There
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.
Hitch
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.
Most 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.
Truck
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.
Just
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.
