Jun
8
2010

What Do You Look for when Buying a Bike Rack?

BIKE RACK BUYING GUIDE

Regrettably we can’t ride our bikes everywhere. Sometimes we have to transport our bikes to where we want to ride from. In the old days, people would use makeshift methods to tie their bikes to vehicles for transport, but those days are long gone! With the introduction of bike racks, we are now able to transport our bikes safely and securely.

Bike racks come in many different formats and uses. They also range in price. You should do some investigation to see what fits your needs. You may spend as much as 300 dollars on a high quality bike rack or pick up one really cheap at markets or garage sales. The one you pick will depend on your needs. Ask yourself the following questions.

1. What vehicle will be used?
Where will the bike rack be going? This is important because you need to know how the rack will attach to your vehicle. Different Racks use different attachment methods. You will have to choose one that fits your vehicle.

2. How many bikes will you need to transport?
Do you have two or more bikes to transport? If so, you will want to buy bike racks that will allow your maximum number of bicycles.3 bikes on a roof rack

3. Where do you want them to be racked?
Consider whether you want a roof, rear (hitch mount), or sport rack:

- Roof Racks: These racks are attached on top of a vehicle
- Rear Racks: These racks attach to the rear of vehicle. These can be trunk mounted or mounted to a trailer hitch.
- Sport Trailers: These are towed behind a car and are used to carry many bicycles

4. What shape are your bikes?
You must take into consideration the size and shape of your bikes. If you are transporting children’s bikes, for example, you will need racks that will take that size of bicycles. If you are transporting womens bikes you can get a temporary crossbar which clamps on to the seat pole and handlebar stem.

5. Who will load the bicycles on the rack?
It has to be easy and convenient for the loader. The easier the rack is to load onto the more expensive the rack.

6. How strong should your rack be?
If you are loading many bikes or heavy bikes, you will need racks that can withstand the weight of the bike. However, the sturdier the material, the more expensive the rack.

7. Does it need to be lockable?
If you need added security for your bikes you will want to purchase racks that have locks and other security devices. If it is an expensive rack then you might want to ensure that it is secured to the car

8. How often are you likely to use the rack?
You need to know how often you will use the rack so that you can purchase one that can withstand the rigors of travel. You may not have to purchase a heavy-duty, high price rack if you only use it infrequently. If it will be in regular use then you should also consider how easy it is to get into the trunk and whether it obstructs your rear view.

9. How much do you want to spend?
Ultimately, everything boils down to your budget. Try to find a rack that has only the features you need. If it has bells and whistles you don’t need, you might consider a cheaper bike rack. However you should take into consideration features and functionality that you might need in the future.

Consider buying a bike rack second hand. Check your local classified papers, garage sales, Ebay.com, Craigslist.com for used bike racks. You might be lucky enough to find what you are looking for.

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Sep
20
2011

Any indoor bike rack recommendations?

Is there anything similar to this? http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Cezanne-4-Bike-Multi-Use-Storage/dp/B000ACAM3I/ref=sr_1_154?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1313217097&sr=1-154


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    Jul
    28
    2011

    2008 Scion xD roof rack – help please!?

    I have a 2008 Scion xD and have started getting into triathlons. I can currently fit my bike in my car by folding both back seats down and removing the bike’s front tire to make it fit. I want a roof rack so I won’t need to fold down my seats anymore.

    I found a few triathlons that incorporate kayaking as part of the race, so I want to buy a kayak soon.

    Does anyone know what the is best roof rack available for the Scion xD? I want it modular so I can hold 2 bikes, 2 kayaks or one of each. Having the ability to switch out those clips for holding snowboards, skis or a storage box would be superb. Thank you!


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      Jul
      12
      2011

      Should I buy a scooter or a bike for college?

      I’m thinking about getting either a bike or a Cruiser scooter (the ones that are like the razor kick scooters, but with bigger wheels)- NOT MOTOR SCOOTER…I’m talking about the fold up ones . My problem is that I’ll be living a 20 minutes away from my classes and as of right now, I am unsure as to whether to bring a bike to school or a scooter. Here’s what I have thought of so far:

      Bike:
      Pros= Faster, safer due to bigger wheels (b/c my school has brick paths with lots of bumps), i can add a basket so it’ll make going to the market easier
      Cons= Have to pay for registration fee, risk the bike being stolen when in class (even when locked to a bike rack…it’s STOCKTON), its bigger so it’ll be a problem for storage in my mini townhouse

      Scooter:
      Pros= smaller so storage won’t be a problem, i can bring it into class with me and keep an eye on it (not having to worry about theft issues). i also won’t have to worry about it getting wet during the raining season (I am talking about those small kick scooters that can be folded up and yes my school allows us to bring those into class as long as its folded up).
      Cons= Smaller wheels (so not as safe on the brick paths and the bumps may loosen the wheel), not as fast as the bike, may be harder to carry groceries

      Which would you choose if you are in my position?


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        May
        29
        2011

        Scooter or Bicycle for College?

