Car bike mount: features, types and choices

Many people prefer to relax in nature, while moving around on a bicycle. Today, the trend is to take a bicycle with you on vacation. They are transported by car. A car roof, rear door or tow bar can be used. Thanks to such fasteners, bicycle transportation is aesthetically and practical.

In the article, we consider their main types, well-known manufacturers, the subtleties of choice and the nuances of use.

The most common and popular place for fasteners for cycling is a car roof. This option is a great choice for transporting heavy bikes. Such a car mount can be safely called reliable and safe. It can be made of aluminum or steel, while the second option is much cheaper. This type of fastener implies that the bike will be upright.

Must be applied special bicycle holders to fix the transport to the crossbars of the upper trunk. Of course, it is worth remembering the use of restraints for bicycle wheels.

Make sure that the fixing kit contains locks to avoid unpleasant situations with theft of bicycles. Moreover, each instance needs to be attached separately.If you transport 2 or 3 bicycles at the same time, then it is advisable to buy a separate fixation kit for each. Of course, sometimes in stores you can find an option designed immediately to hold two bicycles. It is worth noting that such products are quite difficult to find, especially since they are not characterized by increased reliability.

This type of arrangement is in demand, because you do not need to parse the bike. If necessary, it can be removed from the upper trunk at any minute and ride on it.

If we talk about the disadvantages of this option, then it is worth noting the following:

• it’s quite difficult to lift the bike up, especially in cases when the car is tall;
• the location of the bike on the roof of a car can negatively affect the aerodynamics of the latter;
• there is the possibility of damage to both the bicycle and the car if you call somewhere;
• for this fixture, the car must have a trunk with crossbars; if the machine does not have this, then you have to purchase it, which will require additional financial costs.

Quite often, a trunk is used to move the bike, which is located on the rear door of the car. This is a fairly recent solution, because it is not yet as familiar as the above option. Auto-mount is suitable for all types of cars: station wagons, crossovers, SUVs, minivans and hatchbacks. Thanks to this design, 1 to 3 bicycles can be locked simultaneously.

This variety has such advantages as:

• height does not matter;
• No effort is required to lift the bike;
• the risk of hooking something is reduced;
• practically does not affect the aerodynamics of the car.

If this option interests you, then it can be ordered in various online stores, but before you buy it is initially worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the shortcomings, namely:

• this type is not used for sedans, since you need to remove the spare tire;
• increased load on the rear of the machine;
• there is no possibility of using the trunk while the car mount is on it;
• in the event of a traffic situation, the bicycle, as well as the rear of the machine, will be damaged;
• the presence of a bicycle at the rear can lead to obstruction of the state. numbers or taillights.

If you want to transport the bike in a tow bar, then you need to purchase a separate bike carrier design. This method is rarely used, it can even be called original. For such transportation it is necessary that the hitch is attached to the car, as well as fasteners and electrical wiring is carried out to a special connector. All this requires financial expenses.

On sale you can even find advanced versions of such fasteners. They are presented in the form of a special platform, complemented by turn signals, mount for the state. rooms and other items. If we consider the pros and cons of this option, then they are the same as that of the fasteners on the rear door of the car. The only thing worth noting is This option allows you to transport simultaneously 4 cycling, state. the number and taillights are not obstructed, and the vulnerability in the event of an accident is reduced.

Today, every car accessories manufacturer offers a wide range of bicycle restraints. This item is in high demand and popularity. A similar accessory can be purchased in automobile markets or in sports stores, as well as in retail outlets that offer accessories for tourism and leisure.

Consider the companies that are now enjoying fame, because they offer a quality product and have an excellent reputation.

A major manufacturer of car accessories. This company is known throughout Europe. Her products are different excellent quality and reliability

This brand produces strong luggage carriers that are characterized by stylish appearance, practicality and reliability.

This German brand is familiar to many. He is The first manufacturer of luggage carriers with lifting equipment.

This company produces luggage systems that have unique mounting methods. They can be used to transport three vehicles simultaneously.

The fastener mechanisms from this brand are quite simple to operate. They can be used for products weighing up to 15 kg. They are made of aluminum. One of the famous models is Menabo Alphard, which is designed for transporting two bicycles at the same time, while their total weight can reach 50 kg.

