How to Choose the right Vehicle Bike Rack
Look, I've been told time and again that I'm long winded. So I'll get right to the point about choosing a bike rack for your vehicle. If you're like me you want information that will help you make an informed purchase, and allow you to make a decision that will get you the most for your money. That's exactly what I will try to provide you with. Ultimately it's up to you what you do with your money.
You need to know just what you will be using the rack for and how often. There are several factors that you should take into consideration when trying to decide on which rack is best for you and your vehicle. For instance, you should be aware that there are three basic types of racks. They are, the roof rack popularized by companies such as Yakima (www.yakima.com) and Thule (www.thuleracks.com); the trunk rack made useful by Rhode Gear (owned by Yakima) and the hitch rack which Saris (www.saris.com) has set the standard. There are a few other vehicle/bike transport options besides the aforementioned ones but for simplicity's sake we'll stick with the big three.
Deciding which of these racks will be best for you requires that take the following steps.
1. Look at what type of vehicle it will be mounted on.2. How many and what types of bikes you will be carrying.3. Will the rack be used for long trips or short ones.4. Is security an issue.
Basically here are the differences between the three main types of racks.
Roof mounted racks can usually carry from one to four bikes. They have become more universal in their installation and nearly all of them have some method of locking your bikes to the vehicle to prevent theft. The downside to these racks are that the more bikes you need to carry the more the cost rises. They are usually the most expensive of all three types and normally require the purchase of additional parts to increase the number of bikes they can hold. They are a major drag on fuel consumption as well. Bottom line up front, if you own a Small economical car with a hatchback and a low roof this would probably be your best bet. You mpg wont suffer that much, you will have little or no issue placing or retrieving your bike from the roof or your car, and aesthetically speaking it looks cool driving around with your $5000 Trek Madone on top so everyone can see it.
Hitch mounted racks are most commonly seen on the backs of SUV's. They can be used on any vehicle with a tow hitch and most come in the 1" and 2" variety. Older models had a pin/release to provide access to the trunk without removal of the rack while newer ones have a swing away design much like a rear spare tire. Bikes are supported either by one or two arms that extend from the upper part of the rack. Most newer models use universal curved shaped pads to cradle your bikes top tube and an inexpensive rubber strap to hold it in place. Some will have a more elaborate lock-down for security while others require a cable to lock your bikes to the rack. There is also a variation of this rack that holds the bikes by the wheels making the rack much more versatile. This is because the former method of cradling the bike by the top tube only works for bikes with a top tube. An adapter is needed for bikes without; i.e. moutain bikes, step through frames etc... Howevr, the the rack that can cradle the wheels can hold any bike. These racks range in price from around $80 to $300 and are some of the best and most convenient available. They are easy to install and remove and inexpensive. They also place the bikes behind the vehicle minimizing the drag on the vehicles mpg. One giant negative would be of course if you were involved in an accident where you were struck from behind. Your bikes would bear the brunt of the damage.
Finally trunk mounted racks are the most economical and easy to use racks available. The work very well on cars with hatch-back and even mini-vans. They are very inexpensive but like some hitch racks may require an adapter to carry your MTB or step-through bike. Unlike the other two types, the rack can be placed inside the trunk when not in use. They offer little in the way of securing the bike to your vehicle, but for the price conscious cyclist with a minimalist attitude this is your best bet.
For more info and to compare types and prices goto http://www1.epinions.com/auto-Rack_Systems-All-Bike all major brands and types are listed and reviewed. Also you can go to http://www.nashbar.com/ and http://www.performancebike.com/ two of the biggest on-line bike part/accessory dealers.
I have used all three types, on all types of cars. My brother likes roof racks and drives small VW's. I prefer a hitch rack as I drive a Jeep Cherokee. I can lock the rack to the car and the bikes to the rack. I don't wory about security of my bikes and I get the same mpg with or without the rack. Ultimately the choice is yours. Do some research and you will be happy with whatever choice you make.
