Rhino-Rack Bike Carrier Buying Guide

Rhino-Rack makes a bike carrier for everyone's needs. From bike type, vehicle type and number of bikes to be transported this is your guide to deciding which Rhino-Rack bike carrier best suits you. Follow the questions below and let us guide you to what style of Rhino-Rack Bike Carrier you need.

Whether you have Road Bikes, Cyclocross Bikes, Mountain Bikes, Fat Bikes, Kids Bikes, Cruiser Bikes, BMX, or Folding Bikes Rhino-Rack will get you out on your next adventure faster!

1. What type of vehicle do you have?
The type of vehicle you have will determine your options for bike mounting styles.


2. How do you want to mount your bike?
When loading your bike, no matter the style, you should consider the best option for your needs, type of bike and preferred mounting location to the vehicle. The methods for mounting your bike are; using the Forks, the Wheels or the Frame for securing to your vehicle.


The Forks method is best supported by a Roof Top Carrier or in the case of a Ute the Claw.
The Wheel method is best supported by a Roof Top Carrier or the Tow bar Hitch.
The Frame method is best supported by a Tow Bar Hitch, Rear Clip On, Spare Wheel or Tow Ball.

Rhino-Rack Crossbars and Pioneer Systems - Roof Top Mounting systems require either a Rhino-Rack Vortex Crossbar, Rhino-Rack Heavy Duty Crossbar or a Rhino-Rack Pioneer System to fit your Bike Carrier. Please see the Fit My Car Guide to find the right roof system for your vehicle.

3. How many bikes do you want to carry?
Here are Rhino-Rack's suggestions for you based on mounting method.

One Bike

Wheel: Rhino-Rack Hybrid Carrier, Dual Trekker
Fork: Rhino-Rack MountainTrail, Rhino-Rack Road Warrior, Rhino-Rack Claw (Ute only)
Frame: Rhino-Rack Two Arm Hitch, Towball 4 Bike Carrier and Rhino-Rack Nexus Clip On

Two Bikes

Wheel: Rhino-Rack Dual Trekker Platform Hitch, Rhino-Rack Hybrid Carrier
Fork: Rhino-Rack MountainTrail, Rhino-Rack Road Warrior
Frame: Rhino-Rack Two Arm Hitch, Rhino-Rack Nexus Clip On, Rhino-Rack Spare Wheel Bike Carrier and Rhino-Rack Four Bike Carrier Tow Ball Mount

Three Bikes

Wheel: It's possible to add 3-4 rooftop bike carriers. This depends on the length of the cross bars. The bikes are mounted facing alternate directions so that the handlebars don't clash.
Frame: Rhino-Rack Two Arm Hitch and the Rhino-Rack Nexus Clip On

Four Bikes

Wheel: It's possible to add 3-4 rooftop bike carriers. This depends on the length of the cross bars. The bikes are mounted facing alternate directions so that the handlebars don't clash.
Frame: Rhino-Rack Two Arm Hitch, Rhino-Rack Four Bike Carrier Tow Ball Mount

Now let's take this into consideration;

How strong do you feel?
If you have trouble lifting a bike up and onto your roof then it can be a better idea to utilise any of the Hitch, Rear Clip-on, Spare wheel or Tow Bar mounted carriers as mentioned above.

Do you want to carry bikes on your trailer or caravan?
The best option for a person carrying bikes with a caravan attached would be on the roof of the car or if the vehicle is a SUV or 4X4 then on a spare tyre mount on the car.

Security for your Bike
Rhino-Rack is focused on developing the securest Bike Carriers so you can rest assured that thieves won't be able to remove your bike or the racks that hold it in place. Each type of Bike Carrier comes with different theft reduction features; the inclusion of heavy duty cable locks, anti-theft locking systems and multiple locking systems such as rack to carrier, bike to carrier and finally the cable to keep your bike and racks as secure as possible.

Safety law
Each state has it's own road authority and state legislation concerning transporting bikes on your vehicle. All laws focus mainly on the display of a license plate, basically, your bike carrier or bikes cannot hinder the view of your license plate. Rhino-Rack produces the Number Plate Holder (part RBCA011) so that you're never in trouble with the law.

 See the entire Rhino-Rack Bike Range