Best Bike Racks For Volvo XC90 (Buyer’s Guide)

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If you are searching best bike racks to transport your bike securely then no doubt hitch mounted bike racks are best option for you. There are vast number of racks to sales today but the end goal of each to transport bikes without damaging.

Volvo XC90 is a great vehicle for outdoors who spend most of their time for travelling. If your family is fond of biking and wants to go on cycling adventures that stretch further than a few blocks from your home, it might be time to start looking for a bike rack for your Volvo XC90.

The best bike racks depends on few factors: type of bike rack (some vehicles doesn’t have hitch), weight of bike (because their weight limit for rack), spare tire size (if you are going to buy spare tire bike rack then you need to check which rack fit to tire), number of bikes you want to carry (most of the racks come with carrying capacity of two racks) and budget (the racks in this list range from $150 to $850).

Scroll down for the best racks, then keep reading for buying advice and in-depth reviews of these and other great options.

There are 3 types of bike racks which can be use for Volvo XC90. We will discuss the pros and cons of each below:

• Hitch Bike Racks
• Trunk Bike Racks
• Roof Bike Racks

Hitch Bike Racks for Volvo XC90

Hitch rack is the most convenient option. It is easy to install, simply plug into your hitch receiver and are ready for loading. Most of bike racks available for 1.25 and 2 inch receivers. It is easy to loading and unloading of bikes unlike lifting them over your head the way you do with a roof rack.

Most of racks have integrated locking system to secure your bikes with hitch bike rack. Many of racks have add-on option so simply you can extend it and carry upto 5 bikes.

Typically hitch bike racks are more expensive ($150 to more than $700) than trunk-mounted. Although they are more expensive but they are typically designed to carry 2 to 5 bikes. Hitch-Mounted bike racks are either platform style or hanging cradle style.

In platform style, bikes are sit on bike racks which is most secure bike racks. In hanging cradle style, bikes are hanging on racks which is less secure than platform style.

Pros

• Loading and unloading is easier than any other.
• Carry 2 to 5 bikes.
• Most of the racks provides swing away or tilt down technology for rear access.
• Easy to install as well as easy to remove.
• they are incredibly sturdy.
• keep the bikes out of the wind, so your vehicle is in aerodynamic shape which consume less fuel.

Cons

• Most Expensive.
• If not have swing away or tilt facility may block rear access.
• May obstruct rear license plate and taillights.

The 3 Best Volvo XC90 Hitch Bike Racks

1. Kuat Sherpa 2.0

Kuat racks are leader in platform style bike racks market. It is light weight (32 lbs.) which easy to mount as well as to take off. The Sherpa 2.0 holds up to 2 bikes of (up to 40 lbs. each) wheelbases up to 47 in. and tires as large as 3 in.

Rack tilts away from the vehicle to allow access to your rear hatch, even when loaded with bikes. You can also fold it when not in use. It is available in 1.25 and 2 inch hitch receiver.

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 comes with integrated locking mechanism to secure your bikes. Lightweight aluminum platform comes in three different colours black, gray and pearl.

2. Allen Sports 4-Bike

Our budget pick for an Volvo XC90 hitch mounted bike rack is the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack. It is easy and very quick install and take off rack. You can get the rack on and off your car in under a minute.

Allen Sports 4-Bike Rack compitable with 2 inch hitch receiver. The 2 & 3 bike capacity racks are also compatible with a 1.25″ receiver (they come with an adaptor to make it compatible with a 2″ receiver as well).

Rack tilts away from the vehicle to allow access to your rear hatch, even when loaded with bikes. You can also fold it when not in use. Lightweight (27 lbs.) steel rack comes in two different colours Black and Red.

3. Yakima RidgeBack Tilt-Away

Most of the times we prefer platform style bike racks because of loading and superior stability, but high-capacity hanging models are the clear leaders in terms of value. Among of all hanging bike racks Yakima RidgeBack is our favourite option because it features a durable build, reasonable price, and anti-sway design that limits bike movement while on the road.

The rack tilt away easily for trunk access and the whole rack folds flat for easy storage when not in use. All the adjustments on the main joints are via button or lever, which makes adjusting it a breeze.

The RidgeBack easily attaches to your car using a knob that tightens the rack into your hitch. To remove the rack, simply untwist the knob to loosen it. Best of all, this rack doesn’t require any assembly.

Trunk Bike Racks for Volvo XC90

If your vehicle doesn’t have hitch receiver then trunk bike rack is good solution. This racks are less expensive usually $50-$200, trunk mount bike racks are fairly versatile and fit most vehicles without having to get additional parts or components.

Trunk racks are lightweight, easy to install and take off. It can carry upto 3 bikes by mounting it to your car’s trunk but it has weight limit. You will not be able to access the rear door with the rack installed. the design of trunk racks can make it difficult to lock bikes to your vehicle, if security is a concern.

Trunk mount options are now easier to setup and do a better job protecting your paint. Also, when not in use, many models have incorporated a clever folding design allowing compact, easy storage.

Pros

• Easy to install as well as easy to take off.
• Carry upto 3 bikes.
• Loading and unloading is easier.
• Can fit most of the vehicles.
• Less expensive.
• keep the bikes out of the wind, so your vehicle is in aerodynamic shape which consume less fuel.
• Compact storage (usually fold away).
• lightweight, highly portable and easy to store when not in use.

Cons

• Blocks rear access to the vehicle
• May obstruct rear license plate and taillights.
• limited in their load capacity.
• Risk of scratching the vehicle when attaching the hooks.

