Hanging-style hitch racks tend to be lighter, so removing them is an easier process. A 70-pound rack is not going to be easy to take on and off on a regular basis (the Thule T2 Pro XTR on our list has an integrated wheel to make transporting it easier). The weight of the rack itself is an important consideration, especially if the rack is not going to live on the back of your car. And you’ll have to secure the rear tire with a separate cord or rope to keep it from spinning. Many won’t fit mountain bikes or bikes with anything but a straight top tube without an adapter. Hanging racks, on the other hand, are often less expensive and take up less space on the back of your vehicle. And some racks offer the ability to add trays, changing your two-bike rack to one that can haul four bikes. Some platform racks also have optional loading ramps so you can wheel your e-bike into place without having to lift it. Platform racks tend to have higher bike weight limits, which is important if you’re toting cruisers, heavy mountain bikes, or e-bikes, which can weigh 60 pounds or more. Loading is simple and secure, and almost any size of bike will fit. Your bike tires sit in trays and most racks have arms that secure your wheels. Platform racks tend to be heavier and more expensive, but they’re also typically easier to use and accommodate more styles of bikes. Hitch racks break down into two basic categories platform racks where the wheels of the bike sit on a tray and an arm clamps down on the tire or frame, and hanging racks, where the bike hangs from an arm by the frame or fork. What to Consider When Buying A Bike Hitch Rack Style of Hitch Rack You even need to think about your future (will your kid soon be joining you on rides?). Some racks work well with road bikes but can’t handle fat bikes or even full-suspension bikes, and vice versa. You need to consider every aspect of your cycling and lifestyle, from the number, weight, and types of bikes you want to carry to the material in the frame of those bikes (avoid using racks that clamp onto the frame if you have a carbon bike, as the stress could damage the frame). And of all the many styles of bike racks to consider, the hitch bike rack is often the easiest, most convenient way to transport bikes.īut not all hitch racks are created equal, and not all cyclists need the same kind of hitch rack. But hitches are particularly useful if you’re looking to carry bikes, especially if you need to haul more than one whip. I have hitch racks for my vehicles that serve as extra trunk space, allow me to carry full-sized grills, even act as hammock stands. Having a hitch on the back of your vehicle, whether you drive a Prius or a Ram, instantly maximizes its usefulness by adding the ability to tote extra gear.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |