There are three main types of bike racks; hitch mounted, strap mounted and roof mounted. Each one comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Hitch Mounted Racks
These are attached to a hitch at the rear of the vehicle. There are two kinds.
• Class I roof racks are compatible with a large number of cars and small SUVs. Depending on the design, they can hold up to three bikes.
• Class III roof racks are designed for use with large trucks and SUVs. They can hold a larger number of bikes than Class I bike racks. Unfortunately, they cannot be used on smaller vehicles without expensive modifications.
These racks are extremely easy to install and there is generally less chance of accidentally scraping paint off a vehicle while mounting bikes.
However, without proper installation, they can block rear windows, increasing the chance of causing accidents when backing up, or obscure license plates, which is considered illegal in many jurisdictions.
Strap-mounted trunk-mounted luggage racks
These bike racks strap to the trunk, rear bumper or tailgate and carry up to three bikes. They come with padded or plastic-coated frame mounts to protect the bikes from scratches and other damage.
Strap racks are inexpensive and easy to store when not in use. They are also versatile and can be used on virtually any model, making them particularly suitable for rental vehicles.
Unfortunately, like hitch-mounted roof racks, they can block the rear window if installed poorly. They are also less secure, as it is possible for thieves to untie or cut the straps that secure the racks to the vehicle.
roof rack
These attach to the vehicle’s upper door frames or rain gutters, or where available, crossbars or roof racks, which is generally cheaper. Depending on the size of the vehicle, up to seven bikes can be transported. A special case can be added if additional storage space is needed for tools and other equipment. When not used to hold bikes, the bike rack can also be used to transport canoes and skis.
While roof-mounted luggage racks ensure an unobstructed view from the rear window, they are more difficult to install. Other disadvantages include increased air resistance, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and wind noise, and a greater chance of scratching paint when bikes are raised on the roof of the vehicle.
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the main types of bike racks on the market can make it easier to decide which one to choose.