Mount for a bicycle on a car: features, types and choices

Many people prefer to relax in nature while cycling. Today, the trend is to take cycling with you on vacation. They are transported by car. The roof of the car, the rear door or the tow bar can be used. Thanks to such fasteners, the transportation of bicycles is aesthetically pleasing and practical.

In the article, we will consider their main types, well-known manufacturers, the subtleties of choice and the nuances of use.

The most common and demanded place for fastening for bicycle transport is the car roof. This option is an excellent choice for transporting heavy bicycles. Such an auto mount can be safely called reliable and safe. It can be made of aluminum or steel, while the second option is much cheaper. This type of fastening assumes that the bike will be upright.

It is necessary to apply special bike holders to fix transport to the crossbars of the roof rack. Of course, it's worth remembering the use of bicycle wheel restraints as well.

Make sure the fixing kit contains locks that will allow you to avoid an unpleasant situation with theft of bicycles. Moreover, each copy must be fastened separately.If you are transporting 2 or 3 bicycles at the same time, then it is advisable to buy a separate fixation kit for each. Of course, sometimes in stores you can find an option designed to hold two bicycles at once. It should be noted that such products are quite difficult to find, especially since they are not characterized by increased reliability.

This type of arrangement is in demand since the bike does not need to be disassembled. If necessary, you can remove it from the roof rack at any moment and ride it.

If we talk about the disadvantages of this option, then it is worth noting the following:

• it is quite difficult to lift the bike up, especially when the car is tall;
• the location of the vehicle on the roof of the car can negatively affect the aerodynamics of the latter;
• there is a possibility of damage to both the bike and the car if you drive in somewhere;
• for this fastener, the car must have a trunk with crossbars; if the car does not have this, then you will have to purchase it, which will require additional financial costs.

Quite often, a trunk is used to move a bicycle, which is located on the back door of the car. This is a fairly recent solution as it is not yet as familiar as the one above. The car mount is suitable for all types of vehicles: station wagons, crossovers, SUVs, minivans and hatchbacks. Thanks to this design, from 1 to 3 bicycles can be fixed at the same time.

This variety has such advantages as:

• height doesn't matter;
• no effort is required to lift the bike;
• the risk of catching something is reduced;
• practically does not affect the aerodynamics of the car.

If you are interested in this option, then you can order it in different online stores, but before buying, you should initially familiarize yourself with the shortcomings, namely:

• this type is not used for sedans, as the spare wheel will need to be removed;
• the load on the rear of the machine increases;
• there is no possibility of using the trunk while the auto fastener is on it;
• in the event of a traffic situation, the bike, like the rear of the car, will be damaged;
• the presence of a bicycle in the back can lead to obstruction of the state. numbers or tail lights.

If you want to transport your bike on a towbar, then you need to purchase a separate bike holder design. This method is used quite rarely, it can even be called original. For such transportation it is necessary that the towbar is attached to the car, as well as fasteners and electrical wiring to a special connector. All this requires financial costs.

Even advanced versions of such fasteners can be found on sale. They are presented in the form of a special platform, supplemented with turn signals, mount for state. numbers and other elements. If we consider the pros and cons of this option, then they are the same as the fasteners for the rear door of the car. The only thing worth noting is this option allows you to transport 4 bicycles at the same time, state. the license plate and taillights are not obscured, and the vulnerability in the event of an accident is also reduced.

Today, every manufacturer of car accessories offers a wide range of bicycle restraints. This element is in high demand and popularity. A similar accessory can be purchased at car markets or sports stores, as well as outlets that offer accessories for tourism and recreation.

Consider companies that are now enjoying fame because they offer a quality product and have an excellent reputation.

Large manufacturer of accessories for cars. This company is well-known throughout Europe. Its products are different excellent quality and reliability

This brand produces sturdy roof racks that are characterized by stylish appearance, practicality and reliability.

This German brand is familiar to many. He is the first manufacturer of roof racks with lifting means.

This company manufactures luggage systems that have unique fastening methods. They can be used to transport three bicycles at the same time.

The fastener mechanisms from this brand are fairly easy to operate. They can be used for products weighing up to 15 kg. They are made from aluminum. One of the famous models is the Menabo Alphard, which is designed for transporting two bicycles at the same time, while their total weight can reach 50 kg.

