On a bike trip

The resurgence of the bicycle as a great outdoor activity means that we are increasingly taking it with us on weekend trips and vacations.

While transporting a bike could be difficult in the past, the current offer by manufacturers of luggage racks and special holders completely solves this problem.

We can "customize" it, taking into account the expected number of bicycles transported, the type, and often even the brand of our car.

Thanks to various types of carriers, bicycles can be placed not only on the roof of the car, but also on the rear wall of the body or the tow hook. Each of these solutions has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Bicycle racks are mounted on the so-called. basic carrier, i.e. cross rails used in the case of conventional shelving. These are longitudinal channels with a built-in single-point or multi-point holder that secures the bike to the frame. Their advantage is that they can be left on the car when they are not needed, they do not restrict visibility and access to the trunk. The main disadvantage is the increase in air resistance when transporting bikes and of course the consequences in the form of more fuel consumption and the need for a very careful ride - especially when cornering.

It is also quite difficult to place the bike itself, which must be raised quite high, while taking care of the possibility of damaging the body of the car.

Not only on the roof

Luggage racks installed at the rear are easier to handle and have less effect on the vehicle's grip on the road. They are ideal for hatchback bodies. Bicycles are usually placed at the height of the rear window, but they significantly limit the view.

Such racks are most often hung on the upper edge of the rear doors based on   

bumper, so it must be borne in mind that getting to the back of the car will be difficult or even impossible.

When making a decision to buy this type of luggage carrier, it is worth checking whether the chosen model interferes with the location of the rear lights of the car and whether the bike will close them.

Tow bars are available in two basic types. Some of them are structures that go up, where the bikes are usually attached to the frame, and it's all there. lockable (opens access to the trunk), others are a kind of platform with horizontal wheel grooves to accommodate usually three bicycles. Such trunks, like the trailer, must be equipped with a complete set of lighting and an additional number plate.

Some (more expensive) platforms can be tilted down with the bikes, making it easier. 

rear access to the car.

Each manufacturer of such a device indicates its maximum load, but remember that the load on the tow hook should not exceed 50 kg.

The disadvantage of bicycle "platforms" is the difficulty of turning and parking, as well as the need to dismantle when riding without bicycles. When driving on national roads, you also have to take into account that bicycles get dirty during transport, and because the trunk is hung low, you have to be very careful when overcoming bumps.

Something for SUVs

Just like bicycles, off-road vehicles are in vogue lately, which are ideally combined with them. Many manufacturers offer bicycle racks for them, mounted on a spare wheel, often located outside.

As you can see, the choice is large, but when making a purchase decision, it is worth looking for boots from a reputable and well-known company, which may increase costs, but will be a guarantee of safety. One more important note. Regardless of the type of luggage rack, both it and the bicycle being transported must be carefully secured and secured! 

Estimated prices for bike racks

roof racks

Producer price (PLN)

Thule 169-620

Mont Blanc from 155-300

Fapa from 130

Luggage racks installed on the rear doors

Producer price (PLN)

Thule from 188 to 440. 

Mont Blanc from 159 - 825 

Fapa from 220 to 825

Tow bars mounted on the tow bar

Producer price (PLN)

Thule from 198 to 928.

Fapa from 220 to 266

Hook racks (bicycle platforms)

Producer price (PLN)

Thule from 626 to 2022

Mont Blanc 1049 - 2098

Fapa from 1149 to 2199

Luggage racks are installed on the external spare wheel (SUVs, SUVs)

Producer price (PLN)

Blacksmiths 928

Ferucco 198