Cycling is a fun hobby and a great way to get in shape, and bike racks are an excellent way to store your bike when you're not using it as well as when you're taking it to the trails you want to ride on. But how do you choose the right bike racks? Whether you want a storage rack for your residence, a travel rack that attaches to your vehicle or both, you'll learn how to buy bike racks in this bike rack buying guide.
There are two basic types of bike racks -- travel racks and storage racks -- and each type has an assortment of models and styles to choose from. Knowing what you need from your bike rack and determining your priorities is crucial. Here's what you need to know when you are selecting a bicycle rack.
The style of travel rack you choose depends on several factors. Ask yourself these questions before selecting a bike rack: How many bikes will you carry at once? What kind of vehicle do you own? Can you physically lift a bicycle over your head? Will you need to remove the rack whenever it's not in use? Depending on the answers to these questions, you will choose one of the following styles of travel racks:
Roof racks
Roof racks attach to the roof of a vehicle and are best suited for larger cars and those equipped with built-in base racks.
Pro: Roof racks are convenient not only for transporting bicycles but for other sports equipment, too.
Cons: Roof racks don't allow you to pull your vehicle into a garage or carport while your bikes are loaded on them because of clearance issues.
Shorter people may need a ladder to load and unload bikes.
Trunk racks
Trunk racks attach to the back end of your vehicle (your vehicle doesn't actually have to have a trunk to use a trunk rack). This style of rack is perfect for smaller vehicles.
Pros: Trunk racks are easy to attach and detach from your vehicle, so you can use them when you need them and keep them safely stored away when you don't.
You can also still use your garage or carport when your bikes are loaded on your rack because they don't increase your vehicle's profile.
Cons: Trunk racks require cables and locks to be secured.
Some racks of this type can accommodate only one bike at a time.
Hitch-mount racks
One of the newest concepts in bike racks is the hitch-mount rack. This rack attaches solely to a vehicle's trailer hitch. Hitch racks are especially handy for SUVs and minivans because of those vehicles' design.
Pros: Hitch racks can hold multiple bikes without a problem.
They are easily adjustable and easy to remove when not in use.
Con: The major drawback to hitch-mount racks is that they protrude significantly from the rear of your vehicle, making maneuvering in tight places difficult.
Pickup racks
Pickup racks are designed specifically for the beds of pickup trucks. They work well for larger trucks, but some pickup racks are a tight fit in smaller trucks.
Pro: Pickup racks are easy to install.
Storage racks are great for keeping your garage or storage area organized, especially if you have more than one bicycle to keep track of. Storage racks are available in many different styles, from the basic metal parking rack to intricate ceiling-mounted pulley systems. Here are four basic types:
Standing racks
Standing racks don't need to be mounted anywhere, which makes them a great choice when you're keeping your bikes outdoors or when you need to store your bike in an apartment. Since standing racks come in a variety of sizes, you'll be able to find one that's right for you no matter how many bikes you have. If you do choose to keep your standing rack outside, for security, each bicycle will need a separate lock.
Wall-mounted hoist racks
For storing your bikes indoors when room is at a premium, a wall-mounted hoist rack is the perfect solution. This style of rack is secured to the wall of a garage, basement or wherever you want to keep your bikes, and then the bikes are hung by hooks to one wheel, storing the bike in an upright position. These racks offer no security, so make sure you use them only in a secure location.
Wall-mounted horizontal racks
Wall-mounted horizontal racks are not as space-saving as hoist racks, but they do allow bikes to be stored without dangling. The racks, which are securely mounted on a wall, hold bikes in their normal riding position. One advantage to horizontal racks is that they allow bikes to be secured with locks while stored.
Floor-to-ceiling racks
These racks are tension-mounted to the floor and the ceiling, which is good because there is no drilling involved in the installation. They usually hold a maximum of two bikes -- one hung above the other. A floor to ceiling rack is a great choice if you want to be able to move your rack easily.
I am planning on buying a bike rack for my compact car that I will use every day for commuting. Which type of rack will work best for me?
While any of the types mentioned will work for your purposes, a hitch-mount rack might be your best choice. It's more convenient than a roof rack for everyday use, and it also allows for access to your trunk, which is not the case with strap-mounted rear racks. Some hitch-mounted racks even fold down, giving you even greater access to your trunk.
I want a secure outdoor bike rack, but I'm not sure what size I need. How do I choose?
It all depends on how many bicycles you expect to be parked at one time. Some bike storage racks hold only two bikes. Others can hold up to 20 bikes. If you're buying the rack for a business or public building, you'll probably want a larger rack rather than several smaller racks because it will take up less room. With bike usage on the rise, you want to make sure you have enough rack spaces for everyone. A stolen bike can translate into a lost customer in a hurry.
While I want to take my bike with me on trips, I'm very protective of my vehicle. Which type of rack will have the least chance of getting my car's paint scratched?
While it may be more difficult to get your bike on and off, a roof rack provides the most security for your car. A rack mounted on the roof generally features rails that the bike sits on, which means the bike is actually strapped to the rails rather than your vehicle. If you don't mind lifting your bike up and down, and you can remember to take your bike off the rack before you pull into your garage, then a roof bike rack is your best choice.
A bike for your bike rack
Overstock.com not only has a great selection of bike racks; it also has lots of bicycles. Whether you're looking for a mountain bike, a beach cruiser, an all-terrain bike or even a tandem bicycle, you're sure to find what you want at deeply discounted prices. Why not upgrade your ride to a sports bike that's as snazzy as your new bike rack?
Keep your bike safe
The worst thing in the world is to come out to where you left your bicycle and find that it's gone. You can keep your bike safe with bike locks from Overstock.com. Whether you're locking your bike to your new bike rack or to a downtown parking meter, having a top-quality bike lock can mean the difference between having a bike and having the memory of a bike. Be safe with a sturdy bike lock from Overstock.com
Stock up on all of your bicycling gear
Since you've made the wise decision to include your bike in more activities by buying a bike rack, why not stock up on all of your bicycling gear, too? Overstock.com offers everything from cycling clothes to cycling shoes in a wide variety of styles and colors. Whether you need warm weather gear, cold weather gear or just a bell for your handlebars, you'll find it for less on Overstock.com -- your online shopping outlet for sports and fitness gear!
