disadvantage, if you want to carry heavier loads, is that the 20-kg weight restriction may not be adequate.
Other Features
The hooks that remain on the bike after removing the rack are hardly noticeable. With its two hanging levels, it safely supports panniers and a rack bag at the same time. In addition to looking good on the bike, the rack is well-made and comes with Ortlieb's 5-year warranty. While it is more costly than Blackburn, its efficiency and adaptability are worth the extra cost.
2. Runner Up
2. Runner Up
Blackburn Expedition
While there have been a few refinements to the original design, it remains one of the best racks for bikes with rear disc brakes.
Specifications
- Weight
- 1.6 pounds
- Material
- Aluminum
- Load Capacity
- 40 pounds
Pros
- Extended, Quick-Release Skewer
- 3 Strut Design Supports Heavy Loads
- Compatible With 26, 27.5, 29-Inch, And 700c Wheels
Cons
- Removing The Rear Wheel is a Hassle
- The Quick-Release Attachment Only Works For A 9mm Qr Axle
Previous Customer Experience
| Overall | | 4.7 |
Who It's For
The Expedition 1 Rear Rack is Blackburn's legacy product. It's made of aircraft-grade aluminum and is designed for 700c or 29er wheels, but it should fit most bike wheels with 9mm QR axles.
Why It's Great
This rear bike rack is compatible with disc brakes, as the name suggests, but there is also a standard rim brake version available. It's challenging not to appreciate the simplicity of installation thanks to the quick-release skewer. This means you can attach the rack to a bike without attaching eyelets. There are two different sizes of P-clips for attachment of the arms to the frame. Directly mounting bikes to frames are possible if you swap bikes and have mounting points.
Potential Flaws
Using this rear rack may present a problem if you use a quick-release attachment and need to remove the back wheel for any reason. Furthermore, it only accommodates wheels with 9mm QR axles. It does not work with 12 mm through axles.
Other Features
If you have a disc brake bike and are hesitant to tinker with a rack that promises to "fit them all," this is the bike rack to get. The Expedition 1 is designed to fit most QR disc-brake bikes with 700C wheels. In addition to being simple to install and reliable, it is also very well made and comes with a lifetime warranty.
3. Cost Effective
3. Cost Effective
ROCKBROS
This rack is ideal for touring with a substantial amount of cargo, given its ability to carry between 110 and 165 pounds.
Specifications
- Weight
- 2.6 pounds
- Dimensions
- 25.8 x 8.7 x 5.9 inches
- Load Capacity
- 110 - 165 pounds
- Material
- Aluminum Alloy
Pros
- Rear Red Reflector
- Quick Release Clamp
- Adjustable Fender
- Adjustable Frame
Cons
- Limited Bike Compatibility
- Installation Can Be Challenging
Previous Customer Experience
| Lightweight | | 4.3 |
| Versatility | | 4.2 |
| Value for money | | 4.1 |
| Sturdiness | | 4 |
| Easy to install | | 3.8 |
Who It's For
Rockbro's pannier rack is an excellent choice because its unique design and functionalities ensure easy pannier mounting. This rear bike rack can carry more things or cargo on your bike. This rack is the best choice for your storage needs, whether you're transporting groceries from the store or the basics for bike touring.
Why It's Great
This product features quick-release clamps for easy installation and removal. Therefore, using the clamps, you can mount and unmount the rack quickly. Depending on your height preference, you can adjust the height. Another notable feature of this bike rack is its fender. This feature will protect your items if it rains or if the road becomes wet or muddy.
Potential Flaws
There is room for improvement in the instruction manual. While it is not difficult to install, it does take some time to get it right. Given the limited area available, the installation might be a hassle.
Other Features
This rack is made of a high-strength aluminum alloy, guaranteeing its endurance and durability. A sidebar in the shape of a "W" is also included on either side to shield the bag from grazing on the wheel or spokes for the biker's safety.
Furthermore, the weight capacity of this pannier rack is 110 lbs to 165 lbs, which is sufficient to carry all of the basics for a multi-day bike excursion, shopping for goods from the store, or workplace documents. The rear reflector enhances visibility at night as an additional feature.
4. Almost Made the Cut
4. Almost Made the Cut
Portland Design Works
This beautiful rack combines style and function in an aesthetic and eco-friendly way.
Specifications
- Weight
- 2 pounds
- Deck Dimensions
- 5.5 x 15 inches
- Height
- 14.5 inches
- Load Capacity
- 35 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum tubing
- Double ply bamboo deck
- Mounting Hardware Included
Cons
- Limited Bike Compatibility
Previous Customer Experience
| Overall | | 4.9 |
Who It's For
The Portland Design Works Loading Dock is a high-quality rear bicycle rack that blends style and function. It features an aluminum frame and bamboo tray that are visually appealing and sturdy enough to carry up to 35 pounds of cargo. Mounting the rack was straightforward, especially with a bike with rear eyelets near the dropout. If your bike doesn’t have rear rack eyelets, you can procure additional accessories or inquire at your local bike shop.
Why It's Great
The rack frame has aluminum tubing, which we discovered helps to keep the rack light without sacrificing strength. The frame is powder coated to give it a smooth black finish that blends with most bikes. We especially loved the bamboo tray because it added a much-needed wooden accent and a non-slip surface for securing our bikes. The bamboo tray and aluminum frame could easily withstand harsh elements such as rain or UV rays, meaning we can guarantee this rack will retain its good look for a long time. Aside from looks, we found the side cuts on the bamboo deck very helpful for attaching a pannier bag.
