Best Bike Rack for Subaru Outback in 2023
The Subaru Outback is a beautiful piece of machinery made to be taken off-road into the wild and rampant tracks. But if you really want to enjoy these trails, we recommend that you get around them using a bike.
This opportunity should give you the chance to improve your biking skills and take them to the next level.
But how do you get to those trails, is a much more important question? We’ve got an affordable and simple solution for that.
Here is a list of the best bike rack made for Subaru outback you can purchase.
Just load up your bike onto your Subaru and take it off to the rip up the trails.
Best Bike Rack for Subaru Outback
There are quite a few options when you consider getting yourself a bike rack; we’ve listed down all the best options and different varieties available.
Choose carefully to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth, and don’t forget to have fun!
1. PREMIER TRUNK MOUNTED BIKE RACK
Want something premier? This dual bike holder rack from Premier Trunk is the perfect product for couples looking to go on bike trails on weekends.
The patent-pending design that this rack comes with features of a unique fit-all feature.
This fit-all feature allows the rack to be attached to almost any car, making it highly versatile compared to most other companies in the market.
So, even if you’re looking to switch out from your Subaru outback, the bike mount will have you covered for the next ride you purchase.
Not only can you fit the rack onto most vehicles; it’s also relatively easy to install.
The snap-on set-up system requires no more than five minutes to complete so that you can be ready for your trail rides in a jiff.
Premier Trunk has also made sure to make this racking system as safe and reliable as possible.
The rack comes with multiple strapping systems ready to be installed; these straps use the boot of the car to hold up the entire rack in position.
Since this is a dual rack system, you can load up a maximum of 70lbs of load capacity onto the rack.
Installing the rack is simple; however, it does need to be rested on the boot of the car.
This contact with the boot may cause damage to the car; to protect the boot, the manufacturers have installed large rubber pads.
These pads keep the boot safe from scratches and also provide a much more distributed and snug fit to the outboard rack.
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2. Subaru SOA567B020 Thule Bike Carrier
This roof-top bike carrier, manufactured by Thule, has been designed keeping the Subaru Outback in mind.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a product that comes with OEM specifications and has the manufacturer’s recommendation, then the Thule should fit perfectly for you.
Not only does this bike rack boast high quality, but its unique roof racking abilities gives it quite an edge.
Since the entire rack has been built, keeping in mind the specifications of a Subaru, the fitting you’ll get will undoubtedly be perfect.
Apart from the fitting, you’re also getting a high-grade self-adjusting jaw system, which will be attached to the bike.
These jaws work by automatically wrap around the downtube of a bicycle, giving it a firm and secure hold for the frame.
After securing the frame, you can add some extra grip to the bike by running through the ratcheting straps through its wheels.
Thus, with this rack, you can make sure the bike has a firm hold and doesn’t necessarily affect your driving patterns.
With the rack, you can hold on any bike that measures out at a length of 20 to 29.
The rack will also hold onto tires with a width of 2.6, so take on your girthiest mountain bikes to conquer some wild tracks.
What’s great is since the bike carrier supports most of the other Subarus as well, any upgrades you get over the year will also support the Thule bike rack.
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3. Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
The Swagman’s XTC2 is another bike rack that falls under the rear mounting category. It fulfills this category splendidly.
This dual bike rack is the perfect product to take you and your biking partner up to the hilly trails for some quick decent rides.
The bonus is that you’re able to get the entire rack assembled and ready in minutes.
If you’re following the instructions carefully, a few minutes is all you’ll need to fit the rack behind the trunk of your Subaru Outback. Although, you don’t have to be limited to just the Subaru!
The rack can fit most vehicles with a Class II or higher receiver with a 1-1/4 or 2 hitch. Thus, giving you enough a rack that’ll last even longer than your ride.
Moreover, the rack also comes with superb safety features attached to it; the locking hitch-pin system should let you keep your bike secure on the road.
Apart from the bike getting stolen, you also don’t have to worry about any accidents.
This assurance is provided due to the sophisticated strapping system that secures the bike’s wheels to the hoops.
The rack also features an extra easy storage feature; this will allow you to fold up the rack into a much more convenient size.
Thus, making it far easier for you when storing the rack in your garage when it’s not in use.
All in all, this is an excellent piece of equipment; however, the high price racking up in the three digits makes it a bit much to afford.
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4. Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack
If you’re looking for the belle of the ball, then it just doesn’t get more premium than the Apex XT bike rack.
This rack comes from the same previous Subaru OEM rack manufacturer, Thule.
Therefore, you can stay assured that the quality you’re getting is one that cannot be imitated by any other brand.
The rack is one of the most futuristic racks you find in the market. Some features, such as the anti-swing cradles, add an extra convenience feature for you.
