The 7 Best Rear Bike Racks of 2024
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Whether you need to carry supplies to work or school, want somewhere to put your groceries or are planning a bikepacking adventure, rear bike racks provide a great solution for carrying cargo. Some rear bike racks can even help provide a way to take your pet or child along for the ride.
Finding the best bike rack for you will vary based on your type of bike and your carrying needs. There are rear bike racks to provide options for all types of bicycles—designed to work with various wheel sizes, brake types and biking conditions.
It’s important to find a rear rack that is both compatible with your bike and has enough carrying capacity for your things. You also may want to consider what attachments you’d like to use to transport your belongings such as a basket, pannier (type of bike bag) or trunk. We’ve put together a list of the best rear bike racks in 2024 to help you find one that’s right for your next ride.
Our Picks for the Best Rear Bike Racks of 2024:
- Best Rear Bike Rack for Disc Brakes: Topeak Explorer MTX
- Best Steel Rear Bike Rack: Wald Rear Bike Rack
- Best Rear Bike Rack for Touring: Ibera Bike Rack
- Best Rear Bike Rack with Basket: Anggoer Rear Bike Rack with Basket
- Best Rear Bike Rack for Bikepacking: Aeroe Spider Rear Bike Rack
- Best Rear Bike Rack for Road Bikes: Axiom Streamliner
- Best Seatpost-Mounted Rear Bike Rack: Outtag Bike Rear Rack
Best Rear Bike Rack for Disc Brakes: Topeak Explorer MTX
Amazon
Key features:
- Compatibility: Fits bikes with 26-inch, 27.5-inch (650B) or 700c wheels
- Carrying capacity: 57 pounds
- Size: 16.1 inches L x 13.6 inches W x 9.3 inches H
- Weight: 1.38 pounds
- Features: Includes mounting bracket (26.5 cm), solid fender top, RedLite mount, tail light mount
- Material: Aluminum
- Price: $57.95
If your bike has disc brakes, you’re going to want to make sure your rear bike rack is compatible with them. Topeak offers a wide variety of bike gear and solutions, including this Explorer MTX rear bike rack. This rack best fits bikes with 26-inch, 27.5-inch (650B) or 700c wheels, which are common sizes. (It’s not a good fit for bicycles with 29-inch wheels, but for those bikes go with the Explorer 29 Disc.) Topeak Explorer MTX racks are designed with disc mounts that provide enough clearance for bikes that have additional disc brake hardware.
This black aluminum bike rack can support up to 57 pounds of weight. It comes with a 26.5cm mounting bracket, solid fender top, RedLite mount and tail light mount. You can also easily attach compatible accessories such as Topeak's MTX TrunkBags and MTX rear baskets thanks to the rack’s QuickTrack. One reviewer on Amazon says that it is a great option for commuting: “This rack fit my bike perfectly. Paired with some panniers, my work clothes and my laptop bag [now] hang on my bike rather than on my back.”
While you cannot put a BabySeat on an Explorer Rack, if you want to bring a child along for the ride, you can try the brand’s Babyseat II and Babyseat, which are also available for disc brake bikes.
What we like:
- 57-pound carrying capacity
- Compatible with a variety of MTX accessories including MTX TrunkBags and MTX rear baskets
- Includes mounting hardware
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
What to consider:
- Some reviewers say it’s hard to tighten the bolt of the bracket arm
- It’s not compatible with 29-inch wheels or the Babyseat II. (You’d need the Explorer 29 (Disc) for 29-inch wheel mountain bikes or the Babyseat II Rack for child seat compatibility.)
Best Steel Rear Bike Rack: Wald Rear Bike Rack
Amazon
Key features:
- Compatibility: Designed for bikes with 26-inch wheels (and some 27.5-inch diamond frame multi-speed bicycles)
- Carrying capacity: Depends on experience and strength of the rider
- Size: 13 inches L x 5 inches W x 14 inches H
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Material: Steel
- Features: Simple design with black or silver finish. Compatible with Wald 582 rear folding basket.
- Price: $39.83
Wald first launched in 1905 with a bicycle repair tool and since then has launched a variety of products to provide biking solutions, including bicycle baskets and racks. (The brand also makes automotive and industrial products.) The family-owned company takes pride in products being 100 percent American-made.
The Wald Rear Bike rack is a simple lightweight steel rack that mounts to the eyelets close to your bike’s rear axles and brake mounts. It features a 13-inch by 5-inch loading surface and is compatible with the Wald 582 rear folding basket. This rack is designed to be most compatible with 26-inch wheels.
