When transporting a bike by car, it is often easiest to use a car mounted bike carrier of some form. \u00a0These carries come in many varieties for different cars, bikes and location preferences. \u00a0The more common ones are roof, hatch or trunk and hitch carriers for cars and SUVs. \u00a0Pickup trucks can be modified with mounts on the walls of the bed to accept front forks to lock in place. \u00a0We will take a brief look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.<\/p>\n
A very popular bike carrier type is the roof mounted option. \u00a0This typically uses some kind of roof rack to anchor the bike to. \u00a0Roof mounted carriers are great as they keep most of the other vehicle functions unrestricted. \u00a0The bike is mounted vertically from points on the back tire and either the frame or the front fork (where the front wheel is removed). \u00a0A major limitation here is the height of the overall vehicle is much higher with a vertically mounted bicycle on top. \u00a0Many people before and after this article will hit their garage doors, overpasses and other lower hanging hazards usually passable san bike on roof. \u00a0One major thing to keep in mind if this option seems attractive. \u00a0Roof racks can range from ~$100 to multiple hundreds of dollars.<\/p>\n
Also a commonly seen choice is a rack mounted to the rear hatch or trunk of a vehicle. \u00a0These are usually held on by straps and metal or plastic bars that create two points the bike frame rests on. \u00a0Straps or rubber fasteners secure the bike from flying off at high speeds. \u00a0This type removes height from margin of error and doesn’t effect aerodynamics as much as the roof options. \u00a0Visibility may be affected if the bike creates partial blind spots in the rear window or side mirror pictures. \u00a0Some also inadvertently cover up the license plate or registration. \u00a0They are good options but may create wear points or scratches on finishes such as paint. \u00a0Hatch and rear trunk mounts can be priced lower than roof or hitch types, depending on options or features.<\/p>\n
A very good type of rack is one which is hitch mounted. \u00a0This will not affect your vehicles finish in any way from normal use. \u00a0It offers the benefits of minimally effected aerodynamics and the height is not a factor. \u00a0Hitch mounts are used as the anchor point for these types of racks. \u00a0They support a lot of weight and can carry many bikes as a result. \u00a0Some designs swing out and\/or fold up when not in use to reduce their overall size. \u00a0The hitch racks are commonly the most expensive of the regular mounts on the market.<\/p>\n
Possibly the lowest cost mount is the truck bed fork mount. \u00a0This uses a small front fork lock which is either bolted or welded to the top edge of the top front bed wall. \u00a0The rear bike tire is freely rested on the bed floor during transit. \u00a0Without effecting much of the aerodynamics or overall dimensions over the truck’s roof, these are the most minimal and least invasive options. \u00a0You don’t need to worry about running into much or damaging painted finishes. \u00a0They are simple, effective and easy to use.<\/p>\n
A best overall choice is highly subjective. \u00a0Depending on the rider, the vehicle, bike and circumstances, many factors will influence the best overall decision. \u00a0If price is a concern, you may want to start out with a lower cost option like a trunk or hatch mount. \u00a0If money is no object then you cannot go wrong with a hitch rack. \u00a0For pickup trucks with bed space, the bed mount can be ideal. \u00a0Think about what effects you and use this to make an informed decision.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"