Bicycle rack for the rear door of the car: features and choices

The bike rack for the rear door of the car is the optimal solution for all active travelers and lovers of long trips. In this case, the choice of mounts is much wider than when fixing a two-wheeled vehicle on the roof or towbar of the car. In addition, the effort spent on loading equipment will be minimal - even an elderly person or a fragile girl can handle it. What features of bike racks for a car should be considered when choosing? Which brands should you trust? How to choose a mount for transporting a bicycle behind a car, what to look for?

The variety of solutions available can confuse even the experienced cyclist. This is why it is worth considering the pros and cons of a bike carrier on the rear door of your car before making your final decision.

Fixed to the tailgate bike rack - these are structures that are attached directly to the surface of the body, which makes it somewhat difficult to use the storage compartment. This bike carrier for transporting two-wheeled vehicles can be designed exclusively for sedans or have a universal design that adapts to almost any type of body. You can fix the bike carrier at the rear on the spare wheel - if available. This method is the most convenient and creates a minimum of interference during operation. In all other cases, the very structure of the luggage compartment and the bumper are used - such a support is less functional, but it is also quite convenient to use.

Any bike carrier of this type must include the following items:

• brackets;
• connecting jumpers;
• mounting elements for fixing to the body;
• holders - their number corresponds to the number of bicycles;
• regulators that allow you to change the slope of the structure;
• accessories that make it easier to use the trunk.

The obvious advantages of a rear-mounted bike rack include the following:

• versatility - you can choose a mount for a car of any model and brand, including for a tuned car or van;
• ease of installation - you can choose one of several options, giving preference to the most convenient;
• minimal effort when installing or removing bike with mount; there is no need to lift it to a great height, remove it at the risk of life, or buy complex and expensive lifts;
• the ability to transport from 1 to 4 bicycles, without dismantling their individual parts and construction details;
• no influence on the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle; the bike fixed to the car eliminates the possible difficulty of maneuvering.

Many are interested in whether the trunk mounts have significant drawbacks. The increased dimensions of the vehicle in its rear part can make it difficult to open the door, maneuver in narrow sections of the road. If the bike overlaps the license plate on the car, there may be difficulties with the traffic police. Such mounts are more expensive than those used on the roof and towbar. You will also have to open the trunk, after removing the bike. The fastening itself does not interfere with this process.

Bicycle carriers on the Russian market today are represented mainly in the form of products of foreign manufacturers. But even with a sufficient wealth of choice, it can be quite difficult to make a final decision. Consider which firms can be called market leaders.

The Swedish brand Thule is a recognized leader in car bike racks. The company has existed since 1942. Initially, it specialized in the manufacture of buckles for trouser belts and protective grilles for headlights. In the future, the range of the company was replenished with luggage carriers for transporting skis. The founder of the brand is Eric Thulin. Himself a lover of outdoor activities, he quickly appreciated the lack of useful devices for autotravel on the market.

Since 1979, the firm has ceased to be a family business, but has not lost its aspiration for leadership. Today, the Thule Group produces revolutionary design and technological developments for those who don't want to part with their bike on the road. Today, the company's product line includes several models of roof racks for the rear door of a car.

• BackPac 2. The mount is a universal type, made in the form of a raised platform. Designed for installation on the body of minivans, vans and minibuses.
• Race Way 2 and 3. Bindings of the same series, designed for different number of bicycles. The universal bike rack can be mounted on all types of car bodies.
• ClipOn. A series that allows you to carry a different number of bicycles, depending on the mount model. The line has a Snap-on mounting system, all elements in contact with the body have a softening rubber coating. The mount is foldable, compatible with the adapter, there is a division according to versions - according to the diameter of the pipes, adapted to different types of machines.
• FreeWay. Mount for sedans and hatchbacks.It is better to check in advance for non-universal, compatible car models.

