Are you searching for the perfect bike rack for your Subaru Forester but unsure where to start? You’ve come to the right place.
As an experienced outdoor enthusiast and auto expert, I understand the importance of choosing a quality bike rack that matches your vehicle and lifestyle.
Subaru Foresters are capable and versatile small SUVs, but properly loading bikes requires the right carrier.
In this guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to select the best bike rack for your Subaru Forester. I’ll cover your options from hitch mounted racks to roof racks, discuss factors like ease of use, bike capacity, and aerodynamics.
You’ll leave knowing exactly what type of rack is right for you and have recommendations for high-quality models.
Whether you’re looking to haul one mountain bike or four road bikes, I can help you find a rack that fits your needs, budget and aesthetic preferences.
By the end you’ll be ready to hit the trails or bike paths with confidence, safely transporting your bikes on your Forester.
Let’s get started! I’m excited to help you find the perfect bike rack for your Forester so you can enjoy cycling and road trips together.
The 5 Best Bike Rack for Subaru Forester
Factors like ease of use, bike capacity, aerodynamics and durability will be considered. You’ll leave knowing which bike racks are the highest rated for your Forester.
Let’s get started! I’m ready to highlight the 5 best bike racks for Subaru Forester so you can finally find the perfect carrier for you and your bikes.
1. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Bike – Best Overall
Specifications
- Best For: Subaru Forester
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Rack Weight: 23 lbs.
- Load Capacity: 140 lbs.
- Bikes Capacity: 4 bikes
- Compatible Hitch Receiver: Class III or IV, 2 inches
The Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Bike Rack is the best choice for owners of Subaru Forester vehicles wanting to transport multiple bicycles.
This heavy-duty rack securely carries up to four bikes with its 22-inch long arms that accommodate two bicycles side by side.
The patented tie-down system tightly fastens each bike to the rack arms, keeping bikes stable during transport on rough terrain and preventing collisions between bicycles and with the vehicle.
The rack’s arms fold inwards when not in use to reduce the rack’s footprint for storage. Assembly is straightforward, taking only minutes with no specialized tools required, and installation onto the vehicle hitch is also quick and simple.
Bolts secure the rack firmly to reduce vibrations and movement of the rack and bicycles during transport. This helps protect both the bicycles and the vehicle from damage caused by impact or rubbing.
If you want a reliable, sturdy bike rack for carrying multiple bicycles on your Subaru Forester, the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Bike Rack is a confident choice. Its durable build, secure tie-down system, and easy assembly make it a knowledgeable recommendation for your needs.
Pros
- Effortless installation
- User-friendly and durable
- Large load capacity
Cons
- Receiver specific model
- Blocks my backup camera
2. Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack – Highly Recommended
Specifications
- Best For: SUVs
- Material: Metal
- Weight: 35 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 150 lbs.
- Hanging Capacity: 4 bikes
- Compatible Hitch Receiver: 1.25″ and 2″
The Thule Apex XT is an ideal bike rack for owners of the Subaru Forester. Constructed from heavy-duty metal, this hitch-mount rack system securely transports up to four bicycles with confidence.
Featuring a weight capacity of 150 pounds, the Apex XT easily handles most bicycle tires and frames.
Metal cradles with adjustable teeth firmly grip the tires while the anti-sway cradle design stabilizes bikes in transit, minimizing movement and potential damage. This sturdy rack stays in place on rough roads thanks to its robust 35 pound build.
Installation onto standard 1 1/4″ and 2″ hitches is straightforward, and the foldable arms allow convenient storage when not in use.
The tilt-away design enables access to the rear of the vehicle without uninstalling the rack itself, saving time and effort.
For Subaru Forester owners, the Apex XT eliminates common issues with vibration and sway during driving. The metal construction and weighty design provide a rigid and stable base for transporting expensive bicycles over long distances.
If you need a heavy-duty hitch mount bike rack for your Subaru Forester SUV, the Thule Apex XT is a high-quality option.
Constructed from durable metal that resists corrosion and impact damage, this rack securely grips and transports multiple bicycles with ease.
Its features have been carefully designed to provide stability and convenience, boosting confidence for transporting bicycles on any journey.
Pros
- High versatility
- Tilt away design
- Large carrying capacity
Cons
- It takes longer to load and unload bikes as compared to other bike racks
- Not compatible for all bikes
3. Hollywood Racks Destination Hitch Mount Bike Rack – Editor’s Choice
Specifications
- Best For: SUV, Passenger Car, & Truck
- Material: Alloy Steel, Plastic
- Weight: 42 lbs.
- Loading Capacity: 35 lbs. per bike.
- Hanging Capacity: 4 bikes
- Compatible Hitch Receiver: 2″
Confidently carrying up to 4 bikes without bending, the Hollywood Racks Destination Hitch Mount Bike Rack proves itself a knowledgeable choice for Subaru Forester owners.
Boasting solid alloy steel construction and a lightweight plastic frame, this high capacity hitch rack fits securely to 2″ hitches. With each arm supporting 35 lbs, it can carry a total of 140 lbs across 4 bikes.
