Boot-mounted - Can I fit a boot-mounted rack to any car?
Most boot-mounted racks fit quickly
and easily to almost any kind of car. You may need a
lighting board if
the number plate and rear lights are obscured by the car bike rack, so factor those extras into the overall
price.
Some of the latest rear-mounted racks combine clever design with simple fitting, so you can transport your
bike easily and safely. Racks like the Saris Gran Fondo use large wheel-sized tracks to sit
your wheels in.
The rack holds the bike vertically, which is good for smaller cars as the bike stands vertically and sits
within the width of the car.
Tow bar-mounted racks vs boot-mounted racks
Stable and secure, the best tow
bar-mounted racks are excellent, if expensive compared to a
boot-mounted
rack. If you don’t already have a tow bar, you’ll need to budget for one too. Tow bar racks like the Thule 9503 Ride-On provide a platform to stand your bikes on. Unlike some, it
also includes a light board with
number plate mount within its price.
What are the advantages of roof-mounted racks?
Roof systems are usually modular, so you will you need the bike carriers, and a roof rack or fittings for
integral roof bars. The advantage is that as roof-mounted racks are modular, you
only need
to buy enough fittings for however many bikes you wish to carry. Carry your bike on the roof and you can
also still easily
access the boot space.
Car bicycle roof racks are particularly useful on estate cars, but it can be hard to lift a heavy bike up to
the height of a car roof. They’re not cheap either. Regarded as one of the very best is Thule's ProRide 591
- its adjustable wheelbase mounts mean it'll fit pretty much any bike, and the adjustable down-tube clamping
arm includes an integral lock.
How can I choose the best bike rack for my car?
The best car rack for you will depend on several factors including the type of car you have, how many bikes
you want to transport and what your budget is. At Evans Cycles we stock a range of car bike rack systems,
which are regularly reviewed in car bike rack reviews online and in magazines.
Bike transport bags vs bike boxes – which is better?
When travelling by air, you can choose to transport your bike in a box or a bike transport bag. Bags tend to
be
cheaper, but require much more care in packing - with plenty of additional protective padding and stuffing
going
round the frame, wheels and derailleurs. You can use pipe lagging, or even your cycling kit as additional
padding.
What features should I look out for when buying a bike bag?
If you opt for a lighter, soft bag like the Polaris Cargo bag, look for details
such as
compartments for small
parts (pedals, quick release skewers, bottles etc), integrated wheel pouches or wheel bags. Toughened
corners
can prevent damage to the bag, and substantial wheels or slides to make easy to transporting through the
airport. Bag bikes should also have plenty of grab handles and straps to make them easy to handle. Many
different companies produce bags, so if you’re unsure what to choose, it’s worth reading some bike bag
reviews,
or reviews of customers on our website.
What is the safest way to travel with my bike?
A bike box like the Elite Vaison is undoubtedly the safest way to travel with your
bike. A
quality bicycle box
will have a hard shell that's resistant to cracks, it'll be toughened where needed and include fittings to
secure both your frame and wheels. Wheels and plenty of grab handles are essential for easy manoeuvrability
and
make sure you check the unpacked weight and factor in what the overall weight will be when it's fully
loaded.
Are there any disadvantages to travelling with a bike box?
The downsides are that their large size can mean issues with storage (especially if you're sharing a small
hotel
room). It's also worth considering that a case is going to be significantly heavier than a bag, so check
your
airline restrictions before travelling, and invest in a set of travel baggage scales to check the weight
before
travelling.