(Last updated on 09/20/2022)
Whether you're heading to the bike shop or starting a cycling expedition, a bike rack makes transporting your bike a breeze. With so many different bike racks and vehicles out there, it can be difficult to check if they are compatible. Most SUVs are equipped with roof rails or a trailer hitch, which are a requirement for many carrier models.
This article introduces the seven best bike racks that are compatible with SUVs to ensure your next bike ride is hassle-free and worry-free.
table of contents
- Types of bike racks for SUVs
- roof rack
- trailer hitch
- porter
- Buying guide to finding the right bike rack
- Rack compatibility with your vehicle
- The type of bikes you will be carrying
- Ease of use and vehicle accessibility
- How we rate the top bike racks for SUVs
- comparison table
- Overall best
- 1. Starker Sherpa 2.0
- Best budget bike rack
- 2. Saris Bones bike rack
- Best bike rack for eBikes
- 3. Yakima OnRamp
- Best trunk bike rack
- 4. Saris Bones EX 3 bike rack
- Bester 4-Bike Hitch Rack
- 5. Saris SuperClamp EX
- Best budget towbar mounted bike rack
- 6. Strong Beta
- Best wheels on roof rack
- 7. Thule ProRide XT
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Types of bike racks for SUVs
No matter what vehicle you drive, there's a bike rack that fits your specific needs and preferences. There are several main categories of bike racks, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. Read through this short guide to learn more about the types of bike racks commonly found on SUVs.
roof rack
SUVs come oftenequipped with roof railson top of the vehicle to secure bike racks, cargo boxes and other sports gear. Roof racks use this extra space above the vehicle to avoid access to the rear trunk where you may need to load and unload additional gear. There are a few different versions of roof top bike racks, so it's worth taking a closer look.
Most roof racks attach to your SUV's existing roof rails for a secure, reliable connection.Installation of the roof rackis usually a painless process and is highly adjustable, allowing you to slide the frame into the desired position. Today, almost all models are equipped with reliable locking systems to prevent someone from snagging your luggage rack (racks alone can cost a pretty penny) or your precious bike.
Many roof racks carry bikes with both wheels still attached, while other racks require the front wheel to be removed to secure the bike via the front fork dropouts. Wheels-on racks are easier to load because the wheels can be removed, but the bike sits higher on the roof and is more exposed. Wheel-off models are a bit more streamlined and you'll need to stow the front wheel in your vehicle - hopefully the tires aren't too muddy!
The newest type of roof bars are vacuum suction cups that can be mounted on any flat surface of the car. Most standard SUVs come with fasteners, but the suction cups are great if your vehicle doesn't have roof rails or you're renting a car while traveling.
trailer hitch
Hitch carriers are equipped with a robust trailer hitch.Installation is easy— Simply slide the luggage rack into the tow bar's receiving tube and lock it. Due to the particularly secure connection, towbar carriers can carry more weight than other types of bike carriers.
The main advantage of hitch carriers is the ease of loading and unloading bikes. The rack is only a few feet off the ground, so you don't have to lift anything very high. Some racks also have an integrated ramp to make loading and unloading powerful e-bikes an effortless task.
However, towbars can obstruct the driver's view out the rear window and block access to the trunk as the bikes are carried at the rear of the SUV. Higher-end racks have features that mitigate these issues, and some can pivot/tilt outwards, allowing you to open the trunk even with the bikes loaded on the rack.
The two main types of hitch carriers are hanging and platform/tray carriers. Hanging racks secure bikes to their top tube with two and leave them hanging - this can sometimes cause bikes to sway or rub against each other. Platform or tray racks strap both wheels into wheel wells and have an extra clamp or adjustable arm for extra stability. These racks are closer to the ground and easier to load, but often more expensive.
porter
A classic luggage rack style for sedans and SUVs, trunk racks are an affordable way to transport bikes that are compatible with almost any car model. Truck racks use durable straps, hooks and stabilizing arms to attach the rack to the rear of the car. The racks are adaptable to any car model, but finding the perfect settings can be a tedious process. When not in use, the racks fold up small for easy storage in your vehicle or garage.
