Ready to take your bike on an adventure but still trying to figure out how to get it there? This guide to back racks will help you choose the best rack for you!
There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as ripping your favorite trail on your mountain bike, pushing it on a big road ride with a great group, or even just pedaling around your car campsite with the family. So, what’s the best way to carry your bicycle from home to your next riding adventure if it’s too far to get there on two wheels? With a bike rack on your vehicle! Keep reading to learn about the different types of racks, how to mount one on your car, and more.
Bike racks are accessories that attach directly to your vehicle, either on the trailer hitch or roof, to transport your bicycles safely. They come in many sizes and configurations to fit different types of bikes, vehicles, and preferences.
Without a bike rack, you’ll have to put your bike in your trunk whenever you want to head to a faraway trail or group ride. If you have a pickup truck (and a tailgate pad!), that isn’t a big deal, but with a smaller sedan, taking the wheels off your bike and shoving it into the trunk can get frustrating. Plus, your bike takes up most of your valuable cargo space. You also risk getting chain grease and mud all over your vehicle’s interior or scratching your bike’s frame.
With a bike rack, you can leave your bike assembled and simply mount it on the rack for easy access. Bike racks help protect your vehicle and bicycle, making transport a breeze and freeing cargo space.
When installed properly, bike racks do not damage your car. However, if installed improperly or not inspected regularly to ensure they have not come loose or shifted, a bike rack could damage your vehicle by scratching the paint or denting the body.
The two primary types of bike racks are roof racks and hitch racks. Both have pros and cons, but ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Roof racks are a great option if you want to access the trunk of your vehicle easily or if your vehicle does not have a hitch already installed. They are also ideal for smaller, low-clearance vehicles where a trailer hitch may cause the vehicle to sag. Roof racks typically require you to have cross bars installed on your roof.
Hitch-mounted bike racks are especially popular for larger vehicles where the roof may be more challenging to access or for people who may have difficulty lifting their bikes above their heads onto the roof. Some hitch racks have hinges that make them easy to move out of the way to access the trunk of a vehicle.
Additionally, your vehicle’s trailer hitch may have a greater weight capacity than your roof, making a hitch rack ideal for larger, heavier mountain bikes, e-bikes, or fat tire bikes.
The exact steps for how to mount a bicycle rack will depend on your vehicle and style of rack. Always consult your vehicle and rack manufacturer for detailed information before installing a rack, and ensure you purchase a rack compatible with your vehicle and bike.
If your vehicle already has cross bars installed, most racks simply set onto the bars and then tighten down with included straps. If you do not have compatible cross bars or are unsure, it’s best to contact your local dealer for assistance.
Installing a hitch rack is a cinch. For most racks, you’ll simply slide the rack into the receiver, secure it with the provided bolts or lock, and tighten it.
Loading bikes onto a bike rack will depend on your rack style, but these tips will help you get started! Always consult the rack manufacturer for specific instructions.
1. Prep the rack: If your roof rack does not require you to remove the wheel of your bike, such as a Yakima Frontloader, open up the moving bracket of the rack. It will likely have a button to press while you move it.
2. Prep your bike: Check to make sure that your wheels are on securely and that no accessories will fall off in transit. If you have a fork-mounted bike rack, such as the Yakima Forklift, remove your front wheel to mount the bike to the rack.
3. Place your bike on the rack: Lift it onto the rack, aligning it with the wheel slots. If you’re using a fork-mounted rack, line the fork dropouts up with the rack and use the thru-axle or quick-release skewer that comes with your wheel to secure the bike to the rack. Check with the rack manufacturer for more specific information.
4. Secure the rack: While holding your bike still (you may need assistance), tighten the rack onto the wheel. Ensure that the rack does not rub any parts of the frame and it’s tight enough to be secure. If you use a lock on your rack, lock it.
1. Prep the rack: Just like a roof rack, it’s easiest to start by opening up the arms of the rack before you pick your bike up. If you have a frame-mounted rack, such as a Yakima Ridgeback, undo any fasteners.
2. Prep your bike: Like the previous steps for a roof rack, it’s important to ensure your bike’s components are secure and remove accessories such as water bottles that could fall off in transit.
3. Place your bike on the rack: For racks such as a Yakima HoldUp, set your bike in the wheel slots. For frame-mounted racks such as the Yakima RidgeBack, set your bike’s top tube on the cradle.
4. Secure the rack: Tighten the arms of the bike rack onto your tires if you’re using a rack like the HoldUp, or secure the ZipStrips around the frame if you’re using a RidgeBack. If you’re using a lock in conjunction with your rack, lock it as well.
Don’t forget to drive safely and enjoy the ride!
Bring your bike along for the ride with a Yakima bike rack. Whether you need a roof or hitch rack, find just what you’re looking for at Ed Hicks Nissan. We’re proud to service Nissan lovers in Corpus Christi, Ingleside, and beyond. Order your bike rack online, ship it to your home, or pick it up from the dealership. Schedule a vehicle inspection while at it to ensure your Nissan is ready to handle the trail ahead.
