| Unfortunately we can't ride our bikes | | | | 4. What shape are your bikes? |
| everywhere. Sometimes we have to transport | | | | |
| our bikes from one place to another. In the | | | | You must into consideration the size and |
| old days, people would use hodge-podge | | | | shape of your bikes. If you are transporting |
| methods to tie their bikes to vehicles for | | | | children's bikes, for example, you will need |
| transport, but those days are long over! With | | | | racks that will take that size of bicycles. |
| the advent of back racks, it is now possible | | | | |
| to transport your bikes safely and securely. | | | | 5. Who will load the bicycles on the rack? |
| | | | |
| Bike racks come in many different styles and | | | | It has to be convenient for the loader. The |
| uses. They also come in various prices. You | | | | easier the rack is to load unto the more |
| need to do a little investigation to see what | | | | expensive the rack. |
| fits your needs. You very well sped as much | | | | |
| as 300 dollars on a high quality bike rack or | | | | 6. How strong should your rack be? |
| pick up one really cheap at bazaars or garage | | | | |
| sales. The one you pick will depend on your | | | | If you are loading heavy bikes, you will need |
| needs. Be sure to ask yourself the following | | | | racks that can withstand the weight of the |
| questions. | | | | bike. They have to be made of sturdy |
| | | | material. But the sturdier the material, the |
| 1. What vehicle will be used? | | | | pricier the rack. |
| | | | |
| You need to know where the bike rack will be | | | | 7. Should it be lockable? |
| going. This is important because you need to | | | | |
| know how the rack will attach to your | | | | If you want added security for your bikes you |
| vehicle. Racks use different attachment | | | | will want to purchase racks that support |
| methods. You will have to choose one that | | | | locks and other security devices. |
| fits your vehicle. | | | | |
| | | | 8. How often are you likely to use the rack? |
| 2. How many bikes will you need to transport? | | | | |
| | | | You need to know how often you will use the |
| Do you transport two or more bikes? If so, | | | | rack so that you can purchase one that can |
| you will want to buy attachments that will | | | | withstand the rigors of travel. If you will |
| allow more than one bike rack. | | | | not use it often, you will not have to |
| | | | purchase a heavy-duty, high price rack. |
| 3. Where do you want them to be racked? | | | | |
| | | | 9. How much do you want to spend? |
| Consider whether you want a roof, rear, or | | | | |
| sport rack: | | | | Ultimately, everything boils down to your |
| | | | budget. If you can't afford it, even if you |
| - Roof Racks These racks are attached at the | | | | need it, it will have to wait. But don't be |
| top of a vehicle | | | | afraid to save up if the cheaper alternatives |
| | | | do not match up to your needs. Try to find a |
| - Rear Racks These racks attach to the rear | | | | rack that has only the features you need. If |
| of vehicle | | | | it has bells and whistles you don't need, |
| | | | don't buy it right away. It's fine to take |
| - Sport Trailers These are used to carry many | | | | into consideration features and functionality |
| bicycles | | | | that you might need in the future, for |
| | | | example. |