How to Choose Bicycle Rack | Buyers Guide 2022
Are you ready to take your bike on your vacation and enjoy some adventurous riding there?
If this is what you want, you most definitely need a bike rack to fit on your car to carry it to the destination is easy.
However, if you are new to the concept of bike rack, then you have come to the right place.
We have prepared this guide "how to choose bicycle rack" to help you provide all the information about car bike carriers to find just the right one with any difficulties.
How to Choose Bicycle Rack: Everything You Should Know
Page Contents
- How to Choose Bicycle Rack: Everything You Should Know
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do Bicycle Racks Fit All Cars?
- Do Bicycle Carriers Scratch a Car?
- Do I Need Tools to Install My Bicycle Rack?
- Can You Carry Electric Assist or Kids Bikes on a Bike Rack?
- Can a Bicycle Rack Hold a Wheelchair?
- What Are the Popular Brands of Bicycle Racks?
- Can Bicycle Rack Be Stolen?
- How Do I Prevent My Bicycle Rack From Scratching My Car?
- Will the Roof Rack Damage My Car?
- How Many Bicycles Can I Fit on a Roof Rack?
- Wrapping Up
Main Benefits of Bicycle Rack
A bike rack offers you a handful of benefits that make your traveling easier. Some of the most prominent advantages are:
Easy to Use
One of the most well-known advantages is that it ensures ease of use. When you are traveling or going on a vacation and want to take your favorite bicycle with you for entertainment purposes, this accessory lets you take your cycle with you without any difficulties.
Also, because of this rack, now, you don’t have to disassemble your bike to carry. Instead, you can take it as is and save your time and energy.
Saves Space Inside the Car
Another advantage is that it saves a lot of space inside your car when you are traveling on your bike.
As this rack allow you to hang the cycle outside the car, either on the rooftop or the trailer hitch, you actually don’t have to put it inside the vehicle and kill your space.
Type of Bicycle carrier
To give you the freedom to choose according to your preference and needs, manufacturers offer more than a few types of bike carriers to the users. So let’s know more about them so that choosing the right one is even easier.
Strap-on or Hatch / Trunk Mount Rack (for Hatchback / Sedan / SUV)
Designed for cars and other vehicles without a hitch (like sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks), the strap-on or trunk-mount racks are quite popular amongst users. These are extremely lightweight and can be installed super quickly and easily onto the rear deck of your car during your travels.
One of the best things about this bike carrier is that you can mount it on different cars whenever needed (obviously on the ones without a hitch).
Also, even shorter individuals can mount and dismount the cycle effortlessly as there is no added height.
Hitch-Mount Rack
Unlike many other types, the hitch mount rack actually offers two different categories to its users for better convenience. These two types are:
- Hanging Cradle Style
In simple words, a hanging hitch is the type of bike carrier where the bike frame rests on the rack and does not require to be lifted overhead or up on the roof.
You can simply hang it in the rear of the car to enjoy the best convenience.
- Platform Style
On the other hand, a platform-style rack is a carrier where the cycle’s wheels rest on the bike rack rather than the whole frame. Because of such a feature, this carrier is appropriate for many different types of cycles available out there.
Roof Mount Rack
Another type that you should know about is the roof-mount rack. As the name suggests, this rack is the one that you mount on the roof of your car for better convenience and the incredible safety of your bike.
In addition to your cycle, you can also carry multiple other items like a surfboard on this carrier effortlessly. However, to use this perfectly, you need a short-height car like a sedan so that putting it up and bringing it down is more effortless.
Rear / Spare Wheel Mount Rack
If you have a car with a rear-wheel like an SUV or any other off-road vehicle and you love your car as much as you love biking, then a rear-wheel or spare wheel rack is the best pick for you.
This carrier type not only offers you the convenience of carrying bike easily but at the same time, also ensures a scratch-free, safe form of bike transportation.
Truck Bed Mount Rack (for Pickup / Truck /tailgate)
When you have a truck and want to carry your bicycle securely, don’t hesitate to use a truck bed mount rack in the truck.
This will make sure that you can transport your favorite cycle securely on the truck without the risk of damaging it or the vehicle itself.
Storage Rack for Home & Garage
Even though it’s particularly not a carrier, but a home and garage rack would make it even easier to store your cycle at your home. There are two types of home and garage racks available in the market, which are:
- Floor-standing
One of the most convenient and basic ways to store your bike or bikes is by putting them in a floor-standing rack. These come pre-installed and can be put in any corner of your home conveniently.
Moreover, as this rack keeps your bike in an upright, standing position, it is easy to access your cycle in times of need.
