Bike Rack Carrier Tips and Ideas for Transporting Your Bicycle
Going on an outdoor adventure is one of the best feelings in the world, don’t you think? There aren’t any annoying honks or horns, no busy traffic and most importantly, no one’s there to bother you. It’s the perfect way to recharge your batteries and ease your mind. But do you know what would make the experience even better? You guessed it, a long and calming bike ride through nature. Whether you’re riding solo or going on a bike date with your loved one, nothing comes close to feeling the wind across your face.
But here’s the tricky part. Let’s imagine that you’re going to an off-road and remote area that’s pretty far from where you live. Logically, you’re thinking, no biggie, I’ll just hop into my car and be in my merry way. So you pack all of your essentials in bags, throw them in your trunk and you think you’re all set and ready to go. Then, you stop in your tracks. Where are you supposed to put your bike? Your car is already cramped enough as it is so definitely can’t put it inside. No need to panic just yet because we’ve got just the solution to this issue – installing a practical e bike carrier to make storage and transport much easier. Here’s a quick guide on how to get started.
What Are the Different Types of Bike Racks?
We’ll be starting things off with the two basic types of bike racks available. When it comes to choosing a suitable one for you, you should make a decision based on your needs and preferences.
Rear-Mounted Rack
Most people consider this type the more convenient of the two because you can effortlessly load the bikes onto your car. This is because a rear-mounted e bike rack attaches to the back of your car, near the trunk. Additionally, they’re easy to fold and store when you’re not using them so that’s definitely a bonus.
Another great thing about rear-mounted racks is the fact that they’re quite inexpensive and affordable, which means they’re ideal for those of you that are on a tight budget. After all, not everyone is ready to spend a fortune on recreational accessories.
Unfortunately, you’re not the only one that can benefit from rear-mounted racks’ accessibility. Thieves are more than likely to have a go at your bikes to make sure you have a secure lock in place to prevent any unwanted outcomes. Moreover, once you mount your bikes, they might obstruct the view out of your rear window which might be a nuisance in some cases.
Roof-Mounted Rack
As you may have guessed from the name, these racks attach to the top of your car, giving you uninterrupted access to your trunk. While it might be a tad more difficult to load the bikes on top, it’s a much more secure and stable course of action.
It’s important to note that most roof-mounted racks have a maximum capacity of about 25 kg. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check the weight of your e bike before stacking it up on your car roof. Most e bike models are on the heavier side so you should definitely do your research.
Do Bike Racks Damage Your Car?
You probably won’t be able to notice any signs of substantial damage but there will be a few scrapes and scratches over time, especially if the rack isn’t properly secured into place. Rear-mounted racks can cause friction against the painted exterior of your car, causing it to fade and rub off over time. On the other hand, roof-mounted models can get ripped off or pushed against your car despite having minimal contact with the exterior. Either way, there are potential risks when using an e bike carrier with your car and it’s up to you to determine whether the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.
Key Considerations when Buying a Bike Rack
Before we wrap this discussion up, let’s dive into a few more key things you should keep in mind when shopping for a bike rack.
Number of Bikes
Different types of racks have varying degrees of capacity which definitely limits the number of bikes you’re allowed to load on them. Generally speaking, you can fit around 2-3 bikes on carriers that are attached to the back of your car whereas roof-mounted models can load up to 4 bikes at a time. If you’re a fan of going on joint bike rides with friends or family, this is perhaps the most important feature you’ll need to look out for.
In any case, you should always keep an eye out for the manufacturer’s recommended weight for each model. In this way, you’ll effectively minimise the risk of potential accidents.
Type of Vehicle
Many people struggle to figure out which rack model is appropriate for the type of car they drive. It’s not because it’s super complicated or difficult to understand, it’s just that people oftentimes forget to read the manufacturer’s guidelines to find the right fit. In other words, always check the size guide to see if it’s a match for your car.
Budget
As much as we hate to admit it, the price tag matters. While we’re sure that you only want what’s best for both your bike and your vehicle, sometimes budget constraints can get in the way. Don’t get discouraged though, compromising doesn’t always mean settling for anything less than what you deserve.
