BETA WEBSITE V1.0 – REPORT A BUG

Buyers-Guide-Bike-Racks

Bike Racks
buyer's guide

There are three main types of bike rack – roof (or trailer-top) mounted racks, tow bar mounted and rear door (or spare wheel) mounted boot racks:

Photo of roof mounted bike rack

Roof mounted

In order to fit a bike rack onto the roof of a vehicle you will need a set of roof cross bars that go across the vehicle roof, the bike rack is secured to the roof bars using brackets or the roof bars ‘T’ track. Roof mounted bike carriers have advantages and disadvantages, the disadvantages are; On higher vehicles loading of bikes can be difficult especially if you are not tall, driving under low obstacles (trees, underground car park) can be costly! Wind resistance when traveling at speed. Advantages; no stone chip from the road, theft of bikes is more difficult and more obvious.

Photo of trailer mounted roof rack

Trailer mounted

To fit a Thule, Yakima or Holdfast bike rack to a trailer lid you will firstly need a set of roof cross bars that attach to the lid by means of gutter extrusion pieces that are riveted or bolted to the edges of the trailer lid, If your trailer has a flat lid then Holdfast have a roof bar set that does not require the gutter pieces but you will still need to drill into the lid, the feet of the roof cross bars are secured and cover the drilled holes (very neat).
 The bike racks are secured to the roof bars using brackets or the roof bars ‘T’ track.

bike-racks-tow-bar-mounted

Tow bar mounted

Tow bar mounted bike carriers are by far the most convenient and popular type of carrier in South Africa. You have two types of carrier under this category; a hanging type carrier where the bicycle hangs from the bike rack using the bikes cross bar or a combination of cross bar, seat down post or 45° bar. A platform type carrier is where the bike sits on a platform and is supported upright using solid arms with jaws or webbed buckle straps. Platform racks also come with lights and a number plate holder which is a legal requirement if your vehicle lights & number plate are obscured.

bike-racks-rear-door-mounted

Rear door mounted

Rear mounted bike carriers from Thule, Holdfast, Saris & Yakima attach to the boot or hatch door of a vehicle and can in some cases take up to 3 bikes, not all vehicles are compatible, with some reasons for non-fitment being a plastic spoiler/plastic surround, or the lip (edge) is too thick to allow the securing buckle to fit, split opening rear door, glass edged door, door not strong enough or door gap not big enough! Clashing of bikes & marking of vehicle paint work does occur if you are not careful in securing the bikes properly. However, this is a great alternative if you do not have a tow bar. A spare tyre carrier for SUV's that fits directly onto the vehicle spare wheel also allows you to open the rear door of the vehicle. Vehicle lights and number plate can become obscured when the bikes are loaded therefore a number plate holder & light-board accessory is recommended.​​

Important!

*Always check the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maximum load rating.

Need more info?

At Rack & Carry, we’re more than happy to help advise
on what will suit you and your needs best.

Take a look at our wide range of
Bike Racks

Product Details

Thank you for your interest in this product.
Please let us know what information you need and we will contact you back. (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm)

Alternatively, you can call us on:
Tel: +27 (0)44 382 2808 Cell/WhatsApp: +27 (0)83 773 3626

Product Information
Contact Information

Order Product

Thank you for your interest in ordering this product.
Please fill out the form below, and we will contact you with your order details shortly.

Alternatively, you can contact us on: 
Tel: +27 (0)44 382 2808 Cell/WhatsApp: +27 (0)83 773 3626

Contact Information
Delivery Address (if not picking up from shop)