Pannier racks tend to be the cheapest type of rack and are great for weekend riders or budget conscious cyclists. The lightweight construction prevents these racks from carrying heavy electric bikes. Bikes hanging from the main support arm can sometimes swing or rub against other bikes, especially if the bikes are all similar in size. But trunk racks are great for families who have bikes of different sizes.
Buying guide to finding the right bike rack
Rack compatibility with your vehicle
Most SUVs already have the right equipment to mount a bike rack, whether it's a roof, tow bar or trunk rack. But all vehicles are different, even across model years, so it's worth taking a second look to see if the carrier you've bought will work with your SUV.
The type of bikes you will be carrying
Each bike rack has weight restrictions and a specific way of securing the frame or wheels. Electric bicycles are significantly heavier than conventional bicycles. Some high-end mountain bikes have unusual frame shapes that can make loading the bike a difficult task.
Ease of use and vehicle accessibility
If you plan to swap out the rack frequently, make sure the installation and removal process is fairly painless. Collapsible lighter trays are easy to store in the back of the vehicle or in the garage. Trunk and towbar carriers occupy the rear of the vehicle, but some towbar carriers tilt outward to allow access to the trunk even when loaded.
Related article:The best bike racks of 2022
How we rate the top bike racks for SUVs
I selected the bike racks on this list based on SUV compatibility, ease of use, bike stability, and price. The research behind this summary combines numerous user reviews, manufacturer specifications and my experience in the bicycle industry. Pannier racks are an essential piece of equipment for transporting your bike from one place to another, so choosing the best one is essential to being a worthwhile investment.
comparison table
| model | Rack-Typ | capacity | valuation | Preis |
| Starker Sherpa 2.0 | Trailer Hitch (Platform) | 2 bike | Overall best | $630 |
| Saris Bone | trunk | 2 bike | best value | $180 |
| Yakima OnRamp | Trailer Hitch (Platform) | 2 bike | Best luggage rack for Ebikes | $700 |
| Saree Bone EX | trunk | 3-Rad | Best Porter | $220 |
| Saris SuperClamp EX | Trailer Hitch (Platform) | 4-Rad | Best 4 bike rack | 1.000 $ |
| Strong beta | Trailer hitch (hanging) | 2 bike | Best hanging towbar carrier | $269 |
| Thule ProRide XT | roof | 1 bike | Best roof rack | $230 |
Overall best
1. Starker Sherpa 2.0
$630
ADVANTAGES
Easy to install and load
The rack folds out for trunk access
Relatively easy
DISADVANTAGE
Does not support heavy e-bikes
Almost every bike rack fan will agree that the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is one of the best setups out there. Easy to install and has the durability we've come to expect from platform hitch racks, this lightweight model carries bikes weighing up to 40 pounds each. You will hardly find a towbar carrier that performs as well at such a low price. The rack platform is low to the ground, making it easy to load and secure bikes with the adjustable locking arm.
My favorite feature is that you can tip the carrier away from the vehicle even when it's loaded with bikes. Most bike racks come in muted colors like black or gray, but the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 adds some flair to your bike adventures with a metallic finish and orange anodized accents - a big plus in my opinion.
Best budget bike rack
2. Saris Bones bike rack
ADVANTAGES
Affordable price
More stable than pannier racks in a similar price range
Fits on any trunk or SUV
DISADVANTAGE
Hanging bike design is not the best to avoid scratching or swinging bikes
The Saris Bones luggage rack is an extremely capable and affordable two-wheeler model that fits into any SUV. This trunk rack requires more effort to install, but the durable materials and lightweight construction make it a great value. Stabilizing arms made from durable recycled plastic and vinyl-coated hooks provide a strong connection to the rear of your vehicle, no tools required. The designers at Saris have done their homework and produced a fan-favorite trunk rack while keeping costs to a minimum.
As a luggage rack, it may not be suitable for bikes with unconventional frame shapes or suspension systems. However, the narrow profile of the mounting arms allows for better compatibility than most other hanging racks. It's not recommended for heavy e-bikes, but it's a perfect luggage rack option if your SUV doesn't have a towbar or you prefer a lightweight bike rack over more powerful models.
