Here we have the old question again: should I get a roof bike rack or a hitch type?
If you have invested a considerable amount of money in buying a bike that perfectly suits your lifestyle and requirements, you would certainly want to reach your destination safely and spend more time exploring rather than worrying about your bike carrier. This comprehensive guide highlights the dissimilarities between hitch and roof bike racks, enabling you to select the bike carrier that best fits your needs.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Bike Rack:
Type of your vehicle: The bike rack options available to you will depend on the type of vehicle you own. Once you’ve determined the suitable racks for your specific situation, you can then focus on selecting the appropriate style.
Number of bikes you will transport: The primary contrast between a hitch and a roof bike rack lies in their weight-carrying capacity, which differs significantly.
Type of your bike(s): The choice of bike rack also depends on the type of bike you own. E-bikes, being heavier, are not suitable for rooftop racks, while bikes with lighter carbon frames are easier to lift and safer to transport on the roof.
Roof Bike Racks
Roof bike racks provide complete trunk accessibility and can support various wheel sizes. Some rooftop bike racks require the rider to detach the front wheel, enabling smooth driving and making the bike lighter and more accessible to load. Other racks enable vertical mounting without removing the wheel, raising the car’s height and decreasing its stability. Fork-mounted or upright roof bike racks are ideal for sedans and compact SUVs with a lower load height or those without a hitch.
Advantages
- This can be installed onto an existing roof rack.
- If your vehicle has a lower roof height, they are a good fit.
- Allow unrestricted access to the back of the car.
Disadvantages
- Bikes are difficult to access and require considerable effort to lift.
- Limit access to areas with height restrictions.
Hitch Bike Racks
Hitch bike racks are a popular style of bike carriers and offer a convenient option if you have a towbar on your vehicle or intend to install one. These racks can transport up to four bikes, are simple to install, and provide easy access to your bikes with minimal lifting. However, they do extend the length of your vehicle, which could make reversing or maneuvering difficult for some drivers. In addition, they restrict your access to the rear of your vehicle, although many models can tilt down or swing away to address this concern.
Hitch bike racks fall into 2 categories:
Platform bike racks: The sizes of these bike racks vary, ranging from accommodating one bike up to four. The platform design makes loading your bike more effortless as it reduces the lifting point needed for the bike. Additionally, the platform style is compatible with various frame styles and bike types.
Hanging bike racks: These bike racks are available in various sizes, typically accommodating up to 4 bikes and sometimes even up to 5. Due to their smaller size, they are easier to remove from your vehicle, but they may have difficulty accommodating different frame styles simultaneously.
Advantages
- Can be attached to an existing hitch on the vehicle
- Multiple bikes can be transported.
- You can effortlessly load and unload bikes.
- They offer enhanced security for transporting your bicycles.
Disadvantages
- They may restrict access to the back of your vehicle.
- Increase the overall length of your vehicle
No matter what kind of vehicle you have or how many bikes you need to transport, there is a bike rack style that will suit your needs. However, before you choose a bike rack, it’s essential to do your research to find the best model for your vehicle and specific requirements. To help you with this process, be sure to check out our roof bike racks channel and other car roof accessories that will work best for your vehicle. Right now, we are in the process of expanding our product range and styles. Welcome to visit Enowl, a professional website to provide you with cost-effective car roof products.