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Step-By-Step Step-By-Step Bike Rack Finder Hey you! Looking for a bike rack? We have over 300 bike rack systems to choose from but before you get lost in this maze, let us help. Finding the perfect bike rack for your family can be a very difficult and requires a lot of research. At Bike Carrier Direct, our goal is to make this process quick and easy for you. We have years of experience in the industry so we've come up with a simple process for finding the rack that is perfect for you. It's super simple. Just go through and answer the questions below and follow the links to your new bike rack. The first thing you need to consider is where you want to carry your bike racks. Read the description, including the pros and cons of each before deciding. There are 4 main options: - Hitch Mounted Carriers
- Roof Mounted Carriers
- Trunk Mounted Carriers
- Specialty Bike Racks
- Spare-Tire Racks
- Truck Racks
- RV Racks
Hitch Mounted Bike Carriers I personally have a hitch mounted bike carrier. I guess that is because my SUV has a hitch :) So if you are like me and drive a car or truck that is already equipped with a trailer hitch system, hitch mounted bike carriers are a great option. I know what you are thinking, "But Mike, what if my car doesn't have a hitch yet." Let's look at the pros and cons of hitch mounted bike carriers if your car is not yet equipped with a hitch. Pros: - Security: Securely lock the rack to your cars hitch (hitch lock) and the bikes to the hitch (lock and cable)
- Capacity: Carry up to 5 bikes on some rack systems (4 is standard but there are even options for 2 and 3 bikes only)
- Versatility: Carrying mountain bikes, road bikes, ladies bikes and kids bikes is a breeze
- Cost: This is neither a pro or a con as they range in price from $179.99 up to over $400 (depending on desired bells and whistles)
- Safety: Bikes are safe from debris behind your car/truck/suv. Unsafe in rear-end collisions.
Cons: - Travelability: Great for frequent short trips
- Mobility: Racks weigh between 30-60lbs which can be difficult to take on and off your car/truck/suv
- Durability: The rack can last the lifetime of your car however smaller rubber parts wear out and require replacing (tie down straps)
Hitch mounted bike racks are the perfect option for a family looking to bond at the local bike trail. They are versatile enough to carry any style bike, from BMX wheelie machines, to beach cruising comfort bikes to trail shredding mountain bikes. If you don't have a trailer already, you can have one installed at your local U-haul store for about $150.
If you are looking for a Hitch Bike Rack click continue. 
Roof Mounted Carriers Mounting your bike on your roof is the perfect option if your car is already equipped with a rack (also called rails). Simple, right? So what if your car does not come equipped with a roof rack. Well, a roof mounted bike right might still be a good option but lets take a look at the pros and cons. Pros: - Security: Secure and Safe
- Durability: Can last the lifetime of your car
- Travelabity (is that a word?): Ideal for frequent long trips
- Mobility: The rack stays put, nothing to move
- Gas Mileage: Poor
Cons: - Capacity: Most roof racks are designed to hold 1-2 bikes (3 max)
- Cost: If you don't have a roof rack already, you have to install the rails on your car (approx $200-400)
- Versatility: Difficult to mount kids bikes and adult bikes at the same time
- Safety: We are talking bike safety here...possible damage due to flying road debris. However the bikes are safe from rear-end collisions.
Roof bike racks are ideal for the avid cyclist. It is the most secure way to transport bikes for long trips. So before you pack up the kids and head to your next triathalon, you should consider adding a roof bike rack to your car, or SUV. If you are looking for a Roof Bike Rack click continue.
Trunk Mounted Bike Carriers So if your car doesn't have a roof rack or a trailer hitch, trunk mounted racks might be your best option. However, before you decide that you don't want to invest in a roof or hitch system read the pros and cons of a Trunk Mouned Bike Carrier Pros: - Cost: By far the lowest cost options avaiable, racks start as low as $59.99
- Mobility: These lightweight racks are easy to remove when not in use
- Safety: This is a pro and con. Bikes are safe from debris but improper mounting could mean your bike goes bouncing down the highway (simply mount the rack per the manufacturer's instructions and yo won't have this problem)
Cons: - Travelability: Trunk mounted bike racks are not intended for long trips
- Capacity: Many claim to allow up to 4 bikes, but take my word for it... 3 is ok, 2 is better, 1 is best
- Durability: There are many foam and rubber parts that will wear out but are easily replace
- Security: There is no mechanism to lock the rack to the trunk, however the bikes can be locked to the rack by looping a cable through the bikes and the rack.
Trunk bike racks are a very cost-effective option for small families on a budget. Versatile enough to carry any combination of bikes yet lacks some of the features of the more expensive options, including the ability to lock the rack to the vehicle. Good for short distance trips to the local park.
If you are looking for a Trunk Bike Rack click continue.
Specialty Bike Carriers This is easy...
If you have a truck, buy a truck bike rack
If you have an RV, buy an RV mounted bike rack
If you have a spare-tire on the rear of your vehicle, buy a spare-tire bike rack For Tips and Tricks on selecting a Specialty Bike Rack click continue.
Simple enough, right?
Okay so that was just the beginning. In each category there are many options that you have to choose from but have no fear, we are hear to help you with that. Just continue to follow this guide as we walk you through each of the options so you can decided which ones are important to you. In the end, there will be 3-4 bike racks you should choose from. Happy Riding,
Mike
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