Best bike rack for eBikes
3. Yakima OnRamp
$700
ADVANTAGES
Integrated loading/unloading ramp for heavier bikes
Tilts out to allow trunk access
Weight capacity of 66 lbs. per bike
DISADVANTAGE
Not everyone likes frame clamps
Load and transport your e-bikes easily with this innovative hitch carrier, specially designed for heavy bikes. Leave the days of tediously lifting your heavy e-bike behind. Designed to carry two bikes up to 66 pounds each, the Yakima OnRamp features an integrated ramp that allows you to effortlessly roll your bike onto the rack.
This rack uses adjustable frame clamps as an extra point to secure heavy or large bikes. Like other high quality towbar carriers, this carrier can be tipped forward with bikes to gain access to the trunk. Whether you have an e-bike or just want extra assistance with loading and unloading, the Yakima OnRamp is here to make your life easier.
Best trunk bike rack
4. Saris Bones EX 3 bike rack
$220
ADVANTAGES
Capacity for 3 bikes
Light
Easily folds up for storage
DISADVANTAGE
Hanging design may cause bikes to rub
Not the easiest to install
An upgraded version of the Saris Bones model, the EX carrier carries three bikes and easily mounts to almost any car or SUV. The versatile design and sturdy construction comes at a great price, too. The team at Saris streamlined the installation process, and setup is pretty easy, especially considering it's a luggage rack.
The lightweight, molded plastic arms keep the rack stable and fold almost completely flat for storing the rack in your vehicle or garage. Bike racks usually come in 2 or 4 bike versions, but I'm glad this quality trio option exists. This bike rack is ideal for people looking for a 3 bike bike rack that fits securely on their vehicle and won't break the bank either.
Bester 4-Bike Hitch Rack
5. Saris SuperClamp EX
1.000 $
ADVANTAGES
Compact platform rack design
Holds four bikes
The luggage rack tilts to access the trunk
DISADVANTAGE
High price, but potentially cheaper than buying a bike rack attachment
Many 2-bike hitch carriers are available with additional options, but with the Saris SuperClamp EX you can transport four bikes straight away. If you often transport three or four bikes, you will benefit from this innovative platform carrier. The super-compact design supports a pair of bikes on each of the two horizontal bars, making it significantly lighter and smaller than 4-bike racks.
The carrier has a tilting feature that allows access to the rear of the vehicle even when fully loaded with bikes. It has a sleek aesthetic for such a high-capacity rack and folds away when not in use. Check out this model if you expect to be hauling four bikes on a regular basis and want to save some money compared to more expensive add-on setups - it even has a built-in bottle opener!
Best budget towbar mounted bike rack
6. Strong Beta
$269
ADVANTAGES
Robust and ultra-light
Tilts out to allow trunk access
easy installation
Aesthetic powder coating
DISADVANTAGE
40 pounds. Weight limit per bike
Hanging design may cause the bike to rub
Another excellent offering from Kuat, the Beta model is a hanging hitch carrier that beats its affordable price point. At only 14 lbs, it's ultra-light for a towbar rack, making it easy to install and store when folded. The durable materials allow the rack to carry two bikes up to 40lbs each. Maybe not enough for e-bikes, but it can definitely handle big frames and heavy steel models.
Hanging racks can cause bikes to move, but the anti-vibration sleds make for a hassle-free experience. The carrier can be tilted down for vehicle access and is available in both 2" and 1.25" hitch sizes. I enjoy the smooth powder coating and the simple design; sometimes that's all we need. Take advantage of the competitive price and get this quality Kuat product that will last you for years to come.
Best wheels on roof rack
7. Thule ProRide XT
$230
ADVANTAGES
Simple and easy installation and bike loading
Secure bike frame support arm
Wheels-on-Design
DISADVANTAGE
Lift the bike over your head onto the roof
Purchase of accessories for specific bikes
For people who prefer to mount their bike on the roof of their SUV, the Thule ProRide XT is a super safe and stable solution. The mounting hardware fits most vehicle rails and crossbars, and you can load the bike from either side of the rack. The most attractive design element is the frame support bar, which holds your bike securely without swaying. The frame bar is clamped to the down tube with a torque limiter and soft pads to prevent frame damage.
The front wheel does not have to be removed - both wheels position themselves automatically in the wheel tray and are strapped in place. You can purchase additional accessories to protect carbon frames or accommodate fat bike tires if you have specific bike needs. If you don't mind lifting your bike overhead when loading and unloading, this rack is a no-fuss, tool-less piece of equipment that's a lot cheaper than a hitch rack
Continue reading:
What size bike do I need?
