Many car manufacturers, nowadays, include some features like racks, crossbars, and hitches attached. These features aid in carrying your sport gear in more convenient places. Depending on your car, the features will help you choose what car bike carrier is best for your vehicle.

Starting with the most common type of carriers, the strap-on trunk rack, hitch mount rack, and roof-mounted rack, these car bike carriers have their own distinct designs that may suit your car frame.

The strap-on trunk is the least expensive of all carriers. The straps are easy to attach on the rack and easy to assemble into your car. It can carry as much as 3 bikes. The best thing about the strap-on trunk rack is that it is not vehicle-specific. This is very convenient for those who avail of car rentals and own different cars.

The weak point of carriers is that the straps will eventually wear out and become loose. This will jeopardize the racks and your bike’s safety. Another type of car bike carrier is the hitch mount rack, which has an easy to install system that works with just a slide on the hitch. It gives a good hold on your bikes and gives premium security. Hitch mount racks have different sizes that only match the exact hitch of your car.

The class I hitch is best for almost all cars. On the other hand, the class III hitch is usually best for truck pick-up SUVs. It is also noticeable that it gives a lesser chance of scratching your car. The price of this type of car bike carrier may be costly, but, it provides a safe travel of your gears.

The roof-mounted rack allows more than 5 bicycles on your car’s rooftop. A roof-mounted rack is preferable with cars that have built-in roof racks and crossbars.

Roof-mounted racks give a flexible purpose. Even if it is another season it can be used as a snowboard rack or kayak rack. The downside with this car bike carrier is that it limits the number of allowable clearance. It has also been reported to be producing dragging noises during travels. In some instances, cars with curved rooftops may not find this type of carrier suitable.

A manufacturer’s fit guide is available when you purchase different types of car bike carriers. Since safety is the top priority, always check the allowable weight that the manufacturers provide to prevent rollover accidents.

By: Athena McDonald