Roof and trunk bike racks
Is frame-free worth five times the price?
Both leave the wheels on and both need crossbars. Only one keeps away from the frame.
| Compared on | UpRide roof carrier, frame-free | Upright Roof Mount Rack |
|---|---|---|
| Frame contact | None | Clamp on the downtube |
| Wheel range | 20 to 29 in | Wheelbase of 49 in or less |
| Tire width | Up to 3 in, 5 in with adapter | Not published |
| Rack weight | 18.5 lb | 5 lb |
| Price read | $399.95 | $74.99 |
| Listed on amazon.com | Yes | Yes |
A tick marks the better answer on that line only. Counting ticks does not decide the page — the two verdicts below do, because these products answer different questions.
The rack for carbon frames and long bikes. No clamp on the frame, and it takes wide tires.
The rack for an aluminum or steel bike with a wheelbase under 49 inches. Five times less money.
Yes. Neither includes them.
The Thule, since it holds the bike by the wheels. Check your frame maker before using any clamp on a carbon tube.
Roof mount · no frame contact · carbon-safe · rear wheel strap
A roof carrier that holds the bike by the front wheel with no contact on the frame at all, which is why Thule states it as suitable for carbon frames.
Best for: Carbon-framed road and gravel bikes, where a frame clamp is the thing you are trying to avoid.
≈ $399.95
1 bike · 35 lb · no wheel removal · fits crossbars to 3 in wide · 5 lb
An upright roof rack for one bike that leaves both wheels on, clamps the downtube with a lockable clamp and fits square, round and oval crossbars.
Best for: An alloy or steel bike under 35 lb on a car that already has crossbars.
≈ $74.99
Prices quoted in these summaries are dated readings. The live price is shown next to each product.
