How To Choose a Bike Rack
Biking the trails is a fun way to spend time outdoors alone or with friends and family, but transporting your bike or multiple bikes can be challenging, especially if you only have a car. Using a high-quality and reliable bike rack is the best way to transport to the trailhead easily and safely. Before choosing a bike rack, you’ll want to consider a few questions and understand the types available so that you’re able to buy the ideal one to match your needs.
Bike Rack Features to Consider
Bike racks are designed to carry your bike safely on your vehicle. The right rack can help protect your frame and your vehicle from avoidable damage like scratches, dents, or worn parts. Before understanding what each type of bike rack has to offer, it’s important to consider the following to help you determine which one will fit your needs.
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Capacity: How many bikes do you normally need to haul? Keeping this question in mind will help you easily narrow down your options.
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Trip Length: Any type of bike rack can be used for extended trips; however, some types create more resistance than others and may affect your vehicle’s gas mileage.
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Storage: Since you won’t leave most bike racks attached to your car, it’s important that you have enough storage space when it’s not in use.
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Vehicle Type: Check to see if your vehicle has a hitch and if so make note of the size. If you don’t have a hitch, then you can already rule out looking at any hitch bike racks and should consider roof or trunk racks.
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Other Uses: If you’re an active person, you may have other sporting equipment like kayaks or snowboards to haul. Some bike carriers offer the versatility of hauling other equipment too.
Types of Bike Racks
Since different vehicles and bikes need different mounting styles, choosing the correct rack is an important first step for safe transport. Most bike racks fit into three main types: trunk racks, roof racks, and hitch racks. Each style works a little differently, so the best choice depends on your vehicle, your bike, and how often you plan to travel.
Trunk Bike Rack
Trunk or high-mount racks are lightweight racks that use straps and hooks to fasten directly to the trunk or hatchback of a vehicle. These racks are best for occasional use and bikers who prefer a more budget-friendly option for racking. However, they sometimes cause bikes to sway and contact one another, which could potentially lead to scratches or marks on your vehicle's paint.
Highlights:
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Capacity: 1-3 bikes
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Ideal For: Occasional use
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Compatibility: Versatile, fits a range of vehicles
Hitch Bike Rack
Hitch racks are the most popular choice for frequent use because they slide directly into your trailer hitch, keeping your bikes close to the ground to eliminate heavy lifting. You can choose between platform and hanging styles. While platform-style versions tend to be more expensive than basic hanging models, both will extend the length of your car, which can unfortunately make backing up more difficult.
Highlights:
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Capacity: Up to 6 bikes
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Ideal For: Frequent use, families
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Compatibility: Requires a hitch to attach
Frequently Asked Questions About Hitch Racks
Roof Bike Rack
Roof racks secure your bike to the base roof crossbars. These racks leave base crossbars free, perfect for year-round use with other gear like skis, kayaks, and cargo boxes. On the downside, this style requires you to lift bikes overhead and exposes gear to wind resistance and dangerous low-clearance spaces like garages and drive-throughs.
Highlights:
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Capacity: Up to 4 bikes
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Ideal For: Those who haul a variety of outdoor gear
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Compatibility: Requires roof rack and bike mount attachment
When choosing a bike rack, keep in mind how many bikes you want to carry, how frequently you’ll use it, and what type of bike rack is compatible with your vehicle. With the proper one, you’ll be ready for any upcoming adventure. For more help on choosing a bike rack, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with an Expert.