Potential Flaws
While this is an appealing and functional rack, it requires a bike with rear eyelets near the dropouts for proper mounting. This requirement locks out many bicycles without rear mounting eyelets.
Other Features
To secure this loading dock onto a compatible bike, all we needed was a 4 mm Allen wrench. If you are looking for a high-quality and stylish bicycle rack that can handle everyday use and are willing to pay a premium price, then the PDW rack is a great choice.
Who This Is For
These racks are ideal for just about anyone looking to add a carrier to the rear of their bicycle. Although front baskets and racks/backpacks can be useful, the rear rack is the simplest and most practical way to transport items while riding a bicycle. You’ll need a solid rear bike rack if you want to commute, travel, do errands, or tote items in any other way on your bicycle.
Rear bike rack vs. front – what’s more suitable?
There are many types of racks, but the most common is the rear one. The best rear bike rack is probably more convenient if you’re carrying a heavy load. Alternatively, you can consider installing both to distribute the weight evenly, with the greatest weight in the back.
If the rear wheel is loaded, the weight will be close to or aft of the rear wheel, which makes the bike easier to push and carry. You should avoid using a front rack as it can affect your bike’s steering.
Is it worth splurging on a rear bike rack?
The cornerstone of any effective carrying-stuff-on-your-bike configuration is a sturdy rear rack. You could use it to connect additional parts to your bike and take a cumbersome load off your back. A rack offers a solid structure for holding items on your bicycle.
In favorable weather, you can fasten your items straight onto the rack without needing a cover. You can easily attach bags such as rack trunks and panniers to the rear rack in case of foul weather or if you want to hold loose items together.
Why You Should Trust Us
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How We Picked
Material
Rear bike racks are usually made from a variety of materials. These include aluminum, steel, cromoly, and titanium. While aluminum racks are pretty strong yet lighter, they are difficult to repair. Racks made of cromoly are sturdy, resilient, and light. Steel racks are bulky but more resilient and repairable. Although titanium racks are more costly, they are lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
Capacity
It’s vital to consider how much stuff you want to carry while making this purchase because rear bike racks come in various sizes and designs. A long rack with adequate capacity to hold all the items you wish to transport is recommended.
Easy to install
It should be simple to install the rear bike rack. There should be a minimum number of adjustments and tools required. The lighter the rack, the easier it is to install. Additionally, if a large rack is cumbersome to maneuver, you could leave it attached to your bike, adding to its weight and making pedaling more difficult.
Design and style
The design of the bike rack is entirely subjective. There are rear bike racks that include fenders, reflectors, panniers, and simple metal racks with no extras. Select a rack that suits your tastes and preferences.
Size
Since it is not cost-effective to purchase a huge rack if you only want to use it once, choose racks that are simple to load and unload if you just plan to carry one item at a time.
Weight
Many racks have a maximum weight recommendation. The look and quality of the rack you’re using will determine this. Since titanium racks are generally strong, they can accommodate luggage weighing up to 45 pounds.
Durability
Choose bike racks that are strong and offer sustainable solutions. Racks made of steel, titanium, or cromoly are among the strongest in the game, unlike other racks that, after prolonged usage, could start to crack and lose paint.
Price
Bike racks come in a wide range of prices, so anyone can find something to suit their needs. However, it is important to remember that the bike rack’s cost does not make it superior to a less expensive option. By researching various brands and models, you can decide which brand and model is the best value for your money.
How We Picked
Material
Understanding the various materials used to construct the rear bike rack is critical. Aluminum racks are lightweight but not robust. Steel racks are both sturdy and hefty. Titanium racks are an excellent choice since they are lightweight and long-lasting. However, they are very expensive.
Capacity
Most of the rear bike racks on the market can hold 20 to 50 pounds of weight. However, more robust options can hold up to 80 pounds. Capacity is an important consideration because you don't want to buy a rack that will collapse under the weight of your items.
Easy to Install
There are several sizes and types of rear bike racks on the market. Before committing to a purchase, make sure you know the dimensions of your rear bike. For a more convenient and sturdy attachment, choose a rear bike rack that is appropriate for the size of your bike.
Cost-Effectiveness
Cost is important. Make sure you know how much you can afford and are ready to spend because this will determine the sort of rear bike rack you get.
Care and Maintenance
How to keep clean
Hand clean your rear bike racks with a light detergent. Dish soap is also effective. You should never wash your bicycle rack in an automated car wash. Instead, clean the rack the same way you clean a bike. Be sure to rinse it and air dry or dry it with a piece of cloth.
How to install
Before mounting it, wipe off the bike at all areas where the rack will come into contact. You can remove any fine grit, pollen, or other microscopic, invisible particles with a clean cloth. This little gesture will provide a pleasant fit for your bikes and a better fit for the rack.
Where and how to store when not in use
You should store the rack off the ground, or at least on its side, to avoid dust on the garage floor. Keeping your bike rack in a dry and secure location is critical when it isn’t in use. This will help to keep it safe from the elements. To keep metal from rusting or corroding, apply a tiny quantity of oil to all moving components. A little drop in all your locks and pivot points on the rack will assist in keeping them clean and moving as they should.
Sources and Research
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