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Car Bike Racks - Types & Tips
Planning a holiday with your car and caravan, and want to bring your road bike? Or going on a day trip with your mountain bike? A good car bike rack is a must-have. When buying one, what should you look out for and keep in mind? In this blog, we will answer the most frequently asked questions and help you decide which bike carrier suits your circumstances best.
Contents:
What to take into consideration when using a car bike rack
Buying a car bike rack may seem a simple matter but there is more to it than you might think. The right choice depends on the type of car on which you will use it, the type(s) and number of bike(s) you will want to transport and the frequency by which you will use the carrier. It is, therefore, important to take time to think about your needs before buying one.
When choosing a car bike rack, take note of the weight of the bikes, such as electric bikes or mountain bikes, and select a model with a higher load capacity if needed. Then, consider ease of use: while a foldable carrier is convenient for storage, a tiltable model gives you easy access to the boot of the car. Also think about the number of bikes you will be transporting, the type of attachment, and the type of power connection (7- or 13-pin). Furthermore, remember to check local regulations with regard to the number plate, lights et cetera. And consider the rack's accessibility to ensure that you will be able to put the bikes on the rack and remove them (especially in case of heavier bikes - perhaps you need to use a ramp) and to ensure that the bikes are securely locked to the rack.
How fast can you go with a car bike rack?
In the Netherlands, there is no official speed limit for driving with a bike carrier but it is advised not to go faster than 120 km/h. For your own safety and that of other road users, it is wise to adjust your speed, especially when transporting heavier loads or driving in bad weather conditions.
How much weight is allowed on a car bike rack?
The maximum load depends on two things: the maximum nose weight of the car's towbar and the maximum load the bike rack itself can carry. Always check both! Many bike racks can carry a maximum load of 45 to 60 kg; for e-bikes and heavier mountain bikes, this may be tight. So pay close attention to the total weight of your bikes as well as the carrier itself.
What types of car bike racks are there?
Towbar bike carriers
The most popular choice is the towbar car bike rack. Most of these models are tiltable, have lockable frame clamps and can carry 2, 3 or even 4 bikes. Well-known brands are Thule, Pro User en XLC. For many of these car bike racks you can buy a storage bag and/or a ramp to easily ride your bike onto the carrier. For increased on-road protection against the elements you can use a bike cover. Other accessories for your towbar bike carrier are also available, such as adapter plugs, carbon frame protectors and even protection sets for road bikes, mountain bikes and other bikes. For carbon frames, there are models that provide carbon-specific protection.
Rear mounted car bike racks
If your car does not have a towbar, don't worry, there are several other options, such as rear mounted bike carriers. Here, too, you can choose between models that can carry up to 2 bikes or up to 3 bikes. These racks are just as sturdy as those for towbars and offer a convenient solution for transporting bikes on cars without a towbar. If you only need to transport a bike once in a while, they are an ideal system. Just be careful with the fixation: make sure that the car is suitable for a tailgate bike rack and that the rack does not damage the car's paintwork.
Roof mounted car bike racks
If you are already using the towbar and/or tailgate, or if there are roof rails on the car, a roof mounted bike carrier is a convenient system that secures your bike with frame clamps or at the front fork. This option is not very suitable for heavy bikes but perfect for road or carbon bikes. Our range includes roof mounted bike racks by Thule, Spinder and Pro User as well as SeaSucker systems, which don't even need roof rails!
E-bike compatible car bike racks
Since e-bikes are heavier than regular bikes, if you have one make sure to choose a carrier with sufficient load capacity. To this end, we have selected e-bike compatible car bike racks for you, most of which are towbar models. Many car bike racks that can carry e-bikes have a ramp and are tiltable. These are two important conditions that allow you to easily ride the electric bike onto the carrier and to have easy access to the boot of the car after tilting the rack with bikes. Carefully check the maximum load of any particular bike carrier, especially when you know you will be transporting heavy electric bikes, and make sure the straps and frame clamps are always securely fastened. Our range of e-bike compatible car bike racks includes brands such as Thule, Pro User and XLC.
Drawbar bike carriers
If you're travelling with a caravan, you can choose to use a drawbar bike carrier system. Do pay extra attention to weight and balance. Here, too, Thule and Pro User offer solutions that are specially designed for this type of transport.
How many bikes do you want to transport?
Car bike racks for 1 bike
Do you have a unique carbon road bike or simply want to take a single bike with you on holiday? Then a 1-bike compatible carrier will do. These are often foldable, lightweight and, therefore, easy to store. They are also often roof mounted car bike racks that can carry only one bike.
Car bike racks for 2 bikes
The most popular option is a car bike rack for 2 (electric) bikes. The range includes models by Thule - both towbar and other rear mounted systems - and by Pro User. Many of these bike carriers are towbar bike racks or other rear mounted bike racks. If you have one or more electric bikes, please note that there are special e-bike compatible car bike racks.
Car bike racks for 3 bikes
These bike carriers are ideal for families or anyone who wants to bring a mountain bike or children's bike in addition to their own bike. Pay close attention to the total weight and choose a carrier with a robust mounting system. These racks offer the option of carrying 3 bikes as standard, and are often towbar car bike racks.
Car bike racks for 4 bikes
For larger families or cycling holidays with friends, 4-bike compatible car bike racks are a great solution. These are a bit heftier in size but are often still foldable and equipped with wheels. Thule offers excellent solutions, so you always have the option of transporting 4 bikes. Four-bike compatible carriers are usually 3-bike carriers with a separate adapter for a 4th bike, which is not included as standard and must be purchased separately.
What accessories do you need for your car bike rack?
There are various accessories that are useful to purchase with your bike carrier, such as:
Carbon frame protector for carbon bikes
Bike protection set for road bikes, mountain bikes and other bike types
Frame adapters for bikes without a horizontal top tube, e.g. those offered by Thule and Pro User
Wall hangers for car bike racks, e.g. particular models designed for Thule and Pro User bike carriers
View all bike carrier parts and accessories
Which type of car bike rack is best for you?
When buying a car bike rack, choose a model that best suits how you will use it: the number of bikes you want to transport, the type of bikes you want to transport (such as road bikes, mountain bikes or e-bikes) and the type of attachment to the car (does it have a towbar, roof rails or neither). Always pay close attention to weight, mounting system, lighting and power connection (7- or 13-pin). Not quite sure yet? Use our Selection Assistant to find out which car bike rack is made for you!
Browse the full range of car bike racks and accessories of well-know brands including Thule, Pro User, SeaSucker, Spinder and XLC on our web site or come see us at one of our Superstores - we will be happy to give you personal advice!
Stan Vermeulen
My passion for cycling started during my high school years with my first ride to Paris. From then on, I started with short bikepacking trips. The Veluwe nature reserve, the Black Forest, the Basque Country or the Strade Bianche area - for me, bikepacking is the most adventurous way to discover them all. The greatest moment? When you turn from tarmac to gravel and suddenly find yourself in a no man's land in the middle of nature. Going for kilometres on end in such peaceful surroundings, with an occasional coffee break of course, that is the complete picture I love most of all!
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