Keith Pawsat, vice president and fourth generation family-owner/partner at Wald LLC, shares that Wald has offered this bike rack for over 40 years. Pawsat says that the weight capacity of the rack should depend on the experience and strength of the rider. If you are wondering how much weight customers use, one Amazon reviewer says this rear rack can support around 25–30 pounds.
Reviewers on Amazon say this is a sturdy choice and many love that it is USA-made. “This is a quality steel bike rack that is actually very durable and stable now that I've gotten it properly installed,” says one reviewer.
What we like:
- USA-made with alloy steel in two color options, black and silver
- Lightweight (2.6 pounds)
- Compatible with the Wald 582 rear folding basket
What to consider:
- Some reviewers say that you may need additional additional brackets and screws to install it
- Not designed to be compatible with 29-inch wheels
Best Rear Bike Rack for Touring: Ibera Bike Rack
Amazon
Key features:
- Compatibility: Most bikes with 26 to 29-inch wheels
- Carrying capacity: 55 pounds
- Size: 15.5 inches L x 6 inches W x 14 inches H
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Features: Anodized aluminum, quick clip-on bag mount, reflector or tail light attachable
- Price: $47.99
Ibera is a bicycle accessories brand focused on providing high quality gear for a full range of biking activities from commuting to long-distance bike touring. The company has won multiple awards for their innovative bike products, including for its MultiMount bag which is compatible with this rear rack.
Ibera’s rear rack is available in models for both disc-brake and non-disc brake bikes. These strong and adjustable bike racks are a good fit for bikes with 26- to 29-inch wheels, making them a versatile option.
This rear bike rack is crafted from TIG-welded, heat-treated, anodized aluminum, a durable material that is commonly used for bike frames. It is designed so that you can attach your tail light or reflector to the back of the rack.
The racks also come with a quick clip-on bag mount and can hold up to 55 pounds, though the product itself is lightweight at only 1.7 pounds. Several reviewers on Amazon mention that the compatible bags are excellent. Compatible bag models include PakRak IB-BA9, IB-BA11, IB-BA14, IB-BA15, IB-BA16, IB-BA18, IB-BA19 and IB-BA20.
Reviewers on Amazon also say this is simple to install. “The rack was easy to install on my 26 [inch] bike, and we like it so much that we might get the same rack for my husband’s 29 [inch] bike,” says one reviewer.
What we like:
- Offers versatility—fits a range of wheels with different sizes and is available for disc-brake and non-disk brake bikes
- Lightweight (1.7 pounds)
- Highly-rated compatible bags
- Tail light and reflector attachable
What to consider:
- Some reviewers say the rack rubs against their bike tires.
- Some reviewers say the bolts included with the rack are low quality
Best Rear Bike Rack with Basket: Anggoer Rear Bike Rack with Basket
Amazon
Key features:
- Compatibility: Compatible with most bikes with non-disc brakes, including mountain bikes, fat bikes and road bikes
- Carrying capacity: 165 pounds
- Size: 24.02 inches L x 6.3 inches W x 15.7 inches H
- Weight: 1.8 kilograms
- Material: Aluminum
- Features: Detachable basket, quick release clip, adjustable height, comes with waterproof cover and elastic bungee cord
- Price: $47.99
Whether you want to attach a rack bag or just need a simple basket for a few groceries, this rack is a great option for a variety of carrying needs. This aluminum rear bike rack fits bikes with 26- to 29-inch tires and comes with a detachable basket with around an 18-liter carrying capacity. It also comes with a 27-inch elastic bungee cord and waterproof cover for extra protection for your belongings.
This rack comes with everything you need to attach it, including a wrench and Allen key. Rubber pads help avoid scratching your bike’s paint, another added bonus. Some reviewers on Amazon do say that it is difficult to assemble, but worth the challenge once you figure it out.
While the rack’s weight capacity is officially 165 pounds, Anggoer recommends limiting loads to 55 pounds, an international standard, for safety. According to Anggoer, the load capacity does make it a suitable option for taking a pet or little one (under 55 pounds) along for the ride. Be sure to check with an expert such as your local bike shop to ensure this can be done safely and to find the right child seat. Additionally, Anggoer suggests regularly examining the tightness of the quick release and screws and whether the rack gets tilted to help ensure a safer ride.
Reviewers on Amazon say that this bike rack is a good value for the price, especially since it includes the basket and accessories. One reviewer says, “My school backpack fits into it perfectly and the bungee cord with three straps in one is great for securing things.”
