Bike Racks

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How to choose a bike rack

Bike racks are the most practical solution for bike transportation, as they do not take up extra space that you need for your passengers or luggage. The bikes can be placed on the roof or hitched behind the car, either on a tray or mounted on the trunk. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type and what you should watch out for when choosing a bike rack.

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Before choosing a bike carrier, ask yourself the following questions:

How many bikes are you planning to transport?
What are the mounting options on your vehicle?
Do you want to have a bike carrier on the roof or hitched behind the car?

Roof racks - everybody's favourite

Střešní nosič kola If you often bike long distances, roof racks are the way to go. You can mount 3 or 4 bikes on a single car and lock them in place, they are super versatile, and your bikes don’t get all dirty.

Keep in mind, however, that due to worse aerodynamics, having bikes on your roof changes the driving characteristics and increases fuel consumption of your car.

Individual bike racks differ depending on the materials used and mounting method. We strongly recommend buying from a renowned manufacturer; poorly made racks tend to rust and the assembly and bike mounting is often more difficult than it should be.

Even high-quality roof racks can be purchased for a reasonable price, because you only need one rack for each bike.

Pros and cons

Can mount up to 4 bikes
Bikes stay clean
Compact
Good price
Racks can be moved to different car

Mounting bikes over your head can be hard
No garage parking
Higher fuel consumption and worse driving characteristics

Towbar bike racks - focused on comfort

Nosič kol na tažné zařízení Towbar bike racks are more expensive compared to other rack types, but they are easy to install and use. Their hitch mount construction also provides access to the rear of your vehicle even when the bikes are mounted.

The disadvantage of this rack type is the simple fact that you need a receiver hitch. The bikes are also mounted close to the pavement, so they can get quite dirty. And since they are mounted right behind you, they obscure rear visibility.

Pros and cons

Can mount up to 4 bike
Easy to install
Easy to load or unload bikes
Easy access to car trunk
Racks can be moved to different car

Car must be fitted with receiver hitch
Limited rear visibility
Bikes get dirty
Higher price
Requires extra bike rack number plate

Rear door bike racks - the cheapest solution

Nosič kol na páté dveře Rear door bike racks are the cheapest type, but they generally cannot accommodate more than 3 bikes. Just like the towbar type, the rear door racks have little influence on the aerodynamics or fuel consumption, but you have to put up with limited rear visibility. Access to the luggage compartment is also virtually impossible. Before you buy, make sure the rack is compatible with your car, as this rack type is not suitable for all cars (sedans are one obvious example).