Best Bike Racks for Subaru Forester

If you are worried about the limited ability of the Subaru Forester to carry bikes, then you are at the right place. I have come up with a solution to resolve all these concerns for you. Bike racks can be used to carry up to four different bikes at a time on your Subaru Forester. These bike racks are mostly manufactured using alloy steel, which possesses exceptional strength and therefore, will not bend easily.

In addition to this, these bike racks are relatively easier to assemble and install and do not take up a lot of time in the process. But, choosing a suitable bike rack for your Subaru Forester can become an issue if you are new at this and cannot differentiate between the real and fake options available in the market.

So, I have brought you a comprehensive review of the best bike rack for Subaru Forester along with detailed pros and cons to help you make a wise decision.

Best Bike Racks for Subaru Forester Overview

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
Best Overall Best Overall Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Bike Rack
  • Material : Alloy Steel
  • Weight: 23 lbs.
  • Hanging Capacity: 4 bikes
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Highly Recommended Highly Recommended Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack
  • Material : Metal
  • Weight : 35 lbs.
  • Weight Capacity : 150 lbs.
  • Hanging Capacity : 4 bikes
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Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Hollywood Racks Destination Hitch Mount Bike Rack
  • Best For : SUV, Passenger Car, & Truck
  • Material: Alloy Steel, Plastic
  • Weight: 42 lbs.
  • Hanging Capacity: 4 bikes
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Easy to fold Easy to fold IKURAM R 2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
  • Best For: SUV, Truck, and Minivan
  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Weight: 22 lbs.
  • Hanging Capacity: 2 bikes
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Highly Durable Highly Durable KAC K2-RT 2″ Hitch Mounted Bike Rack
  • Best For: Subaru Forester
  • Material : Alloy Steel
  • Hanging Capacity : 2 bikes
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5 Best Bike Rack for Subaru Forester Review

Best Bike Racks For Subaru Forester - Featured Image

These are the top recommended bike racks for Subaru forester because they are compatible, easy to install & durable. Check the detailed reviews.

1. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

Specifications

  • Best For: Subaru Forester
  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Rack Weight: 23 lbs.
  • Load Capacity: 140 lbs.
  • Bikes Capacity: 4 bikes
  • Compatible Hitch Receiver: Class III or IV, 2 inches

Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack is a top-notch, premium option that is undeniably the best bike rack for Subaru Forester. This is because of its 22 inches long carry arms that allow you to store up to 2 different bikes at the same time.

The arms are also integrated with an exceptional tie-down system that has been patented by Allen Sports and is unique to them. The tie-down system secures the bikes properly and prevents them from colliding with each other and your vehicle throughout the journey.

Similarly, you also do not need to tie down your bikes using wires and other related objects because of the fear of bikes falling down on tough terrains. The specialized tying system is extremely tight and will protect the bikes against falling despite the unevenness and roughness of the pathway.

In addition to this, the carry arms can be folded to save space for other materials and contribute to the trouble-free storage of the bike rack when you are done with the task and are not planning to use it for the time being.

Although the rack is available in the pre-assembled form, you might have to organize a few components together after purchasing it. The assembly is relatively easy and does not cost you a lot of time and effort. Therefore, you can do it at home without any technical guidance or help.

I was able to organize and assemble all the required components within a few minutes on my first attempt and have the full confidence that you will not face any issues in the process. The whole installation procedure i.e. attaching the rack to the car takes around five minutes without any wobbling or oscillations.

The rack can be secured using the bolts to ensure that it will not loosen during uneven rides. The bolts also reduce the vibrations to a great extent and prevent the rack and bikes from moving excessively. Hence, protecting the vehicle and rack from collision and damage.

What I Like?

  • User-friendly and durable
  • Effortless installation
  • Large load capacity

What I Don’t Like?

  • Receiver specific model
  • Blocks my backup camera

Why I Suggested Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack features a relatively large capacity and can be used to hang up to four bikes of varying frames at the same time without bending or falling apart. Moreover, it is characterized by a tilt-away design which allows you to leave it conveniently without exerting additional effort in the process.