The movable wheel trays function as the primary bike hangers, providing a stable foundation for each wheel. Ratchet straps then tighten over the wheels to restrict movement and shaking during transit, minimizing wear on bikes and risk of scratches.
Rotating attachments at the bike frames work in tandem with the wheel trays, allowing for easy installation while still holding the bikes firmly in place throughout the ride. The integrated design prevents bikes from swaying or colliding with one another.
The rack neatly stores flat against the rear of the vehicle when not in use, enabling garage storage while occupying minimal space.
Taken together, the folding design, easy installation, and heavy-duty performance justify this rack as a knowledgeable choice for Subaru Forester owners seeking to transport multiple bicycles.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Lightweight and durable
- Eccentric design
Cons
- Fits 2″ receivers only
- Blocks rear camera
4. IKURAM R 2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack – Easy to Fold
Specifications
- Best For: SUV, Truck, and Minivan
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Weight: 22.2 lbs.
- Bikes Hanging Capacity: 2 bikes
- Load Capacity: 140 lbs.
- Compatible hitch receiver: Class III & IV 2″ receiver
- Other Specs: Easily Foldable
The sturdy IKURAM R 2 hitch mount bike rack is the perfect cargo carrier for transporting your bicycles with your Subaru Forester.
Crafted from heavy-duty alloy steel, this robust bike rack has the strength and stability to haul two bikes weighing up to 140 pounds without any issue.
The wide carry arms offer plenty of space to accommodate bicycle frames of varying sizes while preventing contact between the bikes for a secure fit.
The steel components receive a protective powder coating to resist corrosion and scratches from all weather conditions.
The dual-arm design provides exceptional rigidity, keeping your bicycles firmly in place even while driving on bumpy roads or uphill terrains. The tilt-down feature allows easy access to the rear of your Subaru Forester without having to detach the bike rack or bicycles Each time, saving you time and hassle.
When you reach your destination and no longer need to transport your bicycles, the arms conveniently fold inwards to reduce the overall footprint, allowing you to easily store the rack in the trunk or rear cargo area of your Forester SUV.
If you need a durable, hassle-free bike rack for hauling multiple bicycles with your Subaru Forester, the IKURAM R 2 hitch mount bike rack offers the strength, stability and adaptability to handle the job with confidence.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Doesn’t block the rear camera on most of the vehicles
- Budget-friendly
- High durability
Cons
- Limited capacity
5. KAC K2-RT 2″ Hitch Mounted Bike Rack
Specifications
- Best For: Subaru Forester
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Weight: 44.5 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 120 lbs.
- Bike Hanging Capacity: 2 Bikes
- Compatible hitch receiver: 2 inches
The KAC K2-RT is a heavyweight champion among bike racks for Subaru Forester owners. Constructed from sturdy alloy steel, this 2” hitch mount rack secures two bicycles with confidence.
Designed for hassle-free use, the K2-RT features dual locking ratchets that quickly attach bikes and the rack itself to your Forester’s receiver hitch. These ratchets reduce vibration and movement while driving to keep your bicycles stable.
Padded clamp arms cushion bike frames during installation and securely hold wheels in wide cradles that lock in place for travel. Adjustable clamp design accommodates different bicycle frames up to 60 lbs. per bike.
Weighing in at nearly 45 lbs. itself, the KAC rack brings serious strength for dependably transporting your bicycles mile after mile, year after year.
The rugged steel construction and intuitive features promise longevity and easy use to satisfy even the pickiest bike enthusiasts.
If you value solid engineering, simple functionality and functionality above flashy extras, you’ll find the heavy duty K2-RT 2″ hitch mount bike rack to be the gold standard for hauling your bicycles with your Subaru Forester.
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Large storage capacity
- Easy to store
Cons
- Expensive
Guide to Buying a Bike Rack for Subaru Forester
This guide will walk you through the essential considerations and features to focus on for securing the perfect bike rack for your Subaru Forester.
Types of Bike Racks for Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester owners have three main options for hauling bicycles: hitch, roof, or trunk mounted racks.
Hitch racks attach to your vehicle’s receiver hitch and are the most stable option. They accommodate one to three bicycles and provide full access to your rear hatch.
Roof racks require clamping or strapping bikes to roof rails. They can carry more bicycles but raise your vehicle’s profile and fuel consumption.
Trunk mounts fold down when not in use but provide less secure bike storage and suspension.
Key Features to Consider
Regardless of rack type, focus on features that improve ease of use and bike security.
- Adjustable Padded Clamps securely hold bike frames without damage.
- Wheel cradles and secondary restraints keep wheels stabilized during transit.
- Multiple Locking Points provide peace of mind that bikes won’t detach mid-drive.
- Anti-wobble and Anti-sway systems stabilize bikes to reduce noise and fatigue.
- Weight Limits above 60 pounds per bike allow for hauling electric bicycles.
- Material Quality in steel and aluminum constructions promises longevity.
Conclusion
By considering your needs, the number of bicycles to haul, and key features that improve functionality and security, you can confidently choose the perfect bike rack for transporting your bikes with your Subaru Forester.
Hitch racks generally offer the best balance of accessibility, stability and bike security. Ultimately, select a rack designed to simplify your routine while inspiring confidence it will perform dependably for years.
