Bike cargo racks can be used to carry groceries, tools and lots of other items. If you use your bike a lot, you may want to get a bike cargo rack installed. People who like touring on their bikes will enjoy the convenience of racks that allow them to carry supplies like drinking water and even a small first aid kit. These cargo carriers are sometimes just as important as racks for carrying bikes on motor vehicles or for securing your bike in a parking area. Few people give any thought to the matter of cargo racks for their bikes. However, being able to carry items on a bike is both convenient and cost-effective.

Types of Bike Cargo Racks

There are really two main types of bike racks for carrying supplies. These are the front or rear rack. The front bike rack, which is positioned over the wheel, is not as common as the rear rack, but it can be handy for carrying some items. The rear racks are also positioned over the wheel. These types are good for carrying a wide variety of items such as a toolbox or a bag of groceries.

If you want a rack to carry heavy loads of up to 40 pounds or even more, the type that is installed over the rear wheel is the better choice. Light loads of less than 20 pounds can be carried on bike racks that are attached to the seat.

A bike rack can cost between $7 and $120 depending on the type and the way it is installed. It is therefore important to determine what you will be carrying and the kind of handling the rack will undergo. For example, a touring bike is built for rougher terrain and longer distances and will need a sturdy rack to withstand bumps.

What Features to Look For

When buying a bike rack to carry supplies, you need to pay particular attention to the following:

• The Load Capacity: The heavier the items you plan to carry, the greater the load capacity you should buy.
• Material Used: If durability and strength are important to you, steel racks will be the best choice. However, some riders will never carry anything heavier than a few books in the rack, so in these cases a less durable material will save money. A good mid-range material is aluminium.
• What You Will be Carrying: If you usually carry a knapsack or other type of bag, consider the type of straps such as cords, fabric bands, or nets, metal clasps.

When buying a bike rack the main consideration is getting value for money by choosing the best quality. A cheap one will not be able to serve you for a long time and may not be able to carry certain items.