It is an Italian brand with over 25 years of experience. The company specializes in the production of bicycle racks for Western Europe and Eastern European markets. The factories of the brand are located in Italy, and all fasteners are not only standardized, but also passed all the necessary tests for strength and reliability. The product range is divided into several lines.

• Stevio Alu / Steel. A series of aluminum or steel fixings. Available with wheel trays (ref. 375 / A) or ski and snowboard holder. A special safety strap is available. The entire installation is done with 1 bolt.
• Brennero. The frame-mounted model is easy to install and comes with an additional seat belt. The steel structure is designed to carry 2 bicycles, as well as equipment weighing up to 15 kg.
• 4 × 4 Bike Carrier 25/30... Model with easy installation on the spare wheel, focused on SUVs. There is a special rubberized frame protection and additional seat belts. The shock absorber is manufactured on the basis of the company's own patent.

This is the manufacturer From Russia, mainly specializing in the manufacture of transverse arcs of rectangular and aerodynamic shapes. In the segment of tailgate racks, the Rondo Top model is designed for 3 bicycles.

American brand specializing in the production of roof racks for transporting various accessories for outdoor activities. The company has existed since 1973, was founded in Washington, and since 1979 has been based in the vastness of the state of California, where they know a lot about outdoor activities. The company has an official partnership with the Olympic cycling teams, the purchase of one of the largest competitors, Australian Whispbar and European Cykell.

For transporting two-wheeled vehicles on the rear door of a car, the brand offers several models of mounts.

• SpareRide. Spare wheel mount for 2 bikes. It is suitable for fat bikes. The model has a cable blocking lock. It is suitable for use with a center-mounted or side-mounted spare wheel. The extension mounting plate is easily adjustable and holds the rack frame securely in place.
• HangOut 2/3... Rear door bike rack. Universal adjustable model, you can choose the angle of inclination of the equipment holder. The bicycles do not touch during transportation. Easy installation requires no tools. Foldable storage is possible in the trunk.
• HalfBack 2/3. Racks for transporting 2-3 bicycles. The model is adapted for installation on sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, liftbacks. It is easily adaptable to the individual design of the machine. Can be sized without complicated adjustments and tools.
• FullBack 3. Model of a bike rack for 3 units of equipment, a universal mount for different cars. It can even turn the trunk lid of a sedan into a full-fledged platform for bicycles. The series is distinguished by a modern design, easy installation without tools, a folding structure, rubberized places of contact with the car body.

These companies and their products are recognized market leaders. But there are other firms that deserve attention. The company leads in the budget segment from Taiwan BuzzRack, selling its bike racks all over the world. Popular and Italian Mebabo bindings, one of the few made of ABS plastic with a multilayer structure.

When choosing a suitable bike rack for the car trunk there are a few things worth paying attention to.

• Estimated number of bicycles... It is better to immediately choose a model capable of simultaneously holding at least 2 units of two-wheeled vehicles.
• The presence of locking fasteners... Locks will help prevent theft of the vehicle, provide the necessary reliability of fixing bicycles during transportation.
• Number of attachment points. It is worth paying attention to the fact that there should be at least 2-3 of them, which will avoid displacement of the two-wheeled vehicle from the mount during transportation. This is important if you have to drive over rough terrain or roads with poor quality surfaces.
• The presence of softening elements at all points of contact between the bicycle and the car body. They will ensure that the paint and varnish layer on each of the vehicles is kept intact.
• Type of material and weight of the structure... Large brands have lightweight aluminum bike locks, as well as other high-tech solutions that can significantly reduce the resulting stress.
• Design versatility. It will allow you not to buy a new trunk when changing cars. In this case, it will be enough just to rearrange the already existing latch.

When planning to attach a bike to the trunk of a car, it is important to take into account that its overall dimensions should not exceed the width of the body by more than 0.4 m on each side. The fastening and the cargo transported on it can protrude beyond the length of the fastener by no more than 1 m.

An overview of the Aguri Giza tailgate bike rack awaits you further.