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The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Tesla Model 3 Bike Rack
- Authors
- Name
- Alex Walker
Tesla Model 3 has been one of the most popular cars since its launch in 2017. Not only does it have helpful features, but it is also one of the most affordable cars in its category.
Unfortunately, it has some aggressive sensors that prevent you from adding features to it. For example, fitting a standard bike rack to this car can interfere with its rear sensors, whereby it keeps warning you that you are about to run into something when in reverse.
That’s why you need bike racks designed for Tesla Model 3. But how do you spot the best bike rack for Tesla Model 3?
We did the hard work for you, and after reviewing tens of options, a handful of brands emerged.
In this post, we review the best bike racks for Tesla Model 3 that stood out;
SeaSucker Mini Bomber 2-Bike Rack
The Mini Bomber 2-Bike rack is arguably the best bike rack for hatchback as it accommodates an array of mountain bikes and road bikes.
One of this unit's most unique features is that it uses suction cups for bike attachment. It is equipped with four vacuum/suction cups, and each has a button. As a result, the installation of the SeaSucker Mini Bomber is easy and quick. You only need to press the button, and the suction cup will flatten out, adhering to the car's surface.
What's more? The buttons have an orange-colored part that lets you know whether the cup is well secured. Whenever the orange part is visible, the suction cup needs further pressing. In addition, each of the four vacuum/suction cups has a pull strength rating of 210 pounds. Even better, this unit is one of the smallest racks in the market, making it easy to store.
When it comes to loading the bikes, this rack is pretty easy to use. You only need to remove the front wheel, mount the fork dropouts and fasten. SeaSucker Mini Bomber uses the traditional quick-release fork mounts that measure 9 mm. However, you can buy an adapter if your bike uses a thru-axle instead of a quick release.
Are you wondering how the front wheels are secured? This unit has Velcro straps that are attached to the car using a suction cup. These straps are specially built to accommodate even the thickest and heaviest bike tires.
SeaSucker Mini Bomber makes it easier to mount the two bikes with minimal contact between the bikes. You will need to rotate the fork mounts for the alignment of the flat bars. However, when it comes to the bike's and rack's security, SeaSucker Mini Bomber does not offer much. It comes with anchors for the hatch and window that use a cable lock. Unfortunately, the cable lock doesn't provide as much security compared with built-in locks.
If you are shopping for a uniquely solid bike rack, we highly recommend that you consider this SeaSucker Mini Bomber for two bikes. Unfortunately, the unit requires you to remove the bike's front wheel, but you can opt to live with the minor inconvenience for such a compact, lightweight unit for two bikes.
Pros
- Easy to install and remove
- Compact size
- It is lightweight
- It is compatible with an array of vehicles
Cons
- Using it requires one to remove the front wheel
Rhino Rack Hybrid Bike Carrier
Next, we have the Rhino Rack rooftop hybrid carrier. This carrier is uniquely designed to help you carry your bike without having to remove the front wheel. The most distinctive feature is its upright locking fork and arm ratchet that holds your bike securely upright. The fork can easily be flattened when not in use.
To ensure that the bike is securely fixed, this unit features a triple locking functionality; there is the bike to rack, rack to the carrier, and finally, bike to the carrier. It is also ideal for most bikes ranging from the kids 20" to 29" adult mountain bikes.
The triple locking system features wheel straps that secure the bike onto your vehicle's roof. In addition, the fork's ratchet arm helps to secure the bike's frame to keep the bike steady in an upright state. Lastly, there is a cable to secure both the bike and the rack on top of your vehicle.
This unit is relatively easy to use as it has an ergonomically designed handle with a release trigger and a locking mechanism. Also, the fact that it is foldable means that you can leave it flat on your vehicle's roof when not use. The wheel straps are also relatively easy to secure and release.
Using the Rhino Rack carrier, you can mount a maximum of two bikes per vehicle as each bike can be fixed on either of the two crossbars on your vehicle's roof. It has an aluminum casting which means it is lightweight and can handle a substantial weight of up to 21 kgs. This bike carrier is also made of a non-corrosive material that ensures its safe from corrosive weather elements.
Pros
- You don't need to remove the wheels
- It holds your bike securely upright
- It features an easy to use the ergonomically designed handle
- It can accommodate up to 2 bikes
Cons
- It's not ideal for tall vehicles
Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack
In case you are looking for a bike roof rack that doesn't require you to remove wheels, look no further. This Thule bike rack was made to do exactly that. This roof rack comes with an adapter for fat bikes and doesn't require you to remove wheels. Therefore, it will accommodate your bike, be it a mountain, gravel, cyclocross, or road bike.
It is equipped with a downtube clamp mechanism that uses a dial to tighten. This makes the rack easy to use. This mechanism is compatible with a wide array of tube cross-sections. The clamp is lined with rubber to avoid damage to your bike's frame. You may use additional cloth padding on the frame for extra cushioning.
ProRide XT comes with uniquely designed wheel holders to ensure that the wheels are securely fixed. The holders use diagonally positioned quick-release straps. Further, it has two lock cylinders. One secures the bike onto the carrier while the other secures the carrier onto the roof rack.
