A bicycle parking rack, usually referred to as a bike rack or bicycle stand, is a tool to which bikes can be steadily attached. A bike rack may be free standing. But some bike racks may be attached to the ground or to a fixed object, like buildings. A bike rack may also be installed on top or at the back of a vehicle.
Are bike racks universal?
Bike racks can be installed to any type of car. They are usually mounted on the roof of a car. When you want to install or attach a bicycle rack to your car, you only need to consider which bike rack would be the best fit for your car. But of course, your car must be solid and strong enough to carry the weight of the rack and your bike.
It is easy to choose a bike rack for the reason that it is more application-specific than any other kinds of racks. You simply have to know several pieces of basic information for you to find what rack ideally fits your car:
- What kind of bike do you have?
- How many bikes do you have to bring with you?
- Where do you want to carry your bike – on the roof of your car or at the back of it?
Which bike rack should I buy?
The model and style of bike rack you will need are influenced by a lot of factors, such as the type of bike as well as vehicle that you have. If you have a smaller car, then installing a bike rack on its roof is a better option. It is the most economical and convenient way to have a bike rack.
On the other hand, if you have a tall vehicle or bikes that are heavier than usual, then a tray-style hitch mount could be ideal for you and your bike. Before buying a bike rack , consider these factors:
The stuff you have to carry
Perhaps you need to carry a bike or even a paddle board or a ski. Also, how many of them do you have to carry?
The year, make, and model of the car you are fitting
Before buying a bike rack, you need to make sure that it fits your car. Do you have a pickup truck, SUV, or a sedan? To help you decide, major bike rack manufacturers have vehicle fit guidelines that will help you decide on what bike rack best suits you and your car.
The readiness of your car
Does your car already have a receiver trailer hitch or roof crossbars? What’s their size? If not, of course, you have to install those, too.
Are bike racks removable?
Yes, a bike rack can be easily installed and uninstalled.
To have a bike rack removed from the trailer hitch, you have to use your key to have the unit unlocked. Then at the bottom right side of the bike rack where it is attached to the receiver, you will see a black bar. You have to pull the bar away from the bike rack and then release the anti-rattle handle.