Best Bike Rack For Subaru Outback

Let’s be honest, our generation isn’t the most outgoing. The average person in this day and age has a dismal lifestyle. It is downright embarrassing how unhealthy we are.

An easy fix for that is picking up a hobby. This may be running, hiking or our personal favorite: biking. Biking is amazing but before we talk about its benefits, we must outline one major flaw: It is super hard to carry around.

Enter: a bike rack. This invention is a lifesaver! To help you pick out the best bike rack for Subaru outback, I have compiled a list of the premium goods available in the market.

You must now have two questions, “Why should I pick up biking?” and “When did this become a Subaru Outback advertisement?”

You’re probably more confused about the latter, so let’s start there.

Subaru Outback: The Ultimate Station Wagon

If you haven’t heard of Subaru, I wouldn’t really blame you. Despite being a premium brand, it sort of gets lost in the shuffle of big brand names like Nissan, Toyota and Honda. These were just their local competitors from the land of the rising sun (that’s Japan, by the way).

But any true car enthusiast has heard of this brand and rates it highly. This is because very few automakers come close to providing the quality of service they provide. This product is an excellent example of that.

When we think of station wagons, we think of Audi. This is the product of clever marketing and resourceful product placement that associates the product with their brand. Subaru, unfortunately, did not invest in that department. 

Instead, they built a car that speaks for itself. The Subaru Outback is one impressive machine that car freaks rave about every time a new edition is released (and for good reason; this line never disappoints).

But what makes the Subaru Outback such a good car? Well, I like to credit it to these three factors: Sleek design, Affordable price and last but not least, Off-Road performance. Let’s view them in detail.

Starting with the sleek design, this car is a beauty. Few other station wagons can compete with its elegant simplistic look. It truly is a cut above the rest in this category.

The price is another factor that makes the “sale”.  Compared to its competitors, this is the closest you get to a budget option and surprisingly, it can be argued that it is better than most of its more expensive counterparts.

The last reason this car shines is its off-road capabilities. This station wagon can give competition to a jeep or dirt-bike with its sturdy built and powerful engine. Okay, maybe that was a huge exaggeration but it’s a good car.

So now we know why a Subaru Outback is the best car to buy if you are looking for a station wagon. But what does a station wagon have to do with biking?

You see a bicycle is a handy invention that allows us to travel considerable distances, but it does not cover nearly as much distance as a car does. This means you need a car to go to remote places where you can bike peacefully without city pollution.

Why a station wagon? Well, it’s roomy and has a lot of cargo space. Why Subaru Outback in particular? We just covered that.

Now, to finally answer the first question: why should you pick up biking?

Biking: The Complete Sport

That’s right, I called riding your bicycle alone in the woods a sport. That’s because I don’t think it quite qualifies as an exercise. I do recognize it is vastly different from other sports but it’s a super-healthy activity. Nonetheless, the following are the reasons why you pick up cycling right now…okay, maybe after finishing this article.

1. It’s Fun

Cycling is a blast. I’m serious. Whether you race with friends or just venture through the mountains, the enjoyment you get from peddling your bike as you feel the wind brush up on you and see the beautiful sights around you is hard to beat. It is a magical sensation. 

It is also scientifically proven that physical activity or exercise of any kind can lead to a rise in dopamine which combats depression, stress, and anxiety. Neat benefit, wouldn’t ya say? 

2. It’s Affordable

Bicycles are cheap. I mean obviously, they aren’t free but they cost nowhere near as much as a car or a motorbike. It not only works as a leisure time activity, but also as a vital tool for transport for many people such as delivery men.

Reminder: A high-quality bike may run up quite the tab. The price range depends on you. There is a bicycle for everyone. The more you spend, the better your bike will be, obviously. 

3. It’s Healthy

We spoke a lot about the mental benefit but the most important benefit of cycling is cardio. We simply do not get enough movement. Everything is so readily available to us nowadays. There is literally a shop around every corner. Heck, you can literally order things from the press of a button. 

That’s why we need hobbies to keep our bodies moving and hearts pumping and cycling is an easy way to do that. It is less stressful on the body than running and while both burn a lot of calories, cycling is the clear winner when it comes to muscle building and toning.

So, now that you have the answers to those two questions, we can go ahead and start our search for the best bike rack for Subaru Outback. 

The Best Bike Racks in the Business

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best products in the market for you.

1. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R

Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R

Item dimensions (LxWxH):  23.03 x 13.58 x 3.94 inches

This list starts off with a bang! Allen Sports are arguably one of the best in the business right now when looking for bike racks and this product really highlights their skills.

There’s a reason why we start this list off with this product in particular. The price of this rack is unbelievable. It is the cheapest on the list by a land mile and not too far off in quality. 

Aside from its impressive price, this product offers multiple other features:

A. Good Fit

This bike rack was seemingly tailor-made to fit into a Subaru Outback. It is tough to find a snugger and tighter fit for a station wagon. The size and dimensions are inch-perfect for this use.

B. Secure

It’s not just the fit that keeps the bike latched onto your car. There are side straps and tie-downs to keep your bike in place and padding to protect it in case of collision with another vehicle.