The 13 best bicycle brands in the world
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you transport a bike on an SUV?
SUVs often come with extra features that allow you to transport a bike in a variety of ways. Almost all SUVs allow you to use a trunk-mounted rack that requires no additional equipment. If your vehicle has roof rails, you can transport a bike on your car with a roof bike rack. SUVs are often equipped with towbars that allow you to install a towbar carrier, making it easier to load and unload bikes.
How do you put a bike on an SUV roof rack?
Loading a bike onto a roof rack can be tricky as you have to lift the bike over your head. To make it easier, raise the bike by holding the front forks with one hand and gripping the rear seatstays with the other hand. Do not lift by the wheels as they will move and twist. Raise the bike over your head and place the wheels in the tracks of the roof rack and secure the bike.
Can you use a car bike rack on an SUV?
Trunk bike racks that work with most cars and sedans are also compatible with SUVs. This type of luggage rack attaches to the trunk and rear of the vehicle with adjustable straps and stabilizing arms. They may prevent you from opening the SUV's trunk, but are a solid budget option for the occasional bike ride.
What type of bike rack is best?
I'd like to give you a simple, direct answer, but the best bike rack depends on your vehicle and preferred features. Many people enjoy the ease of loading and unloading the bike that hitch racks offer because they are lower to the ground (you do need a hitch though). Roof racks are a nice solution but can be tricky to load. Case carriers are budget-friendly and reliable despite the complex structure.
Do you need a towbar for a bike carrier?
A tow bar is required if you want to fit a tow bar mounted bike carrier to your vehicle. However, roof racks and trunk racks do not require a trailer hitch and can be installed on most cars and SUVs. You can install a tow hitch if your vehicle doesn't have one, but that might be more work than you want to do. Towbarless racks are popular solutions that provide a safe way to transport bikes.
How do I choose a bike rack?
First, consider what type of luggage racks are compatible with your vehicle. Towbar racks require a towbar and roof racks that attach to roof rails on the top of the car. Luggage racks work on almost every car. Then decide how many bikes you are likely to be transporting - racks can usually carry 2, 3 or 4 bikes. Browse the options to see any features like a ramp, incline, etc. that you might find useful.
Still have questions about the best bike racks for SUVs? Let us know!
Jeffrey Brown
Jeffrey Brownis a writer, editor, and professional bike mechanic with over 7 years of experience in full-service and community-based bike shops. As a bicycle educator, he has supported youth programs across the United States that teach bicycle mechanics and life skills to prepare the next generation of cyclists.
Jeffreystarted his career as a professional mechanic at his university cycling cooperative, so he recognizes the grassroots strength of the cycling community. Initially self-taught as a mechanic, later positions as a manager and senior trainer gave him official training. He has received various awards and grants for his role as a bicycle and environmental advocate.
FAQs
What bike rack is best for SUV? ›
If you're driving a tall SUV, consider a hitch or towbar car bike rack, as getting heavy bikes onto the roof can be precarious. For ebikes the weight means this style of rack isn't going to work at all. As long as you are comfortable getting your bike up on the roof, there are a few options for how they stay there.
Which type of bike rack is best? ›Advantages: Towbar-mounted platform secure the bikes slightly better than hanging racks as they are fixed in place at both the wheels and the frame. By mounting to the towbar rather than the car's bootlid, damaging the bodywork is unlikely, and compared with roof racks, it's much easier to load and unload the bikes.
What is the easiest bike rack to load? ›Trunk and hitch-mounted bike racks are, by far, easier to load and unload than roof racks simply because you don't have to lift the bike onto the hood of your vehicle and then position it on the rack.
Which is better roof or hitch bike rack? ›Hitch racks require less lifting than a roof rack, which is especially beneficial for those driving taller cars like an SUV. Because the bike is held essentially in front of you a few feet off the ground, it's also easier to confirm that it's secured properly than when you're attaching the bike on your vehicle's roof.
Which is better roof or trunk bike rack? ›Roof bike racks: You may want to put your bike on the roof because it's more secure, you need access to your rear trunk or you don't want to install a trailer hitch. Roof racks are a good choice if you don't mind lifting the bike onto the roof and low-clearance garages or ceilings aren't an issue.
