Foldable Bikes Party: Bike racks

Thursday, 18 August 2016

Bike racks - a buyer's guide

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Sometimes, it's necessary to drive in order to ride your bike, which typically makes a bike rack essential.There are multiple bike rack styles available, but how do you decide which is best for you? Here are some things to consider…

How to choose a bike rack

The first question is how far and how frequently do you need to carry bikes? Then what type of bikes, and how many bikes you need to carry. Which vehicle — or vehicles — do you have, and will you be taking a mixture of bikes? Are they heavy, do they have thru-axles, and will they be getting dirty?

The main types of bike rack are hitch-mounted, roof-mounted and strap-mounted

The next question is how do you want to carry the bikes? On top of the vehicle? Off the back? Does your vehicle have a receiver hitch? Bike's front wheel on or off? Another thing to consider is if you want or need to carry other sporting equipment.

Bikes vary widely in cost, style, size and weight too, all of which should be factors when looking for a means of transporting them. You probably won’t want to risk carrying your expensive super bike on a rack that costs less than one of its ultra-light tires.

Also consider practicality: whether the rack will suit your needs now and in the future; ease of use — how easy it is to fit to the vehicle and load; security — whether it holds the bikes safely and locks the bikes and to the vehicle; and how much storage space it will take up when not in use.

Types of bike rack

The main types of bike rack are hitch-mounted, roof-mounted and strap-mounted (to your trunk/hatchback/tailgate). Plus there are options for truck beds and speciality racks for unique situations.

Hitch-mounted

Pros: Good ones are strong, and, as they're behind the vehicle and out of the way of the main airflow, fuel consumption doesn't suffer too much. Loading and unloading bikes is super simple. Security can be very good.
Cons: You need a receiver hitch. With the bikes off, reversing can yield some rather horrifying results if you forget about the rack.

Roof-mounted

Pros: Super versatile for all kinds of gear hauling. One of the most secure racks available. Doesn't hinder access to any doors/boot/hatch/tailgate.
Cons: Drive under something low if you've forgotten about your bikes and you could wreck all your bikes and damage your vehicle. You're also adding aero-drag to your vehicle, so fuel consumption will likely increase.

Trunk-mounted

Pros: Easy to fit and usually the least expensive option. Easy to remove, small and fold for easy storage.
Cons: Least secure way to haul bikes. If you don't fit it right you can lose the lot when driving, and the bikes are easy to steal.

Speciality racks

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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