Four Types Of Bike Racks

Bike racks is the safest way to transport your bike as well as keep your backseat free for your friends and family to settle in. There are different types of bike racks each aiming to cater to you and your car's needs. One thing is for sure; there will always be that bike rack that is made to fit your automobile.

1. Pick Up Racks or Truck Bed Bike Racks. If you own a pick-up truck or an open bed truck, then this type of bike rack is the best for you. Just because you have enough space doesn't mean you can simply throw your bikes at the back of your car. This practice may help you transport your bikes but then again your bikes can end up scratched, damaged and worse, dismantled.

Most pick up bike racks resemble sidewalk bike racks; the kind that has a framed groove an area where you slide the front bicycle. This type of bike rack allows you to bring your bike along for a ride vertically minus the risk of some damages and even theft. In addition, this type of bike rack is also easy to install.

2. Hitch Mount Bike Racks. Most cars have trailer hitches attached at the rear. Conventionally, these hitches are used for transporting wheeled trailers; however, its function is not limited to that alone. In fact, you can use the trailer hitch for transporting your bike. All you have to do is to have a hitch mount.

When buying a hitch, make sure that it is of the same size as the trailer hitch that you have on your car. With a hitch mount, you can either strap your bicycle frame on the tube top or rest them with the wheels down in a so-called tray rack. You need not worry about the weight because your trailer hitch is made to sustain a good amount of stress. In addition, hitch mount bike racks are usually foldable in order for you to easily access the trunk.

3. Trunk Mount Bike Racks. This type of bike rack is ideal for small cars like a sedan. To install this bike rack, all you have to do is to strap and lock it in place around the trunk edges of the lid or door.

Trunk mount bike racks come in different variants so all you have to do is find the variant that will fit the type of trunk you have. This type of bike rack is usually foldable and is ideal for low ceiling parking areas or garages.

4. Roof Mount Bike Racks. From the term itself, it is already pretty obvious that this type of bike rack is installed on the roof of your automobile. Most roof mount bike racks require a base rack or roof rack where the bike rack can simply latch on to.

Having this type of rack will allow you to transport your bikes vertically and fully assembled. However, there are other variants of roof mount bike racks that require you to remove the front tires in order to be able to lock it in.

In addition, always take note of the additional height your bike can add to your vehicle. If you are going to pass through a lot of low overhangs, then you might want to consider another type of bike rack. All in all, a roof mount bike rack is able to carry more than one fully assembled bicycle as long as your car is able to take the added weight.