| The idea of a "right" or "best" bike rack is almost as | | | | That is, physically where do you wish to carry your |
| hard to define as the "right" or "best" bicycle for you. | | | | bikes? Do you want a roof rack? How about |
| But here are six tips to help you buy the one you | | | | something mounted on the rear of your vehicle? |
| need -- the one that offers the best combination of | | | | Maybe you'd even like to install a hitch and pull a |
| features, quality, and price for YOU is obviously the | | | | trailer bike carrier. (Now you know why Tip 1 was |
| only "right" bicycle carrier you need to be concerned | | | | important: Knowing the vehicle you're using you've |
| about! | | | | probably already decided this.) |
| You could easily spend hundreds of dollars for a good | | | | Tip 4: What size and shape are your bikes? |
| new carrier, or get by with only tens of dollars in | | | | Some of the fancier bike racks may be great for |
| expense to buy a good used bike rack. Because | | | | your $7,000 high-tech Trek racing bike, but how will |
| there are a wide range of prices out there, and | | | | they handle your kids' 20-inch BMX off road bikes? |
| because there are many features available in all price | | | | Never consider a bike rack or bike carrier without |
| ranges, never start with price considerations first. | | | | thinking about how it will fit your specific bike or |
| Instead, consider the following: | | | | bikes. |
| Tip 1: What vehicle are you planning to use the rack | | | | Tip 5: Who will normally be loading the bikes onto |
| on? | | | | your rack or carrier? |
| You need to know exactly what type of vehicle and | | | | Don't assume your 90-pound, "5-foot-barely" |
| if at all possible exactly which vehicle you will mount | | | | daughter will be able to load bikes onto the same |
| the rack on. You need to know all this so you can | | | | rack arrangement as your "6-foot-and-taller," |
| decide on how you want your carrier to mount on | | | | 200-pound son the linebacker! This will ultimately be |
| the vehicle. Will it bolt to the frame? Will you be | | | | an important factor in deciding what type of bike |
| mounting it on brackets or braces attached to a | | | | rack you want to buy and where you will mount it. |
| bumper? Once you know the details, you can choose | | | | Tip 6: NOW think about how much you can afford to |
| the right bike rack for your specific vehicle. | | | | spend. |
| Tip 2: How many bikes will you usually be carrying | | | | Pricing should be one of the last considerations if |
| with your bike rack? | | | | you're serious about getting a quality bike rack. Once |
| You might find a great deal on a 2-bike rack, which | | | | you've taken all 6 tips into account, go to your local |
| would be perfect for you and a friend. But suppose | | | | bike shop, or take a trip online and see what meets |
| you have a group of friends, or a family, and you | | | | your needs at a price you can afford. |
| want to carry 4 bikes on the rack? Likewise, a great | | | | If you are able to lead or ride your bicycle literally |
| deal on a 4- or 6-bike (they're HUGE!) rack isn't very | | | | everywhere you want to go, a bike rack may not |
| "great" if you will never need to carry that many | | | | even be in your thinking. But in the real world, bike |
| bikes. A bike rack that's too big can be cumbersome | | | | racks or carriers are necessary for most bikes and |
| and nearly useless. | | | | biking. Follow these 6 tips for buying the right bike |
| Tip 3: Where do you want the bikes to be racked? | | | | rack and you'll do well. |