Locate The Accepted Tips For Choosing The Right Bike Racks For Cars

By Bradley Cole


As a growing number of people are choosing to ride their bicycles to save on gasoline they are also on the market to find the right bike rack. They will want to take their bicycles with them when they go on holiday for instance so the rack must be one that will fit onto the vehicle that they will use the most. Learning the tips for choosing the right bike racks for cars is an important first step to take.

The market has many different models of racks to choose from so some research prior to purchase is recommended. Your car manufacturer will also have included the appropriate bicycle racks for your car in their vehicle manual. The local bike shop will also prove to be an excellent source of helpful information.

The first question that needs to be asked is how often you will be using the rack. If you plan on taking your bicycle for periodic trips then you will not need to invest a lot of money in a high quality rack. If you have plans however, to travel frequently with your bicycle then you will need a sturdy rack that can withstand long and frequent trips.

The least expensive of the available models is the strap fitting rack. The rack is strapped onto the back of the vehicle and is designed for short journeys. Over time the straps will become loose and the bicycle will also sustain some rubbing from them. This constant rubbing may damage the bicycle over time.

Another warning to consider is the fact that a low mounted bicycle will cover the license plate. The vehicle owner will have to invest in a lighting system to make sure the numbers are visible. To avoid this some people mount their bikes higher up but this creates more wind resistance and increased fuel consumption.

Another kind of rack is called the towbar and towball mounted bicycle rack. This system enables the vehicle owner to add the rack onto the towbar. Adding a towbar is an additional cost but will prove very useful in the long run. Two or three bikes can be mounted on the towbar and since the bikes are mounted low, there will be little wind resistance. There will also be less fuel consumption and more stability with this kind of system.

A third type of system is called the roof-mounted rack. Usually two bikes are carried in this manner where each bicycle is mounted on a rack and a set of bars. The bike is held down by way of a support arm and clamp that is attached to one of the bike tubes. Additional straps hold the bike down so that the system is safe and easy to use.

When you follow these tips for choosing the right bike racks for cars you will be able to continue enjoying the use of your bicycle wherever you drive your car. Good quality bicycle racks are easy to use and should encourage you to take your bike with you. Once you have done the research you will be pleased to find that there are many choices out there to help you increase your biking pleasure.




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