These pieces of equipment help keep the bike stable and in place when traveling upon rough terrains.
Keeping the bike sturdy and in position helps make sure that no damage comes to your bike or car.
Apart from an anti-sway bar; to make the bike utterly secure in place, the rack comes with a ratcheting cable strap system.
This system makes attaching the bikes onto the rack super easy and helps to keep both bikes in place.
Each strap is 7 apart from the other; thus, attaching the bike is relatively simple and also secure.
A unique feature that comes with this racking system is the Hitch Switch lever that you’re getting with it.
Hitting this lever will allow the entire rack to tilt down to a certain extent; thus, giving you enough space to access the rear tailgate.
However, for a premium product like this, the price you’ll be having to pay is also relatively on the premium end.
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What to Look for Before Buying
With so many varieties available for a bike rack system, it can get pretty difficult to find the perfect fitting rack for you to buy.
This buying guide should help you figure out which rack fits your needs the best.
Type of Rack
When buying a rack, you’ll find that there are quite a few types available; some can be attached to the rear tailgate, while others can be put on the roof. The one you choose will depend on quite a few factors.
A Roof rack is one that can help provide a much sturdier and secure grip on your bike.
Additionally, according to the size and capacity of the roof of your car, you’ll be able to hold multiple bikes at the same time.
However, they do make driving a bit of a hassle, and also cause you fuel economy to fall off quite a bit.
Other than the roof rack, you could also purchase a tailgate rack. This rack doesn’t offer the same flawless amount of stability that a roof rack may offer, but it is still quite heavy-duty.
The tailgate rack, however, doesn’t affect your car’s drivability to much of an extent, plus it is simpler to install.
Type of Bikes
With the wide variety of bikes available in the market, such as the basic road bikes and mountain bikes, things can get a bit overwhelming.
Finding the right rack for you that fits your bike can and will become a matter of concern. Lose fit of bike rack can cause all sorts of problems, and it will damage your car.
To make sure that you’re getting the right bike rack, you need to have your homework done.
If you’re looking to get a bike rack for a mountain bike, you will have to choose a rack with larger width clamps.
These bikes are also somewhat larger and heavier in size and weight; therefore, there are far more things you need to keep in consideration.
On the other hand, if you’re purchasing the rack to use with a road bike, then things are a bit different.
For these bikes, you’ll be needing a rack that comes with a strap that can attach to a thinner wheel and frame.
Number of Bikes
One of the most significant factors you want to determine beforehand is the number of bikes you want to take with you on your travels to the trails.
This factor is something that will be mainly dependent on who you go to the trails with. If you go alone or with one partner, then a dual bike rack will do.
However, if you’re looking to get the entire family with the kids interested in the biking sport, then you’re looking for a rack that’ll support 4/6 bikes.
Weight Support
The amount of weight a rack can support will determine the useability you can have for it.
Most average dual bike racks support around 70lbs of weight; this is relatively good for an average bike weighing at around 20lbs each.
However, we would always recommend purchasing a rack that has a higher weight limit available.
This higher capacity will give you a far more significant amount of security for the bikes you’re traveling with and will also keep you ready for future upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can the outback rack hold?
On average, most outback racks will hold up to around 70lbs weight. Retaining such large amounts of weight is crucial to ensure that the bike rack can keep the bike secure under all circumstances.
Can a rack affect fuel economy?
Yes, but this does depend on the type of rack purchased. Most roof racks cause quite a large amount of aerodynamic drag to occur.This drag causes cars to use up more energy harming fuel consumption.
Can a roof rack damage my car?
Depends, if the rack has been fitted on correctly, then there is no reason that it will damage your car. Racks that have been under-torqued, over-torqued, or just badly fitted can do some serious damage.
Is it okay if I take a rack through a car wash?
It is not; taking any outward mounted rack through a car wash can be extremely dangerous. The car wash’s brush system can easily snag onto the rack causing damage to not only your car; but also the car wash itself.
Can I leave the rack on the car, even when they’re not in use?
You can, but this isn’t something we would recommend. Keeping your rack on adds some pressure on a car when driving as the dimension of the car can change. Moreover, bumps and vibrations can lead to decreasing the overall life of the rack by damaging the bolts and fittings that hold it in place.
Is it permissible to install a bike rack on a leased car?
There is no definitive answer. Installing bike racks over leased vehicles depends on the car lease agreement terms and conditions. However, if the bike rack installation would damage the car in any way or if it would interfere with the use of the vehicle by other people, then it may not be permitted. The best action is to speak directly with the leasing company to determine their specific policy.
Final Words
Getting that weekly workout can be a great way for you to get off the gruesome desk jobs and get a nice breather.
So, don’t wait any longer; get yourself the best bike rack for Subaru outback and challenge yourself to some difficult biking trails.