Rolling with the Best: Top Bike Racks for Fat Tire Bikes

Fat bikes are great for biking anywhere and on any terrain, but they're not so easy to load onto just any bike rack. The bike rack that transports your fat bike must be able to accommodate the thick tire and additional weight.

So, to make your shopping a bit easier, we put together a list of top racks for fat tire bikes. See which racks made the cut below.

What Type of Bike Rack Do I Need for My Fat Bike?

The safest way to carry your fat bike is with a hitch-mounted platform-style carrier. There are several reasons bike enthusiasts prefer hitch-mounted platform racks over other types.

Hitch-mounted platform racks:

Have higher weight capacities than other types of racks
Are also generally easier to load
Don't require overhead clearance (unlike roof racks)
Are more aerodynamic and fuel efficient than roof racks
Are less likely to be destroyed by low garages

Note: Some fat tires may require a bit of deflation for a more safe and secure hold on the bike rack.

Platform Rack

Capacity

Why Choose This Rack?

Thule T2 Pro XTR

2-4 Bikes

Most Recommended by Cyclists

Kuat NV

2-4 Bikes

Attachable Repair Stand

RockyMounts Backstage

2 Bikes

Easiest Cargo Access

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE

2-4 Bikes

Budget-Friendly Option

Our Favorite Options

Thule T2 Pro XTR

Thule T2 Pro XTR Key Features

Capacity: 2 bikes or 4 bikes (60 lbs per bike)

Maximum Tire Width: 5.0"

Extender Straps Needed No

Add-Ons: Expansion add-on # TH9036XT converts 2-bike rack to 4-bike rack

Allows Trunk/Cargo Access: Yes

Hitch Size: 1-1/4" or 2"

Carrier Weight: 52 lbs (2-bike rack); 96 lbs (4-bike rack)

Locks Included: Yes (Bikes & Rack)

Motorhome Compatible: Yes

Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Pros

One of the most attractive features of the Thule T2 Pro XTR is its readiness for fat bikes. It's designed to accommodate fat-tire bikes without the need for additional adapters, which means you are already a step closer to hitting the trail of your dreams.

I also found the HitchSwitch lever to be a game-changer. It's designed to make tilting the rack effortless, even for those bikes with the fattest of fat tires. This feature adds a thick layer of convenience by being able to access your vehicle's rear cargo area without the need for an extra set of hands. Speaking of your vehicle, you are able to roll this rack, with its integrated wheels, over to your hitch.

Finally, the compatibility of the T2 Pro XTR with small bike wheels all the way down to 20" is noteworthy. This means you can easily transport your kids' bikes for family outings, without losing a spot for your fat bike as well.

Cons

While this bike rack has some cool features, there are a few things you should know before jumping in. First off, setting it up can be a bit tricky. The instructions are mostly pictures, and they're not the easiest to follow. My teammate and I pride ourselves at being semi-decent at Pictionary, but this was a different beast.

Another thing to keep in mind is the locking cable. It's nice to have, but it's pretty short. I am all for protecting your investment and the peace of mind that comes with it, but this short cable did not achieve that for me. Lastly, this rack is on the bigger/heavier side, which is great for holding your bikes securely, but it can be a pain to store if you don't have a lot of storage space, let alone have to lift it by yourself.

Customer Review: 5/5

The pinnacle of bike racks. Hauls my 60 lb electric fat bike around with no problem. Quickly and solidly attaches my bikes so I'm on my way without a lot of messing around. Well worth the funds.

Kuat NV

Kuat NV Key Features

Capacity: 2 bikes or 4 bikes (60 lbs per bike)

Maximum Tire Width: With standard wheel straps: 3.0" With fat bike straps: 5.0"

Extender Straps Needed: Yes, included

Add-Ons: Phat bike strap extender # APBK; Expansion add-on # NA22B converts 2-bike rack to 4-bike rack; repair # TDKB stand attaches to rack

Allows Trunk/Cargo Access: Yes

Hitch Size: 1-1/4" or 2"

Carrier Weight: 52 lbs (2 bike); 82 lbs (4 bike)

Locks Included: Yes (Bikes & Rack)

Motorhome Compatible: No

Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Pros

Instead of clamping onto the frame, this rack grips your bike by its front wheels using ratcheting hooks. This means that there's never any contact with your bike's frame during transportation. If you're someone who cares about keeping your bike in top-notch condition, this feature will give you peace of mind knowing that there's no risk of scratches or damage.

Similarly to the Thule T2 Pro XTR, this Kuat NV also has a tilt away feature. Didn't think tilt away features could become more fabulous? Welp, guess again. By having this foot activated tilting feature, you don't have to bend over or look around and guess where it may be. Speaking of things being hard to find, the integrated cable lock system deters theft and keeps your bike from being permanently relocated.

Lastly, the bonus feature that really caught my attention was the Trail Doc bike maintenance stand that attaches to the front of the Kuat NV. You have the option to either add this on later, or choose the Kuat NV 2.0. where it is included. At first I was a bit skeptical that this skinny repair stand would hold my fat tire bike, but once I got everything secured I was pleasantly surprised by the stability.

Cons

While I'm pretty impressed with the Kuat NV bike rack, I've got to point out a couple of downsides. First off, it's a bit on the pricey side. so it may not be the best choice if you're watching your budget. Plus, if you want to add on extras like the Trail Doc bike maintenance stand, you'll have to come up with even more cash.

Secondly, due to the front attachment style, this rack is not compatible with bikes with fenders. Lastly, the 4-bike version is quite heavy and maybe cumbersome (especially when trying to tilt) and may require more than one person to lift/install/remove.

