Biking makes your heart stronger and physically better. You carry your bike anywhere with a rack that is perfect for your haul. But before buying a rack, one must consider the trunk access, the locking mechanism, the rack weight, and of course, your bikes’ frame. So which bike rack is best? Read on.
(photo: TREK Bikes) #BikeLifestyle #LeisureRide
So many car racks! Which is right for you?
Getting a bike from point A to point B before starting a ride can be a challenge. Fortunately, we have solutions for carrying your bike to group rides, trailheads, the bike shop, or on big adventures, no matter what car you drive. Car racks secure to your car and allow you to carry your bike on the road without loading it inside your vehicle. They make transporting your bike on your car a breeze, but how do you know which car rack is best for you? Use our car rack finder and find out!
Determine your rack style
Start by determining what’s compatible with your vehicle and what style you prefer. There are four basic styles of car racks for bikes.
Hitch racks
The best choice for most bikes. These sturdy racks secure directly to your car’s hitch receiver and are burly enough to carry just about any bike — including e-bikes. Consider if you have a hitch receiver, and measure its inner diameter to determine its size.
(photo: TREK Bikes)
Roof racks
The best choice if your car has roof bars.
Riding high on your roof, these racks are perfect for cars that have roof rails and don’t have a hitch receiver. They keep your bike out of the way and secure while you make your way from point A to B. If a roof rack is right for you, be sure to look at the shape and size of your car’s roof rails and check compatibility with your dream rack before bringing it home.
(photo: TREK Bikes)
Trunk racks
The lightweight and budget-friendly option.
If your car doesn’t have a hitch or roof rails, a trunk rack is great solution. Trunk racks use retention systems to secure to the trunk of your car and are available in options to carry different styles of, and numbers of bikes. Certain trunk shapes, spoilers, or accessories can interfere with trunk rack retention systems, so check with the rack manufacturer or your bike shop to be sure this solution works for you.
(photo: TREK Bikes)
Tailgate pads
The easiest option for pickup trucks.
While not technically a rack, tailgate pads make transporting bikes in pickup trucks a breeze. They secure directly to the tailgate, providing a padded barrier between bikes and your truck to protect both from scratches and knocks, and feature straps that secure multiple bikes in place. Perfect for riding with friends.
(photo: TREK Bikes)
Decide how many bikes you’ll carry
The perfect bike rack for your car will be determined by how many bikes you want to be able to carry. Make sure you have enough space to carry bikes for all of the riders in your household at the same time.
Trek tip: You may want to have the capacity to carry an extra bike or two for bringing friends along for the ride!
Determine what kinds of bikes you’ll haul
Certain bike styles require consideration when buying a bike rack. Consider if you’ll be loading up with lightweight carbon rides, heavy e-bikes, or bikes with accessories that can get in the way of mounts.
Carbon bikes
Give bikes with carbon fiber frames extra care when loading up. Carbon frames shouldn’t be clamped down on, as clamping too hard may damage or crack the frame and too loose may not be secure. Stick with racks that either secure the wheels or connect directly to the axles if you think you’ll transport a bike with a carbon frame.
E-bikes
We love the power that e-bikes give us, but their motors and batteries often mean they weigh far more than a traditional bike. Take the time to weigh your e-bike and check that it falls under the maximum bike weight limit for your rack. We do not recommend roof racks for most e-bikes, as lifting them overhead to the top of a vehicle can be both difficult and dangerous.
Bikes with fenders
Fenders are great for keeping you dry, but they can interfere with wheel clamp bike racks. If you carry bikes with full front or full rear fenders, look for a rack that secures to the frame, or explore racks that offer adapters for fenders.
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