We can't ride our bikes everywhere, though. We have to move our bikes from one place to another sometimes. In the past, people would tie their bikes to their cars in all sorts of different ways, but those days are long gone! With the invention of back racks, you can now safely and securely transport your bikes.
Bike racks come in many different styles and can be used for many different things. They also cost different amounts. You should do some research to find out what fits your needs. You could spend as much as $300 on a high-quality bike rack, or you could get one at a bazaar or garage sale for very little money. Which one you choose depends on what you need. Make sure you ask yourself the questions below.
What kind of car will be used?
You have to figure out where the bike rack will go. This is important because you need to know how the rack will attach to your car. Different ways of attaching racks are used. You'll have to pick one that works with your car.
- How many bikes do you have to move?
Do you carry more than one bike? If so, you'll need to buy attachments that let you put more than one bike rack on your car.
- Where do you want them to be stacked?
Think about if you want a roof rack, a rear rack, or a sport rack:
- Cargo Baskets These racks are attached to a car's roof.
Back Racks These racks go on the back of a car.
- Trailers for Sports These are used to move a lot of bikes.
- How do your bikes look?
You need to think about how big and round your bikes are. For example, if you want to move children's bikes, you will need racks that can hold those sizes.
Who is going to put the bikes on the rack?
It has to be easy for the person loading. The price of a rack goes up based on how easy it is to load.
How strong does your rack need to be?
If you're carrying heavy bikes, you'll need racks that can handle the weight. They must be made of something strong. But the rack costs more the stronger the material is.
- Should you be able to lock it?
If you want to keep your bikes even safer, you should buy racks that can hold locks and other safety devices.
- How often do you think you'll use it?
You need to know how often you'll use the rack so you can buy one that can stand up to the wear and tear of travel. You don't have to buy a heavy-duty, expensive rack if you won't use it very often.
- How much money do you want to spend?
In the end, everything comes down to how much money you have. Even if you need it, it will have to wait if you can't pay for it. But don't be afraid to save up if the cheaper options don't work for you. Try to find a rack with only the features you need. Don't buy it right away if it has bells and whistles you don't need. It's okay to think about things like features and functions you might need in the future.
