If you have a 1 1/4-inch hitch receiver installed on your vehicle, broadly you have two bike rack categories to select from, the Platform and Hanging style. A platform-style hitch bike such as the Kuat Sherp 2.0 and Thule T2 is recommended for riders who have relatively expensive bikes and do not desire to risk scratching them. The premium bike racks come with a lot of comforts and security features for the bike, bike rack, and your vehicle as well. The other popular option for hanging a style hitch bike rack such as the Thule Apex which can carry up to 5 bikes but the bikes are hung from their frames.

Now that you have already determined that you want a hitch bike rack and your vehicle’s receiver has an opening of 1 ¼ inch. You need a step-by-step guide that will help you select the best type of rack. The article exactly does this by providing you with all the relevant information you need to know for doing that. But in case you directly want to have product recommendations or reviews, we have listed the best bike racks below

Steps to determine the best bike rack?

Selecting a bike rack can be a daunting task. You want to make sure whatever you order is the best fit for your biking requirement, vehicle compatibility, and needs your space requirements. We have listed out steps to determine which would be the most suitable bike rack for a 1 ¼-inch opening hitch receiver. The steps also stand true for other sizes of hitch receivers.

Step 1: Determine the size of your trailer hitch

You might already be aware of the opening size of your vehicle’s hitch or not. It’s best to confirm the size of your trailer hitch. Just take a measuring rule or tape and check one side of the opening. A 1 1 4 hitch would have a 1-1/4 inch side. Both the width and height would be 1 1/ 4 inches (1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″). In case it’s 2 inches then you should look for a bike rack that fits 2-inch receivers. Normally the bigger hitches are able to carry/pull more weight. 1 1 4 hitches are usually found on passenger cars or smaller SUVs. See the simple diagram showing 1.25 vs 2 hitch

Step 2: What class are your tow hitch receiver?

Not all racks designed for 1 1 4 receivers should fit a 1 1 4 trailer hitches. It’s important to know what the class of your trailer hitch is. 1 1 4 hitch receivers can come in two classes. Class 1 normally carries a maximum of 2000 pounds while class 2 has a maximum weight rating of 3500 pounds. While class 1 products will fit class 2 hitches (since class 1 has a lower weight rating than class 2), class 2 products would not fit in class 1 hitches. The shank on class 2 accessories is longer and the space in class 1 is less hence the hitch pin holes would not match.

We know this can be confusing hence it’s best to locate the class of your hitch written on the hitch or quick google regarding the product can help you determine the exact class of your tow hitch receiver.

Step 3: Signs of corrosion, trapped dirt, or rust accumulation?   

There is always a possibility that some road grip enters the receiver or rust accumulates. That can act like an abrasive or rust can form which can act as a barrier while fitting a bike rack. Normally hitch bike racks for 1 1 4 receivers should easily fit but in case there is some resistance (normally the first time), it could be a sign of some wear and tear on the receiver. In case there is some dirt accumulation or rust formation or road grip you can try cleaning it up using different products or in extreme circumstances consider changing it.

Step 4: Consider if you want a platform or a hanging-style rack

Now that you have determined that your 1 ¼ inch receiver is actually a 1 ¼ and you are aware of the class of accessories it can manage. You can move on to selecting the type of hitch mount rack you want. There are two basic versions of them

Platform hitch bike racks for 1 1 4 receivers: If you have very expensive carbon frame bikes or generally do not want any physical connection between the bike and the rack (avoid scratches). The platform-style hitch mount racks are the best type for you. The way they work is that you place your bike on the top of the platform or the tray and then you simply anchor it using an anchor arm or any other accessory as per the rack. Generally, they are pricier and can hold up to 4 bikes. Most platform bike racks will allow you to access your cargo area without taking them off.

Hanging hitch bike racks for 1 1 4 receivers: Also known as the frame-mounted hitch rack, a hanging style rack is generally a more economical option. On a hanging bike, the top tube of the bike is placed on the rack arm and different straps are used to lock it into position. It’s generally easy to install a bike on a hanging-style bike rack and the rack folds to make it more compact. Some reasons to not go for this type of bike rack include that you have a very expensive frame or your frame has open wires below the top tube or your bike’s top tube is not straight. In case your top tube is not straight you might have to use an adapter to adjust it. Most hanging-style bike racks will NOT allow you to access your cargo area without taking them off.

Step 5: Select the best 1 1 4 hitch bike rack

Now that you know the types of 1 1 4 racks out there, you can review the list of top-rated racks we have mentioned above. In case you want to consider other bike racks we have added an article explaining the other best types of bike racks.  