        I currently own a beach cruiser bicycle and I’m thinking about selling the bicycle for a Cruiser scooter (the ones with the bigger wheels). My problem is that I’ll be living a 20 minutes away from my classes and as of right now, I am unsure as to whether to bring a bike to school or a scooter. Here’s what I have thought of so far:

        Bike:
        Pros= Faster, safer due to bigger wheels (b/c my school has brick paths with lots of bumps), i can add a basket so it’ll make going to the market easier
        Cons= Have to pay for registration fee, risk the bike being stolen when in class (even when locked to a bike rack…it’s STOCKTON), its bigger so it’ll be a problem for storage in my mini townhouse

        Scooter:
        Pros= smaller so storage won’t be a problem, i can bring it into class with me and keep an eye on it (not having to worry about theft issues), i also won’t have to worry about it getting wet during the raining season
        Cons= Smaller wheels (so not as safe on the brick paths and the bumps may loosen the wheel), not as fast as the bike, may be harder to carry groceries

        Which would you choose if you are in my position?

        PS. I bought the bike for a huge discount price, so i can resell


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          Feb
          25
          2011

          VW bus expert advice please?

          I am looking to buy a Vw bus. I need a car that wlll run well but I do not mind learning how to work on it and investing in a few new parts. I currently have zero mechanical knowledge however and if you could tell me how good a deal this is and what else it probably needs done I would be extremely grateful. Thank you!

          Details:
          71 vw bus
          After market 1600 engine (better cooling)
          New front disc brakes
          New master cylinder
          Solid state ignition (never change points again)
          New right rear axle bearing and seal
          New 8 ply tires and powder coated rims
          AM/FM CD radio
          Has roof rack for 2 bikes.
          Pop top roof w/ hammock (canvas needs replacing)
          Z-bed
          Ice box and sink

          This bus has lots of storage and hanging space. Have checked milage on trips and it gets a steady 18 mpg.
          This is a bus that is ready to go.
          Tags are good until 7/12.
          Asking 2250.00 OBO cash only
          Photos of engine, interior and exterior.

          http://images.craigslist.org/3o73p03l25Q15W35P4ab2c9a1884c41931595.jpg

          http://images.craigslist.org/3k73o43p75V35Z05Q0ab23112230a8b9c1f40.jpg

          http://images.craigslist.org/3k53me3o45Z35U45X4ab2ba1cff771ef71c92.jpg

          http://images.craigslist.org/3of3pf3la5P25X55S5ab2600963aa53561ef2.jpg


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            Nov
            28
            2010

            Can I hang a bike vertically without drilling or otherwise risk leaving big holes or ruining the drywall?

            I just got a new road bike and would like to hang it in my small apartment. I would much prefer to hang it vertically, rather than horizontally, and my landlord isn’t keen on me installing any hook that would require drilling, would leave big holes, or would risk ruining the drywall.

            Can any of the storage hooks be installed with screws that aren’t too big and do not require drilling? Such as…

            http://www.bikerackshops.com/SAR8VERTICAL.html http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Leonardo-Single-Bike-Rack/dp/B000ACAM06/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1238275003&sr=1-6.

            Or, can a stand alone vertical rack be used to hang one bike vertically, rather than two horizontally? Such as…

            http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Michelangelo-Two-Bike-Gravity-Stand/dp/B000ACAM38/ref=pd_sbs_sg_2

            Thanks for your help!


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            Nov
            28
            2010

            Toyota Matrix 2010, Thule or Yakima roof rack? REI is having a 20% sale on Thule now. I can't decide!?

            I’m going to put a bike and storage unit up there. I’m tired of a trunk rack and want to invest in a roof rack. Do you have experience with Thule or Yakima or some other brand?


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            Oct
            15
            2010

            Is a property owner liable for theft or damage of personal property?

            A property management company in my town has tenants sign a lease that prohibits tenants from storing bicycles inside an apartment building they manage. They provide outdoor bicycle racks and for tenants a secure indoor storage room monitored by video.

            Aside from the lease there are no signs in, on, or near the building stating that bicycles are not allowed in the building. However, the apartment managers quickly inform you that bicycles are not allowed inside the building.

            If my bike is stolen or damaged while I visit a tenant who has signed a lease is the property management company liable for the cost of replacement or repair?


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            Sep
            29
            2010

            Is there any attachment or anything i can add to my Peugeot 206 convertible for extra storage?

            I do boot sales a lot and have to use my dads/mums car and i also wanted to take my bikes with me at some stage to places.
            The only problem is. . . I have a peugeot 206 s cabriolet so there is no tow bar and no way for a roof rack because it’s a convertible.

            Does anyone know if there is anything i can get? Like a trailer or rack of some sort?

            Thank you


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            Sep
            14
            2010

            Some guy was trying to steal a bike at my building?

            we have a big long bike rack at our apartment building. i live in seattle with my 5 siblings. its a big apartment building with big apartments and lots of them. i saw someone trying to cut a bike lock off to take a bike from the bike rack(not any of ours) but i dont want our bikes to get stolen. and we have a big apartment but we already have my brother and sisters bikes who are 3 years old so they’re small and we have a storage area on the bottom floor but we cant store our bikes down there except the winter so is there any ideas how we can put our bikes on the rack and lock them up so they wont get stolen or any storage ideas where we can get them out easily.


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