In the UK, we’re lucky to have some brilliant bike trails across the country to enjoy. But to get to them, we’ve got to transport our bikes!
There’s a fair bit of choice out there, but as keen cyclists there are a few considerations to take on board before purchasing a new car or bike rack to accommodate our needs. Making the wrong decision can lead to a variety of issues, so it is best to do some research before you make that purchase.
We’ve given our expert view on the best options for you, either when choosing a car to meet your cycling needs, or a rack to fit on it.
Founder of ChooseMyCar, Nick Zapolski, said: “We know how passionate people are about cycling and the unique needs they have when it comes to purchasing a new car to suit their hobby!
“The team’s conducted a range of research in order to give you an insight into the best options for any cycling enthusiast when buying a new car, as well as advice and guidance on the most suitable bike racks.”
Here are some considerations for you when purchasing a bike rack:
What car do you have?
Not all cars are compatible with bike racks, due to their size or style. You’ll need to consider if your car is compatible with roof bars, a bike rack trailer, or a rear mounted bike rack. You’ll also need to consider if your car is big enough to fit a bike rack, or is able to carry the extra weight. Car specs you need to consider include having a full panoramic roof, which might hamper having bars for a roof rack, engine size, brake horsepower, the number of seats, and the weight you may be carrying with the extra bike load.
Quantity and type of bike
The bike rack you choose will depend on the type of bike you have, and how many bikes you need to transport. Some bikes weigh a lot more than others, with E-bikes being especially heavy. You also need to consider how many bikes your car and bike rack can carry. Economy bike racks are fine with one or two bikes, but with three bikes or more you’ll need to consider a more expensive option.
What are my bike rack needs?
Think about how you’ll use the rack. Do you need to access the boot, do you need a trailer as well as a bike rack, and do you need a roof box? How will you get the bikes on and off your car? This can be tricky with a roof rack or with bigger cars such as SUVs or 4x4s.
You’ll also want to consider the type of fitting and who will fit it – it’s best to choose one you find easy to fit onto your car, otherwise it could lead to some stressful moments!
How far are you travelling with your bike?
The length of your journey will determine which bike rack you choose. The longer and more regular the trips, the better quality rack you’ll need. It’s also worth noting that speed of driving can be affected by your bike rack – the heavier the weight, the more it will slow you down. A trailer will legally compel you to drive 10mph below the national speed limit, whereas there’s no speed limit if you have a rooftop bike rack (although it’ll affect your fuel consumption and drag).
If you’re going to be regularly travelling for over an hour, then you’ll need to invest in a good quality bike rack. If you’re just doing short trips then a low cost or 2nd hand bike rack is perfectly fine. However, lower cost bike racks are made with cheaper materials, so are not always as secure or as practical to use.
If you’re going on epic road trips, you might need to access the boot during your journey. If that’s the case, you’ll need to get a roof mounted bike rack, a tow bar bike rack, or a bike rack trailer.
What are my options for bike racks?
Roof mounted bike rack
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- Carry up to 4 bikes
- Gives you boot access
- Quick and easy to fit (with roof bars)
- Rear view not obscured
- Secure and many are lockable
- Difficult to load and unload your bike
Rear bike rack
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- Carry up to 3 bikes
- Most affordable
- Leaves room for a roof box
- Easy removal and storage
- For some people, easier to load bikes onto
- No access to your boot
Tow bar bike rack
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- Carry up to 4 bikes
- Easy to attach and remove
- Leaves room for a roof box
- Easiest option to load bikes
- Gives you boot access
- Secure and lockable
- Premium price
Bike rack trailer
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- Carry up to 5 bikes
- Easy to load on and off
- Gives you boot access
- Secure and lockable
- Does limit your speed and maneuverability
- Premium price
Best car for bike racks
Family cars:
- Skoda Superb Estate
Great looking family car with a high spec and a good size boot. It also has low access so it is easy to load bikes in and out. Skoda also sells a compatible roof rack and a towbar carrier.
- Land Rover Discovery
The largest boot in our suggested range with a tow bar carrier available. The height of the vehicle does make it tricky for a roof bike rack though and may be out of some people’s price range.
A 7-seater SUV that is good value for money. Very practical car with a great sized boot. Suitable for rear and roof bike racks.
Luxury car whilst also being versatile with great boot size and functional options for cyclists. A roof rack for 4 bikes or a rear bike rack for 3 bikes are available as extras.
Small cars:
Affordable and versatile hatchback, especially if buying a used model. Clever folding seat system with tow bars and roof racks available as optional extras.
This doesn’t quite have the charm of the classic mini, but it does offer practicality and efficiency. Surprisingly spacious inside and easier to load your bikes on and off due to being lower than most cars on the market.
Comfortable and roomy but with a smaller boot size than most, this is an affordable and safe option for most. An economical car that offers the practicality for you and your cycling needs.