How do I choose a bike rack for my car? ›Also consider practicality: whether the rack will suit your needs now and in the future; ease of use – how easy it is to fit to the vehicle and load; security – whether it holds the bikes safely and locks the bikes to the rack and the vehicle; and how much storage space it will take up when not in use.
How much should I spend on a bicycle rack? ›Bike racks can cost less than $100 and upwards of $1,000 depending on the style, quality, and capacity. Spending a few hundred dollars or more on a bike rack may seem like a lot, but it's a small price to pay to safely and securely transport bikes that cost many times more.
Are strap on bike racks safe? ›Yes, trunk-mounted bike racks are safe as long as they are properly secured. If they are not installed correctly, they can fall off or scratch the surface of your vehicle.
Are Thule bike racks secure? ›An upright roof bike rack with no frame contact, without the need to take off the front wheel. Thule UpRide is a fast and secure roof bike rack that makes absolutely no contact with the bike frame.
How do you size a bike rack? ›Length. The length of the bike rack should be 27 inches long (24-30 inches allowable), measured 18 inches from the ground. Each rack should provide parking for two standard bikes parked on opposite sides of the rack in opposing directions.
Do bikes get stolen off bike racks? ›
Sadly, bikes can be stolen right off the rack, especially if they aren't locked to it. Even worse, if your bike is worth a lot of money, some thieves will take both the rack and the bike if the bike is locked to the rack.
Why does bike pull to the left? ›The problem is usually in the forks although it is possible for frame misalignment to cause this effect. The kind of frame alignment error that causes this is a head and seat tube not in the same plane. This is not easily measured other than by sighting or on a plane table.
What size hitch is best for bike rack? ›The two most common hitch sizes are 1 ¼” and 2”. Although some newer vehicles use a 2.5” which we have an adapter for. Another important thing is to note the class of your hitch.
Are vertical bike racks better? ›With vertical bike racks that can carry up to 7 bikes available, a vertical bike rack is one of the most efficient ways to get a bunch of bikes to the trail head, it riding there isn't feasible.
How many bikes should be on a Thule roof rack? ›How many bikes can you fit on a Roof Rack? With a Thule roof rack you can usually only fit 1 bike. However with a rear mounted carrier you can carry up to 4.
Which is better hanging or platform bike rack? ›Bottom Line. If you plan to load and unload your bikes frequently from the rack, then a platform rack would be your choice. If you plan on removing your bike rack from your vehicle frequently, then a hanging rack would be your choice.
Can I use a bike rack on an SUV? ›Designed to attach to the rear of a vehicle with a strap system, a trunk-mounted bike rack makes using a car rack possible for basically any car – no hitch required! Whether you have a sedan, hatchback, SUV, or van, there's a trunk bike rack that should fit your vehicle.
Do rear bike racks damage your car? ›If the bike rack is not secured properly, it can rub against the car and damage the paint. Always double-check that trunk racks are fitted securely and that it supports your bikes.
How do I transport my bike long distance? ›- Put the bikes inside the vehicle if at all possible. ...
- A quality bike rack is worth its weight in gold. ...
- Make sure the bikes don't touch anything at all. ...
- No bikes on the roof. ...
- Lock your bike, and be especially careful when stopped for the night.
Cardboard Bike Boxes
A cardboard bike box is the simplest container for your bike during travel. Cardboard boxes do have a few things working in their favor— for one, they're easy to get (often for free) from almost any bike shop. Most are large enough to fit your bike nearly intact, so they are fairly easy to pack.
Can you leave a bike rack on your car? ›
It is generally safe to leave a trunk-mounted bike rack on your car year-round, even in the rain, as long as it is securely attached to the car. However, it is important to make sure that the rack is in good condition and not damaged.
Do I need lights on my bike rack? ›If you intend to use a rear-mounted bicycle carrier at night, you must ensure that the rear lights (tail and indicator) and number plate remain clearly visible. Portable rear lights must be fitted if any of the lights are obscured.
Are Yakima bike racks good? ›Further, we think Yakima has the best cradle system, which includes ratchet-style straps to securely hold the bike's top tube to the rack. Priced at a reasonable $469 for the four-bike version, the RidgeBack offers double the capacity of the Thule T2 Pro above for hundreds less.
