Few things beat loading up the bikes and heading off for the weekend — whether it’s mountain biking in the Grampians, a family ride along the bay, or an early Sunday spin to shake off the week. The catch is getting your bikes there safely. If you’re carrying more than one bike, the easiest and safest option is almost always a towbar-mounted bike rack — sometimes called a hitch bike rack or bike carrier. As Melbourne’s mobile towbar specialists, Five Star Towbars has fitted thousands of towbars and bike carriers — here’s how to choose the right bike rack for your car.

Why choose a towbar bike rack?

There are three common ways to carry bikes: on the roof, strapped to the boot, or mounted to a towbar. Roof racks make you lift heavy bikes overhead (awkward at the best of times, and a real struggle with e-bikes) and add wind noise and fuel use. Strap-on boot racks are cheaper, but they can scratch your paintwork and block the rear window. A towbar bike rack sits low, loads at waist height, carries the most bikes, and keeps the weight off your car’s body — which means less hassle, less risk of damage, and an easier load every single time.

If you’ve already got a towbar fitted, you’re halfway there: most hitch bike racks simply slot onto the tow ball and lock in place with the supplied pin.

Types of towbar bike rack explained

Hanging (towball) bike racks

Hanging racks suspend your bikes by the frame from an arm that clamps to the tow ball. They’re lighter, more affordable, and fold flat when they’re not in use — a great choice for road bikes and lighter frames. The trade-off is that bikes can sway on bumpy roads (an anti-rattle device sorts that out), and step-through or full-suspension frames may need an adaptor bar.

Platform bike racks

Platform bike racks hold each bike upright by the wheels on a tray. They’re the most stable, the kindest to expensive bikes, and the only sensible option for heavy e-bikes. Most tilt down for boot access and many fold up when empty. They cost more and weigh more, but for security and peace of mind they’re hard to beat.

How to choose the right bike rack for your car

A few quick questions will narrow it down fast:

• How many bikes? Racks range from 2-bike racks up to 4-bike racks (and larger). Buy for the most you’ll realistically carry at once.
• What type of bikes? Heavy e-bikes and fat tyres need a platform e-bike rack rated to their weight — always check the per-bike weight limit, not just the bike count.
• Do you need boot access? A tilting or swing-away rack lets you reach the boot without unloading the bikes. It costs a little more, but it’s worth it on longer trips.
• Towball or tongue mount? The right fit depends on your towbar — if you’re unsure, we’ll match the rack to your setup.
• Anti-rattle and locking. An anti-rattle device stops the road buzz, and a lockable rack keeps both your bikes and the rack itself secure.

We stock and fit trusted brands like Thule and Yakima, often as a towbar-and-rack package deal. Take a look at our range of towbar bike racks and bike carriers to see what suits your car.

Don’t have a towbar yet? We’ll come to you

No towbar, no problem. Five Star Towbars is a fully mobile service — we come to you anywhere across Melbourne metro at no extra charge, at home or at work, and fit your towbar and bike rack in the one visit. With 15+ years’ experience, a 4.9-star rating from 233+ reviews, and all work guaranteed, you’ll be road-ready without leaving the driveway. Here’s everything about our towbar installation in Melbourne service.

Frequently asked questions

How many bikes can a towbar bike rack carry?

Most carry two to four bikes. Always check the rack’s total weight rating, not just the bike count — four heavy e-bikes can easily exceed a rack designed for four road bikes.

Can I fit a bike rack to any towbar?

Almost always, yes. The rack needs to match your tow ball or hitch receiver, and your towbar must be rated for the combined weight. If you’re not sure, send us your car’s make and model and we’ll confirm the right fit.

Are towbar bike racks better than roof racks?

For carrying two or more bikes, generally yes — they’re easier to load, carry more, add no roof-height wind noise, and won’t leave you lifting bikes overhead.

Can I carry e-bikes on a towbar bike rack?

Yes — choose a platform e-bike rack (wheel-mount) rated for the weight of your e-bikes, and we can recommend and fit one to suit.

Ready to gear up for summer?

Whether you need a bike rack, a towbar, or both, Five Star Towbars will sort you out with an upfront quote and no hidden fees — and we’ll come to you. Get in touch about towbar installation in Melbourne today, and make loading the bikes the easiest part of your next trip.