Before choosing a bike carrier, ask yourself the following questions:
- How many bikes are you planning to transport?
- What are the mounting options on your vehicle?
- Do you want to have a bike carrier on the roof or hitched behind the car?
Roof racks - everybody's favourite
If you often bike long distances, roof racks are the way to go. You can mount 3 or 4 bikes on a single car and lock them in place, they are super versatile, and your bikes don’t get all dirty.
Keep in mind, however, that due to worse aerodynamics, having bikes on your roof changes the driving characteristics and increases fuel consumption of your car.
Individual bike racks differ depending on the materials used and mounting method. We strongly recommend buying from a renowned manufacturer; poorly made racks tend to rust and the assembly and bike mounting is often more difficult than it should be.
Even high-quality roof racks can be purchased for a reasonable price, because you only need one rack for each bike.
Pros and cons
- Can mount up to 4 bikes
- Bikes stay clean
- Compact
- Good price
- Racks can be moved to different car
| - Mounting bikes over your head can be hard
- No garage parking
- Higher fuel consumption and worse driving characteristics
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Towbar bike racks - focused on comfort
Towbar bike racks are more expensive compared to other rack types, but they are easy to install and use. Their hitch mount construction also provides access to the rear of your vehicle even when the bikes are mounted.
The disadvantage of this rack type is the simple fact that you need a receiver hitch. The bikes are also mounted close to the pavement, so they can get quite dirty. And since they are mounted right behind you, they obscure rear visibility.
Pros and cons
- Can mount up to 4 bike
- Easy to install
- Easy to load or unload bikes
- Easy access to car trunk
- Racks can be moved to different car
| - Car must be fitted with receiver hitch
- Limited rear visibility
- Bikes get dirty
- Higher price
- Requires extra bike rack number plate
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Rear door bike racks - the cheapest solution
Rear door bike racks are the cheapest type, but they generally cannot accommodate more than 3 bikes. Just like the towbar type, the rear door racks have little influence on the aerodynamics or fuel consumption, but you have to put up with limited rear visibility. Access to the luggage compartment is also virtually impossible. Before you buy, make sure the rack is compatible with your car, as this rack type is not suitable for all cars (sedans are one obvious example).
Pros and cons
- Can mount up to three bikes
- Can enter garage without unloading bikes
- Low price
| - Poor luggage compartment access
- No garage parking
- Not suitable for every vehicle type
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