A bike rack for cars is pretty much the ideal solution for this, although there are a few different types of racks, as well as things you should know about them. Some of the things you should consider before getting one are how often are you going to use it, how many bikes you’ll be transporting, and of course, how far you want to go in terms of spending.

Rear-Mounted Racks 

There is a reason why rear-mounted bike racks are the most common, and that’s affordability and ease of use. These types of racks are often the first, and sometimes only, type of rack people get for transporting their bikes, hence their undying popularity. This is a great type of bicycle rack for car owners that don’t want to deal with complicated add-ons and merely want to transport their bike. They have a relatively basic design with a frame that straps to the back of the car, and with two arms on which the bikes are secured on. When you’re initially fitting this type of rack, make sure to tighten all of the straps as much as possible, and don’t forget to use some padding between the bikes, because it is possible to damage them otherwise.

However, even despite their enduring popularity, there are a few things you should be aware of, first. Most rear-mounted racks are specific to certain car models, so make sure you’re getting one that fits. They prevent access to the boot, and they usually make your car lengthier on the sides, so you should be aware of your car’s potentially increased width. 

But, even with these potentially large setbacks, they are still a great option. They’re quite easy to use, and your bike will be secure, even if the rack itself might feel wobbly. On top of that, their affordability often trumps most other types of racks just for that fact alone.

Roof-Mounted Racks 

The roof-mounted bike car rack, as the name implies, is strapped laterally on the roof of the car. They are a bit more complicated to set up than the rear-mounted ones, with the two most used options being an arm that pivots and clams the down tube of the bike, or a front bar on which you can attach the bike fork after removing the front wheel. The second option is generally more appealing to road racing fans, as it’s what’s generally used at the Tour de France, although the first option is almost always better suited for most people. The pivoting arm is aimed towards casual and family cyclers, and that’s the most common roof-mounted bike car rack that you’ll see on the market.

One of the best things about this type of rack is the added security. While even the rear-mounted rack is very secure, the roof-mounted one is highly safe for your bike and can withstand the rockiest of roads with ease. They can also come with an extra built-in lock, which only further adds to their security. 

However, they almost universally require you to have roof bars on the car, which is an added cost, and due to them being aerodynamically inefficient, using them might increase your car’s running cost. They also increase the vehicle’s height, so make sure to remember that when passing through low spaces. However, they are also a decently affordable option, and they’re very quick to install and use, making them a good choice for many people.

Hitch-Mounted Racks 

A unique type of car bike rack, the hitch-mounted ones appear similar to rear-mounted ones, but with a few added benefits. They are installed on your car’s tow hitch, and they come in two alternatives – platform and hanging. Platform ones offer a bit more stability to the rack, but the hanging ones allow you to store up to six bikes. Each type of hitch-mounted rack is a great solution for those that need extra storage, though it might be overkill if you only have a single bike to store. However, if you do need the storage space, look no further than either type of hitch-mounted car rack.

The very first thing you need to look for when installing a hitch-mounted rack is whether or not your car has a tow hitch, as they’re absolutely reliant on them. Other than that, they’re a great way to store several bikes, and they can easily and safely store different types of bikes. They’re simple to install and use, and do not limit your vehicle in any direction, nor does it limit access to the boot. 

However, they do make your car lengthier, so it may be more difficult to park, and they greatly expose your bikes to precipitation. In some cases, they can fully obscure the licence plate and the light signals, so you might need additional parts to allow for space. They can be too bulky, due to the number of bikes you can transport on them, and you may notice some bike frame damage because of several bikes cramped to one another.

To Sum Up 

The proven rear-mounted rack might be a great choice of a bicycle rack for car owners, but do make sure to take notice of the other options, as well. As there are different methods of transporting your bike via car, it’s up to you on understanding which one you need, but if you’re a first-time user of a bike rack, consider starting with the rear-mounted one. After that, you can upgrade when you notice you need more space for transporting more bikes. Each type of rack is fairly affordable, so there is no huge cost at upgrading to a larger bike rack down the road.

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Going on a biking trip far away from home can seem like too big of a challenge, especially for beginners. If you can’t ride your bicycle to the place where the trip actually starts, or you want to have the energy to complete the whole trip, then consider driving to the location. But what about the bicycle? Well, this is where you should consider bike carriers. These accessories are made so that you’re able to transport your bikes with your vehicle. A bicycle carrier not only saves your calves from all that cycling but also makes for an easy and convenient mounting space for your bicycle or bicycles. You also ensure there’s enough space for friends to join in on the fun and that the bicycle itself is safe from scrapes or from getting tangled up with another bicycle. This is guaranteed if you know what to look for in bicycle carriers.

Are Bike Carriers Safe?

Bike carriers may seem like a piece of unsafe racking system but in fact, it’s the exact opposite. No matter which type of bike rack you go for, your two-wheeler will stay put. This is because every type of bicycle carrier for cars has a type of locking system that prevents the bicycles from moving or swaying.  

Do Bike Carriers Scratch Car?

While not usually the case, if you go with a boot-mounted bike carrier the chances of the carrier scratching your vehicle are the highest. This is because the carrier sits against the vehicle’s paint strapped to the edge of the boot. To avoid this you need to pick the right carrier just as you would pick the right biking helmet or other biking gear.

What Bike Carrier Fits My Car?

Boot

The ones we already mentioned, boot carriers, or also known as rear bike carriers, are really good for three things. Storing boot carriers is done quite easily as they are typically made to fit in the boot and they are also easier to lift as well. Boot bike carriers can fit on any type of vehicle as they have a mechanism that lets them adapt to any kind of boot.

Roof

While roof carriers can be complicated to install they are one of the most convenient when it comes to storing multiple bicycles. They can hold the most amount of equipment thanks to accessories that allow you to store additional cargo alongside what can hold up to 4 bicycles. You install a roof carrier on a van that can hold up to 7 bicycles. The main disadvantage of these carriers is tunnels and installation as both can be quite a deal breaker and hard to find a workaround for.

Trailer

With a trailer ball bicycle carrier for cars, you can mount bicycles very easily and open the tailgate without any issues. While a trailer carrier has the least number of advantages it also has the least number of disadvantages as it only requires you to mount a tow ball in order for it to work. If you already have one you only need to mount the carrier and you’re good to go. 

Hitch

A hitch carrier is just a trailer rack with more storage capacity. If you want a carrier that will work with the tow ball on your vehicle and offers the capacity of a roof carrier you should consider getting a hitch carrier. This type of bicycle carrier comes in the form of a platform that can rack up from two to five bicycles.

How to Mount Bike Rack on Car

1. The first step to installing bicycle carriers, in general, is to open the rack into an arc shape. This shape can vary with each model and type of vehicle you have. On bigger vehicles, one end of the carrier mounts to the rear window and the other end to the bottom of the boot. 

2. Next, you should put on a set of clips that split apart the boot from the rack. The clips are installed in a spot where they are easy to put in. Once that’s done, strengthen the straps of the carrier so it sits securely on your vehicle. Test both the straps and clips by moving the carrier from side to side. If it feels loose tighten everything cone again.

3. With your bicycle(s) on the carrier, lock the arms of the carrier and clamp the arms down on the frame. This last step can vary on the model of your vehicle and bicycle carrier too. Make sure the strap is tightened down on the frame and both arms are fastened so the bicycle is not moving.

4. Again, test whether the bicycle is secured in place by shaking it a little bit. If it feels loose, retighten the arms and straps and check once more. Once everything feels safe and secure you can enjoy driving your car and riding your bicycle later on without any worries about both of them.

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