The issue of whether or not to carry a bike by automobile comes up frequently. The majority of us prefer driving since it's quicker and more comfortable for us to go a particular distance. But other people do not want to give up their bikes and do not mind traveling to new locations, experiencing new feelings and making happy memories.
The contemporary industry has devised numerous methods for you to travel with your bike in your car so that you never have to be parted from it. Let's examine some of the primary choices while considering the benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
In the interior of your passenger car:
he most affordable and simple option for transporting a bike in a car, in this case, the main thing is to calculate the dimensions of your car and the bicycle itself. The bicycle can be disassembled by removing its wheels and packed so as not to damage the interior or the trunk of the car.
Advantages:
- does not impair the aerodynamics and passability of your car
- are safely secured inside the car
- good visibility in the mirrors and do not cover the rear lights
- keeps the bicycle clean and protects it from scratches and dents when riding
Disadvantages:
- Limited room for travelers' personal belongings
- Disassembly of the bicycle and subsequent adjustment is feasible
- The cabin may get scratched and soiled from outside debris.
On top of the roof of the car:
A technique we frequently witness on highways and city streets. Bicycles provide a convenient travel companion for many people with small cars. This gives room inside and in the trunk for friends and family as well as personal belongings.
Advantages:
- convenient for traveling with family or friends (each person has his own bike)
- free interior and trunk for additional passengers and personal belongings
- clean interior of the car without dirt and scratches
- does not affect visibility and leaves the tail lights and headlights open
- versatility for use on different vehicles
- does not require disassembly for transportation
Disadvantages:
- additional costs for the purchase of mounts for fixing bicycles
- designed for cars with rigid roofs
- aerodynamics and stability on the highway deteriorate, and there are curves in a turn.
- Increases fuel consumption and additional vibrations.
- get dirty during transportation and scratches from branches in the woods
- damage to bicycles and the roof of the car when passing low obstacles
- hard to attach to high vehicles, such as SUVs, a footrest must be purchased.
Special mount on the rear door of the car:
In this scenario, you will require a customized rack for your car's fifth door that has a locking mechanism. Typically, SUVs, hatchbacks, or station wagons are equipped with these mounts. a middle ground that many auto owners choose to lessen the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle while yet saving cabin room.
Advantages:
- free interior and trunk for personal belongings and passengers
- no additional rear lighting is required
- does not require disassembly before transportation
- overhang angles are not changed and the cross-country ability remains the same
- the interior remains clean and scratch-free
Disadvantages:
- the mounting rack is designed for a specific car model
- additional expenses for the purchase of the mount
- slightly worsens the aerodynamics of the car and its stability
- fuel consumption increases, and additional vibrations appear
- are smeared during transportation, as well as scratches from branches in the forest.
Fixing bicycles with a device on the towbar of a car:
In order to transport multiple bicycles, a specific mounting rack is meant to be mounted to the towbar, which serves as both a towing and connection mechanism. Though it has a few benefits and drawbacks, this is a useful and practical option. Investing in a mount with more light lighting is crucial.
Advantages:
- the fastener is universal for different cars if a forkhorn is available
- free interior and trunk of your car
- clean interior and no scratches inside
- no need to disassemble before transportation
- minimal aerodynamic resistance
- no additional noise and vibrations during transportation
Disadvantages:
- rear view lights are covered, so towbar with wiring harness
- additional expenses for buying a mount
- the rear overhang of the car is heavier and less passable
- get dirty during transportation and scratches from branches in the woods
- bicycles break when bumped from behind by a car or tree
- additional difficulties during parking due to the increased size of the vehicle.
Bike mount for the rear of the spare tire:
Sometimes you want to bring your bike with you so you can go around the little towns' tight streets even though the roof is piled high with equipment and the entire cabin is packed with passengers' personal things. You don't want to give up your off-road vehicle's capacity to travel in difficult-to-reach areas. This is your cure-all in certain situations.
Advantages:
- practical and versatile means of transporting any bicycle
- free interior and trunk of your car
- clean interior and no scratches inside
- does not require disassembly for transportation
- minimal aerodynamic resistance
- No noise and vibration
Disadvantages:
- visibility is impaired and the red signal lights are covered
- additional load on the rear door
- to be placed on vans or SUVs
- additional costs for the purchase of mounts
- get dirty during transportation and scratches from branches in the woods
- bikes can break if they are hit from behind by a car or tree
- additional difficulties during parking due to the increased size of the bike
Transporting a bicycle in the back of a pickup truck:
A straightforward and useful fix limited to owners of pickup trucks. You may safely put bicycles in the body and bring the whole family along by positioning the body behind the passenger seats. Bicycles are very versatile and can be positioned in various ways while being transported, even with the use of specialized mounts.
Advantages:
- simple and convenient solution for transporting sports equipment
- free interior, which remains always clean
- does not require the purchase of special mounting equipment
- good visibility with open rear dimensions
- minimal aerodynamic drag
- largest capacity in terms of the number of bicycles
- reliable protection of bicycles, if you have a kung installed on the trunk.
Disadvantages:
- get soiled when transported in an open trunk
- suitable only for pickup truck owners
We've shown you the best and most practical ways to travel by vehicle with a bike. Many specialized fasteners for use in and out of cars have been developed recently. Some vehicles, particularly minibuses and minivans, come with initial components for securing a bike within the cabin.
