Top Ways in Which You Can Understand How To Transport A Bike
Everyone during holiday wants to hype up their adrenaline during their free time, and the most probable way is through bike riding on those hilly and mountainous regions.
Depending on how far your home is, you will need to transport your bike to the place of your excitement. The next question will come by as how to transport a bike.
Of course, most of us don’t have those large-sized vehicles like multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) and sport utility vehicles (SUV) that allow you to carry your bike comfortably.
It becomes difficult to transport your bike if you use compact sedan which doesn’t have space.
In this case, outside additions come in handy like mounting bike racks and multi-sport trailers. There are three primary ways you can use in transporting your bike:
- Distance – You have to consider the distance between your residence and the place of biking. Some weak multi-sport trailers may not be convenient in carrying your bike for long distance, especially if the road is rough.
- The number of bikes – If you are carrying the bikes for all the family members like four of them, you need to consider a better means of transporting them and choosing the best bike rack that can accommodate multiple bikes.
- The condition of the road – Well, although this may not seem like a factor you should consider, it is very important to know the condition of your route. If the route has some low hanging trees, roof mount rack is not a good option.
- Your type of car – If you have a compact vehicle, then racks and trailers will be your option. If you have SUV and MPV, then you can consider using their boots.
The above four factors are crucial in transporting your bike. Let’s look at the three methods you can use in transporting your bike:
Transporting a bike
1) Using Boot
This can be a bit tricky for the less spaced vehicles. However, you can decide to fold the rear seats to create more space. It is advisable that you have some cartons or newspapers where the bike will rest on in case it is very muddy after the multiple rides.
You can also decide to remove the wheels, especially the front wheel. When removing the rear wheel always ensure your chain is less tensed.
Make sure that the disc brakes and levers are not squeezed in any way when transporting it. While packing it, ensure the most essential parts face upwards. Keep your wheels locked and tightly tied to avoid any movements and scratching in case the riding road is bumpy.
2) Using a multi-sport trailer
For riders that don’t want stress with packing their compressed boots already, they easily go for a multi-sport trailer. If you are planning to have multiple activities besides biking, you may decide to carry other gears and equipment like surfboards, kayaks, luggage, and golf sticks.
The trailer is big enough to accommodate all the tools you want to carry for your adventure, including a camping tent. The beauty of using a multi-sport trailer is that it can carry even five bikes without much struggle. Assembling and connecting it to your vehicle is also pretty simple.
Nevertheless, it is expensive to buy and will need extra space in your garage to keep the trailer. As you drive, it becomes very hard to know precisely what is happening behind, and even your equipment can be easily stolen. You will also need to spend some amount on its lock and hitch receiver.
3) Using bike racks
Since trailers are relatively expensive and the cars of many have small boots, they usually decide to go for bike racks. Before you purchase your bike rack, ensure that you consider its design and the model of your car.
Some other factors you need to have in mind include your budget, the number of bicycles you want to carry, stability, durability, material, compatibility, and other personal priorities.
There are various types of bike racks which are named after where they are mounted. Here are some of the most common types:
- Hitch racks – this is an excellent way of transporting your bikes if your car is having some hitch. If your vehicle doesn’t have one, then you will need to install it. They can be in the form of a tray or hanging style and is suitable for carrying multiple bikes. There are no occurrences of scratches because it keeps the bicycle away from your car. It is easy to pack the bikes. You only need to tighten the racks into the receiver. However, you need to be careful of theft. In the times when you are not carrying your bikes, then you can tilt the hitch or fold it.
- Boot rack – this a more price-friendly rack that can be used instead of expensive trailers. Installing and removing bikes is very easy. You can easily mount it at the back of your vehicle, and you can unmount it if you are not using it. It is lightweight hence, less fuel consumption. However, it is hard to access your boot, not so stable, risk of theft, and the paint of your car can easily be scratched. Here is where a good car alarm will be required to avoid certain unfortunate.
- Roof rack – This is where the bike is placed on top of your vehicle and gives more room for your friends and for carrying other equipment of outdoor sports. However, you have to mind of the height of the bike and the roads you are passing through. On the roof also you can consider having roof cross bars on top and mounting carrier baskets at the back or top.
- Spare-tire racks – These are mounted at the place of spare tires and are moderately costly. It only carries a few bikes and can easily hinder you from having your rear view as the driver.
From the above methods of transporting bikes, you can choose one that appropriately fits your vehicle and needs. Ensure the method you choose, is budget conscious and doesn’t consume much fuel.
Always remember to drive carefully when you are carrying the bicycles in any of the three means. How to transport a bike can be tricky and safety is the main target in all aspect.
