A roof rack needs crossbars first, and the crossbars can be the larger cost · review
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.
Our conclusion A low-cost roof mount that does the job, on the frame types that can take a clamp.
Roof racks are usually expensive. The Swagman Upright is the exception, and the reason is that it uses a simple clamp on the downtube.
One bike with no wheel removal, a wheelbase of 49 inches or less, a limit of 35 lb. It fits square, round and oval crossbars up to 3 inches wide, and several units can go on one vehicle. Steel and plastic, 5 lb, assembled without tools, with wheel straps and a lockable clamp.
A clamp on the downtube is cheap and works, but it squeezes the frame. Steel and aluminum bikes rarely mind. Carbon is a different question, and a frame maker’s advice beats any listing. Measure your wheelbase too: many modern trail bikes are longer than 49 inches.
Add about 3 feet to your car’s height in your head, and keep garage doors and drive-through signs in mind. Hitting a low clearance with a bike on the roof is the classic expensive mistake with this rack type.
| Bikes | 1 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 35 lb per bike |
| Wheelbase | 49 in or less |
| Crossbars | Square, round and oval, up to 3 in wide |
| Retention | Wheel straps and lockable downtube clamp |
| Rack weight | 5 lb |
| Assembly | Tool free |
| Model | 64720 |
Yes. The rack fits square, round and oval bars up to 3 inches wide, but they are not included.
It holds the bike with a clamp on the downtube. Carbon frame makers often advise against clamping tubes, so check your frame maker, or use the Thule UpRide on this shelf, which has no frame contact.
7.9/ 10
A low-cost roof mount that does the job, on the frame types that can take a clamp.
An alloy or steel bike under 35 lb on a car that already has crossbars.
Specifications: the manufacturer sheet for bike gear and the matching Amazon product page. Prices and availability: Keepa. Every figure on this page names its source.
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
2 bikes · 70 lb load · trunk mount · ships assembled · individual tie-downs
A two-bike trunk rack that needs no hitch and no crossbars, rated for 70 lb, with side straps for stability and padded lower frame arms.
Best for: A car with no hitch and no roof bars, carrying one or two regular bikes.
≈ $58.00
3 bikes · 6 straps · one-step hub folding · reflective end caps · no tools
A three-bike trunk rack with six straps, one-step hub folding, cradles and reflective red end caps, assembled with no tools.
Best for: Occasional short trips with up to three lighter bikes.
≈ $48.00
Prices quoted in these summaries are dated readings. The live price is shown next to each product.
