Last update on 2021-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The very idea of fitting a car bike rack on a car can be frightening. Many people assume that they must either have a garage or a space for the rack that is large enough to allow the bike to fit. Others may think that they must have a completely separate space in which to store their bike, meaning that the space available around the car itself is limited. The end result is often that only the most extreme bike riders and those with the biggest bicycles actually find the right car bike rack for their car.
Finding the perfect car bike rack is very important. Even though it is an off-road rack that is designed to withstand both snow and gravel and the weight of a heavy bicycle, it is still important to ensure that the frame of the bike is strong enough to withstand the rigors of riding for long periods of time. For example, a bracket that will secure a bicycle rack at the back of the car has to be strong enough to withstand the weight of the bicycle in question.
An outdoor bicycle rack should be made of stainless steel, preferably. If this is not possible, a material that is lightweight and that is durable will have to be chosen. This is especially true for a car bike rack in which the whole frame of the bicycle is sitting at the back of the car. Although weight may not be a concern in this case, there is a danger that the frame will become distorted from all the strain.
A simple and effective design for a bicycle rack is to use a chain guard. To install this design, one or two chains are fitted to the underside of the bars of the bike. As the cyclist rides down the road, these chains slide up the bars of the bike and stop on the frame.
When the bicycle has been dismounted and stored somewhere else, the chains can be fastened to a short chain guard attached to the rear of the car. This is avery secure design that is very inexpensive. It is also simple to remove and replace.
The frame of the bike should be strong enough to withstand the stress of rough and bumpy roads. Ideally, it should have a shock absorbing coating. Although a good quality car bike rack may not need any coatings or protective gaskets to protect it from road shock, it should be able to protect the bike frame if it is to be knocked around during a collision. This also gives the car owner peace of mind that the frame of his or her bike will be safe.
It is often tempting to fit a car bicycle rack at the front of the car as well. However, it should be remembered that when this is done, the other wheels of the bike are directly exposed to the road. Therefore, one must consider whether or not it is possible to keep the wheels of the bike safely locked on the car wheels in the event of a collision.
A bicycle rack that is bolted onto the frame is a more secure option, but it is often possible to mount it on the rear of the car. This makes the bike very visible but is much safer than locking it onto the frame. It is also easy to remove the bike if it is to be stored somewhere else.
It is sometimes possible to fit a car bike rack onto the front wheels, as well. It is easier to bolt this style of rack onto the car frame, and is a more attractive alternative to attaching the rack to the frame. However, many cyclists prefer to use this method as it makes the bike extremely visible to motorists as it sits securely mounted on the front of the car.
If one chooses to install a bicycle rack on the back of the car, the best option is to mount the rack into the frame. The only drawback to this is that a rear view mirror is not always provided for every cyclist. It may be helpful to attach a small rear view mirror to the back of the bike to make sure that the rear view of the car is clear and the bicycle visible to all who may be passing by.
Once the car is fitted with a bicycle rack, the most important thing is to ensure that it is protected. Allowing the bicycle to roll on the ground rather than on the floor may be a good idea. so that the bike is protected when it comes into contact with sharp objects. While it is best to use a bicycle parking kit, it is preferable to use a bike pad to protect the floor from any hard bumpy objects that might cause damage to the floor.
