Car bike carrier: how to choose the right one?

Omnipresent on the highways during summer holidays (but not only), the

car bike rack

has long established itself as an essential piece of equipment for those who aspire to take their bike with them on their travels. Specially designed for transporting bicycles (road, VTC, mountain bike, electric bicycle, etc.), the bicycle carrier avoids complex operations to try to fit your bicycle, partially disassembled, in the trunk of your car. By its practicality, it guarantees a saving of time and energy (and space in the trunk). A multitude of models exist today to meet all the needs and meet all the expectations of cycling enthusiasts.

Capable of simultaneously carrying several bicycles, the bicycle carrier appeals to a very large audience.

From families looking for cycle rides, to mountain biking enthusiasts on their way to a new playground, any cycling enthusiast can easily find a legitimate reason for purchasing a bike rack.

Manufacturers have also had no difficulty in measuring the challenges and the attractiveness of the bicycle carrier.

As a result, choosing a bike carrier from a whole range of models available can sometimes be tricky for the uninitiated.

Fortunately, our advice and our selection of the best bike carrier models are there to help you make the right choices.

Our selection :

Peruzzo Venezia rear bike carrier Our favorite

Rear bike carrier on Peruzzo Siena tow bar

Thule RideOn 3 bike carrier

Thule HangOn 4 bike carrier

Allen Sports 102DN-R Bike Rack

Peruzzo 3 bike rack

Thule Proride 591 bike carrier

How to choose a bike rack?

To choose the right bike carrier for your car, several criteria must be taken into account, among which:

• the number of bicycles to transport: there are bicycle rack models on the market that allow you to transport from 1 to 6 bicycles simultaneously;

• how to install the bike carrier: not all bike carrier models are installed in the same way.

  The difficulty of installation differs depending on the type of bike carrier (see below);

• the installation mode of the bicycle: there is the bicycle carrier, then there is the bicycle (s) to be loaded.

  Riding a bicycle on a roof rack does not require the same effort or dexterity as placing a bicycle on a dedicated hitch;

• the advantages and disadvantages of each type of bicycle carrier: each type of bicycle carrier has advantages and disadvantages.

  To make the right choice, you first need to identify your needs and requirements in this area.

What are the different types of bike carriers?

For your purchase of a bike carrier, you now have the choice between three types of bike carrier:

• the roof bike rack;

• the bicycle rack on the trunk (or tailgate);

• the bicycle carrier on the towing ball.

The roof bike rack

As its name lets you easily guess, this type of bike rack is positioned on the roof of your car (as for a roof box, this implies having roof racks beforehand). Ideal solution to best protect your bike (no friction with other bikes, no proximity to your car's exhaust, etc.), the roof bike carrier guarantees full visibility behind the bike. vehicle. With its positioning on the roof, it frees up access to your car's trunk. The installation of the bicycles is however rather delicate (in height). The roof bike rack inherently increases the height of your vehicle, which can limit your access to certain areas, such as parking lots.The position of the bike finally causes additional resistance which results in excess fuel consumption.

The bike rack on the trunk

For your bike carrier, you have the choice of a model that attaches to the trunk of your car rather than to the roof.

Economical, this type of bike carrier has the advantage of being easy to install and of being suitable for a very large number of vehicles.

On the other hand, a bicycle rack on the trunk prevents access to the trunk of your car and significantly reduces visibility to the rear.

Depending on the installation configuration, the purchase of a license plate and / or additional lights may be necessary.

The towing ball carrier

This is the easiest type of bike carrier to install (see below) and the one offering the best stability for your bikes.

Particularly recommended for people who regularly use this type of equipment, the towing ball carrier guarantees quick and easy access to the bikes.

Some models with tilting also free access to the boot.

As you may have guessed, the hitch ball bike carrier requires you to have a hitch ball (the same one you use to tow a trailer with your car), or to install it.

How do I attach my bike rack?

How you attach your bike carrier depends on the model and type of bike carrier:

• To attach a roof-mounted bicycle carrier: it is usually sufficient to position the rails of the bicycle carrier on the roof racks of your vehicle and to fix them firmly.

  Then slide your bike onto these rails and close the center clip to the bike frame.

  A few tightening turns on the safety straps complete the assembly.

• To attach a bicycle rack to a trunk or tailgate: here, it is a question of securely fixing the bike carrier to the trunk using straps.

  Anti-vibration wedges make the link between the device and the body of your car.

• To attach a bicycle carrier on a towing ball: this is undoubtedly the simplest solution for attaching a bicycle carrier.

  All you have to do is insert and screw the bike carrier onto the towing ball before presenting the bikes and strapping them down.

Whatever type of bike carrier you want to install on your vehicle, always make sure you follow the instructions supplied with your equipment.

Thoroughly check the soundness and safety of the installation before your departure.

Which bike carrier is suitable for my car?

Not all bike carrier models are specially suitable for all car models.

If your vehicle does not have a towing ball and / or roof bars, it would be better, for example, to orient yourself towards a bicycle rack on the trunk.

In most cases, manufacturers specify which cars their bike carrier models are compatible with.

What is the most practical bike carrier?

It all depends on your use of a bike rack, the type of vehicle you own or the type of bike to transport.

For many, the hitch ball bike rack is the most convenient type of bike rack.

It combines robustness, safety and ease of installation.

If you are passionate about cycling and have a high-end bike, however, this type of bike rack may not be for you.

In direct contact with the road, the bicycle carrier is subjected to the impacts of the road which are reflected on the frame of your bicycle.

The most practical bike carrier is therefore above all the one that best meets your needs.

Read also :

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