| Is there anything more aggravating than sitting behind a | | | | With durable metal construction, a hitch bike rack |
| bicyclist in a turn lane and following them through the | | | | typically holds up to 4 bicycles but requires a trailer |
| intersection at a glacial pace of 2 mph? If you have | | | | hitch for mounting. |
| the sense to take your bike out to designated biking | | | | Another handy item to haul your gear to and from is a |
| areas rather than ride in rush-hour traffic, you're one of | | | | rooftop cargo carrier. Like a second trunk, a rooftop |
| us. And, whether you're packing up for a quick day trip | | | | cargo carrier expands your storage space capability, |
| or a longer jaunt through the back-country, there are 3 | | | | allowing for more leg room or an extra cooler in the |
| things that will make your trip smoother and instantly | | | | cab. Many feature a snap-on mounting system, that |
| more enjoyable. | | | | often works with your existing roof rack, and provide |
| A bike rack would seem like an obvious purchase for | | | | quick installation and simple removal for convenient |
| the biking enthusiast, but it's amazing how many people | | | | storage when not in use. Constructed from all-weather |
| cram their gear into the back of a truck or SUV, | | | | ABS, they come in three sizes, with up to 17 cubic feet |
| enduring the hassle of removing one or both wheels. | | | | of cargo room, and let you lock your belongings when |
| When selecting a bike rack, keep in mind how many | | | | you stop to stretch your legs, protecting your valuables |
| bikes you'll be hauling, remembering to include extra | | | | from thieves. |
| space for buddies and their girlfriends. Bike racks can | | | | Finally, road maps are also a smart thing to take with |
| be installed on the roof of your vehicle, attached to the | | | | you, especially when exploring areas with sketchy cell |
| trunk or rear door, or mounted on a trailer hitch. A roof | | | | or GPS reception. And, do yourself a favor: don't rely |
| rack stores your bikes out of the way and, unlike a | | | | on online mapping systems. Purchase printed road |
| rear-mounted rack, prevents them from blocking your | | | | maps from your local bookstore. Many include |
| vision. In addition, trunk or rear-mounted bike racks are | | | | elevation, smaller country roads, and even come |
| somewhat easier to use and often more affordable, | | | | laminated or coated with a waxy finish to preserve |
| but they also make it difficult to access the trunk or | | | | them from wet weather or other destructive |
| rear of the vehicle. If you prefer a rear-mounted bike | | | | conditions, like unavoidable overturned Big Gulps, a |
| rack, consider one that attaches to your trailer hitch. | | | | perennial road trip problem. |