Bicycle Carriers and Racks Key Terms

Some key terms for bike racks and carriers

By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN

When it comes to bicycle racks, the popularity of street and mountain biking has led makers to offer more and more new technologies for carrying these human-powered vehicles on gas-powered ones. Any business that is considering selling, buying, or otherwise using bicycle racks can get some good info from studying these basic key terms for types of bike racks available on the market, and looking for more details on how each one fits with a specific kind of vehicle.

Hitch mount bike racks

Hitch mount bike racks are designs that connect to the hitch of a large vehicle for easy and convenient bike transportation. Hitch mount designs are popular for those carrying multiple bikes on the back of an SUV or truck.
Try: See a lot more on hitch mount bike carrier designs at Lakeland Gear.

Roof mount racks

Roof mount racks are bike racks that attach to the roof of a vehicle. Though these are popular with some, others don't like the fact that the bike sticks up above the roof.
Try: See examples of roof mount bike racks at Bike Rack Shops online, or get more info with their Bike Rack Selection page.

Fold down and swing away bike racks

The fold down and swing away bike rack models are two styles that offer different directional movement for different vehicles. Hatchback and upswing doors generally use a fold down rack, and trucks with tailgates use the swing away.
Try: Read up on fold down and swing away bike racks and much more for bicycle carriers at Auto Anything.

Car trunk bike rack

A car trunk bike rack or trunk type rack is one that attaches to the trunk of the vehicle. When the trunk is closed, the rack is upright and ready to handle bikes.
Try: See more on car trunk type bike racks at Rack Solid.

Specialty racks

Specialty bike racks are racks that are designed specifically for a vehicle such as an SUV or van. These often have convenient features for both safety and security.
Try: Read more on specialty bike racks as well as pros and cons for common bike rack types at Consumer Reports.

Hitch locks

Hitch locks and hitch pins are specific security gar on bike carriers that go along with hitch mount design. These can provide very easy and effective protection for bikes against theft.
Try: See more on hitch locks and other gear at Hitch Source.