A bike rack is almost unavoidable if you own a Subaru Forester. Most bike racks are compatible with this compact crossover. However it’s important to find one that fits well.
An ideal bike rack on this SUV will reshape your lifestyle forever if cycling is your thing. For Subaru foresters there are 3 main types of bike racks that suit them. One is the roof mounted rack, then the towball mounted rack, and lastly the trunk mounted rack. Everyone has different preferences, so finding one to suit your needs is important. In this article we look at the best Bike racks for Subaru Foresters.
Let's have a look at the best bike racks to suit your Suubaru Foresrer
Bike Trunk Mount Bicycle Carrier Rack
Best Overall
- Reasonably priced
Pros
- Does not require tow hitch
Cons
- Can only hold 1 bike
Car Hitch Mount Bike Rack with 2-inch Receiver
Budget option
- Affordable
Pros
- Adapter to minimize wobbling
- Safe and durable design
Cons
- Rear cargo inaccessible
Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Premium option
- Great all around option
Pros
- Can hold 2 bikes
Cons
- requires a hitch
Bike Trunk Mount Bicycle Carrier Rack
Tyger Auto TG has earned its laurels for being a safe, smart and hassle-free bike rack for a single bike. This deluxe bike rack has the looks to go with the widely popular compact crossover, Subaru Forester. This trunk-mounted rack has a foam-padded base which keeps the vehicle and bike free from starches while hauling the bike through different road conditions.
You certainly miss the company of your bike when you travel up hills and countryside in your highly reliable Subaru. Tyger Auto can be a great asset for a family with a cycling fan. This rack is the best choice if you are an avid cyclist as the load capacity of 55 lbs makes this rack compatible with most types of bikes.
You know your Forster is another name for adventure. Fit this rack on Forester and you will not regret owning this rack. There is hardly a rack in the market which is more hassle-free. A few clamps and a safety strap on the rear of the vehicle is all it takes to install this rack on the vehicle.
But what about the safety of your bike and vehicle when you are on bumpy roads? This rack is pretty safe when you haul a bike through harsh road conditions. This bike rack has a soft cradle that protects the frame of the bike. The ratchet buckles on this rack secure your bike firmly when you are on the go. This rack will stay with you for a long time. The designers of this rack have made it rust-resistant by using OE standards black e-coating.
The Tyger Auto rack comes fully assembled. Its installation is basic and super quick, something which you can perform with ease outdoors. The undesired scratches, after a wonderful vacation, on your expensive car or favourite bike can become a huge dampener. Take heart, you will not face this agony with this rack. Tyger Auto’s padded lower frame keeps the bike and racks away from the car.
Your Forester is compatible with this rack. The single bike rack of Tyger auto has a slighter higher price as compared to the other bike racks available in the category. But then Tiger is a strong, sturdy and quality bike rack for your eye-catchy Subaru Forester.
Ultra Compact Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
Allen sports bike rack has all the looks to keep up with your compact crossover in style and performance. Allen sports ultra-rack makes hauling of bikes so easy on Subaru forester that this carrier becomes inevitable on your vacations. The ultra-compact trunk mount bike rack comes in two options to haul single or two bikes. Allen sports offer a lifetime warranty for this bike rack.
Allen sports trunk-mounted rack is fully loaded with features that make it the safest bet for your Subaru Forester and the bikes. You can fold this rack in a backpack, it’s not a joke. The trunk mount bike rack has three padded legs which rest against the vehicle and prevents ugly scratches on the rear of the car. Allen sports bike rack is 2.7 Kg and it can haul the bike of 35 LBS.
This grey colour powder coated rack gels with your muscular off-roader. The ultra-compact trunk mount bike rack has three adjustable security straps to keep your bike firmly placed. Allen sports ultra-compact bike rack comes with a tie-down design with padding to separate rack and vehicle during transportation. The padding provides protection to the bike frames and the vehicle.
Hitch Mount Bike Rack
You might like to have an adventure with your bike on biking trails in the forest but not on the back of your Subaru Forester. While discussing with your biking partner about the bike rack you might end up with a long list of bike racks for your bike lying in your garage.
But the most important question which came to your mind when this list was lying on your study table is which rack is best for your Subaru Forester. You need a bike rack that is versatile, easy to assemble and will secure your bike to your Subaru Forester. If you want all these features in one bike rack then the Swagman XC2 hitch mount bike rack is an answer to this. The maximum loading capacity of this hitch mount bike rack is 35 LBS. Before going for this rack you have to check two important things, your Subaru forester should have a hitch receiver of 1-1 ¼ or 2”. Another thing you have to check is that the tire of your bike should be 20” to 29” as this bike rack is designed for this tire size only.
You can buy accessories separately if you want to haul other types of bikes. Fat tire wheel tray (64674), ½” locking hitch pin (64029) or ½” locking hitch pin and security cable (64031). For installation of the Swagman XC2 hitch mount bike rack you need a few minutes. The upright ratchet arms easily adjust to different sizes of frames.
4. Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack
The final way you can mount a bike is on your roof! You will of course need a roof rack already on your Forester for this to be possible.
As this option by Thule is a mount, that connects to a horizontal roof rack. But, if you have that or are planning on getting one then the appeal of this option is clear.
It doesn’t affect your normal driving options. The only thing you’ll have to be mindful of is low clearings.
And Thule is known for making solid products, they also tend to be on the pricer side. But, this is one case where “you get what you pay for” is actually true. If you don’t like this option, Yakima makes a great roof bicycle rack as well.
We hope this guide helped you make up your mind on the bike rack for your Subaru Forester. It can be a bit overwhelming to see all the options available, but it’s simple after you decide how you want your bike rack mounted.
We can see the appeal of tension mounted racks for their versatility, roof mounted bike racks for their low profile, and hitch mounted racks for their sturdyness.
If you end up picking something from this guide, let us know how it worked out for you. We love hearing from our readers and thanks for stopping by!