In most cases, you can’t just load a bike in the trunk like that. You must use a car bike rack instead. The one you choose can mean the difference between smooth transportation and chaos. We will therefore tell you the most important thing you should know when buying a car bike rack so that you can transport the bike safely.
Bike mounts for the car guide
How do you make sure that the bike rack you want to buy is the right type? What factors should you consider before buying? In the following car bike rack guide, we will introduce you to the different models and list the advantages and disadvantages. You will always find the bestsellers in the respective categories.
Car Bike Rack Models & Recommendations
Choosing the right bike rack starts with determining the type of rack to use. There isn’t one. Depending on the type of vehicle, there are a few things you need to think about. We’re going to give you more details on each type of bike rack on the market here to help you with your purchasing decision.
Bike roof rack
As the name suggests, a bike roof rack is attached to the roof of your car so that you can load your bike as flexibly as possible. The advantage is that the trunk remains free.
Some roof racks are designed to lock both wheels, while others require you to remove the front wheel before loading. Often, models that require the front wheel to be removed make it easier to load the bike.
Roof racks are great because they are versatile. You can use them to take more than just a bike on a road trip. You don’t even have to remove them after use.
Benefits bike roof rack
A safe, stable and versatile bike carrier
Will not obstruct access to doors or trunk
A very safe bike carrier
Disadvantages bike roof rack
Wind increases drag, so you’ll see a drop in your fuel efficiency
The towbar carriers are designed to be attached to the towbar of a car. They are ideal for bike owners who need a bike rack that is quick and easy to load. These models are considered the best and most practical. In addition, they have foldable cargo platforms that allow you to reach the trunk of a car without unloading the bike.
As reliable as tow bar bike racks are, they tend to be the most expensive. For one, they are more advanced in design than any other bike rack. Second, they require you to have a trailer hitch on your vehicle, which can increase costs.
Benefits of trailer bike racks
They are easy to install and allow for easy loading and access
Trailer hitch carriers are suitable for regular bicycle transport
They provide your bike with a reasonable level of security
Fuel efficient because they are always behind a vehicle
Disadvantages of bike racks
You need to buy a towbar separately if your car doesn’t already have one
Roof mounted bike racks are designed to attach to the rear of a car with straps. They are the ideal option if you are on a budget as they are often the cheapest options.
Trunk bike racks aren’t the most secure, but they’re fine for occasional use. Only for longer journeys are these not recommended.
However, they can damage your car’s paintwork and even leave scratches if you’re not careful during installation. Cleaning dirt/sand off the areas where the pads sit before attaching the rack can help mitigate scratches. Also, most don’t have a locking mechanism to secure your bike.
Benefits of trunk racks
Boot mounts are inexpensive, so they’re also ideal if you’re on a budget
They are portable and practical
Allow for easy loading and easy access to bikes
Because they are small, the trunk mounts simply fold down for storage
Disadvantages trunk carrier
Not secure so your bike is easy to steal
Not the best for transporting a bike over a long journey
May damage your car’s paint as the bike tends to sway
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