C. Fully assembled

This is an uncommon feature as it is possessed by only two products on this list. The bike rack comes intact and can literally be attached to your car in seconds. If you hate set-ups as much as me, this one’s your best bet.

So, is this the best bike rack for Subaru Outback? Let’s review the pros and the cons so you can make that decision:

The Pluses (The Pros):

  • Amazing fit: Few products can match how perfectly this rack fits the outback
  • Secure: This rack won’t budge and neither will your bike
  • Fully assembled: Saves the time and energy needed for a manual assembly
  • Cheap: This is a bargain if I have ever seen one.

The Minuses (The Cons):

  • Damages car: The metal can harm your car if the rack is not set up properly.

2. Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack

Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack

Item dimensions (LxWxH):  23.62 x 13.58 x 4.72 inches

Allen Sports is at it again with another solid product because as the name suggests it is a Premier bike rack! Sorry, it was right there. The point is, this bike rack really does give the others a run for its money.

Speaking of price, this unit is quite expensive (especially compared to Allen Sport’s cheaper option). The price bump is justified with impressive new features and improvement in existing one.

So what are these new/improved features?

A. Boosted Security

This bike rack won’t fall and it won’t let anything harm your bike, rest assured. It ramps up the already impressive snug measures of Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, by adding larger pads and additional straps.

B. Impressive Storage

This bike rack uses an innovative method just like its predecessor with 12-inch arms that extend to support an additional bike. This is a great feature if you aren’t biking by yourself like a lone wolf.

C. Good Fit

This bike rack fits perfectly into your Subaru Outback just like the previous product, and doesn’t fail to impress us with how snug the fit is.

So, would we consider this one the best bike rack for Subaru Outback? Take a look at the pros and cons:

The Pluses (The Pros):

  • Amazing fit: not many racks can match how perfectly this one fits the Outback
  • Secure: The snug fit ensures it doesn’t budge into anything
  • Quick set-up: It may not come fully assembled but the setup isn’t too difficult
  • Well-built: The product is really sturdy and made of good material
  • Huge upgrade: This product is like a jacked-up version of the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack.

The Minuses (The Cons):

  • Expensive: This bike rack may be a step-up, but it is also a huge cost jump from the first product. 

3. Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Hitch

Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Hitch
Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Hitch
Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Hitch

Allen Sports comes in with yet another product, and this is their last entry. And boy do they go out with a bang, because this is a sensational product!

But greatness ain’t cheap, and this product certainly follows that trend. This product leaves Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack and Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack in the dust and reaches a whole new price point. And you guessed it; the upgrades make it reasonable.

What are these upgrades and why do they justify this huge bump in price?

A. Increased Storage

This is quite the upgrade, as it literally doubles the storage capacity of its predecessors. That’s right, you can carry 4 bikes in this rack. You can now take the homies along with your girl on that biking trip.

B. Security

This bike rack, despite accommodating 2 additional bikes, offers similar security features for the bikes and Allen Sports uses a smart approach of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The measures remain vastly similar and work for all the bikes

C. Good Fit

Just like its predecessors, this one fits perfectly into a Subaru Outback as well. While it may be larger in size, it is still compact enough to fit in the car.

Whether this bike rack is the best one for a Subaru Outback or not is your choice. To help with that choice, here are the pros and cons of this rack:

The Pluses (The Pros):

  • Amazing fit: Better fit than most product available in the market
  • Secure: The rack fits securely to ensure it does not budge into anything and prevents your bike from doing so as well.  
  • Quick set-up: It may not come fully assembled but the setup isn’t too difficult.
  • Well-built: This rack is sturdy and has a good build quality
  • Insane Storage: 4 bikes can be stored in it.
  • Huge upgrade: Overall upgrade from the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack and Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack

The Minuses (The Cons):

  • Very Expensive: While it is an upgrade from the previous products in terms of features and quality, it is also more pricey.

4. Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack Carrier

Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack Carrier
Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack Carrier
Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack Carrier

Item dimensions (LxWxH):  22 x 9 x 20 inches

Finally, a bike rack that isn’t produced by Allen Sports. They literally took half the list. For the fourth product, we have one by the brand Saris. This company is one of the best in the market, and the Saris Bones Trunk bike rack proves that point.

If you thought Allen Sports were premium pricing, you are in for a rude awakening because Saris Bones have the most expensive bike rack on this list and for a good reason too.

What is the reason? The features, of course!

A. The Best fit

This bike rack is the most expensive on this list for a reason. While Allen Sports provide a snug and secure fit, it is not nearly as impeccable as Saris Bones. This rack is custom-fit so if set up properly, it is never coming off.

And on top of fitting nice and snug, it can carry up to 3 bikes.

B. Durability

Another area where Saris Bones is head and shoulders (knees and toes too, I’d wager) above the competition, is its build quality. The result: a rack that is insanely strong and rust-free.  

C. Stylish

Yet another justification for the high price, is its elegant and stylish look. Much like the Subaru outback, this bike rack finds beauty in simplicity.

So, is this the best bike rack for Subaru Outback? How about you decide from reading the pros and cons?

