We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Automotive

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Bike Rack?

Jeff Petersen
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 14,458
Share

The first consideration in the purchase of a bike rack should be the number of bikes you'll need to carry. Racks come in a range of sizes and shapes. Common sizes may be designed to carry as few as one bike, or as many as four. Consider how many bikes you will need your rack to hold, keeping in mind the possibility of adding more bikes in the future. Also keep in mind that if one rack is not enough to hold all of your bicycles, you might be able to equip your vehicle with two.

Next, you will want to think about where you want your bike rack attached to your vehicle. It can be mounted on the roof, attached to the trunk or rear door, or mounted on a trailer hitch. Where you put your rack is an important consideration.

Bike racks on the roof have the benefit of being out of the way. You won't have to worry about the bikes getting in your line of vision or blocking access to the trunk. The downsides to a roof mounted rack are that they often need to be professionally installed, and that bikes on the rack are harder to stow and retrieve.

Trunk or rear mounted bike racks are easier to use, and can be relatively inexpensive. You can buy one at a bike store, or at stores like Target, Walmart, and K-Mart. They are easy to attach with straps and hooks to your car, so they can be removed when not in use. The negatives to a trunk mounted rack include difficulty accessing the trunk or rear of the vehicle and a less durable construction. Because they rely on fabric straps and less sturdy metal and plastic pieces than permanent bike racks, they are more susceptible to damage and theft.

A bike rack attached to the trailer hitch will likely be sturdy metal construction, and can often hold up to four bicycles. Of course, your vehicle needs to have a trailer hitch in order to use one of these, and while the rack is in use, you will be unable to haul a trailer. These types of racks tend to be quite solid, which is good for durability, but makes them more difficult to attach, detach, and store when not in use.

As with all purchases, you'll want to shop around for the best price and see if your dealer offers package deals, mounting instruction, or product warranties. Adding a bike rack to your vehicle is a fantastic way to bring your bikes with you wherever you go. Find the right product, attach your bicycles securely, and head out onto the open road. Just don't forget to avoid low bridges, and be extra careful when backing up.

Share
WikiMotors is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jeff Petersen
By Jeff Petersen
Jeff Petersen is a freelance writer, short story author, and novelist based in Berkeley, California. He earned his B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Creighton University and loves putting his skills to work creating captivating content for WikiMotors. Jeff's articles cover a broad range of subjects, keeping readers informed and entertained with his insightful writing style.
Discussion Comments
By anon148944 — On Feb 02, 2011

Anon14394: I have the same vehicle and am currently looking for a bike rack as well. Were you able to find one? If so, please fill me in on what you found out. Thanks!

By anon14394 — On Jun 16, 2008

Hello,

I am looking to purchase a bike rack for 2 bikes, but the car I drive is a Buick Century. I think I'd like to have a rack attached to my trunk. Is this possible having a Buick Century, and do you have any suggestions of a brand or model I should look into? Thanks!

Jeff Petersen
Jeff Petersen
Jeff Petersen is a freelance writer, short story author, and novelist based in Berkeley, California. He earned his B.A....
Learn more
Share
https://www.wikimotors.org/what-should-i-consider-when-buying-a-bike-rack.htm
Copy this link
WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.