The right bike cargo rack can turn even the most humble commuter into a workhorse, hauling camping gear, kids, pets, and more. But with so many options on the market it can be a challenge to find the one that works with your bike, your budget, and your needs. Before you start shopping, it’s a good idea to think about how you plan to use the bike and what you need to carry. If you’re planning to use your bike for more than just commuting, such as bikepacking or bike touring, you may want to consider a bike with a set of water bottle bosses, as some racks require the removal of the water cage. Also, if you’re planning to use the bike for running errands, you may want to look for a model with fenders and a chain guard. If you’re planning to use the bike for commuting, you’ll want to make sure the rack doesn’t block the brakes or the visibility of the bike.
Once you’ve decided on the bike you want, shop bike cargo racks here.
Read on for the best bike cargo racks.
Our Editor’s Best Bike Cargo Racks Reviews
- High Quality Aluminum Alloy: ROCK BROS bike cargo rack is made of high strength aluminum alloy material with stainless steel screws, helps you ride freely in rainy days or bad weather. The rear bike rack has strong load-bearing of MOST 165lb capacity, suitable for daily use and long distance cycling.
- Universal Cargo Rack: Mainly suitable for most mountain bikes, fits ROUND seat tube diameter under 3.2cm(1.26ines). NOTE:DOES NOT fit soft-tailed bike, carbon fiber bike, foldable bike, small wheel bicycle, rear suspension bike, etc.
- Easy To Install: Adjustable quick release bike rear rack clamp for installation and remove simply, with tools, installation instructions and video, you can install the bike luggage cargo rack easily.
- Firm&Durable: Three-point fixation is more stable, adjustable support rod for easy length adjustment, allows you adjust the rod length to fit your mountain bike frame, perfect as a bike luggage rack and for carrying equipment on your travel and commuting.
- Side Protection: Two “W” shape side bars protect your luggage from scratching by the wheel or spokes. With elastic cords and red rear reflective lamp, the bike back rack provides extra security while riding.
- 【Make Sure it fits Your Bike Before Order】: Make sure if your bicycle have eyelets next to the rear hub and eyelets in the seat stay(or 1 eyelet can use T adapter). Our rear rack requires the bicycle to have installation eyelets for the rear rack to ensure its load-bearing capacity.
- 【Pannier Rack for Touring】: The rear rack adds a lot of versatility, and is the most popular type of bike rack. Saving your back from carrying heavy loads, rear racks allow you to carry much more cargo on the road with you. Lots of cyclists use our rear racks when they’re bike touring or camping, also make great racks for a commuter looking to carry a pannier on their bike and extra gear to get to school or work
- 【Compatibility】: The rear rack is adjustable, allows to fit most adult bikes. Compatibility with 26"-29" and 700c wheels, Disc and Non-Disc Brakes. So you can use it on MTBs, touring bikes and even gravel bikes. Heel clearance is excellent even with 3 panniers on the rear rack. One trunk bag up top and pannier on each side.
- 【Solid & Sturdy】: This bike rear rack is constructed with durable 6061-T6 aluminum, the rack maintains stiffness without weighing your frame down. This cargo rack included space to attach a reflector at the rear and designed the rack with a narrow width to keep weight as close to the center as possible for a stable ride. Once you’re packed up, it can carry up to 60 lbs of gear
- 【Easy to Use】: The bike rack comes with all the bolts and mounting brackets you need. Comes with instruction, you can refer to the assembly video too, it only takes a few minutes to assemble the bike cargo rack. Also Plenty of adjustments can be made to make it fit your bike. As you ride around, check the screws fastening your bike rack on occasion. If they become loose, they can rattle out. Please tighten them.
- ✔【High Quality 】-- The bicycle carrier rack is made of high quality hard Aluminum Alloy, durable and sturdy, which can bear more weight and will not be easily damaged. And it is equipped with stainless steel screws, which can help you ride freely in rainy or humid environments and keep your bicycle dryer and cleaner.
