The bicycle rack for the rear door of the car is the optimal solution for all active travelers and lovers of long trips. In this case, the choice of mounts is much wider than when fixing two-wheeled vehicles on the roof or towbar of the machine. In addition, the effort spent on loading the equipment will be minimal - even an elderly person or a fragile girl can handle it. What features of bicycle racks for a car should be considered when choosing? Which brands should you trust? How to choose a bike carrier for the rear of a car, what should I look for?
The variety of available solutions can confuse even an experienced cyclist. That is why it is worth considering all the pros and cons of cycling on the rear door of the car before making a final decision.
Description and device
The bicycle trunk fixed to the rear door is a structure that is mounted directly on the surface of the body, which makes it somewhat difficult to use the storage compartment. Such a bike carrier for transporting two-wheeled vehicles can be designed exclusively for sedans or have a universal design that can be adapted to almost any type of body. It is possible to fix the bicycle car carrier at the rear with a spare wheel, if available. This method is most convenient and creates a minimum of interference during operation. In all other cases, the design of the luggage compartment and the bumper are used - such a support is less functional, but also quite convenient to use.
The following elements are necessarily included in the package of any bike mount of this type:
- brackets;
- connecting jumpers;
- mounting elements for fixing to the body;
- holders - their number corresponds to the number of bicycles;
- regulators to change the slope of the structure;
- accessories to facilitate the use of the boot.
Most simply mounted models are designed for mounting on a spare wheel. In this case, a rigid metal frame of a rounded pipe is put on it, compressing the tire behind and over its front part. From the base, a curved tubular element extends forward, on which the holders are placed in a row.
Advantages and disadvantages
The obvious advantages of the bike carrier for a car located in the rear of the body include the following:
- universality - you can choose a mount for cars of any model and brand, including for a tuned car or van;
- ease of installation - You can choose one of several options, preferring the most convenient;
- minimal effort when installing or removing bike with mounts; no need to lift it to a great height, remove it with a risk to life or buy complex and expensive lifts;
- the ability to transport from 1 to 4 bicycles, without dismantling their individual parts and structural details;
- lack of influence on the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle; A bicycle mounted on the machine eliminates the potential for difficulty in maneuvering.
Many are interested in whether the mounts on the trunk have significant drawbacks. The increased dimensions of the vehicle in its rear part may make it difficult to open the door, maneuver in narrow sections of the road. If the bike will block the license plate on the car, there may be difficulties with the traffic police. Such mounts are more expensive than those used on the roof and towbar. You’ll also have to open the trunk, previously removing the bike. The fastening itself does not interfere with this process.
It is also worth considering that in the event of an accident, a two-wheeled vehicle will suffer in the first place, repair costs will increase in proportion.
Top brands
Bicycle racks on the Russian market today are represented mainly in the form of products of foreign manufacturers. But even with sufficient wealth of choice, making a final decision can be quite difficult. Consider which firms can be called market leaders.
Thule
The Swedish brand Thule is a recognized leader in the manufacture of automotive bike mounts. The company has existed since 1942. Initially, she specialized in the manufacture of belt buckles and headlight guards. In the future, the company's assortment was replenished with luggage racks for transporting skis. The founder of the brand is Eric Tulin. A lover of outdoor activities, he quickly appreciated the lack of useful travel accessories on the market.
Since 1979, the company has ceased to be a family business, but has not lost its desire for leadership. Today, Thule Group makes revolutionary design and technological developments for those who do not want to part with a bicycle on trips. Today in the company's product line there are several models of luggage racks for the rear door of the car.
- BackPac 2. Universal type mount made in the form of a raised platform. It is focused on mounting on the back of minivans, vans and minibuses.
- Race Way 2 and 3. Mounts of the same series, designed for a different number of bicycles. Universal bike carrier can be mounted on all types of car bodies.
- ClipOn. A series that allows you to transport a different number of bicycles depending on the model of attachment. The line includes a snap-on mounting system, all elements in contact with the body have a softening rubber coating.Foldable mount, compatible with the adapter, there is a division by version - according to the diameter of the pipes, adapted to different types of machines.
- Freeway. Mount for sedans and hatchbacks. Non-universal, compatible car models are best specified in advance.
