Bike Rack Buying Considerations
If you are used to transporting road bikes and smaller mountain bikes (24” wheels and smaller) the
larger mountain bikes may be a challenge to transport well with your existing bike rack. Due to the
number of sprockets making up the rear cassette for most mountain bikes (10, 11 or 12) the rear
triangle (chainstay) of mountain bikes are quite a bit wider than other bikes. Below are some
considerations about different rack styles for transporting mountain bikes.
If you are used to transporting road bikes and smaller mountain bikes (24” wheels and smaller) the
larger mountain bikes may be a challenge to transport well with your existing bike rack. Due to the
number of sprockets making up the rear cassette for most mountain bikes (10, 11 or 12) the rear
triangle (chainstay) of mountain bikes are quite a bit wider than other bikes. Below are some
considerations about different rack styles for transporting mountain bikes.
Two Bar Racks: Bike racks of that style that have two posts to carry bikes, whether the rack sits on the car’s trunk or uses a hitch (see image below) often do not carry multiple bikes well. This style of rack often results in bikes rubbing together, the posts not fitting different frames well or wind pushing frames together resulting in frames rubbing and scratches.
Racks that Hold the Front Wheel in a Basket: These racks have become popular. Racks that swing down to access the back of your vehicle and make loading of bikes easier are recommended. A popular brand is VelociRAX. JB Rack is a recent competitor to and emulator of VelociRAX with price point several hundred dollars less for a few less features and less weight. A basket spacing of 12 to 15 inches is recommended to avoid conflict between bikes.
Roof Racks: Yakama and Thule offer racks that are sturdy and dependable. A drawback is getting the bikes up and down from your vehicle’s roof.
Hitch Platform Racks: This type has the bike sit on a tray with an attachment arm that swings up and holds down the front tire and a strap for the rear tire. They work well for 2 bikes and if you do not need access to the rear of the vehicle when bikes are on the rack. Racks that carry more bikes stick out quite a bit from the back of the vehicle increasing the tongue weight on your hitch compared to racks with the front wheel in a basket. Many brands offer this type of rack.