Worried about your bike falling from the roof rack when loading or unloading? Well, the clamp's lower jaw of ProRide XT is extended to prevent that. With a load capacity of 44 pounds, this unit is ideal for most normal bikes. However, if you have an electric bike, you need to confirm that your bike's weight doesn't exceed this limit.
Thule ProRide XT allows you to carry your bike upright on top of your vehicle, which can be exciting. However, always remember that you have an additional height to avoid damaging your bike, especially in garages and drive-throughs.
Pros
- It doesn't require you to remove wheels
- It is pretty easy to operate
- Features an adapter for fat bikes
- It firmly holds the wheels
- It protects the bike's frame from being damaged by the clamp
Cons
- Not ideal for tall vehicles
Saris Superclamp 2 to 4 Bike Hitch Rack
Saris Superclamp hitch rack comes in versions of 2 and 4 bikes. Saris is known for having unique designs and competitively priced units. The design of the Superclamp allows you to carry 2 or 4 bikes on one platform.
This unit is exceptionally lightweight as it only weighs 35 pounds for the two-bike version and 63 pounds for the four-bike version. It accommodates bikes with up to 4-inch wide tires and wheels measuring between 20 and 29 inches. Besides, it has an impressive capacity of 60 pounds per bike. This hitch rack is also adjustable to accommodate different bike sizes at the same time.
Further, this rack is relatively compact, thus occupying minimal space at the car's hitch. Saris Superclamp hitch racks are also easy to store. Even more, these hitch racks are convenient and do not interfere with the rear sensor on Teslas. When not in use, this unit's arms can be folded to minimizes the space it occupies behind your car.
This Saris bike rack is very durable thanks to its tough steel make. The unit can accommodate up to 4-inch tires. If you have bigger tires, you can get the fat tire wheel holders sold separately. The rack can also be tilted diagonally, upwards, and even side to side as you may desire.
What's more? Saris Superclamp is designed to eliminate frame contact. Clamping the wheels is easy as you only need to push the wheel-clamping hooks and your bikes are secure. However, the bike's clearance is minimal, which may cause side contact between the bikes.
If you are looking for the best hitch bike rack that is versatile, affordable, lightweight and allows you to carry more than one bike, this Saris Superclamp is an excellent option.
Pros
- Lightweight
- It comes in a compact design for easy storage
- It is pretty versatile, allowing you to carry up to 4 bikes at a go
- Affordable
- It comes in stainless steel construction
Cons
- Its bike to bike clearance is not ideal
- It tends to shake
Buyer’s Guide- Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Tesla Model 3 Bike Rack
Road Safety
One of the most important aspects to check when buying Tesla Model 3 bike racks is safety. The rack should not interfere with your safety on the road in any way. By this we mean, it shouldn’t obscure the rearview mirrors or windshield.
Another thing to consider is if the racks obscure your car’s number plate and headlight. This is important from a legal point of view and for safety.
Stability
The best rack for Tesla Model 3 should perfectly fit your car in a way that it doesn’t damage both the car and bike frame.
Therefore, when shopping for a bike rack, consider the number of bikes you are transporting and if it has features that secure your bikes in place.
Car’s Fuel Economy
Racks, especially roof racks, add weight and resistance to your car. Therefore, consider this when buying a bike rack. If possible, go for racks that have an effect below 30 percent.
Bike Security
You don’t want to carry your bikes with you only for them to be stolen easily by an opportunist thief when you stop at rest areas. Therefore, go for bike racks that have quality locking systems.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bike Racks for Tesla Model 3
Will I need to install a hitch on my car for bike racks?
We often advise people to go for bike racks that require very minimal effort to install. However, some racks require a hitch to mount. If this is the case, ensure the rack is suitable for your Tesla Model 3 car.
Can one fit the car in a supercharger with the bikes still on the rack?
Yes. Bike racks for these car models are made in a way that allows you to plug your supercharger cable into this car.
Therefore, you don’t need to unload your bikes from the rack to supercharge.
Will all the sensors for full-self driving (FSD) and autopilot still work with my bike rack on?
As we mentioned earlier, one of the problems people with the Tesla Model 3 have is standard bike racks interfering with the car's rear sensors. Your Model 3 car thinks you are about to run on an object in reverse.
However, when you install bike racks suited for Tesla Model 3, like the ones we have reviewed here, you will be able to overcome this problem.
However, we would suggest that you be more cautious when your car is on autopilot or full-self-driving mode.
What type of bike racks suits Tesla Model 3 car?
There are three main types of bike racks suitable for Tesla Model 3- roof mount, hitch mount, and truck mount.
Final Thoughts
Bike racks allow cyclists to carry their bikes anywhere they want with great convenience. However, if you have a Tesla Model 3, you have to choose the bike racks carefully as not all are compatible.
Some bike racks pose safety and security issues for your car, especially when it comes to rear sensors.
The above four bike rack models are suitable for Tesla Model 3 cars and will allow you to carry your bike on your car without any issues.