Are you in the market for a bicycle or bike carrier? Maybe you’re looking to upgrade your equipment, or shopping for the first time. Relax; this article can help you through the decision-making process.

First of all, you may want to consider the kind of vehicle on which you will be mounting the carrier. In addition to the standard roof-mounted version, carriers are also available for buses, pickup trucks and even motorcycles! Bus-mounted bike carriers are meant to be installed on the front of the vehicle, while pickup truck versions secure the bike to either the sides or floor of the pickup bed. Motorcycle carriers are meant for collapsible bicycles and mount to the rear of the motorcycle. If you’re wary of mounting equipment to the roof of your car, you may want to think about a rear-mounted rack, which attaches to the trailer hitch of your vehicle.

Bare in mind that a roof rack bicycle carrier will decrease the aerodynamics of your vehicle, and make impact your gas mileage. Something else to consider is whether the vehicle is yours, or is a lease or a rental. Should the roof be damaged or the paint scratched during the installation of the bike rack or while securing or removing the bicycles, you may be liable for the damages.

Bike carriers, also called bike racks, are available in a variety of price levels, from around thirty dollars to over two hundred. If you are an avid bicyclist with a designer racing bike, you will likely be willing to invest more in a carrier than if you view your bike as simple transportation. However, don’t feel pressured to purchase an expensive carrier–plenty of economical options are available.

After installing your new bike carrier, take a test drive to get used to the way your vehicle operates with the added equipment. If you have opted for a rear-mounted hitch carrier, your visibility will likely be affected, and if you chose a roof-mounted rack, your car may handle differently. Acclimate yourself to driving with your new bicycle carrier installed before heading off for the races!

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