3 Types of Bike Racks

Have you ever wanted to go cycling at a place so far away it would be impossible to

make the trip by bike alone?

You can use your car and attempt to jam-pack that bike of yours inside it or you can

get yourself a bike rack.

Bike racks are used to carry bicycles on the outside of your vehicle when you are

restricted on room.

There are 3 kinds of bike racks offered a trunk bike rack, a hitch bike rack, and a roof

bike rack each with their own pro's and con's.

Roof Mounted Bike Rack

Using a roof mounted bike rack enables you to still use your trunk without having

anything in the way.

In the cyclist world the roof mounted bike rack is a status symbol.

If you carry your bicycle on your roof you are considered to be a more serious cyclist.

Also, once you have a roof mount you can also swap the racks to hold other various

cargo holders.

On the bad side the roof mounted bike rack may cause clearance problems with taller

vehicles.

While carrying bikes on the roof the air resistance can produce a lot of noise while

also affecting your gas mileage.

Trunk Mounted Bike Rack

Probably the most popular used bike rack used today.

The trunk mounted bike rack usually can be connected easily and quickly for short

outings.

Your bikes are also carried on the rear of the car so they are mostly protected against any flying debris that could damage your bike.

Unlike the roof mounted bike rack the trunk mounted bike rack takes away the use of

your trunk while it is attached.

Hitch Mounted Bike Rack

The hitch mounted bike rack stands out as the easiest to set up of all of the bike racks.

Just slide the rack into the trailer hitch and you are all set.

The hitch mounted bike rack can also carry a lot of weight, meaning additional bikes

depending on which brand you buy.

If your car does not have a trailer hitch you will likely have to pay more to have one

fitted.

In order to be able to use your trunk you will either have to uninstall your rack each time or spend more money and buy a rack that

swings.

Also backing up might be more of a challenge with the added rack to the back of

the automobile.