Bicycle Hitch Rack

Bicycle Hitch Rack - Why You Need One

The bicycle can be tied to a car via two methods- either on the roof, or at the back of the car. The problem with getting a roof mounted rack is that cars are inevitably getting taller, making both ergonomically and logistically challenging to haul a whole bike over the car. On the other hand, such issues become void when one decides to strap the bicycle on to the back of their car.

Hitch Rack vs. Roof Rack

The bicycle hitch rack is generally designed to be positioned at low levels, with the maximum height being at the shoulder height of an adult. Another great thing about having your bike attached all the way at the back of your car is that it minimizes the risk of your bike getting damaged with pebbles and debris as you travel along the road.

Speaking of driving, it would actually be so much more aerodynamic to travel with your bicycle at the back as opposed to the top of your car so that means that using a bicycle rack will also improve your gas mileage. There have been several well-documented cases that involve drivers getting into mishaps due to the very fact that they had a bicycle on their car roof. These accidents happen when said unlucky bike is damaged as the driver passes by low ceiling areas while forgetting about the presence of their bicycle perched on top of the car.

Choosing Your Bicycle Rack

So now that you understand the importance of the bicycle hitch rack, it is also vital to understand your many options before you purchase one. Bicycle hitch racks come with the option of either 2 or 1.25 inch hitch receivers. These racks can usually transport more than one bicycle at any given time as well. Currently, there exist hitch racks that allow the user to strap down a maximum of five bicycles simultaneously while still allowing ample access to the car boot.

Incidentally, some racks are bolted to the car whereas other hitch racks are capable of swinging away from the car boot. Either way, a decent bicycle hitch rack should not deter you from gaining access to the rear side of your car. Other manufacturers have even come up with the design that allows the bicycle hitch rack to be easily removed from the car to be then used as a bike rack to store your bikes as home.

By Freddy R. Johnson