You may also be interested to learn about Best Bike Racks for Jeep Wrangler


2. Thule Apex XT Bike Rack – Best Hitch Bike Rack for Subaru Forester

Specifications

  • Best For: SUVs
  • Material: Metal
  • Weight: 35 lbs.
  • Weight Capacity: 150 lbs.
  • Hanging Capacity: 4 bikes
  • Compatible Hitch Receiver: 1.25″ and 2″

Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack might be a bit expensive but is worth the investment considering its unmatched performance and quality construction which add five stars to its abilities.

Similar to the previous option, this model is also capable of carrying up to four different bikes without any bending issues. This is because of its metallic design which is renowned for its exceptional durability, and scratch resistance.

Thus, you can use it in tough and harsh conditions without any major regard for durability.

Furthermore, the rack is also highly popular for its decreased vibrations and high stability which makes it a suitable option for Subaru Forester especially when you are planning long road trips and need a sturdy and stable rack to carry your bikes.

Along with these attributes, another highlighting aspect of the product is the anti-sway cradle that ensures a smooth journey and reduces the contact between the bike and the vehicle. Thus, decreasing the potential collisions and damage that might result from the collisions.

The installation procedure is also relatively simple and does not require a lot of time. During installation, I did not face any vibration or wobbling, and therefore, I was able to complete the bike rack installation smoothly.

Similarly, after installation, the bikes can be secured using the cradle strap which decreases the bike movement and secures them properly. Hence, relieving you from the concerns of damage associated with excessive movement and falling.

Besides these attributes, another prominent feature of the rack is the foldable arms that allow you to store them inside the trunk of your car or other confined areas after the task has been completed. You can also tilt the rack for lifting it easily thanks to its specialized tilt-away design.

Another benefit offered by the hassle-free tilting is the ability to reach the rear portion of the vehicle without the hassle of removing everything for this purpose.

What I Like?

  • Large carrying capacity
  • Tilt away design
  • High versatility

What I Don’t Like?

  • Not compatible for all bikes
  • It takes longer to load and unload bikes as compared to other bike racks

Why I Suggested Thule Apex XT Hitch Bike Rack

Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack is highly versatile in nature and can be used with bikes of varying frames and sizes. All you have to do is to install the rack on your vehicle and hang the bikes over it, securing them with the cradle strap. This will allow you to carry the bike uphill without getting anxious about excessive bike movement or collisions in the process.

Are you confused about which type of rack you should choose for your Subaru Forester? If yes, you can read a detailed guide about choosing a right bike rack


3. Hollywood Racks Destination Hitch Mount Bike Rack

Specifications

  • Best For: SUV, Passenger Car, & Truck
  • Material: Alloy Steel, Plastic
  • Weight: 42 lbs.
  • Loading Capacity: 35 lbs. per bike.
  • Hanging Capacity: 4 bikes
  • Compatible Hitch Receiver: 2″

Hollywood Racks Destination Hitch Mount Bike Rack is an ideal example of a versatile, heavy-duty bike rack for Subaru Forester. The rack is made up of alloy steel and plastic and can carry up to 35 pounds of weight per bike.

Manufacturers claim that the bike can carry four different bikes at the same time i.e. 140 pounds of weight without cracking or bending and I can second that.

During the trial session, I used four different bikes of varying frames and sizes to test the abilities of the bike rack and was highly surprised by the results.

Despite being extremely lightweight, the rack was sturdy and did not display any issue associated with durability throughout the ride. The design of this bike rack is different from its previously mentioned counterparts and is characterized by the inclusion of movable wheel trays.

The bike is hung on the movable tray and then secured using the Ratchet straps. The ratchet strap is responsible for securing the wheels so that they do not move when the bike is being transported from one place to another on the vehicle.

