Bike Racks: How Do They Stack Up?

Find out some basics about bike racks before heading to the store.

Thule T2 Pro Bike Rack

Finding a bike rack can be confusing and frustrating. Break through the jargon and find out some basics before heading to the store.

There are many types of bike racks available and the amount of information out there can be quite confusing. There are even racks made specifically for recumbent bikes. The usual rack that sits on a vehicle’s roof is always a popular choice for transport, whether it be for just one bicycle or several. Before you even begin to search for your bike’s transportation though, it is important to know that “racks” refer to the basic bars used to support the “carrier”. The carrier is the part that actually houses your bike.

There are three basic types of racks for bikes; roof-mounted, truck-mounted and hitch-mounted. Most agree that a hitch-mounted rack is most convenient. Roof-mounted racks work well, but require you to be able to lift your bike above your head. For many people this is difficult. Truck-mounted racks usually have a weight limit which isn’t convenient if you have multiple bikes to haul.

There are things you need to consider before buying any sort of housing for your bike. Among these things is how long you plan to keep your bikes in the carrier at a time, and how often you will use it. The more often you use your equipment, the higher its quality needs to be to withstand continued use. The longer your bikes are stored, determines the level of safety you require. Bike storage units are common targets for thieves. No matter what choice you make, be sure to properly lock your equipment at all times. Don’t leave your bikes unattended for longer than needed and use appropriate bike accessories.