| The trend of buying bicycle racks for cars has been | | | | it should be so that your rack fits it. Also be sure to |
| increasing quite dramatically in recent months. This is | | | | get the hitch mount bike rack that is as swing away |
| not only to do with the high cost of gas but, the | | | | type or can be lowered. Some models are fixed so |
| growing popularity of a very family orientated sport. | | | | you won't be able to open your trunk anyway! |
| The problem is that there are also a lot of returns of | | | | 2. What Type of Bike Do You Have? |
| bike racks because people buy the wrong bike carrier | | | | A 4 bike rack will carry 3 bikes comfortably but you |
| and end up with scratches or loose racks and are | | | | often find the 4th will only just squeeze in if not at |
| generally unhappy with their purchase. | | | | all. This is because the carrier is designed for general |
| So if you are thinking of getting car bike racks | | | | frames and not for ladies bikes, kid's bikes, a tandem |
| anytime soon, read through this article to find out | | | | and so on. Be sure to ensure that your bike frame |
| what common mistakes you can avoid when buying | | | | and size will be best suited to the rack you choose. |
| a bike carrier. | | | | 3. Choose a bigger rather than a smaller rack |
| 1. Choose The Correct Bike Rack for Your Car | | | | Bikers get so into their riding that they often rope |
| There are 5 main types of bicycle racks for cars and | | | | the whole family in. So if you are planning on only |
| trucks. They are the roof mount, hitch mount, trunk | | | | getting a bicycle carrier for one or two bikes, maybe |
| mount, tire mount, and truck bed mount. The type | | | | think of getting one for 3 bicycles. They are not that |
| of rack you buy will depend on the type of car you | | | | much more expensive and you will most likely find |
| have among a few other things. | | | | yourself inviting a friend or family member along |
| If you have a car with a hatch back and no hitch | | | | because you have the extra space for friends. |
| receiver, your choice would be narrowed down to a | | | | 4. Be Careful of Damaging the Paint Work on Your |
| trunk mount bike rack or the roof top bike rack. | | | | Car |
| Now, you need to check that the model you are | | | | This happens to those people who buy the trunk |
| going with, will fit the car you drive. Also make sure | | | | mount bike rack that come with straps. This doesn't |
| that the rack includes all the extra's like locks, extra | | | | imply that this type of rack is a bad one, just takes |
| bars or straps if you need them. More expensive | | | | the necessary precautions to prevent scratches. You |
| racks often have good padding for protection, life | | | | can buy some cheap rubber padding and put it |
| time guarantees and good customer support, but | | | | between the frame and car for extra care. Also |
| they don't always include all the parts you need. | | | | make sure the car is clean and dust free when you |
| The fine print and reviews of most products will soon | | | | attach the rack to avoid the sandpapering effect. |
| let you know. | | | | Lastly choose a rack that is going to fit your car |
| If you have a hatch back, but want a hitch mount | | | | properly. A bad fit will mean it will be a tad loose and |
| bike rack, because of the reason that you need | | | | end up rubbing badly. If you do have to get a trunk |
| access to the trunk, then all you need to do is get a | | | | style bike rack, then choose one that doesn't rest on |
| hitch receiver fitted. Before you rush out and buy a | | | | the back bumper. That will help you out a lot. |
| hitch receiver make sure you know how many inches | | | | |