Apart from this, the sliding and rotating attachment is another significant component of the rack and secures the frame of the bike. Both these components work together to restrict the movement and wobbling of the bike during installation and transportation. Hence, decreasing the damage associated with collisions and excessive movement.

Moreover, the storage mechanism of this Hollywood bike rack is also unique and is characterized by flat folding against the car. This allows you to effectively park your car in the garage and fold the rack when it is not in use.

I also observed that the rack is lightweight and will not display any issues during the transportation or installation process. Therefore, if you are interested in purchasing a bike rack for your Subaru Forester, then you should try out this mid-price range option integrated with unrivaled features.

Read a detailed guide about types of trailer hitches and hitch classes to make a better decision in choosing right hitch bike rack for Subaru Forester.

What I Like?

  • Lightweight and durable
  • Large capacity
  • Eccentric design

What I Don’t Like?

  • Fits 2″ receivers only
  • Blocks rear camera

Why I Suggested Hollywood Racks Destination Hitch Mount Bike Rack

Hollywood Racks Destination Hitch Mount Bike Rack comes with a locking hitch pin that can be used to properly secure the vehicle, bikes, and rack with each other. You will hardly find such features in bikes available at this price range that can offer increased security of all three components. Furthermore, the product comes with a limited lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects and can be replaced at any time in case of mentioned issues.

Do you own a mini cooper and looking for a bike rack for it? If yes, you can also have a look at Best Bike Racks for Mini Cooper


4. IKURAM R 2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack

Specifications

  • Best For: SUV, Truck, and Minivan
  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Weight: 22.2 lbs.
  • Bikes Hanging Capacity: 2 bikes
  • Load Capacity: 140 lbs.
  • Compatible hitch receiver: Class III & IV 2″ receiver
  • Other Specs: Easily Foldable

IKURAM R 2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack is manufactured using alloy steel and is associated with exceptional durability and strength.

This remarkable sturdiness of the bike rack enables it to accommodate two bikes of different sizes and weights with little concern about damage and other related performance issues.

In addition to this, the wide carry arms do not cause any issues while holding two different frames and offer enough space for the bikes to hang properly without colliding with each other. The steel is further coated with protective powder for protection against corrosion and scratching that might result due to changing weather conditions and other external factors respectively.

Moreover, the bike rack features a dual-arm mounting design that contributes to its exceptional stability and prevents the bikes from falling when riding uphill, especially on rough terrain. Another highlighting feature associated with the rack design is the tilt-down access to the rear end of your vehicle. This means that you can fold the rack using the tilt-down feature and easily reach the back of your car without removing the bikes and the rack repeatedly.

Similarly, the arms are also foldable and can be converted into a smaller unit for effective storage and transportation when the rack is not in use. Various users highly appreciate this feature because it enables them to conveniently store the rack in the trunk of the car once they have reached the destination and don’t need it for the time being.

For Tailgate Truck, it is highly recommended to use Tailgate Bike Pads for safety of your bike and truck

What I Like?

  • Doesn’t block the rear camera on most of the vehicles
  • Lifetime warranty
  • High durability
  • Budget-friendly

What I Don’t Like?

  • Limited capacity

Why I Suggested IKURAM R 2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack

IKURAM R 2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack is available at a reasonable price across the market and thus, you do not have to empty your pockets in order to purchase it. Furthermore, the whole system is relatively easy to assemble and install and does not take up a lot of your time. You can also adjust the straps that are used to secure the bikes to achieve the desired fitting according to the frame of the bike.

Watch a detailed Installation Guide of Ikuram R 2 Hitch Mountain Bike Rack


5. KAC K2-RT 2″ Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier for Subaru Forester

Specifications

  • Best For: Subaru Forester
  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Weight: 44.5 lbs.
  • Weight Capacity: 120 lbs.
  • Bike Hanging Capacity: 2 Bikes
  • Compatible hitch receiver: 2 inches

KAC K2-RT 2″ Hitch Mounted Rack is a unique product that stands out among the rest of its competitors on the list in terms of construction and design.