What we like:
- High carrying capacity (safest for up to 55 pounds)
- Versatile—can be used with or without basket
- Comes with accessories including a bungee and waterproof cover
What to consider:
- Not a good fit for disc-brake bikes, folding bikes, electric bikes, kids' bikes, women's cruiser bikes or suspension bikes
- Some reviewers say it’s difficult to assemble
- Some reviewers say the basket makes a rattling sound
Best Rear Bike Rack for Bikepacking: Aeroe Spider Rear Bike Rack
Amazon
Key features:
- Compatibility: Gravel bikes, road bikes, electric bikes and all mountain bikes, including eMTBs and full-suspension mountain bikes
- Carrying capacity: Capacity is up to 35 pounds for the rack, but 10 pounds per cradle is recommended.
- Size: Not listed, but package dimensions are 17.99 inches L x 8.39 inches W x 7.52 inches H
- Weight: 2.09 pounds
- Material: Aluminum and stainless steel
- Features: Adjustable, coated in silicone at all touch points, built-in straps, waterproof
- Price: $149
If you are looking for a lightweight rear rack that is sturdy and durable enough for mountain biking through rough terrain, this rear rack may be a good solution for your bikepacking adventures. Aeroe's Spider Rear Bike Rack features a unique patented design that the brand says will fit any mountain bike including full suspension mountain bicycles and bikes without built-in rack eyelets.
While this rack is a little pricier than the other racks on this list, it is designed with high-quality materials and comes with a two year warranty. It also features rubber feet and silicone coated nylon at touch points, so that it doesn’t damage your bike.
The rack is made for rougher conditions and designed so that it doesn’t sway or rattle, a common complaint for some bike racks. It can also be used with any drybag, and Aeroe has compatible bags as well. The bike has a capacity of 35 pounds, but Aeroe’s suggested weight is 10 pounds per cradle. While the rack only comes with one cradle, it can fit up to three cradles and additional cradles can be purchased separately.
To install this rack you just need a 5mm Allen wrench or hex key. You can easily adjust the angle and height of the rack while fitting it to your bike. The rack’s cradle can be installed on the side of the rack or the top, depending on your preference. “This fit perfectly on the rear suspension of my MTB, even with a carbon frame. Allows me to add a pack when I need it. Mounts and removes quickly once you fit it. Excellent!,” says one reviewer.
What we like:
- Good for rough off-road terrain
- Easy to use and features adjustable mounting positions
- Compatible side packs
- Two-year warranty
What to consider:
- It’s not the best fit for fat tire bikes
- Expensive compared to other models
Best Rear Bike Rack for Road Bikes: Axiom Streamliner
Amazon
Key features:
- Compatibility: 700c wheels
- Carrying capacity: 110 pounds
- Size: 11.81 inches L x 7.87 inches W x 19.69 inches H
- Weight: 1.12 pounds
- Material: Hand-welded 10.2mm tubular 6061 T6 aluminum
- Features: narrow profile, high-strength steel feet, anti-scratch coating, reflector/light mount
- Price: $71.99
Axiom designed this rear rack to solve compatibility issues with road bikes. This rear rack will solve your heel clearance problems—it’s mounted four centimeters behind the axle and is a great fit for bicycles with shorter chainstays. Axiom says it should also offer enough space to clear road fenders.
The Axiom Streamliner features a narrow profile that keeps the load close to the center with a 110-pound weight capacity. The narrow profile is designed for better aerodynamics, but it also means that this rack is not the best fit for mounting top trunk bags. Panniers (a type of bike bag) that hang off the side are a more compatible option.
Reviewers on Amazon say this is a quality, stable and sturdy bike rack that is a great fit for panniers. “Carried dozens of pounds in a Timbuk2 pannier/backpack to and from work on a 30 minute commute. No heel rub, even with big feet and short chainstays,” shares one reviewer.
What we like:
- Offers a bike rack solution for road bikes
- Great pannier rack option
- Reflector/light mount compatible
What to consider:
- Narrow build means it’s not the best fit for top rack trunks
- Some reviewers say the mounting bracket screws provide an extremely tight space for tire clearance.
Best Seatpost-Mounted Rear Bike Rack: Outtag Bike Rear Rack
Amazon
Key features:
- Compatibility: Works with most bicycles including road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes and fat tire bikes
- Carrying capacity: 22 pounds (also available for 55 pounds)
- Size: 15.1 inches L x 5.9 inches W x 3.7 inches H inches
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Features: Black color, raised tail and the front flap to keep cargo in place, anti-slip padding
- Price: $25.99
This Outtag rear bike rack attaches to your bike’s seatpost and fits most bicycles, including road bikes, mountain bikes and fat tire bikes. One of the unique features of this product is that it is easily retractable—all you have to do is remove the two bolts at the bottom of the rack. This allows cyclists to adjust the rack for preferences or storage.
