Having a bike rack is important for people who need to travel with their bike. However, damage to both bike and vehicle is possible if the racks are the wrong kind or if they are incorrectly installed. To protect these items, care is needed to select the right rack based on the type of vehicle. The selection process requires knowing what racks provide the best protection.

What Types of Racks Protect Bikes

Roof mounted racks have a good reputation if protecting bikes. With these types, there is less likelihood of the bikes hitting against anything when you drive. The only danger is driving or parking under low bridges or garages with low roofs. Speeding vehicles can cause gravel and stones to fly and hit your bike if it is rear mounted, which while possible with roof-mounted racks, is less likely.

Buying racks with padding to protect your vehicle’s finish is also a consideration. Most rear mounted bikes tend to have these protective padding. Some people also place covering over the bikes to protect them from the elements.

The hitch-mount rack is another good choice as the bike does not come in direct contact with the vehicle. With this type, you may need to take precautions to protect the bike’s tyres from the vehicle’s exhaust pipe.

Accessories to Protect Bikes and Vehicles

Having the right type of accessories is also part of the process of racking and carrying your bike safely on your bike rack. Using foam or cushion to provide a barrier between the bike and the vehicle is one way to protect the finish of both. If you are carrying more than one bike, these materials also help to prevent the bikes from rubbing against each other and so damaging the finish.

A ‘bike bra’ is useful for covering bikes when using a roof rack as this will in effect protect the bike from flying objects such as stones. These objects also work to keep bugs and insects off the bikes.

Protection from Theft

Depending on whether or not you will need to park your vehicle, you should consider racks that have locks. Buying racks with locks for both the bike and the rack itself is one way to prevent theft of either item. Many racks actually come with locks that can be secured to the vehicle itself. Trailer hook locks are good for this purpose.

Taking steps to ensure that you protect your investment is a part of selecting the right type of bike rack. Of course, the type of vehicle you have will be a big part of the decision as to the type of rack you will purchase.