The Pluses (The Pros):

  • Amazing fit: Beats the Allen Sports bike racks in terms of snug fit
  • Secure: Securely stays attached to the Subaru Outback and prevents budging into things. 
  • Quick set-up: Doesn’t come set up, but doesn’t take much effort for assembly
  • Well-built: Made of high quality materials and has a sturdy build
  • Great Storage: Can carry up to 3 bikes.

The Minuses (The Cons):

  • Very very Expensive: This bike rack, being better in terms of quality and features, costs more than the products offered by Allen Sports

5. CargoLoc 2-Piece 52″ Aluminum Roof Top Cross Bar Set

CargoLoc 2-Piece 52
CargoLoc 2-Piece 52
CargoLoc 2-Piece 52

Item dimensions (LxWxH): 3 x 52.5 x 5.75 inches

Another new contender, both in terms of company and product, CargoLoc is not very famous. But this product might as well have been made by a big company, because it can blow your socks off.

The price of this bike rack is reasonable. Not as cheap as the first product but in that price range.

Do the features suffer heavily from the price decrease? Probably not! Let’s take a look at the features.

A. Well-Built

This bike is built from aluminum and so it is really strong and sturdy.

B. Secure

As with the other products on this list, this rack won’t let your bike fall off easily. It holds onto your bike securely and ensures that it stays that way.

C. High capacity

This product doesn’t specify the number of bikes but it carries bikes that weigh up to 150 lbs and have a span of 46 inches.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this bike rack to see if this one qualifies as the best one.

The Pluses (The Pros):

  • Secure: Securely stays onto your car and does not budge even a bit. 
  • Cheap: It comes at a reasonable price
  • Well-built: The build quality is impressive and it feels very sturdy
  • Lifetime warranty: Whether it needs repair or replacement, the company’s got you covered.

The Minuses (The Cons):

  • Tough Installation: The process of setting it up is a little complicated.

6. Tyger Auto TG-RK3B203S Deluxe Trunk Mount Bicycle Rack

Tyger Auto TG-RK3B203S Deluxe Trunk Mount Bicycle Rack
Tyger Auto TG-RK3B203S Deluxe Trunk Mount Bicycle Rack
Tyger Auto TG-RK3B203S Deluxe Trunk Mount Bicycle Rack

Item dimensions (LxWxH): 25 x 4 x 3 inches

The last entry on this list certainly isn’t last place in terms of being the best one. Tyger finishes off the list with a decent bike rack.

This rack is also very expensive. It’s virtually the same price as Saris Bones and offers similar features as well. Are these features worth the investment? As with Saris Bones, they certainly are.

A. Fully assembled

This is an uncommon feature as it is possessed by only two products on the list. This bike rack comes fully assembled and all you have to do is attach it to your car. If you’re someone who hate setting up things, this will certainly have you sold.

B. Secure

As with the other products on this list, this rack won’t let your bike fall off easily.

C. Great Storage

This rack can easily carry 3 bikes weighing up to 99 lbs. 

To decide whether or not this is the best choice for a bike rack, here are its pros and cons:

The Pluses (The Pros):

  • Secure: It does not budge and neither does your bike. 
  • Fully assembled: Saves precious time and energy required for a manual assembly
  • Great Storage: This rack is able to carry up to 3 bikes
  • Well-built: Feels sturdy and is made of durable material
  • Lifetime warranty: The company’s got your back.

The Minuses (The Cons):

  • Pretty Expensive: This bike rack can potentially burn a hole through your wallet.

Short Review

Here is a tabulation for you to quickly review the specialty of each bike on this list.

 Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-RAffordable, fully assembled
Premier Trunk Mounted Bike RackSecure, well-built
Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. HitchGreat storage, Secure
Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack CarrierGreat fit, Decent Storage
CargoLoc 2-Piece 52″ Aluminum Roof Top Cross Bar SetAffordable, well-built
Tyger Auto TG-RK3B203S Deluxe 3-Bike Trunk Mount Bicycle RackDecent Storage, Fully assembled

Buying Guide

Now that you know who the top players are, it will be a much easier to choose. However, it’s not a decision you can make in seconds. There are several factors you need to keep in mind, such as:

The Budget

This is a no-brainer. To make any purchase, it is important to set a limit on how much you are going to spend on a product before buying it.

Durability

The materials used in a bike determine how long it lasts and so make sure you know what your bike is made of.

Storage Capacity

Each rack has a different capacity. This decision should be made depending on whether you ride alone or in groups.

The tabulation showing the key features of each product covers these factors pretty well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a bike rack?

Yes. Yes, you do. You can’t just shove a bike in the back seat without breaking it or damaging your seat at least.

Is set-up difficult?

This varies from product to product. But generally, it is really easy.

How often do I need to change these racks?

Ideally, never. This is a one-time purchase as most of these products are very durable.

How many bikes can one bike carry?

Again, this varies from product to product but generally it’s 2 to 5. Please do not cross the recommended number of cycles as it will almost certainly break.

Conclusion

So what is the best bike rack for Subaru Outback? This entirely depends on your priorities. Each one of these products brings something different to the table and we hope the buying guide can help you find the perfect bike rack for you.

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