If you are looking for a different idea in the family or you need to broaden your horizons for your travels and training by bike, the car-bicycle carriers are the ideal choice.
If you think, however, the transport of your bike may be an impediment, we present the appropriate accessory. Today we are talking about car bicycle racks.
When mounting the bike on the car, there are some legal issues to consider. Otherwise, you may face a fine. So, study the types of bicycle racks and the signs they must always present. Have you already thought about your new destination?
With the bicycle racks, we are about to present, nothing is impossible. We had listed out some of the best models below.
How to Choose Bike Rack?
Today, different types of car-specific bicycle carriers can be found on the market. Thanks to them, you can transport your bike comfortably and safely.
Below, we tell you all about this accessory, which will save you from having to resort to the space available inside the vehicle.
Three Types of Bike Racks
Whatever your bike will be, there will be three supports able to carry it, and it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your car or the destinations you think you will reach. Compare prices, therefore, but don’t forget that each model has specific characteristics that must be kept in mind.
The bike rack that attaches to the tow hook, the one located on the back of the car and which usually serves to hook caravans or other broken-down vehicles, is one of the best sellers.
It is a versatile model and often compatible with any car model. But be careful of the size or number of bicycles you intend to transport: it may be necessary to equip the car with a license plate repeater and position lights.
Another type of support that occupies the rear of the car is the one that attaches to the trunk. In this case, however, not all car models are compatible, and the possibility of fixing the support directly to the tailgate must be checked on a case by case basis.
Here, too, the license plate repeater and the position lights may be necessary, even if with this type of hook the bikes are fixed high enough.
If the car is already equipped with crossbars to attach the track, or bar, which serves to keep the bicycle firmly on the roof of the car.
Be careful to choose this solution only if the car is low enough: the overall height reached by car and bicycle it could prove to be an obstacle to reach destinations in the countryside or where the route includes narrow passages with low vaults.
Better if Depreciated
The best brand is the one that pays attention to detail that is not always taken into consideration, the possibility of insulating the frame well from the jolts and jollies typical of bad roads.
Rather light frames, such as those in carbon, must be firmly fixed and it is the bike rack itself to cushion any impacts that could be dangerous for the bike.
Excellent cushioning and attention to detail can also be seen in the ability to protect the car bodywork, preventing the bike from scratching it and hitting it.
Last but not least, a good bike carrier must be able to discourage attackers who may take advantage of shortstops during the trip to steal bicycles. So be careful to check that the straps and fastening systems are firm and resistant.
Compatibility with Frame and Non-Standard Bikes
In the ranking below, you will find a careful review of different bike rack models. You will notice that a frequent warning is to pay attention to the compatibility of the bicycle frame with the hooks of the bike rack.
The arms designed to support the bicycle are not always compatible with all designs. Women’s bicycles or mountain bikes can be annoying and require the use of special adapters.
Also, check the possibility of reducing or increasing the maximum diameter supported by the vices that hold the frame in place so that the grip will be firmer.
How to Use the Bike Rack?
Cyclists do not always leave by bicycle directly from home. It often happens that you have to reach a specific point by car and move from there with your two wheels.
It is clear that to do this, it is essential to have a bike rack that allows the transport of the vehicle in total safety, that is, without risking losing it while travelling, also because the damage would not only be economical but could give rise to an accident.
Before going ahead, let’s have a look on the video.
The Dimensions
First, we discuss the dimensions, and then we will make a series of distinctions between the three types of bike racks. So, before purchasing, it is necessary to be very clear how many bicycles will have to be transported.
Maybe your friends are grouped in one car or because the whole family likes to mount on the saddle. So, to avoid leaving one or more bicycles on the ground, it is good to think about this first fundamental question.
The Types of Bike Racks
Before going to see them in detail, one by one, let’s see which and how many types of bike racks are there. The cyclist can choose between three, that is, the one to be placed on the roof of the car, the one with a tow hook.
Finally, the model to be placed on the rear hatch. Each of these models has both advantages and disadvantages that we immediately see.
On the Roof of The Car
This model consists of a sort of track on which the wheels of the bicycle are fitted. You must also have a classic car luggage rack on which the rail is to be fixed.
This solution allows you to leave the rear door free to open it comfortably if the need arises (imagine puncturing the wheel and having to change it). The rearview also remains free, and parking the car requires less space.
These are the positive aspects, but some disadvantages are not lacking. For example, the car loses aerodynamics and consequently consumes more fuel. Having to place the bicycle on the roof of the car is anything but comfortable, as well as having to unload it.
The Tow Hitch
First of all, to use this bike rack, it is essential to have a tow hitch. Cheaper versions are consisting of vertical tubes, but if you decide on this type of bike rack, we suggest taking the one with the support base, even if much more expensive.
It is a versatile object because this type of bicycle rack, in most cases, can also be used for the transport of other objects. The main advantage is that it has the safest attachment point and allows you to load even four bicycles (depending on the model).
Not a small matter, the loading and unloading operations are very simple and far from tiring. It must be said that such a bike rack has an average higher cost, more meters are needed to park, and it is necessary to obtain a replica of the plate to be affixed in a visible point.
Bike Rack for The Tailgate
In this case, a system of clamps and hooks secures the bike carrier to the tailgate. Generally, such models cost little compared to those seen so far, but assembly requires excellent attention to ensure that the bicycle is well balanced.
Such a bicycle carrier hinders the rearview, and it is necessary to report the protruding load as required by the highway code. Otherwise, there is the risk of being fined. Once you have mounted the bike rack, forget to open the tailgate.
