Choosing the right bike rack that fits a spare tire can be challenging. This guide highlights five popular spare-tire mounted options, focusing on fit, ease of installation, and bike protection. Each option is designed for vehicles with rear-mounted spare tires and supports two bikes or more, depending on the model. The selections below provide a range of capacities, locking features, and folding mechanisms to help you compare quickly.
| Product | Capacity | Mount | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Mounted Carrier (Model 322DN) | 2 bikes | Spare tire | High clearance; 15″ carry arms |
| Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Rack | 2 bikes | Spare tire | Adjustable for side-mounted tires |
| Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack (S302) | 2 bikes | Spare tire | Quick set 15″ carry arms |
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack (Black) | 2 bikes | Spare tire | Extra-wide bottom foot |
| Allen Sports Premier Locking Quick Release 4-Bike Carrier (Model 400QR) | 4 bikes | 2″ hitch with spare tire support | Locking hitch insert; quick set arms |
Note: All products listed are designed for vehicles with spare tires and prioritize bike safety, ease of installation, and fit across common SUV and truck rear mounts. The table above summarizes core differences to help you compare at a glance.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Mounted Carrier
The Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Mounted Carrier from Allen uses a high-clearance design that moves bikes away from road heat and exhaust. It features 15-inch long carry arms, enabling two bikes up to a combined weight of 70 pounds. The patented individual tie-down cradles secure frames to protect bicycles during transport, with broad compatibility for various frame styles and sizes. The design emphasizes stability and straightforward setup, suitable for many mid-range road and mountain bikes.
Hollywood Racks SR1 Spare Tire Rack
The Hollywood Racks SR1 2-Bike Rack is designed for vehicles with a spare tire mount. It is adjustable to fit most spare tires and centers its support arms to align with side-mounted tires. Built from steel, this rack aims to provide sturdy, long-lasting bike transport with two bikes up to 35 lbs each. Note that E-Bikes are not supported by this model. The SR1 emphasizes ease of use and compatibility with a wide range of SUVs and trucks that feature rear spare tires.
Allen Sports Premier 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack (S302)
The S302 Premier model by Allen provides a patented design that positions bikes high and clear of road debris and heat. It includes quick-set 15-inch carry arms that snap into place for rapid installation, along with dual-compound tie-down cradles to secure bikes without scuffing frames. The rack is focused on user-friendly setup and secure transport across a range of bikes, ensuring stability on longer trips.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack (Black)
This Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack in black emphasizes bikes held away from road contact and exhaust. Narrow carry arms are designed to fit a variety of bike styles and frame sizes, with individual tie-down cradles ensuring secure attachment. An extra-wide bottom foot supports the weight on the rear tire rather than the rim, promoting stability. The 15-inch carry arms accommodate up to two bikes, with a total weight capacity of about 70 pounds. Quick assembly is required for first use, making setup straightforward for first-time users.
Allen Sports Premier Locking Quick Release 4-Bike Carrier (Model 400QR)
The Model 400QR offers a locking hitch insert for 2-inch receivers and includes two keys for security. It features quick-set carry arms that snap into place and fold out of the way when not in use. Dual compound tie-down cradles and quick-set straps securely protect each bicycle. This model is suitable for multi-bike setups, providing sturdy transport for families or groups that travel with several bikes.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when selecting a spare-tire bike rack include compatibility with your vehicle’s spare-tire setup, total carrying capacity, and ease of use. For SUVs and trucks with side-mounted or rear-mounted spare tires, verify that the rack clears the ground and the exhaust, and that the foot supports distribute weight on the tire rather than the rim. Look for:
- Fit and clearance: Ensure the rack accommodates your tire size, wheelbase, and preferred bike types (road, mountain, or e-bike).
- Security: Check for locking options or security features to deter theft of bikes and rack components.
- Installation: Quick-set arms and intuitive cradles reduce setup time and reduce the risk of frame damage.
- Weight distribution: Prefer designs that protect tires and rims, with bottom supports that stabilize the rack during transit.
- Capacity and expandability: If needed, consider a model that supports more than two bikes, such as a four-bike option, provided your hitch and vehicle can handle the load.
- Compatibility with cameras and sensors: Some spare-tire racks may affect rear cameras or proximity sensors; verify compatibility with your vehicle model.
Comparisons across the listed options show a balance between two-bike capacity with spare-tire mounting and higher-capacity four-bike models that require a hitch connection as well. For pure spare-tire mounting and straightforward use, the Allen Deluxe and Hollywood SR1 provide solid two-bike configurations with thoughtful frame protection. For multi-bike families, the four-bike model offers expanded capacity, while locking variants emphasize theft deterrence.