How many bike racks do I need? ›For office buildings the guideline is 1 bike storage space for every 10,000 square feet of floor area. For buildings with multi-family bike storage, plan on a half space of bike storage for every bedroom.
Does a bike rack affect insurance? ›Adding a bike rack increases the risk for your insurer, which is why they will want to know about it and adjust your policy to cover the increased risk if deemed necessary.
Why the Sheffield stand is the best bike rack? ›The Sheffield-style stand is the simplest and most common type of bike parking. It is easy to use, familiar, and well suited to installation in public spaces. Each rack is firmly anchored to the ground and provides a secure locking point for two bikes.
Where should I put my bike rack? ›A rack should never be closer than 2 feet to a wall or 1.5 feet to a curb edge. Racks should also be placed near the destinations where people want to go. Racks should be placed in a visible area within 25 feet of the main entrance of the building, and no farther than 75 feet.
How do I make sure my bike rack is secure? ›Use a U-lock in the front of the bike to lock the bike frame and front tire to a bicycle parking rack. Then use another U-lock or heavy lock to secure the back tire to the bike parking rack.
Is it worth getting a hitch for bike rack? ›Hitch Mount Racks
Although more expensive than trunk-mounted racks ($150 to more than $500), hitch racks are a great option for frequent users—especially for those needing to carry more than three bikes. Hitch racks are typically designed to haul two to five bikes.
The most secure way to lock your bike is with two locks. And ideally to a bike rack that's cemented into the ground. The first lock should go around the back wheel, the frame and the bike rack. The second should go around the front wheel, the frame and preferably the bike rack as well.
How fast can you drive with a Thule bike rack? ›
With a load on the roof, the vehicle's driving characteristics, its braking performance and its sensitivity to side-winds may change. Care should be taken in all driving conditions to maintain control at a safe speed, but must, under no circumstances, exceed 130 km/h.
How much weight will a Thule bike rack hold? ›| T2 Pro XTR | RockyMounts Splitrail | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Rack Weight Capacity | 160 lb. | 120 lb. |
| Weight of 4 capacity Rack | 96 lb. | 76 lb. |
| Individual Bike Cable Locks | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tilt down while loaded | ✔ | ✔ |
Where are Thule bike racks made? Thule is a Swedish company. Even so, while some of Thule products are actually manufactured in Europe 75% of them are made in the USA. Thule factories are located in Seymour, CT and Chicago, IL.
How much weight can a rear bike rack hold? ›Rear racks are usually rated to carry loads between 20 and 50 pounds, which is sufficient for most uses. A few heavy-duty touring models are able to carry up to 80 pounds. These racks typically have three supports per side (others have only two).
How far should a bike rack be from the wall? ›When preparing to fasten bike racks to the ground, begin by setting the racks a recommended 36" off of the wall, or minimally, 24". This provides enough space for a bike to properly be centered and rest against the rack. There should also be 48", or 36" minimum, of clearance on either side of the bike rack.
What kind of hitch do I need for bike rack? ›Do you need a trailer hitch for a bike rack? To use a hitch mount bike rack, you do need a trailer hitch on your vehicle, while roof and trunk racks don't require a trailer hitch. A trailer hitch can be installed on just about any vehicle – from small hatchbacks to minivans to oversized SUVs.
Where do most bikes get stolen? ›| In the UK: | In the US: |
|---|---|
| Central London Kingston-upon-Thames Cambridge Bristol York Oxford South West London Brighton Portsmouth Nottingham | Philadelphia, PA Chicago, IL New York City, NY San Francisco, CA Tucson, AZ Portland, OR Denver, CO New Haven, CT Cambridge, MA Austin, TX |
If you're concerned that the police won't recover your bike – you're not alone. Statistics suggest that just 5% of stolen bikes are returned to their rightful owners. However, while the police rarely retreive stolen bicycles in isolation, they often seize dozens or even hundreds of bikes from professional thieves.
How are bikes mostly stolen? ›Cutting — Thieves are known to use tin snips, bolt cutters, hacksaws, and angle grinders to cut their way through locks and chains to steal bicycles. Picking — For locks requiring keys, thieves can insert tools into the keyhole itself and pick the lock open.
