As much as we want our bikes to be a part of our outdoor adventures, there are just some places where they don’t exactly fit in – like the inside of our cars. This poses a bit of a problem when we want to go to somewhat remote and far-off places where biking is the best mode of transportation but driving is the only way to get there.

So naturally, if you’ve spent quite a bit on your downhill mountain bike or your road one, you want to make sure it’s properly taken care of when you’re not using it. And since transport takes up a good chunk of time when you’re planning a biking trip, it’s important to have a reliable and easy-to-use bike rack. But which one do you get, you ask? Well, strap in because you’re about to go on a crash course on all the basics.

How Do You Choose a Bike Rack for Your Vehicle?

Not all racks come with the same features, and some might be more suited to your car or your biking needs than others. But if you know your options and how to narrow them down, choosing a suitable one will be a breeze.

Number of Bikes

Perhaps the most vital aspect you need to consider is how many bikes you need to transport. If it’s just you and your trusty steed, then a durable single bicycle rack will do just fine. These models have the advantage of being relatively lightweight and less expensive. They consist of a simple frame with cradles or hooks to secure your bike in place.

But if you’re bringing along the whole squad, then you might need a more heavy-duty solution that can carry up to four bikes at once. These usually have multiple arms that can be folded down when not in use. The more bikes you need to transport, the more important it is to get a rack that’s easy to use and won’t take forever to set up.

Mount Type

Both single-bike racks and their four-bike counterparts come in three different mount types – roof, trunk, and hitch. While the basic idea is the same for all three, each one has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of stability, maneuverability and installation.

Roof racks are the most popular type for a few reasons. They’re easy to load and unload, and they keep your bikes out of the way so you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged or scratched by other vehicles. The downside is that they can be a bit tricky to install, and you might need an extra set of hands to help you get the job done.

Trunk racks are a close second in terms of popularity. They’re just as easy to use as roof racks, but they’re usually a lot simpler to install as they attach directly to your car’s trunk. The downside is that they can put a lot of strain on your car’s body, and they’re not always the most stable option – especially if you hit a few bumps on the road. Plus, access to your trunk might be limited when the rack is in place.

Hitch racks are the third and final option. They go directly into your car’s hitch receiver, which is a small hook that’s usually located at the back of the vehicle. They’re very stable and can carry a lot of weight, but they can be a bit tricky to pull off if you don’t have a dedicated receiver. And like trunk racks, they might also limit your access to the back of your vehicle.

Car Type

If you have a smaller vehicle like a hatchback or a sedan, then you might want to go with a roof or trunk rack. These types of racks are usually lighter and less obtrusive, so they won’t cause too much damage or strain on your vehicle.

On the other hand, if you have a larger vehicle like an SUV or a van, then you can go with just about any type of rack. Just keep in mind that some vehicles – particularly those with low clearance – might have trouble getting under certain kinds of racks. In this case, a hitch rack might be your best bet.

Security Features

As with anything, security is always a concern when you’re going out on the open road. It doesn’t matter if you have a single bicycle rack for your car or a four-bike hitch rack – you need to make sure your bikes are secure and won’t go flying off at the first sign of trouble.

Most models come with some kind of security system, whether it’s a simple strap or a more complex locking mechanism. The former is usually enough to deter casual thieves, but the latter is always a good idea if you’re going to be leaving your bikes unattended for an extended period of time.

Frame Contact

This refers to how the rack actually comes into contact with your vehicle. Some models have straps that go around your car’s frame, while others have clamps that attach to your car’s door.

There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer when it comes to frame contact, but it’s something you should definitely keep in mind when you’re making your decision. If you’re worried about damaging your four-wheeled friend, then you might want to go with a model that has straps instead of clamps. This way, you can avoid any direct contact between the rack and your car’s paint job.

Budget

While we all want to save money, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to bicycle racks. If you’re only going to be using your rack a few times a year, then you might be able to get away with a cheaper model. But if you’re an avid cyclist who plans on hitting the road every chance you get, then you might want to invest in a higher-quality rack that will last you for years to come.