Best Bike Rack for a Sedan Car: 3 Trunk-Mount Picks Compared

If your sedan does not have roof rails or a trailer hitch, a trunk-mount bike rack is the practical way to carry bikes. These racks use padded arms and straps that hook over the trunk lid and around the rear bumper, so no permanent hardware or vehicle modification is needed.

Below are three trunk-mount racks that are commonly recommended for sedans: two versions of the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike rack (Model 102DN-R and Model 102DB) and the Saris Bones 2-Bike carrier. All three hold two bikes and install without tools. Before picking one, check your trunk for a rear spoiler, confirm the rack’s per-bike weight limit against your bikes, and read the sizing notes below — fit varies more between sedan trunk shapes than most listings let on.

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

The 102DN-R is Allen Sports’s entry-level trunk rack, and it is built around a simple idea: a padded frame that rests against the trunk lid, held in place by adjustable straps that loop under the trunk and around the bumper. There are no tools to carry and no bolts to tighten — you strap it on, load the bikes into the padded cradles, and go. Allen Sports rates it to carry up to 35 lbs per bike, which covers most hybrid and road bikes but is worth checking against a heavier commuter or kids’ bike before loading it up.

Pros

• Lowest price of the three racks in this roundup
• Tool-free strap installation and removal
• Padded lower frame protects the trunk finish from bike contact
• Folds flat for storage when not in use

Cons

• Holds only two bikes
• Strap-based mounts need occasional re-tightening on longer trips
• May not fit sedans with very large rear spoilers

Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack (Model 102DB)

The 102DB is the step-up model in Allen Sports’s Deluxe trunk-rack line. Mechanically it works the same way as the 102DN-R — padded arms and adjustable straps, no tools — but it is finished in a black-and-silver two-tone frame and folds down to 23 x 15 x 4 inches at about 8 lbs, so it stores easily in a closet or trunk corner. It is the pricier of the two Allen Sports options here, at $75.00, and the difference mostly comes down to the finish and slightly heavier-duty hardware rather than a change in capacity.

Pros

• Lightweight at roughly 8 lbs, easy to lift and store
• Compact folded footprint (23 x 15 x 4 in.)
• Securely holds two bikes with padded contact points
• No tools needed for install or removal

Cons

• May not be suitable for sedans with spoilers
• Limited to two bikes, which may not suit a larger family
• Costs more than the 102DN-R for a similar core design

Saris Bones 2-Bike Trunk Rack Carrier

The Saris Bones is priced well above the two Allen Sports racks ($153.02, down from a $199.99 list price at the time of writing), and the arc-based tubing is the reason why. Instead of a flat padded frame, the Bones uses curved arms that separate the two bikes onto different levels so they cannot knock against each other in transit, along with anti-sway cages that cradle each bike’s downtube. It is made in the USA from rust-free, 100% recyclable materials, and like the Allen Sports racks it is rated for 35 lbs per bike.

On rear spoilers specifically: Saris designs the arc shape to clear most factory spoilers, including sport-trim sedans, and Saris itself lists confirmed fit on spoiler-equipped models. Vehicles with very large or aggressively angled aftermarket wings may still need Saris’s separate spoiler adapter, so it is worth checking Saris’s fit guide for your exact sedan if it has an oversized spoiler.

Pros

• Arc-based design keeps the two bikes separated and reduces sway
• Rust-free, weather-resistant materials made in the USA
• Fits most vehicles, including many spoiler-equipped sedans
• 100% recyclable materials

Cons

• Costs significantly more than either Allen Sports model
• Very large aftermarket spoilers may still need a separate adapter
• Bulkier to store than the Allen Sports racks when folded

How to Choose the Right Trunk Rack for Your Sedan

Trunk-mount racks are the go-to choice for sedans specifically because most sedans lack the roof crossbars or trailer hitch that roof-mount and hitch-mount racks need. A few things matter more than price when picking one:

• Rear spoiler: Flat-frame racks like the Allen Sports models can struggle to clear a factory or aftermarket spoiler. The Saris Bones’s arced tubing clears most spoilers, but check the fit guide for oversized wings.
• Weight per bike: All three racks here are rated for 35 lbs per bike. An e-bike or a heavier commuter bike can exceed that, which risks strap failure at speed.
• Driving speed: Because trunk racks rely on strap tension rather than a rigid hitch connection, most manufacturers recommend staying under roughly 55–60 mph and re-checking strap tension every 15–20 minutes on a long drive — check your specific rack’s manual for its exact limit.
• Trunk access: A loaded trunk rack blocks the trunk lid. If you need mid-trip trunk access, plan to unload the rack or pack everything you need before leaving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Features Does The Allen Sports 102DN-R Offer?

The Allen Sports 102DN-R carries up to two bikes, each rated to 35 lbs, using adjustable straps that fit most sedan trunks without tools. Padded lower frame arms rest against the trunk lid to help prevent bike-to-car contact, and the whole rack folds flat for easy storage when it is not in use.

How Does The 102DB Rack Differ From The 102DN-R?

The 102DB uses the same strap-and-frame mounting system as the 102DN-R but comes in a black-and-silver finish, weighs about 8 lbs, and folds to 23 x 15 x 4 inches. Both models are rated for 35 lbs per bike and install the same way; the 102DB simply costs more for the different finish and hardware.

Is The Saris Bones Rack Compatible With Sedans?

Yes. The Saris Bones’s arc-based design is built to clear most sedan trunk shapes and many factory spoilers, and its anti-sway straps keep the two bikes from knocking together in transit. It is made in the USA from rust-free, 100% recyclable materials. Sedans with very large aftermarket spoilers may still need Saris’s separate spoiler adapter.

Are These Bike Racks Easy To Install?

Yes. All three racks install without tools: you position the padded frame against the trunk lid, then tighten the adjustable straps around the trunk and bumper. Allen Sports and Saris both include written instructions, and a first-time install typically takes 10–15 minutes.

Can These Racks Carry Two Bikes Safely?

Yes, provided each bike stays within the rack’s 35 lb per-bike rating. All three racks use padded contact points and adjustable straps to minimize movement, and the Saris Bones adds anti-sway cages for extra stability between the two bikes. Re-check strap tension after the first few miles and periodically on longer drives.

Conclusion

All three of these racks solve the same problem: getting two bikes onto a sedan that has no roof crossbars or hitch. The Allen Sports 102DN-R is the simplest and cheapest way in, the 102DB adds a nicer finish for a bit more money, and the Saris Bones costs the most but earns it with an arc-based design that better clears spoilers and keeps bikes from banging together.

Before buying, measure your trunk lid, check for a rear spoiler, and weigh your bikes against the 35 lb per-bike rating shared by all three racks. If your sedan turns out to have roof rails or a factory hitch after all, a roof or hitch-mounted rack is worth a look too, since those designs carry more weight and do not block trunk access.