Prepare For Adventure With a Hitch Bike Rack By Andrew Bernhardt Are you still taking one or both wheels off your bike and cramming it into your trunk or backseat just to haul it to and from the trail? Wow. Life can be so much simpler...and a lot more enjoyable. With a hitch bike rack, you can safely and easily transport your bike, and a number of additional bikes, without worrying about where you're going to put passengers after filling up your cab with bike parts.
You've suffered through the boss' whining and endless indecision all week long. Adventure is calling and there's a trail out there with your name on it. But, how you get there (and how much effort it consumes) takes a huge toll on your level of overall enjoyment. So, don't waste one more minute of your precious time fighting with your gear. Minimize the time you have to spend loading and unloading with a bike rack.
Bike racks come in a few different styles, but the two main types are a hitch mount bike rack and roof racks. This is an important feature to consider. Roof racks store your bikes out of the way but make the bikes somewhat harder to stow and retrieve, forcing you to reach above your vehicle or climb on top to secure the bikes. On the other hand, a hitch bike rack mounts just as the name implies: to your trailer hitch. With durable metal construction, hitch racks typically hold up to four bicycles but require a trailer hitch for mounting. They provide easy access to your gear, storing it securely and conveniently at chest level. The one downside is they could potentially block your rear view depending on your vehicle. In this area of competition, roof racks will always win for their effectiveness in keeping bikes and any other gear up and out of your field of vision.
To be fair, roof racks are also handy for adding on a rooftop cargo carrier. When your adventures take you away for more than just a day, you'll need to pack appropriately. And jamming all that stuff into your cab is a drag. Similar to a second trunk, a rooftop cargo carrier expands your storage capacity, easily allowing for more buddies, babes or beer. Plus, many feature a snap-on mounting system that works with most roof racks. They also boast quick installation and simple removal for convenient storage when not in use. In addition, they're built tough from all-weather ABS and are completely lockable, safeguarding your valuables from thieves when you're away from the vehicle. For that reason alone, they make a smart addition to any outing.
Hitch bike rack