One of the main reasons people buy the Subaru Forester is the massive storage space. You can fit almost anything into the back trunk.
Still, the car can struggle with transporting large items like bikes. So, before you set out to the park, you may wonder: what’s the best bike rack for Subaru Forester?
Let’s take a look at some of the types of bike racks and which one may be best for you. We’ll also review our favorite four picks on the market.
Types of Bike Racks for Subaru Forester
When it comes to bike racks for Subaru Forester, there are many options to choose from. This is because the car can support three types of racks.
Trunk Bike Rack
If you need an affordable way to carry around bikes, trunk racks may be the way to go. These attach to the hind of your Subaru Forester and cover the entire back of the car.
Unfortunately, because of the way they secure to the rear, they cut off access to the trunk. This means that in order to reach the back storage, you’ll need to disassemble the contraption first.
Roof Bike Rack
Roof bike racks are a little more expensive than the trunk variety. However, the good news is that they don’t block any vital parts of the car.
These racks mount on top of the car on the roof bars, providing an out-of-the-way storage solution.
Still, the major drawback of the racks is that you’ll have to carry your bike over the car. This means you’ll have to balance the bike on top of your head and slide it gently over the car, which isn’t an easy task.
Hitch Bike Rack
The final type of rack is by far the most convenient, but also the most expensive. Hitch bike racks connect to the tow bar on the back of the Subaru Forester.
This provides an easy mounting option with excellent stability. In addition, because they link to the chassis of the car, they don’t block trunk access.
For these reasons, the hitch rack is the most popular choice for the Subaru Forester.
Top 4 Bike Racks for Subaru Forester
Now that you know the benefits and drawbacks of each rack type, we can move on to the top picks.
1. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Rack
- Type: Hitch Rack
- Length: 26.38 in.
- Width: 12.2 in.
- Height: 13.98 in.
- Weight: 23 lb.
- Bike capacity: 4 bikes
- Weight capacity: 140 lbs.
- Folding: Yes
The Allen Sports Deluxe is one of the most durable racks on our list. Its main body is a steel alloy that can handle a lot of wear and tear.
It attaches to the hitch of your car and can carry four bikes at a time.
This storage solution is also weatherproof. That means if you prefer parking outside the garage, the rack can survive the outdoors.
In addition, the entire gadget is foldable to make storing it much easier.
Pros
- Made with durable materials that last for a long time
- Weatherproof
- Foldable for easy storage
Cons
- Expensive
2. Hollywood Racks Destination
- Type: Hitch Rack
- Length: 44.5 in.
- Width: 8 in.
- Height: 14.5 in.
- Weight: 24.25 lb.
- Bike capacity: 2 bikes
- Weight capacity: 70 lbs.
- Folding: Yes
The Hollywood Racks Destinations is a slightly more affordable hitch bike rack. It can offer the same sturdiness as Allen Sports at a better price.
Not only that, but it also has a multi-layered security system. There are straps that go around the bars and wheels of the bike to make sure it’s secure in position.
This rack can fit two bikes comfortably as opposed to the Allen Sports’s four.
However, the Hollywood Destinations can obstruct the trunk. You can still access the back, but you’ll have to fold the rack out of the way.
Pros
- Sturdy design at a reasonable cost
- Multi-layered locking system to secure the bikes in position
- Foldable to make packing easier
Cons
- Blocks the trunk of the car
3. Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack
- Type: Hitch Rack
- Length: 36 in.
- Width: 23 in.
- Height: 8.5 in.
- Weight: 62.13 lb.
- Bike capacity: 2 bikes
- Weight capacity: 60 lbs.
- Folding: Yes
The Kuat Racks NV 2.0 is another hitch option that can carry up to two bikes. Still, its loading capacity is a little lower than the Hollywood Destinations.
That means this rack is better suited for smaller bikes. In addition, it has one of the simplest assembly processes of all the options on our list.
All the tools and instructions come with the package, making the process convenient.
The NV 2.0 also has a lever that facilitates pivoting. This way, you can rotate the whole contraption with minimal effort.
Pros
- Simple assembly process
- A convenient pivoting lever to help align the rack
- Secure hitch connection
Cons
- Isn’t ideal for large bikes due to weight capacity
4. CyclingDeal Alloy Bike Rack
- Type: Roof Rack
- Length: 48.43 in.
- Width: 7.87 in.
- Height: 11.81 in.
- Weight: 12.3 lb.
- Bike capacity: 2 bikes
- Weight capacity: 66 lbs.
- Folding: Yes
Unlike the other options on our list, the CyclingDeal rack attaches to the Forester’s roof. It comes with an adjustable link point so it can fit almost any type of crossbars.
All you have to do is place the rack on top of the car and fasten it using straps.
The CyclingDeal is the most affordable option on our list. On top of that, it has a higher load capacity than the Kuat rack.
However, mounting the bikes can be a little tricky. You may need a stepping stool to make sure you secure everything in position.
Pros
- Easy mounting process
- Adjustable attachment point that’s compatible with most crossbars
- Most affordable option
Cons
- You may need a stepping stool to mount and secure bikes
Wrapping Up
When looking for the best bike rack for Subaru Forester, there are a few factors to consider. Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, you can choose between a trunk, roof, or hitch bike rack.
With the Allen Sports Deluxe, you get the most stable link and the largest storage space. However, it can be pricey.
For a more affordable option, you can go with the CyclingDeal rack.