How to choose the right car bike rack for your bicycle
5 minute read
Choose the right car bike rack for your bicycle
Sometimes we need to transport our bicycle instead of it carrying us, which makes a car bike rack an essential accessory. The market is full of options and models, but which one is best suited for your needs? We have gathered information that may be useful to you.
How to choose a bike rack?
The first question you should ask yourself is how far, how often, and how many bicycles you need to transport. What type of vehicle – or vehicles – do you own, and do you need to transport different types of bicycles – are they heavy, do they have thru-axles, and will they get dirty?
The next question is how you want to transport the bicycles: on the car roof or on the trunk door? Does the car have a tow hitch? Another important thing is whether you need to transport other equipment along with the bicycle.
Bicycles vary in price, style, size, and weight, and this is important information to consider when choosing the right rack. You probably wouldn’t risk transporting your new, super expensive bike on a rack that costs less than one of its tires.
Practicality is paramount – will this rack meet your needs now and in the future; ease of use – is it easy to install and how much load does it put on the car; security – are the bikes securely attached to the car and safe, and how much space will the rack take up when not in use.
Types of car bike racks
The main types of car bike racks are hitch-mounted, roof-mounted, strap-mounted – on a rack, hatchback, rear door. There are also options for pickups and special racks for unique situations.
Hitch rack with platform
Platform racks usually hang on the car’s tow hitch. This model is generally more expensive than others but is easy to load and unload bikes, and the fact that you don’t have to lift the bikes onto the roof makes this type of rack convenient and popular. Most of them lock, securing the bike to the rack and the rack to the car. The smart design allows almost one-motion installation, and the hinged sections provide access to the car trunk without removing the bikes. As a general rule – the more features a rack has, such as built-in locks and lightweight materials, the more it will cost. You also need a tow hitch for the vehicle, which can be an additional expense if you don’t have one yet. If you plan to drive in poor lighting conditions or at night, the license plates mounted on the bike racks must also be illuminated to be visible from 20 meters, and most hitch racks are compatible with accessories.
Advantages: Good models are stable and, since they are positioned behind the car and out of the main airflow, they do not significantly affect fuel consumption. Loading and unloading is super easy. Security is high, and they can carry up to 4 bikes.
Disadvantages: Practically, this type of rack must always be removed when not in use. You need to be careful when reversing, as it can cause significant damage.
Roof racks
Most roof racks consist of feet that attach to your car and crossbars to which accessories are attached. Some of these racks require removing the front wheels of the bike, while others transport the bikes intact. The option to remove the front wheel keeps the bike lower, making this type of rack ideal for SUVs; it is also usually lighter to load and is the classic model for transporting bikes on the roof. Racks that require transporting the bike with both wheels on are taller, usually more expensive, and can be less stable. Both options should have integrated locks to secure the bike to the rack. Of course, the rack is locked to the crossbars, which in turn lock to the car. The ability to add and remove sports accessories allows you to transport bikes, kayaks, surfboards, cargo boxes, and more.
Advantages: Super versatile for all kinds of additional transport accessories and one of the most secure models; most importantly, it does not block access to any doors.
Disadvantages: Not a good idea to mount on tall vehicles because you won’t have clearance everywhere (bridges, covered parking, etc.) and you may damage both the bikes and your car. It also adds aerodynamic drag to your car and likely increases fuel consumption.
Rear door or trunk lid rack
This type of rack is usually the cheapest and least secure option. The main thing holding the rack to your car are several straps that attach around the trunk door or bumper. These racks are very adjustable and can be placed on the rear of any vehicle. Rubber "feet" grip the car, while the whole device is tensioned and secured by the straps. This is the most affordable type of rack but it is very important to install it correctly; otherwise, the hooks holding the straps to the car may damage the paint.
Advantages: Easy to install and inexpensive option. Easy to remove. Small and foldable for easy storage.
Disadvantages: The least secure way to transport bikes. If not installed properly, you may drop the bikes while driving. Also, they are very easy to steal.
Racks mounted on the spare tire of 4x4 vehicles or caravans
These racks are suitable for SUVs with a spare tire mounted on the left, right, or center, as well as for various types of caravans. They attach using a safety strap included in the purchased set and usually carry 2 bikes.
Advantages: Quick and easy to install without tools.
Disadvantages: Depending on the rack you choose, it may obstruct the spare tire or cover the car’s license plate.
| Hitch rack with platform | Roof racks |
| Rear door or trunk lid rack |
Racks mounted on the spare tire of 4x4 vehicles or caravans |
Just like the bike you ride, a lot of engineering thought has gone into the design of racks intended to transport it. There is even a platform where you can check if the rack you have chosen is suitable for your car by selecting the model and year of manufacture of your vehicle.
You can view and purchase all types of bike racks at DragZone stores and online at dragzone.bg.
Now all that’s left is to think about which model best fits your needs and lifestyle and head off to your next adventure!
