Riding on local trails often gets boring and you find yourself searching for new trails. Plenty of cyclists are contented with what their local trails have to offer but there is always an adventurous group willing to traverse the state in search of better trails.
You could pack a bag with supplies and hit the road with your bike or you could attach your bike to your car and hit the road.
How do you attach a bike to your car? Simply use a bike rack that is compatible with the model you are driving. In this case, we’re not talking just about any car we are interested in a Toyota Camry.
Ideally, we’d all prefer to carry our bikes in the car where they are not exposed to theft or weather. However, unless you have a truck you’d have to disassemble both the rear and front wheel for it to fit in the back seat. Disassembling is a lot of work that you can avoid by strapping your bike to the best bike rack for Toyota Camry.
Top 7 Picks for Best Bike Rack for Toyota Camry
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1. Allen Sports 2-Bike Hitch Rack-XR200
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Transporting your bikes has never been made easier than with this XR200 Bike rack by Allen Sports. It’s brimming with features but perhaps the most impressive is the adjustable wheel trays that can accommodate various wheel sizes and styles.
It also comes with an easy-to-use frame attachment system that eliminate the need to use an adaptor bar.
Padded upper frame connector
Are you looking for a bike rack that not only secures but also protects your bike? Well, you found it. The XR200 comes with a padded upper frame connector that fully secures your bike to the car. Since it’s adjustable, it’s compatible with different tube sizes and shapes. On top of that, the buckle features a TPR housing that protects your bike.
Capacity
The XR200 can carry a maximum of two bikes or a 70 lb. load. The wheel tray can accommodate up to 3-inch wide tires, a wheel base ranging from 35” to 48” and a wheel diameter ranging from 20” to 29”.
Construction
The XR200 is constructed using sturdy steel with a rugged powder coat finish for a long service life. It also features individual tie-down cradles and a secure no-wobble connection.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and install
- Heavy-duty construction
- Allows for rear vehicle access
- Folds up against the car when not in use
Cons
- It could use additional straps to prevent the bikes from swaying
2. Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Rack- 532QR
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Are you thinking of going for a camping excursion or road trip this weekend? Think Allen QR hitch rack. This is arguably the most convenient hitch-mounted bike rack on the market today. It features a locking hitch insert that makes it easy to attach the rack to your car’s receiver hitch without the use of tools. Once it’s installed into the receiver hitch, it offers a wobble-free connection.
Key features
The 532QR bike rack features the Allen’s patented individual tie-down system that is designed to secure and protect your bikes. In addition to this, the rack has folding arms that can be folded down when not in use, which allows for greater flexibility especially when you want to use the vehicle without removing the rack. The primary mast can also be tilted to the side to allow access to the trunk.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Tilts to the side
- Folding carry arms allow for greater flexibility
Cons
- There is a little bit of wobbling when all three bikes are mounted
3. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Trunk Mount Rack- 104DB
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For more than 50 years, Allen Sports have been at the forefront of the bike rack industry. They are committed to manufacturing the finest bike racks available in the market. They are among the few brands that manufacture bike racks for almost all types of cars.
The Allen Sports Deluxe is a bike rack designed for minivans, sedans, SUVs and hatchbacks. It features a simple carrying system that comprises of a single configuration design. This design eliminates the hassles of setup and installation.
The rack is shipped fully assembled leaving only the mounting process to you. Don’t worry, it takes less than 2 minutes to mount it on your car. Once mounted, it can carry a maximum of 4 bikes which are secured with a patented tie-down system.
Security
Among the bike racks for Toyota Camry we tested, the Allens Sport Deluxe was one of the best in terms of security. While it is not as secure as the Kurt Trio, it’s holds up well against its peers. The patented tie-down system may not be foolproof but it would require a lot of hassle to cut through the straps and steal the bikes.
Compatibility
Aside from the 15 inch wide carry arms, this bike rack is compatible with almost all Toyota Camrys from 2000.
Pros
- Easy to mount
- Comes fully assembled
- Affordable price
Cons
- Doesn’t not secure the bike tightly, which means you might experience wobbling
4. TYGER AUTO TG-RK1B204B Deluxe 1-Bike Carrier Rack
There is something about trunk mounted racks that doesn’t sit well with us. All those hooks and straps attached to the back of the car feels weird. But we’re not going to overlook the fact that they are convenient, easy to mount a bike and some are well designed.
We found the TYGER AUTO bike rack to be well-designed although it doesn’t have the same recognition as bigger brands. This also means that the price tag is on the lower side.
Compatibility
TYGER AUTO focus comes fully assembled and is compatible with most SUVs, hatchbacks, sedans and minivans. This doesn’t not include vehicles with spoilers or trailers, RVs, and vehicles that are longer than 18 feet.
It can only carry one bike at a time making it the ideal option for solo rides or if you are planning to meet up with friends later on.
Installation
Since it comes fully assembled, it should take less than 10 minutes to install the bike rack on your vehicle and mount the bike. An installation manual is also included in the package.
