A Guide to Buying Bike Racks
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A Guide to Buying Bike Racks

bike hitch carrier

A Guide to Buying Bike Racks

Taking your bike with you everywhere you go can be difficult or as easy as you make it out to be. Bike carriers are a great way to carry your bike without having to worry about damaging it or yourself. With the wide variety of bike carriers on the market, choosing one can be difficult. We’ve compiled a list of features you should look for when purchasing a carrier to find the best fit for your needs. Let’s get started!

Things to Consider When Choosing a Bike Rack

truck mount bike rack
Source: feedthehabit.com
  1. Carrier capacity: The first thing you’ll want to consider is how many bikes you want to take with you and how much room you have in your car. Some carriers only allow one bike while others can hold up to four bikes.
  2. Ease of use: You’ll also want to consider how easy it is to load, unload and secure your bike in the carrier. Most carriers require some assembly and include a set of instructions for installation and use. Look for a carrier that is simple and easy to follow so that you don’t have trouble with any part of the process.
  3. Price: The price of a bike carrier is typically a determining factor when choosing one. You’ll want to look for a carrier that fits your budget and doesn’t exceed your expectations or budget. Some carriers are extremely expensive while others can be found at affordable prices.
  4. Durability: You’ll also want to consider the durability of the bike carrier you choose. Make sure that it’s made from strong material that holds up well under stress. Most carriers have been tested for safety, so you don’t have to worry about this aspect.
  5. Warranty: When you’re spending your hard-earned money on a bike carrier, it’s always nice to know that the manufacturer stands behind their product. You’ll want to look for a company with a warranty of at least one year, but some offer extended warranties of up to five years.
  6. Bike frame type: You’ll want to take into consideration the bike frame type when choosing a carrier because some carriers are only compatible with certain types of bikes. It’s important that you check the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing one so that you don’t have any issues with compatibility.
  7. Accessory compatibility: Some bike carriers have accessories such as lights, GPS trackers and more. These accessories can be very useful if you’re taking your bike on long journeys and want to be able to see where you’re going or get notifications from your GPS tracker.

Types of Racks

3 bike hitch carrier
Source: maloneautoracks.com

There are different types of bike carriers based on how and where they’re mounted, including trunk mounts, hitch-mounted carriers and roof racks. The type of carrier you choose will depend on several factors including your vehicle type, bike size and how many bikes you want to take with you.

  1. Trunk mount: This is a great option if you only want to take one or two bikes with you and don’t mind having them visible in your vehicle. It’s also convenient because you won’t have to worry about securing the bike inside your car because it’s already attached.
  2. Hitch mount: If you want to take multiple bikes with you, a 3 bike hitch carrier is the best choice. It’s easy to install and very secure, so there’s no need to worry about your vehicle being damaged or having issues while driving.
  3. Roof rack: If you want to carry more than two bikes at one time, then a roof rack is the best option for you. They are typically made from aluminium or steel and can be found in different colours to match your vehicle’s paint job.

Now that you know what to look for in a bike carrier, let’s take a look at some of the best choices on the market today!

Best Bike Racks

The Thule Raceway Pro 2 is a great choice if you only have one bike that needs transporting every now and then. It comes with all the accessories you’ll need including cables, locks and mounts so there’s no need to purchase anything else. It’s easy to install and fits most vehicles with a 2″ receiver hitch.

The Thule Raceway Pro 2 is one of the best bike carriers on the market because it’s compatible with all types of bikes, including road, mountain and hybrid models. You’ll be able to use this carrier for many years to come because it’s made from durable materials and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

The Saris Bones Hitch 3 rack is also a great choice if you need to carry three bikes. It’s easy to install, but it does require some assembly before use. You can easily load and unload your bike with this 3 bike hitch carrier, so it’s perfect for anyone who needs a reliable product.

The Saris Bones Hitch 3 rack is compatible with most types of bikes including road, mountain, hybrid and children’s bikes. You’ll also be able to fit any bike tire size with this carrier because it has an adjustable frame mount that fits most vehicles.

Ian Tompson
iantompsonlee5@gmail.com