A bike rack is something you should have in case you love riding your bike and do not want to leave it at home when you travel or you simply have to store it. Yet, there are so many types available out there; how are you to select the right one? In this blog, we shall discuss the most popular kinds of bike racks, what to consider when purchasing them, and several safety hints to remember.
Types of Bike Racks Used Commonly
Bike racks come in various types, with each type designed to serve a purpose. There are those that are meant to transport the bikes on the cars and those that can be used to store the bikes at the homes. The principal types are listed below:
- Hitch-Mounted Racks
They are attached to a hitch on the back of your auto. They are sturdy, easy to handle, and ideal when carrying bikes. Other models are swingable or tiltable; thus, you are still able to open your trunk despite having loaded bikes. - Roof-Mounted Racks
They are placed on top of your car. They store the bike away and you have your trunk clear. However, you will be required to raise your bike too high, which may be very challenging. (Especially with heavy bikes) - Trunk-Mounted Racks
These are attached to the back of your vehicle by the use of straps and hooks. They are the cheapest and the ones that are easy to pull and put back on. Nevertheless, they can cause obstruction of your rearview or even scratch your car when not installed correctly.
Things to Remember
There are some questions to be considered before you decide to purchase a bike rack:
- Does it suit your vehicle and bike?
Not every car or bike fits with every rack. Determine whether your car is equipped with a hitch or roof bars and whether the rack is compatible with your bike in size and shape. - What is the number of bikes that you wish to take?
Racks will carry from one to five bikes. Make sure that the one you select is able to support the number you require. - Can it be used and installed easily?
There are racks that can be simple and fast to install. Other people may require more time or they may require tools. Notice how frequently you will wear it on or off. - What security features does it have?
Search out the racks with a lock or somewhere to place a bike lock. This will enable them to protect your bikes when you are not around the car. - How much are you authorised to buy?
Prices are quite different. Trunk racks tend to be the most affordable, whereas roof and hitch racks are expensive. However, bear in mind that it can be worth your money to spend a bit more on quality and avoid inconveniences in the future.
Safety and Legal Ideas
Transporting bikes on a car has to be accomplished safely. The things to remember are the following:
- Ensure That Your Lights and Licence Plate Are Visible
You can be fined because of bikes or racks that obstruct your lights or plate. This is fixed by using racks with a light kit or plate holder. - Lock Your Bikes Well
The straps, or locks, or clamps should always be checked twice. A loose bike is not only unsafe to you but also to other road users. - Be familiar with the road regulations in your region.
There are rules for the places on how bikes have to be carried. As an illustration, you might not be free to cover your plate or even taillights. - Waiting for Weight Checks
Each rack is limited by a mass. Overloading it—this is especially a bad idea when hauling heavy bikes such as e-bikes. - Clean, Care for, and Store Your Rack
Wipe your rack and inspect it to ensure there’s no rust or broken parts. Keep it dry when not in use, such as in a garage, on garage bike racks, or near trolley bays while loading groceries and bicycles.
Conclusion
An intelligent method of carrying or storing the bike is through bike racks. Whichever you decide to use—hitch, trunk, roof, or wall-mounted quantities—you need to get one that is just right and suits you and your bike and your car. For those looking to enhance their cycling safety setup, be sure to check out our guide to Melbourne’s Best Safety Equipment Suppliers, where you’ll find top-rated providers of helmets, lights, and other essential gear.
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