When it’s not in use, the arms fold up against the car. The only downside is that you have to remove the rack to access the boot.
Construction
The TYGER AUTO focus is exceptionally sturdy and has an even better design. It features padding on the lower parts of the frame which are added to protect your car from getting scratched as you tighten the ratchet straps. It also comes with safety straps to secure the bike in position.
Pros
- Secure fit
- Zero wobbling
- Easy to mount and remove
Cons
- No access to the trunk without removing the rack
5. Swagman Chinook Hitch Bike Rack
Swagman was among the first companies to design a hitch-mounted bike rack. Since then they have grown from a small company to a household name in the biking industry.
One of their top products is the Chinook hitch bike rack, which is designed to be reliable, durable and lightweight. It weighs about 35 pounds and has an easy installation process. Its top feature, however, is the tilt down feature that allows users access to the rear even with the bikes mounted on the rack.
Security
The Chinook bike rack comes with 2 security cylinders that secure the bike to the rack. Both cylinders use the same key. It also has adjustable locking hooks that secure the bike’s frame to ensure that your bike is stable when traveling.
Compatibility
The Chinook bike rack should be compatible with any vehicle as long as it has a hitch that can accommodate the specifications of the Swagman Chinook. It is also compatible with cars that have rear mounted spare tires such as Jeeps.
It can carry 2 bikes at a time or a maximum load of 45 lbs. per bike. You can also use it to carry a fat bike but you would have to buy a second tray.
Pros
- Wobble-free connection even on bumpy roads
- Folds away allowing access to the trunk
- Protective silicone prevents the bikes from sliding
- Sturdy construction
- Locking pin hitch included
Cons
- Plastic ratchets might not last as advertised
6. Yakima FullSwing Bike Mounting System
The Yakima Fullswing Bike rack is an extremely versatile bike rack that can carry up to 4 bikes. It comes with tons of features that not only make it easy to use and install but also convenient. If you are looking for a premium bike rack for your Toyota Camry, this is it.
Compatibility
It’s compatible with any vehicle with a 2-inch hitch receiver. In terms of power, it can carry a maximum of 4 bikes and it has a load capacity of 160 lbs. (40 lbs. per bike).
Installation
The Yakima Fullswing comes with a detailed installation guide that should help you with the installation. Before you install it on your car, be sure to confirm that your vehicle has a 2-inch hitch if not you can have it installed and then proceed to install your rack.
It arrives partially disassembled with all the parts included in the package. In addition to this, you also get an assembly wrench that has a rubber coated handle and a bottle opener. It takes about 10-30 minutes to assemble the rack depending on your proficiency. Once it’s assembled, it employs a tools-free design even when installing it to the vehicle.
Security
Having used a Yakima bike rack before, it’s a relief to see that they’ve ditched chainstraps for zipstrips. Zipstrips are easier to install or remove even when wearing gloves.
Pros
- Zipstrip cradles are great
- Built-in bottle opener
- Fully padded arms
- Once assembled, it doesn’t not require tools to install
- Fullswing capabilities come in handy during road trips
Cons
- Short arms make it difficult to install more than 3 bikes
7. Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Swagman bike racks are renowned for their versatility and style. They can carry kids, women and men bikes with ease. Among their top bike racks is the Swagman CX Cross-Country- a hitch mounted bike rack that can carry two bikes.
While a capacity of 2 bikes might seem limited, it’s certainly the most secure hitch mounted bike rack under $150. Each bike is secured to the rack at both wheels and at the frame making it almost impossible to steal the bikes. And if that doesn’t feel secure enough, you can buy a separate locking cable plus hitch pin to augment your bike’s security.
Features & Set up
This is a bike rack that is built for mountain bikes and cross country roads. It offers a wobble-free connection which translates to a smooth ride. The XC bike is compatible with 2-inch and 1.25-inch hitches. It can carry a combined load of 70 lbs. (35 lbs. per bike) and a maximum tire width of 3.5”. If your bike has larger tires you can always buy a separate tray.
Installation
The installation process is quite easy but it takes a minute or two to grasp the setup. Once installed, make sure the grip arms are at reasonable height before loosening the wheel cradles to place your bike wheels.
Pros
- Hitch mount system used offer better stability
- It can accommodate larger tires with the help of larger cradles
- Center mast folds allowing access to the trunk
- The rack offer a secure way to carry your bikes
- Sturdy design and anti-wobble bolts
Cons
- Extra padding is required to prevent the rack from damaging your bike’s paintwork
- Push buttons are not easy to actuate
Toyota Camry Bike Rack Buying Guide
In this buyer’s guide, we will go through a list of features to look for when shopping for a bike rack for your Toyota Camry.
As you probably know, there is a wide variety of bike racks and they come in different mounting styles. Some are hitch mounted, others are strap mounted and there are also upright style designs.