The bike rack is integrated with a dual locking ratchet that helps in the trouble-free installation of the bike to the rack and the rack to the vehicle.

The highlighting attribute of the rack is its ability to help you secure your bike and unhook it conveniently without taking too much time.

This allows you to save time during the installation process and contributes to outstanding time efficiency. This coupled with the anti-wobble system prevents the bikes from vibrating excessively while they are being hung on the bike rack and also eliminates the slack between the rack and the receiver. Thus, decreasing the collision and minimizing the overall damage to a great extent.

Along with these above-mentioned features, I also admire the adjustable padded clamps that not only provide the required cushioning to the bikes to prevent them from physical damage but can also be modified according to the bike frame and size to achieve the required fitting. The clamps secure the bikes properly against the racks and prevent them from falling while they are being carried away on your vehicle.

KAC K2-RT 2 Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier for Subaru Forester

Besides this, the rack also offers you wide wheel holders that are used to secure the wheel of the bikes and prevent them from moving until they are unmounted from the vehicle. The rack also features a large storage capacity that enables it to hold 60 pounds of weight per bike, which is the reason for its high popularity and excessive market demand. So, if you are searching for the electric bike rack for Subaru forester, then I highly recommend trying out this option.

For minivan bike racks, you can go through Minivan Bike Racks Review

What I Like?

  • Easy to store
  • Outstanding durability
  • Large storage capacity

What I Don’t Like?

  • Expensive

Why I Suggested KAC K2-RT 2″ Hitch Mounted Bike Rack

KAC K2-RT 2″ Hitch Mounted Rack comes with a steel tube that is highly durable in nature and can withstand heavy weight and high pressure without any difficulty. This allows the rack to hold large bikes of up to 60 pounds weight without any inconvenience. Finally, the locking hitch pin contributes to additional stability and protection and prevents the bike from falling down or moving excessively during the trip.

KAC K2-RT 2″ Hitch Mounted Bike Rack Video Review

FAQS about Subaru Forester Bike Racks

Do I need a trailer hitch installed on my Subaru Forester to use a hitch bike carrier?

Yes, the majority of the hitch bike carriers are receiver-specific in nature and do not work until a proper hitch receiver is installed on the vehicle. Therefore, make sure that your Subaru Forester is integrated with a suitable hitch receiver for a hassle-free attachment of the bike rack. You can check the compatibility of the bike rack with the receiver on the manufacturer’s website. Similarly, you can also read consumer reviews for additional information in this regard.

Can you fit a bike inside Subaru Forester?

Yes, you can definitely fit one bike inside the Subaru Forester. The vehicle features adequate internal cargo space which is around 69 to 73 inches. This allows you to conveniently store your bike without damaging it from any corner. However, you might have to look at the size of the tire as well as the wheelbase of the bike before storing it inside the vehicle to avoid any unwanted damage.

Can you go through the carwash with a bike rack on Subaru Forester?

No, manufacturers highly discourage washing the car while a bike rack is attached to it. This can lead to serious damage to your vehicle. The car washes consist of a spinning brush system that can severely damage the bike rack and the vehicle. Moreover, it might also lead to the breakage of the washing system itself. So, it is important that you uninstall the bike rack from the car before taking it in for a wash.

Also read a detailed guide about washing and maintaining a bike rack

Watch a detailed video guide about installation of Hitch on Subaru Forester

Wrapping Up Subaru Forester Bike Racks Review

If you love bike riding but find it difficult to carry the bikes uphill on your Subaru Forester, I have found a perfect solution for you. The best bike racks for Subaru Forester will help you carry up to four bikes at a time without any bending or cracking issues. Furthermore, these racks will also allow you to access the back of your car thanks to their tilt-away design. I have reviewed five different products for you and after the analysis here are my top bike rack recommendations for Subaru Forester.

So, they are perfect for those searching for the best bike rack for Subaru Forester.

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