Car Racks

Bike car racks are also called bicycle carriers. If you are heading off on holidays, going to the beach, taking the kids to school or going bush and you are taking the bikes with you, then you'll probably need a car rack. As the name suggests, this is a handy little item that makes transporting your bike from place to place a simple and easy task. The key to car racks is choosing a rack system that is simple and easy for you to use. If it takes too much time or requires too much effort to put the bikes on the rack and get going, you probably won't use it very often. Yep; quick and painless is the key here folks!

So what options do you have? There are different types of bike car racks available for different vehicles. Car racks can be mounted to the roof of your vehicle, to a tow bar (ball type or hayman reece), or fixed securely to the boot or trunk using a strap system. While not technically a car rack it is worth mentioning here that you can also get attachments that mount onto the tray of a truck, Ute or trailer called a Trapz.

Roof racks are by far the dearest option, so they are generally used for more expensive types of bikes. If you are thinking about a roof rack it is best to see a dealer who specializes in selling roof rack systems. There are quite a few brands on the market and they function in different ways. One thing that is a must is being able to lock your bikes in place.

Toe bar mounted bike car racks are available in 2,3 and 4 bike options. These racks are cost effective, simple to use and easy to take on and off your vehicle. With this type of system you lift the bike onto the rack and strap it down using Velcro straps, a simple and easy process. The straps go over the top tube of the bike. If you have ladies or kids bikes to transport then you will need an adaptor bar. The adaptor bar attaches to the stem and seat post effectively creating a removable top tube which can used when transporting the bike. These extension bars are quick and easy to fit and just as simple to remove, it literally takes seconds. It is also recommended using an extension bar if you have a carbon or light weight alloy frame as the stresses put on the top tube during transport may damage your frame.

Finally, we have Strap-on bike racks. These are for vehicles that don't have roof racks or tow bars and as the name suggests, they strap onto your car. Basically, they attach to the rear of your vehicle using 6 nylon straps with plastic coated hooks that are designed to fit onto the edges of the boot or rear hatch without damaging the surface. With this system you can safely carry up to 3 adult bikes of average weight. Generally this type of car rack is suited to people who occasionally want to transport their bikes.

NOTE: If when using your car rack it obscures or hides your number plate, you will need to purchase a second number plate from the transport department and attach it to the end of the rack. There can be hefty fines if you get caught doing the wrong thing!