Bike Racks
Bike rack is a device attached to an automobile or bus for transporting bicycles. Bike racks are an excellent towing accessory, allowing riders to easily and safely transport bikes by truck, SUV and car without having to fully dismantle the bicycle or invest in a trailer. After all, you might just want to enjoy an impromptu bike ride in the park, not inflict an afternoon of work on yourself. Bicycle racks come in a variety of styles, aimed at fitting various automobile designs. So, regardless of what kind of car you drive or what kind of biking you're into, you're bound to find the design that's right for you.
Types of Bike Racks
ROOF MOUNT BIKE RACKS
One of the most popular ways of transporting bikes by car is vertically mounting them right on top of your vehicle's roof. Most of these racks require an existing base rack system or factory-issued roof rack, which a roof mount bike rack simply latches onto.
- Provides better protection against damage to the finish of bike frame
- Best for carrying tandem and recumbent bikes
- Requires an existing crossbar system on roof of vehicle
- Keeps bikes out of the way
- Bikes must be hoisted to car roof. A small step-stool or ladder may help reach a high vehicle roof
- Requires care when traveling under low-clearance bridges
- Roof mounted bicycles will create wind-resistance
- Might consider covering handlebars or saddle to protect from bugs
REAR MOUNT BIKE RACKS
Rear-mounted bicycle racks may have an added swing-away or fold-down feature. This allows you to access the trunk or rear cargo area without completely removing the bike rack. There are three main types of rear mount bike racks.
Hitch mount bike racks
These bike racks lock directly into a drawbar receiving tube or hitch tube and allow you to either strap the bicycle frames into a tube top or rest them, wheels down, in a tray rack. These racks typically hold the bikes several inches out from the vehicle, cutting down the risk of nicks and scratches. Hitch mount bike racks typically fold down or swing to the side to allow easier access to your trunk or truck bed. These racks usually carry two to six bikes.
Spare tire mount bike racks
If your Jeep or SUV has a spare tire mounted to its rear on a hinged mount, then you have a perfect place to mount a small bicycle rack. These racks attach behind the tire, which means you don't have to sacrifice your spare to lug a few bikes around. Mounting aside, these racks hold bikes in the same way as a hitch mount rack. You simply strap and lock the bike frame into place. These racks typically carry two bikes.
Trunk mount bike racks
If your vehicle doesn't have a trailer hitch, rear tire mount or roof rack, then all you need is a trunk to take advantage of this popular design. These folding racks fit a wide range of trunk styles, from classic, flat car trunks to nearly vertical SUV rear doors. They simply lock and strap into place around the edges of your trunk lid or door. Trunk mount bike racks are inexpensive and versatile enough to fit nearly any kind of automobile.