Bike Racks For Cars - How to Select the Right Bike Rack For Your Car

A good friend of mine recently bought a new bikeThese guys are really useful for people with cars (and
rack for his car only to find that it didn't fit the car verynot an SUV or truck). They fit on the trunk with straps
well and it wasn't very sturdy. So if you are looking forand steel frames. Try to buy one that is already
information on bike racks for cars then make sure thatassembled. It makes the job of mounting it on the trunk
you do your homework first before wasting the timea whole lot easier. The down side is that some people
and money on a model that's not suited to you or yourdo complain that it's easy for bikes to get stolen - and
car.have had this happen! This is because the trunk mount
There are three types of bike racks for cars andis so easy to install and remove that a bicycle robber
within these, there are many models that are suited to(if there is such a thing) will be able to get their dirty
either a hatch backs, minivans, SUVs, a vehicle with ahands on your precious baby in no time. So if theft is
spare tire and so on.an issue, then the trunk mount bike rack might not be
You already have a car right? Now you need tothe answer.
decide which bicycle rack will be right for that car andAlso each maker is best suited to certain cars. You will
for the number of bicycles you need to carry.Thishave to check this out with the maker or in the fine
article will explain in a bit more detail about the threeprint section when shopping online. (Always read the
main types of bike racks and which cars they arefine print!) If you need to be able to get in and out of
best suited too.your trunk while transporting your bikes, then this option
1. Roof Top Bike Rackis a not for you! The entire trunk will be inaccessible
If you really want to look like a Tour de Franceonce the carrier is fitted to the vehicle.
competitor then go for the roof top bike rack look!3. Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Most pro's use these because they need the trunkThis type of bike rack can be fitted to any vehicle that
space and any extra space to fit more bikes in. Thishas a hitch receiver. Most are suited to a 2 inch
option is suited to people who don't mind climbing up onreceiver and some are for a 1 and ¼ inch
top of their vehicle to load and take off their bikes. If areceiver. I particularly like this option because no one
car can fit roof racks, then your car will be able tocan steal your bikes! It's also a lot sturdier.
carry a bike.Some people worry that it will add too much weight to
Personally I don't like this option because of the windthe back of the car, but the rack is light and very
resistance and the amount of gas my car chewsstrong. It's built to carry bikes, but it's not bulky. Some
when going on a long trip. I also find the bikes are moremodels (the more expensive ones) let you swing the
exposed to rain, insects, dirt and dust and are morerack away from the car so you have access to the
protected behind the car. But, if you are concernedtrunk.
that the other types of bike racks will not fit your carEach of the above have models that carry from one
or indeed cannot, then the roof top is still an option.to five bicycles.
2. Trunk Mount Bike Rack