| The great thing about cycling is that it lets you get | | | | bike by the wheels like a roof rack. If you have carbon |
| away from driving, but sometimes you want to go | | | | fiber bikes or odd frame shapes, the tray style is the |
| further away with your bike. Depending on your vehicle | | | | best option as it will take any shape bike without |
| and type of bikes, different racks will be be the best | | | | marring the frame. Hitch racks bolt into the receiver |
| option for you. | | | | hitch so the can be secure. Lock your bikes to the |
| There are three main types of bike racks: Strap on | | | | rack and you decrease the chance of your bikes |
| Trunk Racks, Trailer Hitch Racks and Roof Racks | | | | going missing. Hitch racks can hold up to five bikes so |
| Each type has advantages and disadvantages so I'll | | | | are one of the best options for families. The price is |
| outline them so you are better informed to make a | | | | higher than trunk racks and you need a hitch but it's |
| decision. | | | | usually less money than a roof rack with the same |
| Trunk Racks | | | | number of bike mounts. |
| While these are referred to as Trunk Racks, they will | | | | Roof Rack |
| often work on mini vans, SUVs and hatch backs. This | | | | The roof rack is the most versatile option as you can |
| type of rack straps to the back of your car with | | | | get more than just bike mounts for it. Bike racks, ski |
| rubber coated metal hooks. Most are very easy to put | | | | carriers, cargo boxes and canoe mounts are all |
| on and off but this will limit the security if you are going | | | | available so if you are an all round outdoors person this |
| in to eat during a trip. Trunk racks are the least | | | | allows you to carry all of your toys. Depending on the |
| expensive option but are most likely to scuff your cars | | | | the size your vehicle you can mount up to 6 bikes. |
| finish as the rack touches the paint. Trunk racks work | | | | Roof racks cost more than the other two options as |
| well but you have to make sure it is installed correctly | | | | you need the rack and then the individual bike mounts |
| or you can have your bikes come off while on the | | | | which can add up to over a $1000 for 5 bikes. |
| highway. Due to weight limits the maximum number of | | | | Depending on the height of your vehicle, it can be |
| bikes for trunk racks is often limited to three. | | | | awkward to put bikes on the roof. Anything on the |
| Trailer Hitch Racks | | | | roof will usually affect your gas mileage so bear that in |
| These racks either bolt on to the trailer hitch or go into | | | | mind. |
| the square hitch receiver. Because nothing touches the | | | | Regardless of the type of trips you want to go on, the |
| body of the vehicle, they are the safest for the finish. | | | | best option is the one that keep your bikes safe and |
| Hitch racks come in two varieties: Fork lift style that | | | | doesn't harm your vehicle. Check out your local bike |
| holds the bike by the frame or tray style that holds the | | | | shop to find out the best option for your vehicle. |