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 | The best bike rack for you

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is our top-rated hitch bike rack which is at a relatively competitive price and with great reviews. We rank the Sherpa 2.0 as the best rack for SUVs and cars due to multiple reasons. With almost a perfect rating from customers, the rack is the best premium hitch rack that can attach to 11/4 and 2-inch receiver openings. This powder coat finishes 1 1/4 bike rack only weighs 32lb which makes it lightweight as compared to most platform hitch bike carriers. It is available in 1.25” and 2” hitch sizes and has a two-bike capacity with each bike weighing, not more than 40 lbs. The adjustable ratchet arm and foot-assisted pivot system make it user-friendly and convenient i.e., one of the many reasons Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is rated the best bike rack. 

We have compared Sherpa to EasyFold XT and multiple other bike racks and found it has a competitive edge due to its continuing legacy and better customer reviews. At an R score of 9.0 Kuat Sherpa 2.0 rates better than almost all other hitch mount racks. It earns higher R scores for customer satisfaction, aesthetics, and value for money. Although both Kuat Sherpa 2.0 and Thule Easyfold have a 2-bike capacity, Sherpa has a slightly higher value for money. It is still quite expensive as compared to some other bike racks and even some 4-6 bike racks cost less than Sherpa. Still, we believe that there is no better option than to travel with two bikes. It is our best bike rack for rav4, Toyota highlander, and multiple other SUVs as well.

Detailed Comparison Review on Kuat Sherpa 2.0

Rating 9.0 out of 10
Price Around $700

Yakima HoldUp | People’s choice

Looking for a high-end 1 1 4 hitch bike rack? Yakima HoldUp is among the top bike racks in the category. Yakima HoldUp (a platform-style hitch rack) is made for 2 bikes but you can increase the capacity to 4 by purchasing the add-on. We like this rack for its versatility since it works for 1.25” as well as 2” hitch trailers. It is also versatile in terms of compatibility with bikes because you can load almost all bikes including disc brakes, electric bikes, full suspension bikes, and whatnot. You can carry any bike that weighs 60 lbs or less. 

You can also trust this bike rack with your previous carbon frames as well. Yakima HoldUp holds the bikes through the tires thanks to the two ratcheting arms. This protects the bike frames even when you are traveling on a bumpy road or rough terrain.

The rack would cost you around $515 which seems expensive for two bikes, but this price includes the locks for the rack and bikes. This and other features of this hitch mount carrier make it worth every penny. You can easily access the trunk of your car because it tilts even when loaded with bikes. You would also like that the rack is sturdy. However, it is heavy, and some users might have some difficulty with its installation. But you do not have to put it on and take it off every time you have to use it. This is because its folds up into a very compact structure that saves parking space. Unlike hanging-style racks, it does not sway and only has negligible vibration even while driving through rough areas. 

Thule Apex XT is the best Bike Rack for 4 Bikes

Struggling to find a good hitch mount rack for multiple bikes? Thule Apex would serve the purpose if you want a hanging-style rack for your bikes. Unlike other fragile hanging-style racks made with poor material, this rack is solid and has some high-end features. You can carry up to 5 bikes on this 1 1 4 hitch bike rack and lock them on the rack thanks to the cable lock that is integrated. 

Other features that you can enjoy include, folding arms, tilting and swinging away from the trunk, and an anti-sway system. Although you might fear the consequences of frame contact, the bike-holding cradles are placed well apart with a 5.5” gap in between that prevents bikes from colliding with each other. 

Rating 8.9 out of 10
PriceAround $700

Yakima Ridgeback bike rack for 5 bikes

Carrying 5 bikes with your family or friends has never been easier. This bike rack also comes in the required hitch opening size and is the best bike rack for carrying 5 bikes on vans, SUVs, and minivans as well. The ridgeback 5 comes with a tilt-away feature allowing you to use your trunk while the bike and rack are installed. The zip strips along with the anti-sway feature also ensure that bikes don’t scratch each other while traveling.

88% of amazon customers are satisfied with this particular 1 1 4 hitch bike rack, especially with the ease of use, installation, strong build, locking mechanism, and value for money as well. Multiple customers reported that even after years if an issue occurred with the rack, Yakima covered it efficiently and free of cost. Some customers were particularly not satisfied with some of the parts being made of plastic in the bike rack.

Yakima FullTilt 5 bike hitch rack

FullTilt is like an upgrade from Ridgeback because it offers some additional features. This rack comes with security locks for bikes and the rack. It is also super easy to install because they have introduced an Autopin that positions the rack automatically into the hitch receiver. Like most other racks mentioned in this review, FullTilt gives you an option for installation on both 1 ½” or 2” hitch receivers. 

We also love FullTilt because it allows you to space the cradles as far as you want. This makes it suitable for carrying bikes of different geometries. Other than that, this rack can be folded for storage and can also be tilted when installed. Overall it is a great option for multiple bikes but it would cost you more than Ridgeback and in case your bikes have unusual top tubes, you would also require an adapter. 