- Wall-mounted / Vertical Hanging
Another type of home and garage rack that you should know about is the vertical hanging rack. These are often multi-bike racks where you can store more than one cycle together and free up a lot of your floor space.
As the cycle is stored up against the wall, the wall-mounted or vertical handing also reduce the chances of accidents when you are moving around the house.
Key Features to Consider When Buying Bicycle Rack
As there are quite a few types available in the market with versatile features and aspects, you might be a little confused when buying.
To make your buying process easier, let’s have a look at the key features so that you get the best one in the market.
Anti-rust Build Quality
As the rack is installed outside your car and it has to withstand the abuse of different weather conditions, make sure that it is rust-resistant while buying.
The anti-rust feature is important because it ensures that your rack is super durable and won’t break off easily, dropping your bike in the middle of the road.
Number of Bike Slots
Considering the number of bike slots on the rack is also important, especially if you buy for your home and garage use.
If you have more than one bicycle at your home, then getting the one with multiple slots would be a great choice because it would give you the opportunity it stores all your cycles together.
On the other hand, one slot is the perfect choice for the car-mounted racks because if you try to put more bikes, it will increase the car's overall weight and you might face difficulties while driving it.
Ease of Installation Process
When buying, make sure that it is easy to install and requires the minimum installation and adjustment tools. Otherwise, you might need professional help to install it properly.
Moreover, if the adjustments are not fuss-free, you always have to run to the expert even if there are little inconveniences.
Another thing you must keep in mind is that the weight of the rack matters when it comes to the installation procedure. The lighter the rack itself, the easier it is to mount and vice versa.
Compatibility
Another factor that you must keep in mind while buying is its compatibility with your vehicle.
Even though most cars are extremely compatible with different types of bike racks, you still need to make sure whether it will match your car or not.
For instance, a rack suitable for a rear-wheel mount won’t be suitable for any other cars except for SUVs and the same is true for other types.
Moreover, don’t forget to check racks compatibility with bike frame; this is also extremely crucial.
Price vs. Value
A higher price doesn’t always mean that it will provide phenomenal services and vice versa and therefore, you have to be careful about the money you spend on a car rack.
When making your final decision about buying, don’t forget to compare its price with the value it provides.
Features like compatibility, sturdiness, stability, ease of use, and durability are important and if the carrier offers the best of them, don’t hesitate to buy it.
Sturdiness and Stability
Stability of the rack is one of the most important aspects to keep in mind when purchasing. This is because how well put together your bike will stay on the rack depends greatly on the rack's stability.
If it is not stable, there are high chances that it will keep on moving while you drive and result in unfortunate events.
On the other hand, don’t also forget to buy a sturdy rack. Sturdiness not only contributes to the stability of the carrier but at the same time, also makes sure that it is not easily breakable and serves you with extended durability.
Padded Bike Attachment Points
While choosing, don’t forget to check the attachment points carefully. The attachments points determine where you will mount the rack on the rear of the roof of your car and how you will drive the car. Try to choose the carrier based on its attachment points.
Security Cables & Locks
Security is a very crucial aspect to consider when buying, This feature ensures that the bike doesn’t fall off the car while driving or doesn’t meet any accidents because of the rack.
To make sure that the rack is extremely secured and your bike is well-protected on it, get a carrier that comes with cables and locks to hold your cycle together in place.
Without these measures, there are possibilities that you might face unfortunate events.
Anti-sway Feature
When you choose, make sure that it offers an anti-sway feature for the best convenience.
As sway is always a problem when driving, the anti-sway mechanism will ensure that it prevents any type of swaying and keeps your cycle safe and secure on the rack. This incredible feature ensures the durability of your bike.
Adjustable and Foldable Arms
While shopping, don’t forget to check if it has foldable arms. Folding arms are essential because they not only allow you to access the vehicle safely but at the same time, also make it easy to store.
With the arms out of the way, you have easy access to your car and enjoy better convenience.
Weight
The weight of the bike car cycle carrier is essential because the maneuverability of the vehicle would largely depend on it. If you mount a relatively heavyweight rack on your car, it will increase the overall weight capacity and make it quite challenging to drive the car swiftly.
On the other hand, a lightweight one is not only easy to install, but at the same time, it also keeps the overall weight limit in check and doesn’t affect your speed or driving at all.
Bicycle Rack Accessories
While some bicycle carriers are designed exclusively for carrying bikes, others offer different types of accessories for the best convenience. Let’s find out more about these accessories for better understanding.
