Author: Amanda Kennedy
Published: February 24, 2025
Updated: March 05, 2025

For truck owners who love cycling, securely transporting a bike is a top priority. Whether you're heading to the trails, going bikepacking, or simply need a way to move your bike from point A to point B, choosing the right transport method is key to preventing damage to both your bike and truck.
There are several options available, from high-quality truck bed bike racks to DIY solutions. Below, we’ll explore the best ways to transport a bike with a truck, weighing the pros and cons of each method while highlighting why a truck bed bike rack—especially those from Let’s Go Aero—offers the most secure and convenient solution.
A bike rack for a pickup truck is one of the most secure and efficient ways to transport a bike. These racks are designed to hold bicycles firmly in place, preventing movement and potential damage during transit.
Most truck-mounted bike racks consist of a sturdy steel mounting apparatus that secures into the truck bed floor or bed railings. Once installed, different types of bike mounting systems can be use or attached, depending on your preference and bike type.
Some companies specialize in just the mounting structure (also called a rack base or mounting track), while others focus on bike-mounting accessories that attach to an existing rack system. Let’s Go Aero offers all-in-one solutions, providing both the base structure and bike mounts for a seamless, secure setup.
✔ Keeps bikes secure and prevents shifting during transit.
✔ Protects bikes from scratches and damage.
✔ Easy to load and unload bikes.
✔ Available in various designs to suit different needs.
✔ Many are compatible with tonneau covers
✖ Higher upfront cost compared to in bed or DIY solutions.
✖ May require installation or adjustments.
✖ Can reduce truck bed space for other cargo.
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Let’s Go Aero’s Nelson Racks provide a superior bike transport solution without modifications to your truck bed side rails. With additional bar mounts for securing multiple bikes, these racks keep your road or mountain bike upright and locked in place for ultimate stability. |
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Half Nelson Truck Mount Rack #B01809 |
Half Nelson - Channel Carrier #B01816 |
Full Nelson Truck Mount Rack #B01427 |
Three-Quarter Nelson Truck Mount Bike Carrier #B01533 |
Bike Capacity: 2 Bikes | Bike Capacity: 2 Bikes | Bike Capacity: 2 (Expandable) | Bike Capacity: 2 (Expandable) |
Load Limit: 35 lbs per bike | Load Limit: 35 lbs per bike | Load Limit: 35 lbs per bike | Load Limit: 35 lbs per bike |
Expandable Bike Capacity: N/A | Expandable Bike Capacity: N/A | Expandable Bike Capacity: ✔* | Expandable Bike Capacity: ✔* |
Mounting Style: Universal (truck beds without C-Channels Mounts) | Mounting Style: C-Channel Style Track Mounts | Mounting Style: Universal (truck beds without C-Channels Mounts) | Mounting Style: Universal (Add-on Available for C-Channel Mounting) |
No-Tool Mounting: ✔ | No-Tool Mounting: ✔ | No-Tool Mounting: ✔ | No-Tool Mounting: ✔ |
Locks to Truck Bed: ✔ | Locks to Truck Bed: ✔ | Locks to Truck Bed: ✔ | Locks to Truck Bed: ✔ |
Locks Bikes to Rack: ✔ | Locks Bikes to Rack: ✔ | Locks Bikes to Rack: ✔ | Locks Bikes to Rack: ✔ |
Boat & Kayak Mounts: N/A | Boat & Kayak Mounts: N/A | Boat & Kayak Mounts: ✔* | Boat & Kayak Mounts: ✔* |
Fat Bikes: ✔* | Fat Bikes: ✔* | Fat Bikes: ✔* | Fat Bikes: ✔* |
*Requires Add-on | |||
GO TO PRODUCT PAGE | GO TO PRODUCT PAGE | GO TO PRODUCT PAGE | GO TO PRODUCT PAGE |
A budget-friendly alternative to commercial bike racks is to explore low-cost bike rack options, such as a DIY bike rack made from materials like PVC pipes, wood, or straps. With a bit of creativity, truck owners can build a custom solution tailored to their specific needs while keeping costs minimal.
Steps to create a simple DIY rack:
✔ Cost-effective for budget-conscious riders.
✔ Customizable to fit different truck bed sizes and bike types.
✔ Satisfying DIY project for hands-on enthusiasts.
✖ May not be as secure as commercial bike racks.
✖ Requires time and effort to build.
✖ Limited durability depending on materials used.
The simplest option is to lay the bike flat or stand it upright in the truck bed without any additional equipment.
✔ No extra cost or equipment needed.
✔ Quick and easy solution for short trips.
✖ Bikes can shift, leading to scratches or damage.
✖ Limited protection from theft.
✖ May require additional padding or straps to minimize movement.
Tailgate pads are padded covers that protect both the truck and bike while allowing the front wheel to drape over the tailgate for transport.
✔ Easy to use and install.
✔ More affordable than full bike racks.
✔ Protects the truck and bike from damage.
✖ Bikes may shift slightly on bumpy roads.
✖ Less secure than a dedicated bike rack.
✖ Limited capacity depending on the pad’s size.
A hitch-mounted bike rack attaches to the truck’s trailer hitch, freeing up the truck bed for other cargo.
✔ Frees up truck bed space.
✔ Secure and designed for various bike types.
✔ Easy to install and remove.
✖ Higher cost compared to other options.
✖ Requires a truck with a hitch.
✖ May block access to the tailgate.
If none of the above solutions work, consider these alternatives:
Regardless of the transport method you choose, properly securing your bike is essential to prevent damage, shifting, or theft. Here are some key best practices to keep in mind:
Even with a solid bike rack or tailgate pad, vibrations from the road can cause your bike to move especially is your bike a unique frame style or a lot of accessories. Secure any loose areas of the bike using ratchet straps or bungee cords to keep the bike stable during transport.
To protect both your bike and your truck, consider using padding where contact points occur. Some effective options include:
This is especially important for carbon fiber or high-end bikes, which can be more susceptible to damage from pressure points.
When stopping for gas, food, or an overnight stay, bike theft is a major concern. To keep your bike secure:
By following these steps, you’ll not only ensure a safe and damage-free trip but also reduce the risk of theft, allowing you to focus on enjoying your ride when you reach your destination!
Tandem and recumbent bikes can be tricky to transport due to their longer frames and unique designs, but they can still be secured using the same methods with slight adjustments. Truck bed bike racks, like the Nelson Racks, can accommodate longer bike sizes with additional bar mounts or modifications. DIY racks can be customized for size, while tailgate pads may work with careful positioning and extra securing straps. Hitch-mounted racks designed for longer or heavier bikes are another solid option. If placing the bike directly in the truck bed, adding padding and securing both wheels will help prevent shifting.
For more information on tandem or recumbent bike transport, check out this guide.
When it comes to transporting a bike with a truck, the best option depends on your budget, convenience, and level of security needed.
For ultimate security and ease of use, a truck bed bike rack like Let’s Go Aero’s Nelson Racks offers unmatched stability and protection. However, tailgate pads, DIY solutions, or hitch-mounted racks can work well for riders with different needs.
For more biking transport solutions, explore Let’s Go Aero’s full bike rack collection here.