Thule T2 Pro| Premium Choice

If you do not want to give up on any storage space and specifically are looking for a two-bike if you have two expensive carbon bikes (e-bikes or even fat bikes) for which you have zero tolerance for scratching or an expensive truck for which you don’t want to take any risks either then Thule T2 Pro XTR is a premium quality fat tire bike rack that is fat bike ready so you will not have to add any fat bike kit or adapters to accommodate your bike. This rack allows fat bikes with 20 – 29″ wheels and up to 5” wide tires to be loaded.

Thule T2 Pro XTR is the 1 1 4 hitch bike rack built for you. We have rated this rack as the most premium platform hitch rack for 1 1 4 receivers (also available for 2-inch receivers). The rack is fully carbon frame compatible, with a tilt function, one key system, and a bike lock included.  It’s fairly easy to install and is already e-bike ready. The only issue we found with the rack was that it’s high in price but then again nothing premium comes without a tag. Thule T2 differentiates itself from Thule t1 single bike hitch rack in its ability to carry two bikes as compared to one bike.

Allen Sports Hitch| Budget Choice

MAXXHAUL 50025| Amazon Choice

Swagman XC2| Best Discount

Good quality platform-style rack for 2 bikes. You can find it at a good price on Amazon. This way you can enjoy most of the premium rack features at a low price. The only drawback is that it lacks the hitch pin which means there is a chance of the rack being stolen. You will have to buy it separately.

Rating 7 out of 10

Surco BR125 hitch mount bike rack 

This is another 1 1 4 hitch mount option for carrying a maximum of 3 or 4 bikes. You can install this rack on any vehicle that has the required receiver. The Surco BR125 is one of the most simple hanging-style racks with a good overall look. It is made from steel and is powder coated which prevents it from rusting. The steel structure provides great strength and durability to the rack. The bikes rest on a padded structure which ensures that the bike paint does not chip off. 

The best feature of this rack is the top plate which has locks for securing the bikes. Also, the rack is economical as compared to most hitch mount racks. You might feel considerable leverage on the hitch receiver because the hole for the attaching bolt is located too near the end of the bike mounting tube. Still, we recommend this rack for stably carrying kids’ bikes because unlike other bike racks its hanging arms are not far apart. 

Hollywood Destination

The destination is a hitch mount rack from Hollywood with 2 and 4-bike capacities. The 2 bike rack is compatible with the 1.25 hitch receiver. The compatibility with bikes is good and we recommend this rack for all bike types. It also has a good price compared to other platform-style racks out there. This rack also scored high on our R score because of its security features, price, and customer feedback.

Complete Review: Hollywood Racks Destination 4

Thule T1 Single Bike Best Rack

If you own only a single bike, we would, without a doubt, recommend the Thule hitch rack for 1 bike. You can enjoy all the premium features such as a great locking mechanism for the bike as well as for the rack.

A cherry on top, this rack works for most bikes including e-bikes, mountain bikes, carbon frames, and even fat bikes. Just make sure the bike weighs 60 lbs or less and does not have tires wider than 5″.

It is a compact rack but you can still fold it into an even more compact design. We also love the appearance of this rack when installed on different car models. The only setback is the high price. For only one bike it costs more than $300.

Comparison Article: Best 1-bike racks

Kuat Transfer V2

Kuat Transfer ranks higher in our R score rating system with an overall score of  8.55. You can get this rack at a good price and enjoy all the features of a premium quality rack. This platform rack will safely carry your two bikes without any frame contact. 

This 1 1 4 hitch rack has a higher load-carrying capacity as compared to Sherpa 2.0 and would allow you to carry two bikes weighing 60 lbs each. This makes it a suitable option for carrying e-bikes as well. It also costs less and has three different looks which would make it look great on your vehicle. However, its installation is not as simple as Sherpa’s.

Complete Review: Kuat Transfer V2

FAQS for 1 1 4 Hitch Bike Racks

How much does a 1.25-hitch bike rack cost?

Excluding the hitch, the cost of a 1 1/4 bike rack varies from $77 to $1100 depending on the quality, features, and brand of the bike rack. The cost would depend on the type of rack and brand. For example, Thule and Yakima racks cost higher as compared to the racks from Allen Sports. Similarly, the cost of a bike rack increases with increasing bike capacity. 

You can buy a 1-bike rack that installs on a 1 ¼” receiver for an average price of $300. In this category, you can get a cheaper rack for around $200 (Saris MHS base) or a premium quality rack for around $336 (Thule T1). 

In the case of multiple bikes, we have some even more inexpensive options such as Allen Sports Deluxe that can be bought between $77 to $153 depending on how many bikes you want to carry. These are hanging-style racks so if you want a platform-style rack for your bikes, Hollywood Destination is an economical option. 

