Bike racks are used to transport bicycles on the exterior of a vehicle. There are three main types of bike racks: roof racks which allow use of the trunk but create wind resistance, trunk racks which are easy to use but take up trunk space, and hitch racks which are simple to install but can block visibility when backing up. Each rack type has pros and cons for carrying bikes long distances by car.

1. Bike Racks

2. Have you ever wanted to go cycling at a place so
far away it would be impossible to make the trip
by bicycle alone? You can use your car and try to
jam-pack that bike of your inside it or you can get
yourself a bike rack.

3. Bike racks are utilized to carry bicycles on
the exterior of your car when you're
restricted on space.

4. There are three varieties of bike racks offered a
trunk bike rack, a hitch bike rack, and a roof bike
rack each with their own pro's and con's.

5. Roof Bike Rack

6. Using a roof mounted bike rack enables you
to still use your trunk without having
anything in the way.

7. In the cyclist world the roof mounted bike
rack is a status symbol.

8. If you carry your bicycle on your roof you
are considered to be a more serious cyclist.

9. Also, once you have a roof mount mounted
you can even interchange the racks to hold
other various cargo holders.

10. On the bad side the roof mounted bike rack
might cause clearance problems with taller
vehicles.

11. While carrying bikes on the roof the air
resistance can produce a lot of sound in
addition to affecting your fuel economy.

12. Trunk Bike Rack

13. Probably the most commonly used bike rack
used at the moment.

14. The trunk mounted bike rack usually can be
connected quickly and easily for short
outings.

15. Your bikes are also carried on the rear of the
car so they are mostly protected against any
flying debris that could damage your bike.

16. Unlike the roof mounted bike rack the trunk
mounted bike rack takes away the use of
your trunk while it is attached.

17. Hitch Bike Rack

18. The hitch mounted bike rack is the easiest to
install of all the bike racks.

19. Just slide the rack into the trailer hitch and
you are good to go.

20. The hitch mounted bike rack can also carry a
lot of weight, meaning additional bicycles
depending on which brand you buy.

21. If your car does not have a trailer hitch you
will probably have to pay more to get one
fitted.

22. In order to be able to use your trunk you will
either have to uninstall your rack each time or
spend more money or buy a rack that swings.

23. Also backing up might be more of a
challenge with the added rack to the back of
the automobile.