Adding a bike rack to your life is like opening a jar of fresh possibilities!
You’re no longer “that guy with the car”. You’re “that active guy with the car that DOES stuff”.
Gradually you’ll be able to weave it into conversations around the office. “Oh yeah just thinking about taking my bike rack and discovering myself this weekend”.
Your world will be transformed, and our jaws are already gaping in awe of your new persona.
So, let’s take a look at the 4 best bike racks for the Chevy Equinox:
1. Allen Sports Ultra Compact Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
Allen Sports is a company that has been perfecting their tension style mounts since the 1970s.
And gradually over the years they’ve managed to pump out quality products at affordable prices.
This Ultra Compact Trunk Mount comes in two options for 1 and 2 bikes, at an incredible value. In fact, overall value is the number one reason tension style mounts are so popular.
Nearly every other option requires additional hardware to be installed, and becomes a permanent addition to your vehicle. With a tension mount, you can put it in your trunk when your done!
This attaches to your vehicles with hooks and straps in strategic places to distribute weight evenly. Why is Allen such a great brand? Their products have a lifetime warranty. So although you may take a second and think, “hmm it’s so cheap it must be poor quality?” , that would prove to be false!
And they have the gusto to back their product and workmanship. Which is something most competitors do not offer. That warranty along with the price and portability of this product make it our #1 choice.
2. Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Deluxe Black 1-Bike Trunk Mount Bicycle Carrier Rack. (Fits Most Sedans/Hatchbacks/Minivans and SUVs.)
Ah yes, another tension style mount has our eyes and hearts.
Tyger Auto has made a beefy version mount with clearly top-notch build quality that we find very aesthetically pleasing.
This is on the higher end for tension mounts when it comes to price, but it’s clear that they have spent a bit more than competitors to make this product. The padding, mounts, and straps are all top notch and should treat you and your bike well.
But in addition to that, this is another manufacturer that offers a lifetime warranty. And that along with this styling is a reason we love this product. If you like the look and are willing to spend a bit more, we think you’ll agree that this requires a double take.
3. Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Swagman is an actual brand name. Yes. And they make an incredibly affordable hitch mount rack.
These all metal setups are usually double to triple the price. We’re always on the lookout for products that are cheap, but not “cheap”.
The XC2 mount fits that description.
So what’s a drawback on this type of mount? Well, some people don’t like that it adds a bit of bulk to their vehicle. Additionally, you’ll need to have a hitch mount attached to your vehicle already or have plans to get one.
But in terms of stability, it’s hard to compete with something that is attached with metal to your vehicles frame. For those of you with heavier bikes, or maybe even multiple bikes(2+) you’ll definitely feel more comfortable using a hitch-mounted solution.
4. YAKIMA - FrontLoader Wheel-On Mount Upright Bike Carrier for Roof Racks, 1 Bike Capacity
Yakima is a well-known brand in the aftermarket industry. Mainly for their exceptional build quality.
But they do run in the higher end of the price range. If you’re comfortable with that, and you have a roof rack then this is a lovely option.
It’s only able to hold one bike, but by having it on your roof you won’t have to worry about that extra bulk on your Equinox’s behind. This folds down when not in use and has an extremely low profile.
To keep your bike secure, there are three points of contact. Some drawbacks of a bike rack on your roof is if you live anywhere with low clearances you’ll have to be extra vigilant.
But for those of you looking for a well-made option that is stable an unobtrusive, the FrontLoader rack is a great choice.
What are the types of bike racks for my vehicle?
In this guide we covered tension mounts(hooks/straps), roof rack mounts, and hitch mounted bike racks. But you might be surprised to find there are even more types. More recently industrial strength suction cup mounts have hit the market. And they’ve even been featured in the Tour de France.
For most bike riders we think the tension mounts are the easiest and most minimal option.
What’s the best solution for a large family?
If you’re carrying two or more bikes and you want them to be extremely secure, a hitch mounted rack is in a class of its own. So for your large family you might want to opt for that.
You can get a hitch installed at your local uHaul for a reasonable price as well!
Hopefully, this guide helped clear your mind from all the options available! Since biking is so popular, it’s great news for you and your family. There are a plethora of well-built options at reasonable prices.
For us, we think the best value overall is the Allen Compact Trunk Mount. But depending on your family size, something else could appeal to you more!
Whatever you end up choosing, let us know how it turned out. And thank you for stopping by.