| Selecting the right bike rack can be a challenge. You | | | | because the bicycle is protected from flying debris. |
| have to know the different types that are available | | | | The biggest downside is that it does make it difficult to |
| and what will work best for your type of vehicle. Here | | | | get inside the rear of the vehicle, unless you have one |
| is what you need to know to help you select the right | | | | if the cool, new swing away styles. |
| bike rack. There are basically 4 types of bicycle racks | | | | Trunk Mounted Bike Rack |
| available today. Here they are: | | | | A rack mounted on the trunk can be a great choice |
| Roof Mounted Bike Racks | | | | for short trips. These are the least expensive of the |
| Roof mounted bike racks are a popular choice for bike | | | | bicycle rack types. The bike is protected from flying |
| storage and transportation today. The bike is | | | | debris, and that is always a plus. This is a great choice |
| conveniently situated on the roof of the car or SUV | | | | for those that do not want to transport their bike on |
| and the back of the vehicle is left easy to access. If | | | | the roof and do not have a hitch. The negatives for |
| you have a roof rack already mounted on your vehicle | | | | this type of a rack is that the bike is not very firmly |
| it makes this a much easier choice. However, there | | | | secured and will bounce quite a bit. Also, this type of a |
| are some versions that work without a car roof rack. | | | | set up will definitely make it difficult to access a rear |
| The downside to a rack on the roof is that it exposes | | | | hatch or trunk. |
| the bicycle to the elements. Flying rocks and debris | | | | Truck Bed Bike Rack |
| can hit the bike and cause damage. Also, drivers have | | | | If you drive a truck, why not consider using the bed of |
| been known to forget the bike is on top of their vehicle | | | | the truck for storage and transporting of your |
| and they damage the bike when they drive into low | | | | bicycles? This type of a rack firmly attaches to the |
| ceiling areas like car ports or garages. | | | | bed of the truck and can carry one or more bikes. |
| Hitch Bike Rack | | | | This works great as compared to just throwing bikes |
| The hitch rack is very convenient, but you must have | | | | in the back of the truck. Using this type of a rack |
| a hitch or at least a receiver for one. If you do this can | | | | protects the bikes from getting damaged or bent. The |
| be a good choice. Some versions are fixed and mount | | | | only real downside to this type of bike storage is that |
| solidly against the back of the vehicle so the bike is | | | | bikes will take up part of the truck bed, so you will |
| secure. There are other versions available that allow | | | | have less room for the storage of other items if you |
| the bike to swing away so the rear of the vehicle can | | | | are taking a trip. |
| be accessed. Many people like this type of a bike rack | | | | |