The main places to buy a bicycle rack
You can buy a bicycle rack at bike shops, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and sporting goods stores. Each type of seller carries different brands, price ranges, and styles—and the right choice depends on whether you want informed information, fast shipping, or the lowest price.
Bike shops tend to stock 3 to 8 models and can explain which one fits your car or bike. Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target carry fewer options but lower prices. Online marketplaces like Amazon have the widest selection but require you to know what you're looking for. Sporting goods chains like Dick's Sporting Goods fall somewhere in between.
Key Takeaways
- Local bike shops offer informed fitting information and usually stock roof, hitch, and trunk racks, though prices run 10 to 20 percent higher than big-box stores.
- Big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco carry basic trunk and hitch racks at lower prices, with limited selection and no in-person fitting help.
- Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay show hundreds of models with customer reviews, but you pay for shipping and cannot inspect the rack before buying.
- Sporting goods chains like Dick's Sporting Goods and REI stock mid-range options and offer some fitting guidance, with prices between bike shops and big-box stores.
- Used racks are available on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp, often at 40 to 60 percent below retail, though you cannot return them if they do not fit.
Local bike shops and what they offer
A local bike shop is the best place to go if you are unsure which type of rack fits your car or bike. Staff can measure your bike's frame, check your car's hitch or roof, and recommend a model that will work. They also stock the most common types—roof racks, hitch-mounted racks, and trunk racks—from brands like Thule, Yakima, and Kuat.
Prices at bike shops are typically 10 to 20 percent higher than at big-box stores, but you get installation help and the ability to return or exchange a rack that does not fit. Many shops will install the rack for you on the spot, which saves time if you lack tools or confidence. If you live in a town with more than one bike shop, call ahead to ask which brands they stock—not all shops carry the same inventory.
Big-box retailers: Walmart, Target, and Costco
Walmart and Target carry a small selection of trunk and hitch racks, usually from brands like Thule, Yakima, or store brands. Prices are lower than at bike shops—often $40 to $150 for a basic trunk rack—and you can see the product in person before buying. However, staff are rarely trained to fit racks, and the selection is limited to the most popular models.
Costco stocks a rotating selection of hitch racks and roof racks, usually from Thule or Yakima, at prices competitive with or lower than other big-box stores. The catch is that Costco's inventory changes seasonally, so the model you want may not be in stock. Target and Walmart are open year-round and more likely to have something in stock, but neither offers installation or fitting information.
Online marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, and specialty sites
Amazon carries hundreds of bicycle rack models from dozens of brands, with customer reviews that often mention fit and durability. You can compare prices across sellers and read what other buyers say about installation difficulty. Shipping is usually fast if you have Prime membership, though standard shipping can take one to two weeks.
eBay has new and used racks, sometimes at lower prices than Amazon, but you have less buyer protection and may wait longer for shipping. Specialty outdoor retailers like REI and Backcountry stock higher-end racks from premium brands and offer detailed product descriptions and return policies. All online purchases require you to know your car's hitch size (1.25 inches or 2 inches) or roof type (factory rails, crossbars, or bare roof) before you order, since you cannot inspect the product in person.
Sporting goods chains: Dick's, REI, and Academy
Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports carry mid-range racks from Thule, Yakima, and other mainstream brands at prices between bike shops and big-box stores. Staff have some product knowledge and can answer basic questions, though they may not be as specialized as bike shop employees. REI, a membership-based outdoor retailer, stocks premium racks and offers a 100-day return window, which is longer than most retailers.
These chains are a good middle ground if you want informed guidance without paying bike-shop prices. Many locations allow you to order online and pick up in store, which saves shipping time. Call ahead to confirm the model you want is in stock, since inventory varies by location.
Used racks on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp
Used bicycle racks are often available on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp at 40 to 60 percent below retail price. Buyers frequently sell racks they no longer need after upgrading cars or changing their biking habits. You can inspect the rack in person, test the fit on your car, and negotiate the price.
The downside is that used racks come with no warranty and no return option if they do not fit or are damaged. Ask the seller whether the rack has all its parts, whether it has been in an accident, and whether it fits your specific car model. Meet in a public place and bring your car so you can test the fit before handing over money. Avoid racks with bent metal, missing bolts, or rust, as these are signs of damage that may affect safety.
What to know before you buy
Before you shop, measure or note your car's hitch size (if it has one) or roof type. Hitch racks require a 1.25-inch or 2-inch receiver; roof racks need factory rails, crossbars, or a bare roof with a mounting kit. Write down your bike's frame size and whether it is a road, mountain, or hybrid bike, since some racks work better with certain frame types.
Check the weight limit of any rack you consider—most trunk racks hold 2 to 3 bikes and weigh 30 to 50 pounds, while hitch racks can hold 4 or more bikes and weigh 40 to 80 pounds. If you plan to carry expensive or lightweight bikes, look for racks with frame clamps rather than wheel hooks, which grip the frame instead of the wheel and reduce the risk of damage. Read customer reviews on the retailer's website or on Amazon to see whether other buyers had fit problems or installation issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a bicycle rack if it does not fit my car?
Most retailers allow returns within 30 to 90 days if the rack is unused and in original packaging. Bike shops and REI have longer return windows (often 60 to 100 days) and are more flexible about returns of opened products. Big-box stores like Walmart and Target usually require the receipt and original packaging. Used racks sold on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace cannot be returned, so inspect them carefully before buying.
Is it cheaper to buy online or in a store?
Online prices are often lower, especially on Amazon and eBay, but you pay for shipping unless you may have access to for free shipping. Big-box stores like Walmart and Costco have competitive prices and no shipping cost. Bike shops charge more but include fitting information and installation. For budget-conscious buyers, used racks are the cheapest option.
Do I need to install the rack myself?
Most bike shops will install a rack for a fee (usually $20 to $50) if you buy it from them. Some big-box stores offer installation through a third-party service, though it costs extra. If you buy online, you can install it yourself with basic tools or pay a local bike shop to do it. Hitch racks are easiest to install; roof racks require more time and care.
What is the difference between a hitch rack and a trunk rack?
Hitch racks mount to your car's receiver hitch and are more stable and easier to load, but your car must have a hitch. Trunk racks strap to the trunk or liftgate and work on almost any car, but they can block your rear window and are less stable at highway speeds. Roof racks mount to roof rails or crossbars and do not block your view, but they are harder to load and increase wind noise.
Where can I find a rack for an older or unusual car?
Bike shops are your best bet for older cars, since staff can look up compatibility by year and model. Online retailers like Amazon let you search by car type, and customer reviews often mention whether a rack fits specific models. If your car has no hitch and no roof rails, a trunk rack is usually your only option. Call a bike shop with your car's year, make, and model before shopping.