Conversion Bars
A conversion bar is a accessory that is used to fit a lady's bike, full suspension bike or a child's bike onto the bike rack. This is a quick fix when you are unable to fit any cycle onto your car’s rack.
Bike Lock
Another amazing accessory that a car rack offers is the locks. The cable lock holds your bike securely in place and provides the utmost protection to the cycle against theft so that you can travel tension-free always.
POPULAR BIKE RACK BRAND: What are the popular bicycle racks?
Like the bicycle, many popular brands also manufacturers make your traveling with your cycle even easier and more convenient. Some of the top brands are:
Thule
Thule, a Swedish company, is considered one of the biggest players in the automotive accessories industry. They are so big and resourceful that they manufacture and offer a wide range of carriers to their customers since 1942.
Over the last 6 decades, this company has specialized in making different types of bike racks with other mounting accessories and promises to provide you the best ones in the market.
Yakima
If you know the automotive accessory industry, then you must hear about Yakima. Yakima is a common name in the accessories market because of its huge variety of bike and car accessories.
From bike racks, roof racks to cargo pods, and other carrier accessories, this brand has a large line of accessories for any type of car and hence, gives you the freedom to choose the right one easily.
Swagman
Established nearly 30 years ago in Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. Swagman is one of the first companies in the world to design and produce a hitch-style bike rack to make it easier for you to carry your bicycle anywhere you want easily.
Over the years, this company has specialized and polished its designs and now offers a huge bike carrier line for your cars to choose from according to your desire.
Hollywood Racks
Even though the Hollywood Racks is a relatively small cotestant in the bike carrier market compared to the others in the list, it offers bicycle racks with a lot of versatility.
In fact, it is considered as one of the very few manufacturers that make carrier racks even for recumbent bikes and trikes, flat tire bikes, and other exercising bikes as well. Therefore, you will have a huge selection of bike racks here to choose from according to your preferences and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Bicycle Racks Fit All Cars?
If a bike rack will fit on all types of cars greatly depends on the rack model and your car type.
However, many bike carrier types were manufactured, keeping in mind about only one type of car. So before buying one, make sure to see if it is compatible with your car or not.
Do Bicycle Carriers Scratch a Car?
Unfortunately, a bike carrier has the potential to scratch your car and therefore, you have to be careful when mounting and using one in your car.
Do I Need Tools to Install My Bicycle Rack?
Whether you would require any tools for the installation process or not entirely depends on the model and type of bike rack you are getting for your car. While some models require a few secure installation tools, others do not need any mounting process.
Can You Carry Electric Assist or Kids Bikes on a Bike Rack?
Yes, you can carry an electric assist or a kid’s bike. But to do so conveniently, you would require Conversion Bars installed on the rack.
Can a Bicycle Rack Hold a Wheelchair?
A bike rack can hold a wheelchair if it matches the weight limit. However, a bike carrier should never be used for wheelchair transportation.
According to a leading manufacturer, these carriers are specially designed to carry bikes and not any other things. Doing so might damage the rack in some form or shape.
What Are the Popular Brands of Bicycle Racks?
Some of the most popular brands are Thule, Yakima, Swagman, Saris, and Hollywood Racks.
Can Bicycle Rack Be Stolen?
Yes, your bicycle rack can be stolen from your car if you haven’t taken any proper protection for otherwise.
To prevent bike carrier from being stolen from the vehicle, you can use cable locks to hold securely in place, and the thief cannot take it easy.
How Do I Prevent My Bicycle Rack From Scratching My Car?
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to keep the rack from scratching your car is to use painter tape or painter protection film on the rack to collide directly with the car’s body and scratch the car.
You also have to be careful when choosing the carrier. A compatible one that is installed correctly can also make sure that your car remains scratch-free from the carrier.
Will the Roof Rack Damage My Car?
Fortunately, the roof tack won’t damage your car if it is installed correctly. While putting on the carrier, make sure that you have the right roof rack for your car model and following the proper installing instructions.
How Many Bicycles Can I Fit on a Roof Rack?
You must always remember that a roof rack can fit only one bike at a time, which means that you cannot put multiple cycles on the rack even if you want to.
However, you can install another roof rack to carry one more bike with you if you want. A sedan or SUV can typically fit a maximum of 4 racks at any given period.
Wrapping Up
Now that we have discussed everything you need to know about how to choose bicycle rack, we can hope that you have a clear idea about this and you will be able to score the best one in the market easily.
If you still face any difficulties, we would suggest you to read it again. We are sure that you will never fail to find the perfect car rack with this guide in your hand.
