Bike Racks

Stuffing a bike in the trunk of a car works in emergencies, but most cyclists eventually want a more convenient way to transport their ride. Minivans and SUVs seem like a good alternative, but one chain ring tattoo on an expensive leather interior will make most riders reconsider their options. In the end, almost everyone comes to the same conclusion – they need a proper car rack.

In the past, the most secure method of transporting expensive bikes was a rooftop carrier. Most of these units secure the bike at the real wheel and the fork dropouts ensuring excellent bike security and stability during highway driving speeds. Unfortunately, roof top carriers require lifting the bike to the top of the vehicle, which can be a problem with heavy off-road bikes or tall cars.

The solution is either a hitch mount or truck mount rack. Both can be installed easily on almost any vehicle and offer secure and relatively easy ways to carry a bike on a car. These racks also create less wind resistance and noise at highway speeds, which is important during longer drives.

Pay greater attention when driving with any of these racks. More than one cyclist has sheared off an expensive bike when entering a low-ceiling garage with a rooftop rack or crushed a bike on a hitch mount or truck mount rack while backing into parking space.

Time to buy a new rack for your car or truck? Here three good options:

Forklift Rack – $170
Yakima

Capable of fitting on almost any existing cross-bars, the Forklift Rack offers secure fork-down bike transportation and can accommodate almost any bicycle. A sliding wheel tray simplifies adjusting the rear wheel strap while the easy-to-use lockable skewer provides security when dashing in for a fresh cup of coffee.

G2 Hitch Mount – $320
Swagman

This Canadian-made hitch-mount bike carrier provides an easy and almost lift-free way to transport two bikes. The system works with two wheel trays and two adjustable top tube hooks. Simply place the bikes in the trays and slide the hooks down. The hooks lock the bikes into the trays providing secure transportation with minimal fuss. With the bikes removed, the centre hook-arm easily folds out of the way allowing access to the rear of the vehicle.

Bike Porter Trunk 2 Bike Rack – $115
Saris

This trunk-mount carrier is the perfect solution for difficult-to-fit hatchbacks. The rack goes on and off easily and can carry two bikes up to 35 lbs, which covers almost anything short of a full downhill bike. A great solution for riders that can’t use a roof or hitch rack.