- ✔【Load Capacity and Unique Design】-- The bike luggage rack supports max 25kg/55lbs, which helps you easily transport your luggage, used with panniers, backpacks, baskets, etc. The weight can be increased according to the strength of the seatpost. In addition, the slightly raised design of tail and the front flap helps to keep the cargo in place and prevent it from falling off. And the black color is more resistant to dirt.
- ✔【Simple Installation & Adjustable Shelf】-- Easy to replace and install on the sitting post of the bike rack. Easy to install with the included rubber pad and L wrench.Allow you to transport your cargo with ease and efficiency, perfect for use with panniers, backpacks, baskets, etc. Attached to the bicycle seatpost, the adjustable mounting rod extends backward/forward according to your needs.It fit different bikes, retracted for easy storage.
- ✔【Fit Almost Bikes】-- This rear rack is perfect for a long cycling trip and excursions to embracing enough daily necessities. Suitable for most bicycles, Such as road bike, mountain bike, fat bike, etc. Shelf length 34 cm/13.4 inch, width 12 cm/4.7 inch , suitable for most bicycles that seat rod caliber is under 32mm/1.3 inch. The mounting bracket fits for seat tube diameters of 27.2-31.8 mm/1.1-1.3 inch.
- ✔【30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE】-- All customers enjoy 30 Day Money Back Guarantee. Customers can return and get refunded in case the purchasing is not satisfied for any reason. You have no risk to try. Package Included: 1 * Bike Cargo Rack, 4 * Rubber Pads, 1 * Allen Key.
- Aluminum Alloy Material - Suitable for most bicycles, Such as road bike, mountain bike, fat bike, etc. (Kids' bike and Trek Verve can not be used，Please note: do not carry children directly ). Come with tools and installation instruction, Easy to install. The Rack body is adjustable in size.
- Dimension - Shelf Length 55 cm, Width 14.5 cm; Panel Length 35.5 cm; Width 14.5 cm. (Seat Tube Diameter 2.2-3.3 cm / 0.85-1.3") adjustable for kinds of bikes. Easy to Mount.It is perfect for use with panniers, backpacks, baskets, and more
- [UNPACK] - 1 * Rack Body, 6 * Support Bar, 7 * Screws, 2 * Rubber Gasket, 2 * Form Gasket, 1 * Reflector, 1 * Install Instruction, 1 set *Installation tool ,1 * Keychain NOTE: Come with the installation tool if not received please contact us reissue
- 【Convenient and Safety】It is easy to install and cooperate with hexagon screw driver. Simple operation, you can quickly install the rack. At the same time, there is a red rear reflector lamp at the tail, which can ensure your riding safety at night.
- 【No Worry After-sales service】: If this bike rear rack does not meet your expectations, or if you encounter trouble during installation, please let us know and we will solve your problems
- QUICK RELEASE CLAMP for easily mount on the seat post or take the rear bike rack off, you can change the seat height easily. Come with tools and installation instruction. Fit most of bikes like the 26"-29" mountain bike but not fit for rear suspension bike, fat tire bike, soft-tailed bike, carbon fiber bike, folding bike.
- FENDER under seat provides more protection for your bag or panniers in rainy day or mud road,keep your bicycle dryer and cleaner.You can also remove this rear fender when you don't need it. Fit for 26-29" mountain bike frames.
- SOLID&STURDY bike rear rack made of high strength aluminum alloy material, coupled with stainless steel screws to help you ride freely in rainy days or humid conditions. Two “W” shape side bars effectively protect your bag from scratching by the wheel or spokes and also protect your safety.
- FUNCTIONAL: Upgrade loading system cargo rack can carry 110 lbs to 165 lbs, perfect for carring some stuff on your trip,work commute, even carry the people. The adjustable structure allows you adjust the rack lenth as you wanted and the telescopic rods can be stretched 3-15cm to fit your bike frames.
- Package Items: Rear red reflector increases visibility on the night cycling to ensure your night cycling safety. Elastic bungee cord can stretch around your carrier bag or gears for extra security while riding on rougher road.
