If you’re looking for a more convenient way to get your bikes from A to B, then bike racks are the way to go. The industry’s manufacturers have made significant progress in the design and build of modern bike racks. As a result, there are now bike racks available at a range of price points, and they’re more efficient and streamlined than ever before.
Two considerations to make when picking from the range of bike racks on offer are the level of security offered and the innovation of the design. Some bike rack designs are more useful or convenient than others depending on your lifestyle. This article covers a few criteria to think about when choosing a bike rack, as well as giving an overview of the different kinds available.
Top Considerations
Load
How many bikes are you going to need to carry with your new bike rack? If you’re a growing family, it may pay off to buy from the range of bike racks that can accommodate a few bikes at once. That way, everyone’s bike can be transported on family holidays. Other bike racks can be adjusted to carry either one or more bikes for greater flexibility.
Durability
The durability of bike racks will depend on the quality of construction and material. To the consumer, the most obvious marker of these things is the price. If you’re only going to use the rack a couple of times, then there’s not much point paying a lot for it. But if you’ll be taking the bike rack into rugged conditions, or if you plan to use it frequently, then it makes sense to spend a bit more and get one of the higher quality bike racks.
What Are The Most Popular Kinds of Bike Racks?
Rear-Mounted Bike Racks
These are the most popular bike racks, usually able to carry about three bikes. This kind of rack is attached to the car using metal hooks and straps. On these kinds of racks, the bikes are held close to one another, so foam pipe-insulator is recommended for protection. If the bikes aren’t securely strapped in, they can bounce around, which could cause damage. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to access the boot while the bikes are on the back.
Roof-Mounted Bike Racks
A roof-mounted bike rack is a secure solution that can accommodate at least four bikes and perhaps more, depending on how much space your vehicle allows for. These kinds of racks can also act as an attachment point for roof boxes. As the bikes are upright and clamped on, they’re less likely to sustain damage in transit. This variety of bike rack will cost a little more, and to access the bikes, you’ll need a small ladder − unless you’re unusually tall.
Hitch Mount Carriers
Hitch mount bike racks can carry two to five bikes, depending on the model. On some of these racks, you can add greater bike capacity at a later date, but you need to ensure that your hitch is strong enough to support the chosen amount of bikes on your vehicle. These are some of the most commonly used bike racks on the market.
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