Do hanging bike racks damage your bike? ›Hanging the bike by the wheel will not damage it as long as you follow the right way to do it. First, you will need to use high-quality hooks such as vinyl hooks so that they will not bring any scratches or damage to your bike.
Should I bike on the left or right? ›
Following the rules of the road is always important to help reduce the chances of an accident. As a bicyclist, following the rules means riding on the right side of the road and with the flow of traffic whenever possible. Remember the easy tip: When on public streets, the right side is the right side.
What does it mean when a cyclist puts out her right arm and move it up and down? ›To signal what side you'll turn to, extend your arm outwards – the left one if you're turning left, and the right one if you're turning right. You can also swing your arm up and down to make it more visible.
Why do bike riders roll up one pant leg? ›"A lot of people roll up one leg of their pants, especially on the side where the crank or chain is so that they don't get caught and dirty." Your bike doesn't have to break the bank. It's a big-ticket purchase, so go into the process with care and caution.
Can a bike rack go on a SUV? ›Designed to attach to the rear of a vehicle with a strap system, a trunk-mounted bike rack makes using a car rack possible for basically any car – no hitch required! Whether you have a sedan, hatchback, SUV, or van, there's a trunk bike rack that should fit your vehicle.
How do you carry a bike on a SUV? ›Many SUVs have hitches and crossbars, but if yours doesn't, consider a trunk-mounted bike rack. This kind of rack attaches directly to your vehicle's hatch, so it doesn't require crossbars or a hitch. All you need to carry bikes is the rack itself.
Can you open SUV trunk with bike rack? ›Expert Reply: If you need truck access often, I have a solution for you, but bike rack manufacturers do not recommend opening the rear hatch or trunk with a bike rack installed. The door hinges are not designed to hold the extra weight and the rear door could come down on whoever is underneath.
How do you attach a bike rack to an SUV? ›You can install a hitch bike rack in a number of ways. In general, you'll attach it to your SUV by inserting a pole into the opening of the trailer hitch and screwing a bolt through both the opening and the rack. Another type of hitch rack requires you to get under your SUV and screw vertically into the frame.
Will a bike rack damage my car? ›If the bike rack is not secured properly, it can rub against the car and damage the paint. Always double-check that trunk racks are fitted securely and that it supports your bikes.
What size bike rack do I need? ›Length. The length of the bike rack should be 27 inches long (24-30 inches allowable), measured 18 inches from the ground. Each rack should provide parking for two standard bikes parked on opposite sides of the rack in opposing directions.
Are trunk bike racks safe? ›Yes, trunk-mounted bike racks are safe as long as they are properly secured. If they are not installed correctly, they can fall off or scratch the surface of your vehicle.
What is the best way to carry a bike on a car? ›
Rear door bike racks are among the best ways to carry bikes on your car, and they're becoming a more popular choice. They are easy to use, more comfortable to carry thanks to better accessibility and their installation is relatively simple.
What kind of hitch do I need for a bike rack? ›Do you need a trailer hitch for a bike rack? To use a hitch mount bike rack, you do need a trailer hitch on your vehicle, while roof and trunk racks don't require a trailer hitch. A trailer hitch can be installed on just about any vehicle – from small hatchbacks to minivans to oversized SUVs.
How do you lock a bike on a car rack? ›The most secure way to lock your bike is with two locks. And ideally to a bike rack that's cemented into the ground. The first lock should go around the back wheel, the frame and the bike rack. The second should go around the front wheel, the frame and preferably the bike rack as well.
Can someone sit on a bike rack? ›Sit on the rear rack
Child seats are of course a safe and viable way to use your rack, but here I'll discuss having adults sit on a bike rack. First off, this is not recommended for a normal rear bike rack. Most of them are rated at around 55 pounds, which is well below an adult weight.
It isn't common, but bike racks do get stolen, especially if they are easy to steal and will bring in some quick cash. If you have a bike rack, you need to consider locking it to your car to protect it as well as your bikes.
Can you have a bike rack without a tow bar? ›While having a tow bar for is the easiest way to mount a rear bike rack, it's not a prerequisite. Brands like Thule sell detachable racks that rest on the rear of a sedan or hatchback, which can carry up to three bikes – though we'd definitely recommend carrying no more than two.