- 【PANNIER RACK FOR TOURING】: The rear rack adds a lot of versatility, and is the most popular type of bike rack. Saving your back from carrying heavy loads, rear racks allow you to carry much more cargo on the road with you. Lots of cyclists use our rear racks when they’re bike touring or camping, also make great racks for a commuter looking to carry a pannier on their bike and extra gear to get to school or work
- 【COMPATIBILITY】: The rear rack is adjustable, allows to fit almost any bicycle. Compatibility with 26"-29" and 700c wheels, Disc and Non-Disc Brakes. So you can use it on MTBs, touring bikes and even gravel bikes. Heel clearance is excellent even with 3 panniers on the rear rack. One trunk bag up top and pannier on each side
- 【SOLID & STURDY】: This bike rear rack is constructed with durable 6061-T6 aluminum, the rack maintains stiffness without weighing your frame down. This cargo rack included space to attach a reflector at the rear and designed the rack with a narrow width to keep weight as close to the center as possible for a stable ride. Once you’re packed up, it can carry up to 60 lbs of gear
- 【MONEY BACK GUARANTEE】: All CXWXC customers enjoy 30 Day Money Back Guarantee. Customers can return and get refunded in case the purchasing is not satisfied for any reason. You have no risk to try. NOTE: After you have used it for a period of time, please check whether the screws in various parts are loose
- Frame-mounted for heavier top and side loads with disk mounts
- Quick-release bag mounting system
- Adjustable; fits most 26-29 Inch bicycle frames and 700c frames
- Durable, lightweight aluminum 760g.Plus allows IBERA bags to be mounted with IBERA panniers
- Compatible with - IB-BA1. IB-BA2. IB-BA3. IB-BA11, IB-BA14, IB-BA15, IB-BA9, IB-BA6, IB-BA12. Check the measurement before purchase.
- 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗺 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘆 + 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 - Aircraft grade aluminum, firm and durable. Solid axle, strong load (140kg-180kg capacity), essential for long rides. NOTE: After you have used it for a period of time, please check whether the screws in various parts are loose
- 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗳 (𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝟮𝟬 𝗧𝗼 𝟳𝟯.𝟲 𝗖𝗠) - This bike cargo rack fit for most bikes, such as road bikes, mountain bikes, thick bikes, etc. (The children's bike and the Trek Verve cannot be used.) Comes with installation tools and instructions, easy to install
- 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗳 - Height adjustable (front stent - 20 - 31 cm, rear stent: 35 - 52 cm), front and rear adjustable. The diameter attached to the seat post is 3cm
- 𝟯-𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 - more uniform load bearing. Detachable reflector, safer and more comfortable
- 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 - The extended protective flanks protect your bag from the spokes. No more worry about your bag getting caught in the spokes !
- Compatible with bikes that have center, side, and no mounting points, the Schwinn Adjustable Rear Rack lets you turn virtually any bike into a cargo bike.
- Schwinn Adjustable Rear Rack can be effortlessly mounted to seat posts
- The included mounting hardware is adjustable to fit bikes with center, side, and no mounting points
- Aluminum alloy constructions adds durability that won't weigh you down
- Rack can support up to 26 lbs, effortlessly carrying a backpack, picnic basket, or other travel essentials
- 【High Quality Materials and Construction】The bike rear rack is made of high quality hard Aluminum Alloy. Also,durable TIG-welded and heat-treated process ,especially Thickened frame and main tube.Smooth rust-proof coating not only ensures beautiful appearance,but also makes you ride freely in rainy humid conditions! All these make the bike luggage rack easy load 115lb, which helps you easily transport your luggage, used with panniers, backpacks, baskets, etc.
- 【Installation Is A Piece Of Cake】Quick release clamp for easily mount on the seat post or take the rear bike rack off, you can change the seat height easily. Comes with Quality wrench and Allen key.Also,Clear installation instructions, easy to mount.Before you buy, please refer to the third picture to make sure it fits your bike.
- 【Large Size Reflector And Adjustable Fender】The large size bicycle reflector to increase visibility on the night cycling and ensure your night cycling safety.The adjustable and removable fender to keep your back,bags or panniers dry and clean when cycling on rainy day or muddy road!
