Choosing the Perfect Bicycle Rack for Your Needs
Are you thinking about purchasing a bike rack for the upcoming cycling season? These are some of the questions you need to answer before selecting your perfect bike rack.
- First of all, what type of bike will you be transporting? Road or Gravel or Mountain? Carbon frame, Tandem, Recumbent, or Electric?
- Do you need to remove your front wheel to mount it to the rack? How easy is it to remove and how much does your bike weigh?
- You need to ensure the rack supports the bike frame, wheel size, and weight. How would you mount your bicycle on your vehicle and how will you attach the rack to the car? How many bikes will you need to carry at one time?
- Do you want your bike to use a rack that the top tube rests on the rack or the one that the wheels rest on a platform?
Some of the most common types of bike racks are listed below with some information to consider about each type.
- A trailer towing hitch uses a receiver 1 1/2” or 2” This type of hitch is very secure. But you have to buy a hitch and have it attached to your vehicle. Do you want a mount that folds down when not in use or one that swings out? Both are available from different vendors.
- Another type of rack is the kind that straps onto your trunk or hatchback. It is more affordable but can be less stable.
- A roof rack will have rails that attach to your vehicle. This type of rack might be harder to lift that high but provides for accessibility to the trunk. Also you might forget that it's up there when pulling into your garage.
- Truck beds are great for pickup trucks but the bike will take up cargo space.
Websites that may be helpful in your quest for more detailed information on bicycle racks. |
Some final thoughts on choosing the bike rack that fits your bike and riding style.
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