Below are several options for fasteners for bicycle transport on cars from the manufacturer Thule.

• Outride - It is an easy and convenient fastening with fixing “fork”. Its weight is only 2.5 kg. It is mounted on the roof of the car. This fastener is characterized by quick loading and reliability. Due to the versatility of the design, it can be used for bicycles with standard 9 mm axles and disc brakes. Using the quick-detachable belt, the rear wheel is fixed. Fasteners can be used for wheels up to 3 inches wide. Locks are included. The carrying capacity is 17 kg. Its dimensions are 137x22x8 cm.

• Hangon 4 - towbar mount that can fit 4 bicycles. The luggage carrier is mounted on a hitch quite simply and easily, while there is the possibility of tilting to provide access to the trunk. The bike is fixed to the restraint using rubber straps characterized by elasticity. For mounting bicycles with custom frames, a special adapter is required. Its carrying capacity is 60 kg. The weight of the fasteners is 10.3 kg and the dimensions are 47x64x90 cm.

• Freeway 3 - Great choice on the back door of the car. This model is suitable for transporting three bicycles. All mounting parts are covered with rubber, which will protect the bike and car from scratches. This solution can also be used for two-wheeled vehicles with non-standard frames, if you additionally use the adapter. The load capacity is 45 kg, while the bike can have a maximum weight of 15 kg. The weight of the fastener is 5.1 kg, the dimensions of the equipment are 56x82x78 cm.

You should be extremely careful when choosing a bike mount for the car, as the wrong approach can lead to a traffic accident, damage to the car or cause theft of the bike. So, when choosing a trunk for transporting a bicycle, it is better to be guided by a number of criteria.

• The method of mounting. The most common is the transportation of a bicycle on the roof of a car, although this option negatively affects the aerodynamics of the car. Fasteners for the rear door are also often chosen, since this option reduces the likelihood of catching something, but the trunk becomes locked. The rarest option is a hitch installation.
• Castle. The presence of the castle allows you to be calm for cycling, but without it there is the possibility of theft of a bicycle, so in this form it is better not to leave the car unattended.
• The number of bicycles. This has a direct impact on model selection.
• Weight of fasteners. The heavier the mount, the greater the load on the car. Fasteners should be strong and reliable, but not very heavy.
• Carrying capacity. The higher this setting, the better.
• Installation. Installation of bike mounts should be quick and easy.

To fix the bike to the car, first you need to decide on the location: on the roof, tailgate or tow bar. All methods have their pros and cons. Each buyer is free to choose the best option for himself. Each of them contains an instruction manual and a scheme according to which it is quite easy to attach fasteners to the car, and in the future - a bicycle.

Let's take a closer look at how to use the vertical mount for cycling on the roof of a car. This option is ideal for bicycles with carbon frames. The hook is used to grip the front wheel, but the rear is fixed to the stand with a ratchet strap. Initially, the bike is fixed to the mount, and it is to the roof rack.

With this option you can transport heavy mountain or electric bicycles. This mechanism is easy to fix because it includes removable holders for the frame. They have locking handles that prevent torque during transport. The bike holder is durable and reliable. Due to the large distance between the holders, this option is suitable for transporting an off-road bike.

For fixing wheels special buckles of the clamping type, which are easily adjustable. The bike mount is quite easy to carry thanks to the special integrated handles. They are sold already assembled, so you do not need to waste time and look for a tool to assemble them.

Such devices are attached to the car with the help of special cables, which are complemented by a ratchet mechanism. Fasteners are quite easy and simple to adjust. To protect the machine from damage during use of the bike carrier, these models have pressed rubber pads.

Thanks to the presence of soft supports, vibration and shock are mitigated during the transportation of cycling vehicles. To be able to transport 2 bicycles at the same time, the bike mount contains special connectors. With their help, bicycles do not hit each other. Some models are equipped with narrow handles located on a suspended platform. They can be used to transport Children's bicycles. If there is no need for their application, then they are conveniently folded.

Each option of fasteners for bicycle transport on a car is characterized by the simplicity of storage and transportation. They are easy to use - just read the instruction manual. With the help of such mounts you can take bicycles with you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

See how to choose a bike carrier (trunk for transporting a bicycle) in the next video.