Trunk Mount Racks Typically the most inexpensive of the bike rack systems ($50–$200), trunk-mounted racks are designed to rest on the back of a car trunk while straps secure it in place. Arms and cradles support the bike to keep it securely in place.
Pros: These racks are great for the recreational cyclist, and they can be used on multiple vehicles since fit is adjustable. Trunk-mounted racks are light, highly portable and easy to store when not in use. With some practice, they are easy to mount and take off.
Cons: Trunk racks are often limited in their load capacity (two to three bikes is typically the max), and once mounted, they interfere with trunk access. Additionally, the effectiveness of the rack relies on the straps being secured tightly. If done poorly, the bikes might shift or sway while driving. Lastly, the design of trunk racks can make it difficult to lock bikes to your vehicle, if security is a concern.
Hitch Mount Racks
Although more expensive than trunk-mounted racks ($150 to more than $500), hitch racks are a great option for frequent users-especially for those needing to carry more than three bikes. Hitch racks are typically designed to haul two to five bikes. These racks are generally either platform style or hanging cradle style, both of which have their advantages and disadvantages.
Hanging Cradle Style – The style where your bikes hang from the rack The advantage to this style is that they are typically less expensive than the platform style, lighter weight, and will usually offer more ground clearance. On the downside, the bikes aren`t held as securely in place and will often sway and make contact with the other bikes while in transit. Minor abrasions to the bike paint can result.
Platform Style – The style where the bikes sit on a platform. The advantage to this style is that it`s the easiest and most secure way to load your bikes and keep them in place, preventing any abrasions or damage to the bikes. The disadvantages are that these racks will typically cost more and can be a bit heavy and awkward to carry and store when not in use.
When purchasing a hitch-mounted rack is be sure to check the tongue load capacity of your vehicle`s hitch (typically 10 percent of the towing capacity). Depending on the hitch class, too much weight could cause a hitch to bend or to break if not loaded properly. Be sure to check your owner`s manual or hitch (if installed aftermarket) to determine the load capacity.
Pros: Hitch racks are simple to install, and they are incredibly sturdy when compared to trunk-mounted racks. They are great for frequent users, but they are easily removed should you decide you don`t need the rack for any period of time. Many hitch racks come with locks or can be easily secured to a hitch with a cable lock, so security is not an issue.
Cons: Hitch racks, especially platform models with features that allow the rack to swing or drop out of the way of the rear hatch/door of the vehicle, can be expensive. However, more inexpensive models without these features will block entry to trunks or rear doors. Models designed to carry four or five bikes can be heavy, and you might experience a little sway when fully loaded.
