As nice as it is to take a bike with you on your next outdoor trip, you can’t fill it up or have less space for the bare minimums. You should use the bike racks instead, and whatever you choose will make all the difference between a smooth ride and an exhilarating experience that usually disappoints you with scratches and chipped paint on your car.
How do you make sure the bike carrier you are about to buy is the right type or model? What factors should you consider before buying? How do you know exactly whether the bike racks is enough?
Here you will find everything you need to consider when buying a bike carrier so that you can shop right the first time.
Bike racks buying guide: how to find the best bike racks for your car
1. Bicycle carrier type
Choosing the best bike rack starts with determining the bike racks type. Apparently, there are already a lot of reviews and comments on car bike racks on the internet. For example, you can find the best bike rack reviews on BikesHaven, a cycling blog aimed at riders looking to take their cycling to the next level.
We also wanted to give you more information about all the types of bike carriers on the market so you can decide which model is right for you.
Tow hook
Towbar brackets are available in bucket and mast configurations and are designed to be attached to the towbar of a car. They are ideal for bike owners who need a bike racks that can be loaded quickly and easily. With premium features such as lightweight construction, integrated locks and repair brackets, bike carriers are arguably the most versatile bike carriers on the market today.
You will appreciate the secure connection of these carriers. That said, they have a secure locking mechanism that secures the roof rack to vehicles and the bike to the roof rack, making it very difficult to steal both aisles. In addition, they have articulated loading sections that allow you to reach the car warehouse without unloading the bike.
As reliable as bike racks are, they are usually the most expensive. First, they are superior to all other types in design. Second, they require a trailer cab on your vehicle, which can add to the cost.
Pros
- They are easy to install, load and open
Trailer hitches are ideal for regular bicycle transport
- They provide an adequate level of safety for your bike
- Fuel savings as they are always behind your vehicle
Cons
- You need to buy a tow bar or a tow bar separately if your car does not already have one.
- They are generally expensive
- Backups can be difficult and sometimes dangerous
- Basic models make it difficult to access the inventory
roof structure
As the name suggests, a roof rack, which can be a fork or luggage rack, attaches to the top of your car, giving you maximum flexibility in loading your bike and keeping your inventory free for other important items.
Some roof racks are designed to lock both wheels, while others require the front wheel to be removed before loading. Whichever model you choose, both have locks that protect your bikes. Loading the bike is often easy because models that require you to remove the front wheel and models that allow you to hold both wheels are labor intensive. They are usually expensive and unfortunately less durable, but after use the wheels do not need to be removed and reinstalled.
Roof racks are great because they are versatile. You can use them to carry more than one bike on a road trip. And you don’t even have to take them out after using them unless you need to.
Pros
- A safe, stable and versatile bike racks that is easy to transport
- Does not prevent access to doors or stores
- A very safe bike carrier for your next road trip
Cons
- Wind creates aerodynamic drag so you can see lower fuel consumption
- Not suitable in rooms with limited space
- Difficult to unload a bike
Trunk support
These bike carriers are designed to be attached to the rear of the car using straps attached to the edge of the trunk of the car. This is the perfect choice to consider if you have a budget, and it is often the cheapest option.
Luggage carriers are not the safest, but they can be easily attached and placed in the back of almost any vehicle (see the manufacturer’s practical manual for more information). Trunk support may require a little subtlety to connect, so you may need someone’s help, or you may need to spend time with the entire system working properly.
However, it can get stuck in the color of your car and can even leave scratches on your back if you are not careful when installing. Cleaning the soil / sand where the cuttings rest before attaching the platform can facilitate scratching. Most also don’t have a locking mechanism to secure your bike, so a thief can easily escape with your bike.
Pros
- Luggage is good, so it’s ideal for you if you have a budget
- They are portable and suitable for occasional use
- Allows easy loading and easy access to bicycles
- Because the shelves are small, they are easy to fold and store
Cons
- It’s not safe, so you can easily steal a bike
- This is not the best way to transport a bicycle for a long time
- The car’s paintwork could be damaged if the wheel slips
Shelves for trucks
This is the only good and reasonable option you need to consider if you want to install a bike in your truck. The truck is not only easy to use and install, but also easy to use out of the box.
They have hooks and straps for tying the stand to the bars. In terms of payload, truck carriers can hold one, two or three wheels, depending on the design. However, it does not offer stability that is suitable for off-road driving. Therefore, bicycles are more likely to oscillate when traveling.
Pros
- They are cheap, suitable for riders and cyclists on a low budget
- You can use the model in multiple vehicles
- It is a good idea to consider whether you need a bike carrier for occasional use
- Easy loading and access to the bike
- Depending on the model, up to three bicycles can be stored in the luggage
Cons
- Not ideal for regular use
- The shelf prevents access to the vehicle’s luggage
- The bike often travels over uneven terrain
Other factors you need to consider before purchasing the bike racksfor your car
Now that you know the different types of bike carriers that are currently on the market, along with the pros and cons, it’s time to think of other factors when looking for a bike carrier to transport your bike.
1. The number of rounds you want to translate
This is very important because you do not want to place the bike on a bike carrier that does not “push” it. I wonder how many bikes I should bring? 1? 2? 3? Maybe even more?
Each wheel carrier, regardless of model, has a different number of holders, each designed to hold one wheel. Therefore, when you know how many bikes you want to tow, think of a bike carrier that suits your job.
The maximum weight of the stand is as important as the number of wheels it can accommodate. Therefore, you do not want to ignore this factor when determining the number of rounds that you want to translate.
Knowing how many pounds an agreement can contain is actually a useless idea. When carrying the bicycle, look at the weight of the manufacturer. If you drive more than one bike, manufacturers will regularly report the weight per bike.
2. The type of vehicle you are driving
Many car owners are still trying to figure out which racks are best for their car, and in the end they are getting the wrong bike rack that will not hit. You understand that the model of your car will greatly influence your choice, so it is the decisive factor that greatly influences the choice of the model that suits your vehicle.
Manufacturers provide the vehicle guide to help you identify the rack that fits your car model.
You should also check the equipment of your car. If there is a clutch or rod in the receiver trailer, what is the size then? They usually come in sizes 1.25 “or 2”.
3. Your budget
Cost is important. Considering all the other factors, make sure you know how much you are willing to pay as it determines the type of bicycle holder you can buy for your car.
4. Security
If you are a person who values safety as much as you value cycling, you may ask if bicycle carriers have anti-theft features. Well, for some it is, for some it is not. Those who have locking systems that prevent thieves from stealing, then you have the confidence that your item is always safe.
How effective a safety feature is depends on how you install the shelf. So do not take risks. If you need to read the entire manual to install it properly, do so. Ask if your time is limited.
Unfortunately, trash cans do not have built-in locking mechanisms.
5. Fuel saving
If you are someone who is careful about how much you spend on fuel, you should consider and consider your bicycle transportation option. In general, roof racks can increase your fuel costs by up to 30%, especially as they disrupt vehicle aerodynamics. The rear shelves, on the other hand, do not consume much fuel because they have no air.
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