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Bike Racks

Roof Mount Bike Racks


Roof Bike RacksThere are two main types of roof mounting bike racks. There are fork mounting racks like the Yakima SprocketRocket and the Thule Velo Vise, which just may be the world's fastest loading fork mount carrier. As the name suggests, these bike racks grip your bike securely by the front forks, after you have removed the front wheel, of course. There are also frame holding racks that attach to the down-tube of the bike, like the Yakima Raptor and the Thule Big Mouth 599xt. The bikes can be locked to the carrier and the carriers locked to the bars, providing security for those times that you will be leaving your bikes on the car unattended. However you are going to have to avoid multi story car lots and underground parking lots. With most roof mounted carriers you can fit 4 bikes by alternating the direction the bikes are facing (one bike forward, one bike backward, etc.). If you need more room cargo, you can mount a narrow cargo box on your roof rack and still have room for a bike or two.

Roof mounted bike carriers come in many different models, so whether you ride cross-country, downhill or with the peloton on the road, there is a roof mounted bike rack to fit your needs.

Yakima Roof Mounts and Thule Roof Mounts



Hitch Mount Bike Racks

Hitch Bike RacksHitch mounted bike racks will fit directly into 1 1/4 inch or 2 inch hitch receivers. Up to five bikes can be carried depending on the class of hitch. Ball mount hitch racks can be installed directly onto step bumpers and fixed drawbars with a maximum capacity of three bikes.

There are two styles of hitch rack, the first being the more common hang-on rack which holds the bike by the bike's top tube or cross bar. The second style is the platform rack which cradles the bike by its wheels and will carry any bike regardless of its frame design. This style of rack is favored by downhill riders.

For security a cable lock can be used with any of these racks and are included on some models.

Yakima Hitch Mounts and Thule Hitch Mounts



Trunk Mount Bike Racks

Thule 962xtMost trunk racks will hold up to 3 bikes and are usually held on by straps, which if used properly are quite safe and will inflict no damage on the paint of your car. A benefit to trunk mounts is that they fit a wide range of vehicles, so if you are thinking you may be buying a new car or changing vehicles in the near future, then a trunk mount may be for you.

The only problem with trunk mounts, is that they are not quite as safe as other bike racks. To increase security, use a cable lock and pass it through all the bikes and the vehicles towing loop. Most carriers can be left on when the trunk is opened, however the bikes must be removed to avoid damage and injury, therefore it is not a good idea to use a strap on carrier that has straps below the bumper as you will have to take all of that off before opening your trunk. With most trunk mounts you will need to purchase an artificial top tube for ladies frames.

Yakima Trunk Mounts and Thule Trunk Mounts



Truck Bed Bike Racks

Trunk Bed Bike RacksTruck Bed Bike Racks are super fast, super stable, and super easy to load. Thule and Yakima Truck Bed Bike Racks allow you to carry your bikes without sacrificing the reasons you got a truck, while giving you piece of mind about your bikes. Its ease-of-use, security, and stability are always a convenience that everyone can enjoy. These are definitely the most versatile bike carriers for any pick up.

Yakima Trunk Racks and Thule Trunk Racks



Spare Tire Mount Bike Racks

Yakima Spare Tire Mount Bike RackJust as the title suggests, these are bike racks that mount onto the spare tire, using specially fitted mounting plates that assure a secure attachment. There are two varieties, some that strap to the wheel and some that are attached through the wheel using an adapter plate. The Thule 963 Spare Me Bike Rack and Yakima Spare Joe bike rack is the perfect solution for any vehicle with a rear spare tire mount. Both are heavy-duty carriers for 2 bikes that even adapt to off-center tires.

Yakima Spare Tire Mounts and Thule Spare Tire Mounts