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Supplies for Bicycle Carriers and Racks

Get everything you need to safely transport bicycles on a bicycle rack

By J.R. Glass
Bicycle carriers and racks are very helpful when transporting bikes with a car or truck. There are several types of bicycle racks available, such as hitch mounted, trunk mounted and roof mounted. The type that works best depends on the vehicle you will use to transport your bikes.

Having bike carriers is not enough to transport a bicycle safely, there are several different supplies for bicycle carriers and racks that you should consider. You might want to consider the following bike carrier supplies:

1. Hitch adapters for hitch-mounted bicycle carriers for cars.

2. Frame adapters to attach bicycles without a horizontal crossbar to bike carriers.

3. Locks to keep bicycles secured to bike carriers during transit.

 

Purchase hitch adapters to make your hitch compatible with the bicycle rack

Vehicle hitches are not always compatible with hitch-mounted bicycle racks. When this is the case, you need to use a hitch adapter. A hitch adapter hooks onto your vehicle hitch, providing you with the correct size hitch for the carrier. When using a hitch adapter, it is critical to understand that this does not increase the load the vehicle can bear.
Try: Hitches4Less has important safety information on using a trailer hitch adapter/extender on bike carriers for cars or trucks. It is helpful to have your vehicle owner's manual available when reviewing this information. For a large variety of hitch adapters for bike carriers and racks, visit Draw Tite.

Use a bicycle frame adapter for carrying bikes on hitch-mounted bike racks

Bicycle frame adapters are necessary for women's, children's, BMX and other specialty bikes that do not have horizontal cross beams on them. A frame adapter attaches between the bicycle seat post and handle bar post, making a level place to hang the bicycle on the carrier. Most adapters are adjustable to fit any size bike, including children's.
Try: To see a picture of a lady's bike mounted on a car bike rack using a frame adapter, visit etrailer.com. This site also provides valuable information on using a frame adapter. Rack Outfitters demonstrates how to use a bicycle frame adapter on its helpful video.

Secure bikes on bicycle storage racks with a lock

Securing your bike with a lock is important whether the bike is on outdoor bike racks or on the back of your vehicle on a bicycle rack. You will want to choose a bike lock that will be versatile enough to use in various situations. For the best results, choose a lock that is long, so you can secure your bike anywhere you go.
Try: REI is an outdoor sporting good specialist. It has an in-depth article on choosing the right lock, as well as instructions for doing so. For more information on choosing a lock for bicycle carriers and racks, visit WiseGEEK.

 

  • When you will be transporting several bicycles, look into purchasing commercial bike racks that will hold between 4 and 12 bicycles.

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