- 【High Quality Screws And Enlarged Side Wings 】The bike cargo rack Equipped with stainless steel screws and anti-loosening&shock-proof nuts ensure the bike rack will not go loose on rough road or get rusty after light rains!The enlarged side wings on both sides efficiently protect the panniers or bags from getting into the bike spokes or scratching by the wheels.
- 【Adjustable Structure Fit 26"to 29" Bike】The top panel is adjustable from 16"-18" in length;the telescopic side support rods can be stretched from 11"-15.75".The adjustable structure allows you adjust the length and height of the bicycle luggage rack as you needed to fit most of bicycles( bike seat tube needs 2 inches high and Seat Tube Diameter 2.2-3.3 cm / 0.85-1.3").(NOTE:Does NOT fit suspension bike,folding bike,fat tire bikes, women's cruiser bikes, kids bikes,moveable bike frame).
Best Bike Cargo Racks Buying Guide
Before choosing the best bike cargo rack you should consider following options:
1. Car Make and Model: Not all racks are created equal, and your cargo-carrying options may vary depending on the make and model of car you drive.
If you drive a car with a trunk-mounted spare tire, you may only be able to carry long and narrow cargo, like kayaks, on your roof.
If you drive a car with a spare tire mounted underneath the vehicle, you may be able to carry a wider variety of cargo, including bikes and skis, on your trunk.
2. Your Bike and Cargo Types: Roof-mounted racks can only carry long and narrow cargo, while trunk-mounted racks can carry wider cargo, including bikes and skis.
If you are planning to carry bikes, you may want to consider a rack that can accommodate adult and children’s bikes, as well as bike types with and without fenders. If you plan to carry skis, you will want a rack with a ski rack attachment.
3. How You Plan to Use the Rack: What you plan to carry will dictate the type of rack you need. If you plan to carry bikes, you may want to consider the ease of use and the security of attachment.
If you plan to carry skis, you will want a rack that secures them in place without damaging the tips. If you plan to carry cargo, you will want a rack that provides protection from the elements.
4. How You Plan to Transport the Cargo: You may need to consider how you plan to transport the cargo you are planning to carry. If you plan to drive with the cargo still attached to the rack, you may need a different type of rack than if you plan to detach and stow the cargo when you arrive at your destination.
5. The Rack’s Security: You will also want to ensure that the rack you are considering has a locking mechanism to secure the cargo in place, and that the cargo is not damaged from rubbing against the vehicle.
6. Style: You may also want to consider the style of rack you want to keep your vehicle looking sleek and clean.
What else you should know about bike cargo racks
1. What are the different types of bike cargo racks?
The different types of bike cargo racks are:
1. Rear-mounted racks
2. Front-mounted racks
3. Pannier racks
4. Handlebar-mounted bags
5. Frame-mounted bags
6. Backpack-style bags
7. Saddlebags
2. How do you choose the right bike cargo rack for your needs?
The best way to choose the right bike cargo rack is to first determine what your needs are. Do you need a rack that will hold a lot of weight? Do you need a rack that is easy to install and remove? Do you need a rack that is compatible with your bike’s frame? Once you have answered these questions, you can then narrow down your choices and choose the rack that best meets your needs.
3. What are some tips for using a bike cargo rack?
Some tips for using a bike cargo rack are to make sure that the rack is securely attached to the bike, and to distribute the weight evenly on the rack. Additionally, it is important to avoid overloading the rack, and to secure any loose items so that they do not fall off while the bike is in motion.
4. How do you load and unload cargo on a bike cargo rack?
There are a few different ways to load and unload cargo on a bike cargo rack. One way is to use a bungee cord to secure the cargo to the rack. Another way is to use a cargo net.
5. What are the safety considerations when using a bike cargo rack?
There are a few safety considerations to take into account when using a bike cargo rack. First, make sure that the rack is securely attached to the bike and will not come loose during use. Second, be aware of the weight limit for the rack, and do not overload it. Third, be careful when loading and unloading items from the rack, and make sure that they are securely fastened. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and be cautious of obstacles when riding with a cargo rack.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best bike cargo racks. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best bike cargo racks will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.