This seatpost-mounted rack can carry up to 22 pounds and has four hooks that you can use to secure cargo. (There’s also a similar model with a 55-pound weight capacity.) It’s designed with a raised tail and front flap to help keep your things in place. Anti-slip pads help keep the rack secure while also preventing damage to your bike.
Although the Outtag Bike Rear Rack attaches to your seatpost, be aware that it is not designed for carrying people and it is not safe to ride on the rack.
Reviewers on Amazon say that this is a great rack for the price, easy to install and sturdy. They also like that it is adjustable. One reviewer says, “The ability to adjust the distance from the seat made it seem like it was custom made for my bike. After a few months I am still very happy with how it looks and how well it works.”
What we like:
- Fits most bikes
- Adjustable
- Budget-friendly
What to consider:
- Not designed to carry people
- Some reviewers report issues with the support tubing being too thin
Why Buy a Rear Bike Rack?
Rear bike racks provide a great solution for carrying cargo for a wide variety of biking needs including everyday commuting, bikepacking, bicycle touring and even just the occasional shopping errand. If you are looking for a way to take your child along on your ride, some rear bike racks are a compatible option for child seats.
Rear bike racks can be used with bike baskets, trunk bags, panniers and more to help make transporting your belongings easier when riding your bike.
How to Use a Rear Bike Rack
A rear bike rack mounts to the back of your bike (rather than the handlebar like a front rack) in a variety of different ways, depending on the model. You should look for a model that is compatible with your bicycle. Once you’ve attached the rear bike rack, you can carry cargo in a way that works for your rack’s features. Look for compatible add-on basket, trunk bag or rear pannier options.
What To Look For in a Rear Bike Rack
Compatibility
Ensure that the rear bike rack can fit on your bike. Some bike racks are only compatible with certain rear wheel sizes.
“Two main considerations are disc brakes ([which are] newer, [and found on] most e-bikes) versus rim brakes ([which are found on] older bikes, cruisers), as far as fit and compatibility goes,” says Chris van Zyl, Sales Manager/Partner at The Mob Shop, a full-service bike shop and cycle events hosting company in Ojai, California. Van Zyl also says that if you want to attach a child seat, consider the carrying capacity of the rack and the structure/compatibility with the seat.
Additionally, you will want to check to see what compatible carrying options are available for the rack. Some brands make their own compatible baskets and bags to go along with their racks, although the racks can be used with others as well.
If you are new to biking, It’s a good idea to visit your local bike shop to determine the most compatible and safest options for your needs.
Carrying capacity
The carrying capacity of the rear bike racks on this list range from around 35 pounds to 110 pounds for a heavy load. For a safe riding experience, it’s important to stick to the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit. Avoid heavy-duty loads on racks that are not designed for a high carrying capacity.
Size
You should look at the length, width and height of the rear bike rack to make sure it will be an appropriate fit for your bike and needs. Rear cargo racks with narrower profiles may not be a good fit for top loaded items.
Weight
The racks on this list range in weight from around 1.2 to 2.4 pounds.
Features
Additional features to consider include color options, padding, adjustability and tail light/reflector compatibility and included accessories.
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Cost
The rear bike racks on this list range from budget-friendly options around $26 to more expensive models around $150.
How We Chose the Best Rear Bike Racks
We aimed to find racks for a variety of purposes and uses. We considered all the factors above and considered user ratings and reviews. We also drew from editor experience of more than a decade working in the bike industry and testing products firsthand.
Rear Bike Rack FAQs
Are rear bike racks worth it?
Yes, rear bike racks are a great way to carry cargo when riding your bike. There are many budget-friendly rear bike racks under $100, allowing you to transport your belongings in an eco-friendly way.
What is the weight limit for a rear bike rack?
Weight limits for rear bike racks vary based on the model. You can make safety a priority by sticking to the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit.
Are all rear bike racks the same?
No, all bike racks are not the same. They vary in size, weight capacity, compatibility, features, price, weight and more. It’s important to find a bike rack that is compatible with your specific bike and needs.
Are rear bike racks hard to install?
Many rear bike racks are easy to install, but this will vary based on the rack model and your installation skills. If you are unsure how to install your rear bike rack, it’s a good idea to visit your local bike shop or consult with the manufacturer to ensure a safe experience.
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Final Thoughts
Rear bike racks are a convenient solution for transporting your belongings while riding your bicycle. Whether you need a rear rack for your everyday commuter bike or for an occasional errand, there is a model to best support your needs. Look for a rack that is compatible with your bike’s features, your desired carrying capacity and your budget. Be sure to follow the manufacturers guidelines to help ensure a functional, safe and enjoyable ride.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
