Bicycle racks for cars have become a great choice for today’s active bikers on the go. These racks can make it extremely easy for you to travel with your bike to any destination. For example, going to the lake or mountain biking can become more convenient simply by placing your bike on the top of your car. These racks are definitely a must have for those who really enjoy the outdoors. Most bicycle racks for cars do come equipped to fit SUVs, compact cars, and trucks.
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The actual rack that will fit your car, and how much it will cost, does depend on the type of vehicle you have, and how many bicycles you want to carry with you. However, simply by checking with each individual manufacturer before purchasing your rack can assist you to determine which rack is right for your car.
The key function of bicycle car racks is to provide you a safe method to transport your bike from one location to another. A well made bike rack can keep your bike securely in place while you travel, thus preventing any movement or possible scratching of your car.
Types of Bicycle Racks for Cars
Bicycle racks for cars often mount in one of three places on a vehicle: the trunk, trailer hitch or the roof. They can carry from two to five bicycles depending on the type of rack you select.
Trunk-Mount Racks
This type of bicycle rack is the most common. High quality trunk-mount racks are very easy to install and can fit the largest variety of cars. However, access to the trunk can be difficult with this type of rack. It is usually the least expensive rack that you can purchase. To determine if your car is suited for a trunk-mount rack, you should consider these things:
1 – Does your current vehicle have a spoiler? Though many racks on the market are designed to accommodate spoilers, they can interfere with the installation of a trunk-mount rack. Often times, the rack’s feet will not fit around the spoiler. In other cases, a spoiler can obstruct the use of mounting straps.
2 – Can your trunk or hatch carry the load? Does the weather-stripping on your vehicle make it easy for mounting hooks to be inserted? Forcing the mounting hooks to be inserted will damage the weather-stripping and can cause severe water leaks.
3 – Can the rear panel or bumper support the load? For example, the rear panels on vans are often thin and can cave in if too much weight is placed on them. It is recommended to have the rack sit on the bumper in this particular case. However, the bumper should be checked to make sure it can carry the load, because most of them are now made of plastic.
Trailer Hitch Racks
If a trunk-mount rack does not suit your car, then a trailer hitch rack can be a great solution, however you must have a hitch on your car. Trailer hitch racks are very easy to place bikes on, and they’re also very quick to install, usually with one bolt. These racks are available in two specific sizes: an inch and a quarter or two-inch. The inch and a quarter version of this rack do carry less weight, thus fewer bicycles. However, the two-inch version is more common and can carry heavier loads, from two to five bicycles. Most trailer hitch racks can retract or pivot to allow you to access cargo space.
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Roof Top Racks
If a trunk-mount or trailer hitch rack does not accommodate your vehicle, then a roof top rack is another alternative for carrying your bicycle. Though this type of rack is more expensive, roof top racks are the most versatile. They can carry kayaks, skis, lumber, and even surfboards quite easily. They also keep your cargo space available to you. There are many a-la-carte systems available to choose from; where you can quickly select the set you want.
Additionally with this type of rack, you do have the option of transporting your bike with or without the front wheel attached. Transporting your bicycle with the front wheel attached is the most convenient way. However, transporting it without the front wheel attached, while the bike is fastened to the rack is more secure and can provide better overhead clearance.
There are a lot of benefits that these racks can offer to you. Bicycle racks for cars are definitely a great choice for today’s active bikers on the go.
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