What To Consider When Buying a Bike Rack For An SUV
Whether you're an avid cyclist or a fitness enthusiast, it is important to have a good quality and comfortable bike. And when there is a bike at home, it is essential to have a bike rack for the ease of transportation.
SUV owners take the selection process a little more seriously than owners of standard cars. Sports Utility Vehicles are expensive. As a result, they are worried about the paint getting scratched or the body getting dented because of an ill-fitting unit. Not only this, the height and size of an SUV do not allow vehicles to be mounted on the roof.
We have listed the kinds of bike racks you could consider for an SUV. Also, find tips to choose the perfect fit and best value for your money.
Know Your Options
1. A Hitch Bike Rack:
This is by far the best option for an SUV. The mount is placed at a certain distance from the vehicle body thereby reducing the chances of accidental damage. It is attached to the trailer hitch of the vehicle with a bolt or bar. Hitch bike racks are extremely user friendly and easily accessible. Many are designed and built to hold more than two bicycles at a time.
2. The Rear Tire Mounted Bike Rack:
Sports Utility Vehicles have a spare tire positioned at the rear gate of the vehicle. The bicycle rack is fastened to this spare tire with straps and plastic coated hooks. The braces of the rack are wrapped with foam pads to prevent damage to the windows and vehicle finish. They have the capacity to hold upto 3 bicycles. However, they block the rear view partially.
You might also consider roof mounted bicycle racks, if the crossbars are already fitted to the vehicle.
What to Consider
Load bearing capacity: Bike racks vary in their load bearing capacity. A few mounts can hold maximum 2 bicycles while other models are built to accommodate up to 5 bicycles at a time. Higher the load bearing capacity, higher is the cost. Consider how many bicycles you will need to carry.
Hitch receiver size: If you opt for a hitch mount, you will have to consider the hitch receiver size. The hitch size is often referred to as your vehicle's compatibility. Most hitch receivers are either 2 inches or 1 ¼ inches in size. One should choose a mounting unit designed to fit the hitch size and weight carrying capacity.
Spare tire: A rear tire mount can be used only if the vehicle has an external spare tire.
Bike Compatibility: Bicycle racks are also made in varied shapes to accommodate bikes with different frames. A few designs can hold a standard bicycle in addition to women's and children's bicycles.
Construction: The unit should feature a sturdy metal construction. A sturdy metal construction offers better transportation and avoids mishaps.
Ease of handling: Bike racks should be easy to attach and detach. However, they should be secure; not an open invitation to thefts. A mount with a foldable design is easy to store when not in use.
Guarantee: Buy a unit with a product warranty.
SUV owners take the selection process a little more seriously than owners of standard cars. Sports Utility Vehicles are expensive. As a result, they are worried about the paint getting scratched or the body getting dented because of an ill-fitting unit. Not only this, the height and size of an SUV do not allow vehicles to be mounted on the roof.
We have listed the kinds of bike racks you could consider for an SUV. Also, find tips to choose the perfect fit and best value for your money.
Know Your Options
1. A Hitch Bike Rack:
This is by far the best option for an SUV. The mount is placed at a certain distance from the vehicle body thereby reducing the chances of accidental damage. It is attached to the trailer hitch of the vehicle with a bolt or bar. Hitch bike racks are extremely user friendly and easily accessible. Many are designed and built to hold more than two bicycles at a time.
2. The Rear Tire Mounted Bike Rack:
Sports Utility Vehicles have a spare tire positioned at the rear gate of the vehicle. The bicycle rack is fastened to this spare tire with straps and plastic coated hooks. The braces of the rack are wrapped with foam pads to prevent damage to the windows and vehicle finish. They have the capacity to hold upto 3 bicycles. However, they block the rear view partially.
You might also consider roof mounted bicycle racks, if the crossbars are already fitted to the vehicle.
What to Consider
Load bearing capacity: Bike racks vary in their load bearing capacity. A few mounts can hold maximum 2 bicycles while other models are built to accommodate up to 5 bicycles at a time. Higher the load bearing capacity, higher is the cost. Consider how many bicycles you will need to carry.
Hitch receiver size: If you opt for a hitch mount, you will have to consider the hitch receiver size. The hitch size is often referred to as your vehicle's compatibility. Most hitch receivers are either 2 inches or 1 ¼ inches in size. One should choose a mounting unit designed to fit the hitch size and weight carrying capacity.
Spare tire: A rear tire mount can be used only if the vehicle has an external spare tire.
Bike Compatibility: Bicycle racks are also made in varied shapes to accommodate bikes with different frames. A few designs can hold a standard bicycle in addition to women's and children's bicycles.
Construction: The unit should feature a sturdy metal construction. A sturdy metal construction offers better transportation and avoids mishaps.
Ease of handling: Bike racks should be easy to attach and detach. However, they should be secure; not an open invitation to thefts. A mount with a foldable design is easy to store when not in use.
Guarantee: Buy a unit with a product warranty.
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