7 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 Hitch Mount Bike Rack	Material: Alloy Steel Weight: 23 lbs. Hanging Capacity: 4 bikes	Check Price on Amazon
Highly Recommended	Highly Recommended	Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack	Material: Aluminum Weight: 32 lbs. Weight Capacity: 80 lbs. Hanging Capacity: 2 bikes	Check Price on JensonUSA
Most Durable	Most Durable	Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack	Material: Metal Weight: 35 lbs. Weight Capacity: 150 lbs. Hanging Capacity: 4 bikes	Check Price on Amazon
Editor’s Choice	Editor’s Choice	Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack	Best For: SUV and Truck Material: Alloy Steel and Plastic Weight: 42 lbs. Hanging Capacity: 4 bikes	Check Price on Amazon
High Load Capacity	High Load Capacity	KUAT NV 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack	Best For: SUVs and Minivan Material: Metal Weight: 62 lbs. Hanging Capacity: 2 bikes	Check Price on JensonUSA
Easy to fold	Easy to fold	IKURAM R2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack	Best For: SUV, Truck, and Minivan Material: Alloy Steel Weight: 22 lbs. Hanging Capacity: 2 bikes	Check Price on Amazon
Highly Durable	Highly Durable	KAC K2-RT Bike Rack	Best For: Subaru Forester Material: Alloy Steel Hanging Capacity: 2 bikes	Check Price on Amazon

7 Best Bike Racks for Subaru Forester Review

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

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. You can also go through my review about bike rack for SUV no hitch.

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

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 hitch bike rack incorporates a front tire ratchet system that eliminates any contact between the 2 bikes, preventing potential scratches or damage during transit. It also features a rear tire strap and an integrated cable lock system to ensure bikes are securely fastened and protected from theft.

The hitch design of the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 bike rack allows quick and effortless installation onto the Subaru Forester’s hitch receiver. The rack is compatible with both 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitch receivers, providing versatility for different vehicle configurations.

Additionally, the Kuat Sherp 2.0 bike rack includes an ergonomic release handle that allows for convenient tilting, enabling easy access to the Subaru Forester’s rear cargo area without having to remove the bikes. Read a detailed comparison of Kuat Sherpa 2.0 vs NV 2.0 bike rack.

Why I Suggested Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack

Overall, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 hitch bike rack stands out as one of the best bike racks for the Subaru Forester. Its combination of lightweight construction, secure bike mounting, and user-friendly design make it a reliable and practical choice for Forester owners looking to transport their bikes with confidence and ease.

If you own Nissan Rogue, have a look at bike racks for Nissan Rogue

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. Have a look at best trunk mount bike racks for SUV.

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.

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.

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.

Why I Suggested Hollywood Racks Destination 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

When it comes to security, the KUAT NV 2.0 hitch bike rack doesn’t disappoint. Its innovative cradle system ensures a snug and secure fit for your bikes while minimizing any potential contact that could lead to scratches or damage. Plus, the integrated cable lock system provides an extra layer of protection against theft, keeping your valuable bikes safe and sound.

For users convenience, there is a key with the KUAT NV 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack. Thanks to the foot-assisted pivot system, you can effortlessly tilt the bike rack away from your Subaru Forester, allowing easy access to the rear cargo area without the need to remove the bikes. It’s all about making your life easier and ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Durability is another standout feature of the KUAT NV 2.0 bike rack. Constructed with high-quality materials, this bike rack is built to withstand the demands of regular use and various road conditions. You can trust that it will accompany you on countless cycling adventures, providing reliable performance every time.

Why I Recommended KUAT NV 2.0 Bike Rack

In conclusion, the KUAT NV 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack is a standout option for cyclists seeking a high-quality and reliable bike rack for Subaru Forester. With its sturdy construction, user-friendly design, and innovative features, it offers a secure and convenient way to carry multiple bikes on the back of a vehicle. While it may come with a higher price tag, the KUAT NV 2.0 Hitch Bike Rack’s durability and superior performance make it a worthwhile investment for any cycling enthusiast.

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

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

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.

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.

Moreover, KAC bike rack 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

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 bike 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.

• Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack for its user-friendliness, effortless installation, large capacity, exceptional durability, and budget-friendliness.
• Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack due to its large carrying capacity, tilt-away design, high versatility, reduced wobbling, and outstanding stability.
• Hollywood Racks Destination Hitch Mount Bike Rack because of its lightweight construction, high durability, unique design, effortless installation and decreased vibration.

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

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