Peruzzo
This is an Italian brand that has been operating for over 25 years. The company specializes in the production of bicycle racks in Western Europe and Eastern European markets. The brand’s factories are located in Italy, and all fasteners are not just standardized, but also passed all the necessary tests for strength and reliability. In the product range there is a division into several lines.
- Stevio Alu / Steel. A series of aluminum or steel mounts. There is a model with wheel pallets (ref. 375 / A) or a holder for skis and snowboards. A special safety belt is available. All installation is carried out on 1 bolt.
- Brennero. The model with mount to the frame is easy to install, equipped with an additional seat belt. The steel structure is designed to carry 2 bicycles, as well as equipment weighing up to 15 kg.
- 4 × 4 Bike Carrier 25/30. A model with easy installation on a spare tire, focused on SUVs. There is a special rubberized frame protection and additional seat belts. The shock absorbing support is made on the basis of the company's own patent.
Standart
This is a manufacturer from Russia, mainly specializing in the manufacture of transverse arcs of rectangular and aerodynamic shapes. In the segment of bicycle racks, the rear door is represented by the Rondo Top model, designed for 3 bicycles.
The universal design is suitable for installation on all body styles, except for minibuses. The bicycle carrier is made of steel, has a loading capacity of 45 kg, and is suitable for bicycles with a wheel diameter of not more than 29 °.
Yakima
An American brand specializing in the manufacture of luggage racks for transporting various accessories for outdoor activities. The company has existed since 1973, was founded in Washington, and since 1979 it is based on the vastness of the state of California, where they are a good judge of outdoor activities. The company has an official partnership with Olympic cycling teams, the purchase of one of its largest competitors, the Australian Whispbar and the European Cykell.
For the transportation of two-wheeled vehicles on the rear door of the car, the brand offers several models of fasteners.
- SpareRide Spare wheel mount for 2 bicycles. It is suitable for fatbikes. The model has a cable lock. It is suitable for use with a spare wheel mounted in the center or with a lateral offset. The mounting plate with extension is easily adjustable and reliably holds the bike carrier frame in place.
- HangOut 2/3. Bicycle carrier for the rear door. Universal adjustable model, you can choose the angle of inclination of the equipment holder. Bicycles do not touch during transportation. Easy installation does not require tools. Folding is possible in the trunk.
- HalfBack 2/3. Fastenings for transportation of 2-3 bicycles. The model is adapted for installation on sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, liftbacks. It easily adapts to the individual design features of the machine. You can adjust the dimensions without complicated adjustments and tools.
- Fullback 3. Bicycle carrier model for 3 pieces of equipment, universal mount for different cars. With it, you can even turn the trunk lid of a sedan into a full-fledged platform for bicycles. The series is distinguished by modern design, easy installation without tools, a folding design, rubberized places of contact with the car body.
These companies and their products are recognized market leaders. But there are other companies that deserve attention. The company leads in the budget segment from Taiwan BuzzRack, selling its bike racks around the world. Popular and Italian Mebabo mounts, one of the few made of ABS plastic with a multilayer structure.
How to choose?
When choosing a suitable bike mount on the trunk of a car It is worth paying attention to a few points.
- Estimated number of bicycles. It is better to immediately choose a model that can simultaneously hold at least 2 units of two-wheeled vehicles.
- Presence of locking fasteners. Locks will help prevent theft of the vehicle, provide the necessary reliability of fixing the bikes during transportation.
- Number of attachment points. It is worth paying attention to the fact that there should be at least 2-3 of them, which will allow avoiding the displacement of two-wheeled vehicles from the mount during transportation. This is important if you have to ride on rough terrain or poor-quality roads.
- The presence of softening elements at all points of contact between the bicycle and the car body. They will ensure the preservation of the paint layer on each of the vehicles intact.
- Type of material and construction weight. Large brands have lightweight aluminum bike fixers, as well as other high-tech solutions that can significantly reduce the resulting load.
- Universality of design. It will allow you not to buy a new trunk when changing cars. In this case, it will be enough just to rearrange the existing latch.
Planning to attach the bike to the trunk of a car, it is important to consider that its overall dimensions should not exceed the width of the body by more than 0.4 m on each side. The fastener and the cargo transported on it can extend beyond the length limits by no more than 1 m.
When fully loaded with 3-4 bicycles, it is imperative to take into account the extra weight when driving a car, as well as reduce the speed to avoid tipping over.
An overview of the Aguri Giza rear door bike rack is waiting for you next.