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<\/a>There are many different options, ranging in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, so you want to make sure that you are getting a rack that will meet your needs for years to come!<\/p>\nStart out by asking yourself the following questions:<\/strong><\/p>\n We\u2019ll address those questions and cover the most popular types of bike racks below.<\/p>\n Trunk mount racks are lightweight solutions for occasional day-trips. They attach to most cars via straps on the trunk, and with a little practice are quite easy to install. These racks are best for temporary use and don\u2019t \u2018live\u2019 on your car as they are not secured and generally block trunk access. They are best for riders who need to transport their bikes once and while, or for those without a hitch on their vehicle.<\/p>\n Bottom line: Trunk mount racks are economical options for riders who only occasionally transport their bike via car, or for those without a hitch or roof crossbars.<\/em><\/p>\n + Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n These sturdy racks attach to your vehicle\u2019s 1.75\u201d or 2\u201d hitch and offer a great option for riders who plan to transport their bike on a regular basis. They work well for all sorts of bikes including road, mountain, hybrid, and kids bikes. If you have a swoopy top tube, this style of rack might require Yakima\u2019s TubeTop.<\/p>\n When you need access to your trunk, hitch mast racks are a great option: SwingDaddy and FullSwing models swing outward to provide easy access to the rear of your car, while RidgeBack and FullTilt both tilt downward.<\/p>\n Bottom line: Hitch mast racks are a great choice for families with multiple bikes, and riders who use their rack on a regular basis. They work best with road bikes and other bicycles with relatively straight top tubes.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/em>+ Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n Opposed to mast-style racks where the bike is secured via the top tube, on a tray rack the bikes are secured via the wheels. That means that they can accommodate a wide range of frame styles and sizes, and are less likely to scratch or wear the frame; especially important for carbon fiber bikes! All of Yakima\u2019s mast-style hitch racks can be secured via the hitch pin, so not only can you lock your bikes to the rack, but also the rack to your vehicle.<\/p>\n Bottom line: Hitch tray racks are a premium option for riders who rely heavily on their rack or have a frame style which won\u2019t easily fit into a top tube mounted rack.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/em>+ Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n There are many benefits to hauling your bikes on top of your car, rather than behind – check out Yakima\u2019s video discussing hitch vs. roof racks<\/a>. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference, and your vehicle. Yakima\u2019s online vehicle fit guide<\/a> will give you a good idea of what options are available for your car, whether that\u2019s using stock rails, or installing aftermarket rails and crossbars.<\/p>\n Roof mounted racks also give you lots of flexibility for hauling gear, including bikes, snow and water sports, and boxes for extra gear.<\/p>\n Bottom line: For adventurous families, a roof rack is a great addition to your car, allowing you to easily transport bikes, canoes, skiis, plus lots of other gear. Not a good option if you find yourself in underground parking lots frequently!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/em>+ Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n\n
<\/a>Trunk Mount Racks<\/h1>\n<\/a>Hitch Mast Racks<\/h1>\n<\/a>Hitch Tray Racks<\/h1>\n<\/a>Top of Car Racks<\/h1>\n