Adding a bike rack in your car has become very important nowadays. It is an easy way to carry your bike along with your car from one place to another. A bike rack allows you to attach your bike with your car and travel with convenience. These bike racks are generally used by those who prefer bike rides during family holidays. Mountain bikers also use these bike racks as they participate in various bike races. These bike racks come in different varieties.
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Roof racks
Roof racks give you the advantage of carrying luggage, equipment, or boxes along with your bike. The roof racks come in different variants. Some are easy to install, whereas some require much more attention to installation. Roof racks are generally suitable for that vehicle with lower roof heights.
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Hitch racks
Hitch Racks are of mainly two types:
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Platform Hitch Rack:
These racks can carry any bike and can be easily installed. Some of the platform hitch racks can carry up to four bikes along with other equipment. These racks are best suitable for carrying heavy bikes.
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Support Arm Hitch Rack:
These racks secure the bike by the arm of the frame and can carry relatively lower weight.
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Trunk racks
Trunk racks are suitable for various vehicle models. It is effortless to store and install.
However, before selecting a bike rack, there are various things to be considered which are as follows:
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Security
It is the most important consideration before buying a bike rack. Every one of us has to stop somewhere for some food while traveling. Hence, it is tough never to leave your bike on your vehicle. So, it is essential to take a rack with security. Taking a bike rack with locks may cost you some more money, but it will help you to keep your bike secure from the thieves.
Taking a bike rack with no locks or security may save you some money, but it increases the chances of your bike being stolen. Therefore, choosing a bike with proper locks is always a better option.
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Space
Another most important consideration before purchasing a bike rack is space. If you want to carry 2-3 bikes, then you will require a large bike rack. But, if you need to take only one bike on your vehicle then, a small one would work.
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Budget
Different bike racks come in different ranges. So, it is essential that you first fix your Budget and accordingly select your bike rack. A bike rack with more compatibility and security is always considered the best.
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Compatibility
Most of the vehicles generally are compatible with a bike rack. But of the cars like trucks are not compatible with a roof bike rack. Hence, it is essential to consider the compatibility of your car before going for a bike rack.
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Stability
Stability is another crucial factor to be considered before purchasing a bike rack. There are different bike racks available in the market which offer security and compatibility. But if your bike is heavy then, you must consider the stability of the frame before purchasing it. A bike rack that is stable and durable is more suitable for heavy bike models. So, always go for the one which can hold up even in harsh weather.
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Distance to Traveling
You must purchase a bike rack according to the length of your traveling and the route. If the course is straight and simple and the range is small then, you can go for any of the bike racks. But, if the distance is long and the route is challenging then, you must select a bike rack that is compatible and has stability. The bike rack must be able to secure your bike even in uneven routes. Platform hitch mount vehicles are most suitable for long distances and unpredictable ways.
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No. of bikes to be carried
If you are taking more than one bike then, you will require a large bike rack, has more space, and can bring enormous weight. But if you are carrying only one bike then, you can go for a roof rack or trunk rack. So, it is also a factor that must be considered before purchasing a bike rack.
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Style
In today’s time, fashion is also a significant factor. Every one of us wants a bike rack that is stylish and goes with our vehicle. There are various elegant bike racks available in the market at reasonable prices. But along with style, don’t forget to consider other essential factors like space, Budget, compatibility, etc.
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Ease of loading
One must also consider the ease of loading a bike in a bike rack before purchasing a bike rack. The bike racks which are easy to install and load must be given more preference.
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Efficiency
Efficiency is also a vital factor to be considered. The more effective and efficient the bike rack will be, the more it will long.
Conclusion
Purchasing a bike rack is a very crucial decision. It requires a lot of factors to be considered before selecting a suitable bike rack for your vehicle. There are different variants of bike racks available in the market. You must go for the one who has enough space, durability, efficiency, stability, compatibility, and security. The selection of the bike rack depends upon the number of bikes you need to carry and the weight of your bike. Different bike racks provide you with various facilities. If you are a bike rider lover and will use the bike rack regularly then, you must go for a hitch bike rack. Otherwise, you can go for a trunk rack or roof rack. Hence, you must consider the various factors which are mentioned above for purchasing the most compatible and suitable bike rack for your vehicle.