Below are a few of the Thule bike carrier options.

• OutRide - this is a lightweight and convenient mount with a “fork” fixation. Its weight is only 2.5 kg. It is mounted on the roof of the car. This fastener is characterized by fast loading and reliability. Its versatility makes it suitable for bicycles with standard 9mm axles and disc brakes. The rear wheel is secured with a quick release strap. The fastener can be used for wheels up to 3 "wide. The set includes locks. The carrying capacity is 17 kg. Its dimensions are 137x22x8 cm.

• HangOn 4 - a towbar mount that can fit 4 bicycles. The roof rack attaches to the towbar quite simply and easily, with the ability to tilt to provide access to the trunk. Fixing the bike to the restraint is carried out using rubber straps, characterized by elasticity. A special adapter is required to mount bicycles with non-standard frames. Its carrying capacity is 60 kg. The weight of the fastener is 10.3 kg, and the dimensions are 47x64x90 cm.

• FreeWay 3 - an excellent choice for the back door of the car. This model is suitable for transporting three bicycles. All mounting parts are covered with rubber, which will protect the bike and car from scratches. This solution can also be used for two-wheeled vehicles with non-standard frames if an adapter is additionally used. The load capacity is 45 kg, while the bike can have a maximum weight of 15 kg. Mount weight - 5.1 kg, equipment dimensions - 56x82x78 cm.

You should be extremely careful when choosing a bike mount for a car, as the wrong approach can lead to a road accident, damage your car or cause the bike to be stolen. So, when choosing a rack for transporting a bicycle, it is better to be guided by a number of criteria.

• Fastening method. The most common is to transport a bike on the roof of a car, although this option negatively affects the aerodynamics of the car. Rear door fasteners are also often chosen, since this option reduces the likelihood of catching on something, but the trunk becomes blocked. The rarest option is to install it on a towbar.
• Lock. The presence of a lock allows you to be calm about cycling, but without it there is a possibility of theft of a bicycle, so it is better not to leave the car unattended in this form.
• Number of bicycles. This has a direct impact on the choice of model.
• Fastener weight. The heavier the mount, the greater the load on the car. The fasteners should be strong and reliable, but not very heavy.
• Carrying capacity. The higher this parameter, the better.
• Mounting. Installing a bike carrier should be quick and easy.

To fix the bike to the car, first you need to decide on the location: on the roof, tailgate or towbar. All methods have their pros and cons. Each buyer is free to choose the best option for himself. Each of them contains an instruction manual and a diagram according to which it is quite easy to attach fasteners to the car, and in the future, the bicycle.

Let's take a closer look at how to use the vertical bike rack on the roof of your car. This option is ideal for bikes with carbon frames. The hook is used to grip the front wheel, while the rear is secured to the stand with a ratchet strap. Initially, the bicycle is fixed to the rack, and it is attached to the roof rack.

With this option, you can transport heavy mountain or electric bicycles. This mechanism is easy to lock as it includes removable frame holders. They have locking handles that prevent torque during transport. The bike carrier is durable and reliable. Due to the large distance between the holders, this option is suitable for transporting an off-road bike.

To fix the wheels, they are designed special clamp-on buckles that are easily adjustable. The bike rack is quite easy to carry thanks to the special built-in handles. They are sold pre-assembled, so you don't have to waste time looking for a tool to assemble them.

Such devices are attached to the car using special cables, which are supplemented with a ratchet mechanism. The fasteners are fairly easy and straightforward to adjust. To protect the machine from damage while using the bike rack, these models have molded rubber pads.

Due to the presence of soft supports, vibrations and shocks during transport of the bike are mitigated. To transport 2 bicycles at the same time, the bike carrier contains special connectors. With their help, bicycles do not bump into each other. Some models are equipped with narrow handles located on the suspended platform. They can be used to transport Children's bicycles. If there is no need to use them, then they are conveniently folded.

Each version of the bike carrier is easy to store and carry. They are easy to use - just read the instruction manual... With these bindings, you can take your bicycles with you to enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

For information on how to choose a bike carrier (bike rack), see the next video.