Customer Review: 5/5

This is rack’s construction is a rock, heavy hitch tube and the scissor extension swing is solid due to the ball barring lock feature in the mounting tube. The ease of mounting bikes with tire saddles, installing and construction quality excellent. Purchased the wide tire kit adds flexibility to my use of road to fatter tire bikes. Being able to install the bike service bracket is a breeze for airing up, lubing.

RockyMounts Backstage

RockyMounts Backstage Key Features

Capacity: 2 bikes (60 lbs per bike)

Maximum Tire Width: 5.0"

Extender Strap Needed: Yes, included

Add-Ons: N/A

Allows Trunk/Cargo Access: Yes

Hitch Size: 2"

Carrier Weight: 60 lbs

Locks Included: Yes

Motorhome Compatible: No

Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Pros

Not a fan of the tilt feature found on most bike racks? We get it - they can be awkward and heavy, especially if the tilt latch is in a weird spot like in the back of the rack. Sometimes, they may not even tilt far enough for certain vehicle hatches. The RockyMounts Backstage swing-away rack is the only hitch rack that swings out 180 degrees for easy cargo access. So, if your rear door swings open like a Wrangler or Bronco, this rack will allow full access to your rear cargo area. This is especially great for those times when you need to crack open a cold one and take a seat after a long ride. If you are wondering, yes it does still have a tilt feature, but you do have another option if you dread the infamous bike rack tilt. Or, something getting in the way of your post ride reward (drink of choice).

Also, this option has large wheel cradles making it very easy to load your fat bikes. They are also adjustable so, if you worry about your handlebars making contact, you can slide the trays left or right to achieve the desired spacing. Along with no handlebar contact, you don't really have to worry about frame contact either, the ratcheting hooks hold your bikes by the wheels.

Cons

The install process was anything but ideal. It was a huge pain - mostly because the endcaps wouldn't go on and the instructions could have been a bit more helpful in the form of clarity or even just more photos. If you decide this swing-away rack is for you, feel free to lean on our demo videos to help with you with this process.

Secondly, the included locks are a theft-deterrent, but they are not foolproof. We highly recommend purchasing an upgrade if security matters to you. Lastly, the RockyMounts Backstage is not available as a 4-bike rack so, some of your biker besties might have to sit this ride out.

Customer Review: 5/5

Best bike rack ever! We received our bike rack in record time, earlier than scheduled, and in time for our trip! Love the fact that not only does it hold the bike down on the wheel and not my frame, but it drops down AND swings away for full access to our 2018 Mercedes Sprinter with the barn doors. The doors can swing all the way open and hold in place as designed, so we have a complete view out the back of our van without any obstruction whatsoever. This thing is solid, and it does not budge, we know because we watched it through our camera as we drove down the road.

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 Key Features

Capacity: 2 bikes or 4 bikes (50 lbs per bike) + 100 lbs cargo

Maximum Tire Width: 5.0"

Extender Strap Needed: No

Add-Ons: 2-bike + cargo carrier # HR1450Z-85-FB; 4-bike + cargo carrier # HR1400Z-85-FB

Allows Trunk/Cargo Access: Yes

Hitch Size: 2"

Carrier Weight: 48 lbs (2 bikes); 82 (4 bikes); 95 lbs (2 bikes + cargo carrier)

Locks Included: Yes

Motorhome Compatible: Yes

Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Pros

This bike rack takes the cake for it's collapsibility. At this point in your bike rack shopping journey, you have probably thought "where am I going to store this thing?" Well, that is a question you don't have to ask with this option. This rack can actually fold when not in use, leaving a smaller footprint in your limited garage space. Not only will you have more space for other biking accessories, but you'll have more cash to spend with this budget-friendly option.

Although I am not a huge fan of frame mounted bike racks, this specific option has padded hooks to avoid any wear and tear on your fat tire bike. These hooks also move independently so I was able to try this rack with a fat tire bike and a kid's bike.

Finally, the adjustable wheel hoops were super spacious. Our fat tire bike fit into the wheel hoops like a glove (if you own a fat tire bike you know this is a rare occasion). They are also adjustable so being able to twist a hand knob to accommodate my specific bike size was a super easy process. It's also worth mentioning that you would only have to do this process once, and then it would be a seamless fit each time you head out to the trail.

Cons

In my experience with the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2, there were several cons that stood out. Firstly, the center post design was a significant issue for me. It really added an unnecessary obstacle during the loading process, making it more challenging to secure bikes, especially ones with fat tires.

Additionally, both hooks are attached to this same post, which eventually lead to redoing the entire loading process when trying to hook up a second bike. After multiple attempts this became a bit frustrating. Once the bike was in place, the fit was perfect, but getting it there was a time-consuming pain.

Customer Review: 5/5

The Hollywood Sports Ride SE Bike Rack was easy to assemble. Although it was heavier than I excepted. But I then realized that it was going to support 130 pounds of e-bikes. My wife assists me in installing the bike rack on the car as it is easier for two people. I also installed the Small wheel hoop adapters, which raises the rear wheel and protects the derailers. After my first trip with the e-bikes, I am very pleased with the ease of getting the bikes on and off of the bike rack. I would definitely this rack again.

Takeaway

Here's the deal from my perspective: there isn't a single "top dog" when it comes to bike racks. Instead, there's an ideal fit for every cyclist, especially when it comes to a fat tire bike rack.

We trust that this guide has assisted you in finding the perfect rack. If you're still in search of the right one, simply leave a comment below, and we're ready to provide you with a great recommendation. Enjoy your cycling adventures!

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