What kind of bike rack should I get for rav4 with a 1 1/4″ hitch

The best Toyota Rav4 1 1/4 bike rack as per our research is the Thule Apex based on multiple factors including features, security, brand, and capacity. You can check out our research for the best bike rack for Toyota RAV4 2022

What is the best hitch mount bike rack for the 2015 Subaru forester OEM 1-1/4″ hitch

The best Subaru forester OEM 11 1/4 bike rack would depend on your requirements but you can consider the Allen Sports as the starting rack. Also, check out our article on Subaru best bike rack.

How to install an 11/4 hitch bike rack?

Step 1 would be to ensure that you have a 1.25 hitch receiver installed on your vehicle which you put in the hitch of the bike rack. In step 2 you need to assemble the bike rack and in step 3 you install the bike rack into the hitch receiver. Detailed steps on installation of a bike rack can better guide you.

Which is the best e-bike 1.25 hitch bike rack?

Thule EasyFold XT is the best e-bike hitch rack for a 1.25 hitch receiver. It can be easily loaded and also tilts. E-bikes are heavier than most other bikes and loading them onto a bike rack is no less than a challenge. Understanding this, Thule came up with this convenient bike rack and incorporated a ramp.

Can you put a 2-inch bike rack on 1.25 hitch receivers?

Yes, you can do that with the help of 1 1 4 to 2 hitch adapters for racks and trailers. The adapter essentially converts your 1.25-inch hitch receiver into a 2-inch allowing you to attach two-inch hitch accessories. It’s important to note that you might not be able to use the full towing capacity of your hitch receiver or vehicle due to the adapter. Mostly allow 50% of the towing capacity.

How to use Kuat bike rack 1-1/4 on a 2-inch hitch?

You can purchase a 1 1 4 to 2 hitch adapter for installing a 1 1 4″ bike rack on a 2” hitch. These adapters are inexpensive and some of them also improve ground clearance. 

Why can’t you use a 4 bike rack on a class 1 trailer hitch?

Class 1 hitches are created to carry two bikes. If you install a 4 bike rack, the bikes would be loaded far from the hitch. Because of the extended distance, more force is applied to the trailer which is not safe. Check out our top picks for hitch bike rack for 4 bikes. 

What size hitch do most bike racks use?

Two types of bike racks installed over a hitch receiver are common. A 1 1 4″ hitch mount rack fits on a 1.25” hitch while 2” hitch racks are also common.  

Is a hitch bike rack worth it?

Hitch mount racks are the safest way to carry heavy bikes for example we have recommended best ebike hitch racks in our review. The platform-style racks do not come in contact with the bike frame and are also convenient because you do not have to lift the bikes much. These racks are best for carrying multiple bikes and come at different prices. Check how much is a bike rack in comparison with other types. 

What class hitch should I get for a bike rack?

Most bike racks mention the class and size of the hitch they would be compatible with. But generally, class 1 and 2 hitch usually carry 2-3 bikes. While if you are buying a rack for more than 3 bikes you should get a class 3 or above hitch. 

Which is better trunk or hitch bike rack?

That depends on your biking requirements and the car or vehicle you own. If your car does not have a trailer hitch and you do not want to spend on it, you can buy a trunk bike rack. But make sure that your bikes are not very heavy. But if you want a rack that carries heavy bikes, and does not scratch the bike frames, then go for a hitch mount carrier. Check the best trunk bike racks out there. 

What kind of bike rack is best?

The best bike rack would protect the paint on your car and bikes. It would contain security features, would be easy to install, and allow easy loading of bikes. Find how to put a bike rack on SUV for comparing hitch, trunk, and roof bike racks. 

Do all bike racks need a hitch?

No. Trunk mount racks are also installed on the rear of a car but do not require a hitch for installation. Similarly, roof bike racks, spare tire mount racks, and truck bed bike racks also do not require a hitch. If you do not want to buy a hitch trailer, you can look for a bike rack for SUV no hitch from our recommendations.

What are standard hitch sizes?

The standard hitch sizes include 1.25”, 2”, 2.5”, and 3”. Most class 1 and 2 hitches have 1.25” size opening dimensions. Class 3 and 4 have a 2” receiver and class 5 have a 2.5” or 3” hitch size. 

Can a bike rack damage a car?

A low-quality bike rack may damage your car. While buying a bike rack, check the installation procedure to see if the rack comes in contact with the car. And if it does, are those parts padded? If not, you should look for other racks. 

Which is better roof rack or hitch rack?

Both are suitable for different user requirements. Roof bike racks are best if you have to access the car trunk frequently and if your car lacks a hitch. Bike racks mounted on the hitch are best for carrying multiple bikes and if you cannot lift your bikes overhead.