With a bike in a car
Cyclists who go on holiday by car do not have to part with their two-wheelers. We will advise how and with what to attach them to the car.
Bicycle racks are divided into roof racks, roof lid, tow hook and spare wheel racks. The most popular and, at the same time, the cheapest type of roof rack is roof racks. However, in order to mount them, we must have the so-called support beams, which are attached across the roof. There are an inexhaustible number of rays in trade. Their prices start around PLN 30, but the ones worth recommending cost around PLN 100-200.
The offer of bike racks is also huge. The simplest ones start from 50 zł. However, these are awkward designs as the bike is attached to them with handles or screws. Even worse, they can become unstable when riding with a bike attached.
The best solution is handles with automatic hooks and anti-theft locks. After inserting the bike, the system itself fixes it in special holders. However, to remove the two-wheeler, it is enough to unlock the lock with the key, and sometimes press the button. Prices for such holders start from PLN 150.
Roof racks are also very good. The handle design has a movable arm that can be lowered to hip height or even to the ground. Then put the bike in it and lift the car up to the roof. However, the disadvantage of this solution is the price: from about PLN 300. The disadvantages of all roof racks are the aerodynamic drag of installed two-wheelers and the limitation of the permissible roof load. But there are other problems as well.
“Bicycles mounted on the roof slightly change the center of gravity of the car,” explains Radoslav Jaskulski, an instructor at the Skoda Driving School. – One bike is not a problem, but when there are two or three bikes on the roof, the car weighs more. So be careful on turns. Also avoid sudden maneuvers. However, before putting the bike on the roof, let's check what is its maximum.
A more convenient solution is a trunk mounted on the trunk lid. They are available for sedans, hatchbacks and station wagons. There are also special designs for 4×4 vehicles that mount on the rear of the spare tire. Prices for these devices start at PLN 180.
Towbar stands are an even better solution. The advantage of these designs is the ease of mounting both the rack itself and the bikes. Hook handles can be purchased for around PLN 150-200. Trunks with additional lighting (if the luggage compartment covers the rear lights of the car) and bike rack systems cost from about 500 to even 2000 PLN. Experts advise choosing aluminum when buying a bike rack and mount. True, they are more expensive than steel, but much lighter and more durable.
Regardless of the design or price of your bike rack, follow its manufacturer's recommendations for speed. Many companies allow a maximum speed of 130 km/h. For your own sake, move slower. This will not only reduce the load on the bikes and the trunk. Maintaining a speed of 90-100 km / h will significantly reduce fuel consumption. At higher speeds, the additional air resistance caused by the load literally causes "tank swirl".