Each of these mounting styles is compatible with specific types of vehicles. It’s advisable that you confirm that the bike rack you choose is compatible with the car you’re using.
Types of Bike Racks
1. Hitch Mounted Racks
Of the four available styles, hitch mounted racks are the most convenient. Once you’ve installed it on your car, the next step involves lifting your bikes and placing them onto the trays. This is more convenient that lifting your bike and placing them on the roof of the car.
Most hitch racks slide directly into the car’s receiver tube and are available for 2 or 1.25-inch receivers. Newer models are designed to fold up when not in use giving you access to the trunk. They also have integrated locks that secure your bike to the rack and arms that extend over the front wheels of the bike/bikes. The only downside to using these racks is that they extend outwards and if you aren’t careful you could damage your bike when parallel packing or backing up.
Hitch mounted racks are typically more expensive than other racks but the ease of set up, loading, unloading and the fact that you don’t have to lift the bikes over your head, make them a preferred option.
Newer designs have better locking systems that allow for one-handed fitting. While others come with locks that secure the bikes to the rack and then the rack to the car. If you are lucky, you could find a hitch mounted rack with hinged load sections that provide access to the tailgate or boot without having to unstrap the bikes.
2. Roof-Mounted Racks
There are at least 3 types of roof-mounted racks: a complete rack system which is designed to mount on a bare roof, suction cups that attach to any surface by creating vacuum seals and trays that you mount onto the factory-installed tracks/crossbars/side rails.
There are 2 ways to install a bike to a roof-mounted rack: you can either attach it with front wheel or without. Removing the front wheel lightens the bike and also lowers the height. However, this is not always possible with all bike models especially disc brake equipped bikes. The other option is leaving the front wheel on, which eliminates concerns regarding disc brakes but you have to sacrifice a little bit of stability.
Although they are not permanent, roof-mounted racks tend to stay attached to the roof all the time due to their versatility. They’re compatible with most sport-specific accessories which allows you to carry SUP boards, kayaks, cargo boxes, bikes, skies, etc. Basically, you can carry any bulky item with a roof-mounted rack.
3. Trunk-Mounted Racks
Trunk mounted racks are the least secure and least expensive of the four. They consist of straps that secure the bikes around the bumper/trunk/hatchback of your vehicle. Of the four, they are the lightest and most portable.
They take a while to get used to but once you get the hang of it, installing and removing the rack becomes easy. The only downside to having a trunk rack is that it limits access to the trunk.
Trunk racks typically carry 1 or 2 bikes at a time. And since they use nylons straps and cables, they have a weight limit. The use of nylon straps and cables may present a security concern as they can easily be cut. They are recommended for hatchbacks or sedans but be sure to gather feedback from online sources or friends before settling for a trunk rack.
4. Spare-Tire Racks
Most off-road and sports utility vehicles are fitted with rear-mounted spare tires which can be used to secure bike racks. Spare-tire racks are similar to trunk racks in that they both use straps to secure the bikes to the rear of the vehicle.
The upside of using a spare-tire bike rack is that you can still access the rear of your car without removing the bikes. You also don’t have to worry about scratches or dents caused by the bikes when it swings or when you open the rear door.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Toyota Camry Bike Rack
The more features you want, the higher the cost of the bike rack. Try to prioritize on security and the method of attachment.
Locking cables
These are security devices that secure your bike by locking it into place. It takes less than 3 minutes for an experienced thief to unsecure your bike from the rack, a situation you can avoid by buying a bike rack with locking cables. This is a standard feature in premium models and for mid-range models there is an option to buy it separately.
Car Attachment Points
Before you can attach your bike to the rack, you need to mount the rack to the car. The method of attaching it to your car will vary depending on the style. You want a rack with padded, tipped or coated attachment points to prevent damage to the paintjob.
Strong securing points
The idea of buying a bike rack is to have a convenient way of securing your bikes to your car when traveling. This means that the securing points have to be strong enough to accommodate the weight of the bikes and still be gentle enough not to cause any damage to the paintwork, wheels or frame. You also want a bike rack that is strong enough to withstand strong winds.
Number of bikes you intend to carry
This should be the first feature you ought to consider when shopping for bike racks. There is no point in buying a bike that can only carry two bikes when you want to carry four bikes.
Always consider the number of bikes that you will to carry at any given time. Use this information as your guide when choosing the best bike rack for Toyota Camry.
Budget
Price is a factor in everything. You simply can’t spend more than you have. Always check the price and compare it with your budget. There are affordable racks with impressive features and are just as good as the premium models. However, if you will be a frequent user of your rack, it’s advisable that you spend a little bit extra to get a bike rack that has better security features.
Don’t let the price dictate what you will buy, sometimes it’s worth waiting in order to accumulate enough money to get the best bike rack.
Reputation
A company’s reputation says a lot about their products and customer service. Preferably, choose a company that has been operating for many years and offers reasonable warranties.
Also, be sure to assess the quality and reputation of the said product. You could try social media where you are likely to get honest responses.