Finding a reliable spare tire bike carrier extends your vehicle’s versatility for family trips, trail days, and weekend adventures. The following picks are among the top-rated spare-tire-mounted options and compatible alternatives that adapt to various bike styles, weights, and vehicle configurations. Each product features secure cradles or straps, anti-sway design, and straightforward installation to keep bikes safe during travel.
| Product | Brand | Approx. Capacity | Mount Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Mounted Carrier, Model 322DN | Allen | Up to 70 lbs | Spare tire mounted |
| Yakima SpareRide Vehicle Rear Spare Tire Mounted Rack | Yakima | 2 bikes | Spare tire mounted |
| Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack, Black | Allen | Up to 70 lbs | Spare tire mounted |
| Allen Sports Premier Locking Quick Release 4-Bike Carrier, 2″ Hitch with Spare Tire | Allen | Up to 70 lbs per bike | Spare tire compatible hitch mounting |
| MeEViz Hitch Bike Rack (2-Bike Carrier with Hitch) | Meeviz | Up to 180 lbs total | Hitch mount |
Introduction continues below with details on each option’s strengths, compatibility considerations, and how they perform in common scenarios such as family trips, urban use, and rugged weekend adventures.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Mounted Carrier
The Allen 322DN design elevates bikes high above the road and exhaust, keeping them clear from heat and debris. It offers 15-inch carry arms that accommodate two bicycles up to a combined weight of about 70 pounds. The carrier is compatible with a wide range of bicycle styles and frame sizes, and features patented, individual tie-down cradles that secure each bike independently, reducing frame contact and potential damage. Quick, tool-free installation makes it a practical option for daily road trips and weekend getaways.
Yakima SpareRide Vehicle Rear Spare Tire Mounted Rack
Yakima SpareRide transforms a rear spare tire into a versatile 2-bike rack with a durable steel frame. It fits a wide range of stock-size spares and lug patterns, delivering broad vehicle compatibility. The design includes SuperCush ZipStrip cradles and anti-sway hardware to prevent bike-to-bike contact during transit. A built-in bottle opener adds a small convenience during trail breaks. The locking knob secures both rack and spare tire, while the complete SKS locking package deters theft, making it a strong choice for longer trips and shared use scenarios.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Spare Tire Rack
This spare-tire rack from Allen Sports holds bikes away from the car surface and exhaust, with narrow 15-inch carry arms designed to accommodate a variety of bike styles and sizes. Each bike is secured by individual tie-down cradles, while extra-wide bottom feet distribute weight on the rear tire rather than the rim. It’s a straightforward, durable option for two bikes, with a capacity up to 70 pounds and a quick assembly process. The model 302DN is commonly chosen for its balance of compatibility, simplicity, and value.
Allen Sports Premier Locking Quick Release 4-Bike Carrier
Designed for 2-inch hitches with spare tire compatibility, the 400QR model emphasizes quick installation and security. It includes two keys and quick-set carry arms that fold into a compact position when not in use. Dual compound tie-down cradles and individually securing quick-set straps protect bicycles. This option suits households needing to transport more than two bikes or seeking an extended carrying solution while still leveraging a spare-tire compatible fit in many SUV configurations.
MeeVIZ Bike Rack Hitch with Lock (2-Bike)
MeeVIZ offers a hitch-mounted 2-bike rack that supports up to 180 lbs total, with a per-bike limit of 90 lbs. It provides wide, padded cradles, reinforced straps, and soft frame clamps with locks to minimize frame scratches. The tilting design allows trunk access without detaching bikes, and the rack folds to save space when not in use. It’s positioned as a robust, modern option for SUVs, trucks, and large crossovers, especially for heavier or fat-tire bikes. Note that it does not fit swing-out tailgates in some models.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Weight capacity and bike types: Match the rack’s per-bike and total weight capacity to your bikes, especially if you own ebikes or fat tires. Spare-tire mounted options vary widely in their load limits.
- Vehicle compatibility: Check your vehicle’s spare tire size, mount pattern, and whether the model requires a specific spare wheel or lug pattern. Some racks fit most stock spares; others require hitch adapters or platform-based mounting.
- Security: Consider racks with locking mechanisms for both bikes and the rack itself. SKS or similar locking packages deter theft during pit stops and overnight parking.
- Ease of use: Look for features like independent wheel cradles, anti-sway designs, tilting access, and foldable arms to simplify loading, unloading, and trunk access.
- Durability and materials: Steel and reinforced aluminum constructions provide durability for long-distance travels, but weigh trade-offs with fuel economy and wind resistance.
- Installation and maintenance: Some racks require only a few minutes to install, while others need tools. Regular maintenance includes checking straps, cradles, and locking pins for wear or corrosion.
- Security features for theft-prone scenarios: SKS locking systems and integrated locking components help deter opportunistic theft at trailheads and campsites.
- Future-proofing: If you anticipate upgrading bikes or adding more, consider larger-capacity or 4-bike configurations, or a modular hitch system that can adapt to new bikes.
- Budget and warranty: Compare initial cost with perceived value, noting warranty terms and customer service quality for long-term reliability.
These considerations help balance convenience, safety, and value across spare-tire-mounted and hitch-mounted bike carriers. The right choice depends on your vehicle, typical trips, and the kinds of bikes you transport.