The 3 best trunk bike racks for Volvo XC90

1. Saris Bones Car Trunk Bike Rack

Saris Bones Car Trunk Bike rack consists of three legs that mount against the bumper and the trunk of the car. they are easy to adjust and to lock in place.

This rack can carry upto 2 bikes of 35 lbs each but it is also available in 3 and 4 bikes option. The lightweight (10 lbs) model Built with 100% recyclable, rust-free plastic materials. This rack available in Black or Gray colour.

One of the main benefits of a trunk bike rack is that it can be removed simply, unlike a roof rack or bulky hitch-mount rack. The Bones is easy to take off just like other racks but folds down quite small. It’s lightweight and would be easy to store in the trunk or back of a vehicle.

2. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack

Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack is easy to install as well as to take off. The lightweight (8.8 lbs) model made of steel which can carry upto 2 bikes of 35 lbs each or combined 30 lbs (if you need it is also available 3 and 4 bikes option).

The rack comes in three different options – just as a trunk mount, with bungee cords, or with a crossbar adapter, each bundle being more expensive from the previous. Still, it’s more than affordable than Saris Bones.

Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike comes with side straps which improve lateral stability. It is compact enough to store in the car trunk. Also it has lifetime warranty. The rack uses foam bumpers to protect your car from scratches while the rack is mounted. It is available in only in black colour.

3. Yakima Fullback Trunk Mount Bike Rack

Yakima Fullback Trunk Mount Bike Rack is the best rack among all of three. The main reason for purchasing this yakima rack is to keep your bike secure. It has ZipStrip cradles which lock bikes with rack.

The lightweight (21 lbs) model can carry upto 3 bikes of 30 lbs each or 120 lbs combined (It is also available in 2 bikes option).

The rack is easy to install as well as to take off. After uses you can easily fold it and as it compact you can easily store in trunk. Premium high-gloss finish rack available in classic black colour.

The good thing about the Yakima Fullback is that it also comes with some useful extra items such as an integrated bottle opener. This will come in handy if you want to enjoy a drink when you reach your destination.

Roof Bike Racks for Volvo XC90

If you don’t mind lifting bikes on top of your vehicle, this type of car bike rack is an excellent choice for the serious cycling or outdoor enthusiast. The cost, while moderate ($200 to more than $500), can get high if you start adding multiple cradles or if you need to build a whole rack system from scratch.

Roof racks are the most versatile because you can customize accessories to transport just about any outdoor toy, including kayaks, surfboards, snowboards, bikes and cargo boxes. Roof racks are stable, keep gear out of the way and don’t block access to vehicle doors.

If you’re worried about rear window visibility, this is the best option for you. Plus, it’s the only bike rack that lets you carry a tandem bike.

Pros

• Roof racks are the most versatile.
• Easy access of trunk.
• Not blocking license plate.
• Can store other cargo as well.
• Bikes do not move or sway easily.
• Relatively low costs.

Cons

• Vehicle may become unstable in high crosswinds.
• Height restrictions may apply.
• Need to lift bicycles overhead.

The 2 best roof bike racks for Volvo XC90

1. Yakima FrontLoader Rooftop Bike Rack

The Yakima FrontLoader is a rooftop bike model that does not require the removal of the front wheel. It holds bikes in the same manner as most hitch mount bike racks and only makes contact with the wheels and tires of a bike – which protects your expensive ride from potential damage. The design makes it capable of carrying almost any bike, regardless of axle standard.

The rack can carry 1 bike of upto 40 lbs with 20 to 29-inch wheels. The FrontLoader has an excellent clamp system and does not require tools for installation. The rack attaches to almost any type of crossbar. A large hand knob on the front end of the rack is turned which draws the front clamp up snugly around the crossbar.

2. Swagman Upright Roof Bike Rack

You can consider buying Swagman Upright Roof Bike Rack if you have different bikes and you’re in need of a sturdy bike rack that can haul them all. They’re roof mounted bike racks that allow cyclists to keep both wheels on their bikes.

The Upright has a clamp with soft pads that grip your bike by the frame. Push your bike forward on the rack until the pads click around the downtube, then spin the hand knob to tighten the clamp. The lock on the hand knob secures the rack to your vehicle.

Features to Consider When Buying a Bike Rack for Volvo XC90

With so many different options on the market, picking the bike carrier to best suit your needs can be tricky. This is why you should consider the following points before deciding which the right bike rack is for you and your Volvo XC90.

Type Of Bike Rack

Deciding what type of bike carrier to buy depends on how many bikes you want to carry, what they weigh and how tall you are for lifting bikes.

The Number Of Bikes To Carry

Most bicycle rack companies make products that accommodate anywhere between two and four bikes at a time. If you plan on taking your whole family cycling, you should look for a spacious rack.

Ease Of Use

If you are using rack every week or every day then it will be a permanent fixture on your vehicle and you need one that doesn’t affect your use of the car.

However, if you using rack on vacations or one’s in two to three months then you need to choose one that s very easy to fit.

Trunk Access

Getting to your vehicle’s trunk with a trunk-mounted rack can be inconvenient. That isn’t a problem with a hitch rack which allows you to angle down the bikes, freeing up your trunk. Think about how often you’ll be using your bike rack, and pick the type that will be the easiest to use.

Budget

You must decide how much you are willing to spend on your chosen bike rack before you start looking. There are many great options available that won’t break the bank. However, the more you use your rack the more worthwhile it is spending a little extra on it.

Security

Unfortunately, bike theft is an issue in our modern world, and fancy bikes attached to an unattended vehicle can be tempting targets. Bike racks come with varying levels of security, from none at all to integrated locks that secure the rack to your vehicle and the bikes to the rack.