Bicycle rack
A bicycle rack allows you to transport your bicycles safely with a car or camper van. Bicycle racks come in a number of different types but can be broken down into types depending on where they are mounted on the vehicle.
What kinds of bicycle rack are there?
The three most common types of bicycle racks are roof-mounted, boot-mounted or mounted on the towbar a car or camper van. A bicycle rack may be equipped with additional features such as lighting, an anti-theft device and/or an additional number plate. Different models have different approved drawbar loads, and consequently not all suitable for transporting e-bikes.
All three of these types also have a few things in common:
- In each, there is an area where the bicycle’s wheels are attached.
- Each has some type of fastening system.
- They are all designed for a specific load capacity.
Roof-mounted bicycle rack
With a roof rack, the rack is mounted on the roof of the car and the bicycle is fixed into a wheel slot. Additional struts and straps provide the necessary stability. The wheels are then upright on the car roof, and the bicycle can be mounted either in the direction of travel or the other way round. Roof racks offer various advantages and disadvantages:
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
generally cheaper than other models |
high wind resistance |
|
high flexibility thanks to variety of brackets |
requires lifting heavy bicycle onto car roof |
|
anti-theft device for the bicycle |
susceptible to crosswinds |
|
surface area of the vehicle remains unchanged |
in most cases a roof rail is necessary |
Boot-mounted bicycle rack
If you do not want to transport your bicycle on the roof and do not have a towbar, you can look at boot-mounted carriers. This variant is somewhat easier when it comes to loading and unloading the bicycles. The boot rack is attached to the rear of the car and is therefore only suitable for cars with a rear gate, i.e., vans, station wagons and the like. These models likewise have their advantages and disadvantages:
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
easy mounting on the tailgate |
not suitable for all vehicles |
|
easy loading and unloading of the bicycles |
not every tailgate is designed to support such loads |
|
low air resistance |
may cover sensors of vehicle’s support systems |
|
well-suited for camper vans |
May make vehicle’s luggage area inaccessible |
Bicycle rack for towbar
These racks are a separate trailer platform that can be mounted on a vehicle with a towbar. Even though they are generally a little more expensive than roof racks or boot racks, they have some advantages that may justify this investment.
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
easy loading and unloading |
shifted vehicle centre of gravity can influence steering behaviour |
|
low air resistance |
high investment |
|
can quickly result in total permissible load of a vehicle being exceeded |
General instructions for all bicycle racks
The following points should be observed when using any bicycle rack:
- do not exceed permissible drawbar load
- remove batteries from e-bikes before transporting
- do not cover with tarpaulins during the journey
- remove bicycle attachments (basket, air pump, etc.) before driving
- Adjust driving speed (120-130 km/h recommended max. speed)
- observe all national regulations abroad
- observe max. permitted vehicle length and width
Bicycle racks for e-bikes
As the popularity of electric bicycles increases, the demand for bicycle racks that can carry them is also increasing. Strictly speaking, any bicycle rack will be suitable for carrying an e-bike; however, since e-bikes usually weigh more, a roof rack is not the best choice. Mounting an e-bike on a bicycle rack mounted to the towbar is much easier. This also allows the car to protect parts like the bicycle wheels during the ride.