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Bicycle Carriers
When you need to transport your bike on vacation
or to a bike trail, don't be tempted to place
a cover over the back seat or in the trunk
and put your bike in there. Racks specially
designed for carrying bikes make loading
and unloading faster and easier and reduce
the possibility of damage to your bike or
vehicle.
There are three basic types of bike carriers:
truck bed, rooftop, and rear mounted.
- Truck bed carriers are mounted in the open
bed of a truck and, depending on the model,
can carry multiple bikes and gear. They can
be installed permanently or temporarily,
so it can to be put in another vehicle
- Rooftop carriers allow you access to your
vehicles’ trunk, back door, or towing hitch.
Rooftop models can carry more bikes than
rear mounted models and will accommodate
longer bikes like recumbents and tandem bikes.
You can also carry other items like surfboards
and golf clubs. Rooftop racks are not for
the weak, as you may find it difficult getting
the bikes on top of your vehicle; if so,
consider getting a booster step that temporarily
attaches to a vehicle wheel to give you a
higher working platform.
- Rear mounted carriers attach to the bumper,
trunk, spare-tire, towing hitch, or in a
receiver. Generally less expensive than rooftop
models, they are also easier to install and
load. Look for a model that folds down or
swings away so that you can open the trunk
or back door. Not all racks work on all vehicles
(for example, those with protruding, off-center
spare tires won't accept most rear racks),
so check the specifications before you buy.
Regardless of which bike carrier you choose,
it should be sturdy and hold the bike(s)
securely. A good locking system is important
so the bike does not fall off or is easily
stolen. To protect your bike from rubbing
against another bike or the vehicle, from
the weather, and from bug splatters, consider
covering your bike with a protective bike
cover.
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