The approach of spring makes venturing out on your bike a must-do activity. Whether heading to the local park or riding to a nearby forest, you'll need a way to safely transport your bike to your destination. This is where a bike or roof rack can be handy for your car or truck.

Your vehicle may not be large enough to house your bike. Fortunately, you can choose from various product options to transport your bike. Look at our guide for selecting the best bike rack or roof rack for your car or truck.

Know Your Car & Rack Types Before You Buy

Research is the key to making the most optimal decision for your bike rack. Here are a few things you need to consider as you select the best option:

• Price - Your budget will likely play a significant part in the type of rack you choose. A bike rack can cost under $50 and up to a few hundred (and sometimes more). So, ensure you know how much you will spend before shopping.
• Bike type - Do you have a cruiser, mountain bike, hybrid, or road bike? The kind of bike you have can also dictate the type of rack you should choose. Heavier bike types may not be best for a roof-mounted rack, while you may have more options with a more slender bike.
• The number of bikes - How many bikes are you transporting? Some bike racks have space for multiple bikes.
• How often do you transport the bikes - If you're a casual rider, trunk mounts might be an option, which is likely the least expensive. However, a roof or hitch mount might make more sense if you want to move your bikes more frequently.
• Distance - How far you'll transport your bikes will also play a part here. Again, if you are going long distances with your bike, you'll need something heavy-duty for the long haul. This might be a more expensive option, like a roof or hitch mount.
• Other vital considerations - As you select the best bike rack for your car and truck, there are additional things to consider. For example, what's the weight capacity of your SUV's roof? Also, what type of gas mileage do you have? A roof rack can decrease your gas mileage due to drag if the mileage is lower. Look over your car's owner's manual and pick a rack accommodating any sizing or weight specifications.

Roof-Mounted Bike Racks

Roof-mounted bike racks attach to the top of your car. They allow you to connect your bike with the wheels intact, or in some cases, you may have to remove the front wheel. Roof-mounted racks are great if you want to keep your trunk area free. However, here are a few things to consider as you decide whether this is the right bike rack for you:

• SUV or truck roof weight - How much weight can your truck, car, or SUV hold? This information will help you to decide if you have enough stability to use a roof-mounted bike rack for your vehicle.
• Clearance - If you live in an area with low clearance locations, there might be better options than a roof-mounted bike rack.
• Loading and unloading - You'll likely need help putting a bike on and removing it from the rack. If you plan to do a lot of solo riding and want an easier way to load or unload your bike, consider another option.
• Aerodynamic drag - Roof-mounted bike racks can cause drag to your car due to catching the wind while driving. Consider if something like this will be an issue for you.
• Your vehicle's design - Does your vehicle have a curved roof design? It may be challenging to attach this type of rack to your car.

Roof-mounted bike racks can accommodate multiple bikes and leave your windows unblocked. They also make it easier to access the back of your vehicle. If you'll have help loading and unloading this bike and prefer to avoid obstructing the back of your car, this may be the best option.

Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks

If you want to keep your bike rack at eye level, a hitch-mounted bike rack might be on your list. A hitch-mounted bike rack allows you to attach your bikes to an already-existing hitch on the back of your SUV or truck. You can invest in two different types of hitch-mounted racks:

• A platform hitch that allows you to store your bikes on a surface that is attached to the hitch.
• A hanging bike rack hitch lets the bike hang directly on the rack.

Here are some things to look out for about hitch-mounted bike racks:

• It may not fit on the car model you have - Some car models may not accommodate hitch-mounted bike racks, so be sure to check for this as you're selecting the best rack for your bike. Also, be mindful that some hitch-mounted racks may not fit specific bikes.
• Know the size of your hitch - You want to ensure you have the right-sized hitch to fit the bike rack. Look at the specifications before buying, and check out your owner's manual to ensure the fit is correct.
• Access to your trunk - If you want to easily access your trunk, certain hitch-mounted bike racks may not be an option. Tilt or swing-away racks are a good choice to avoid this issue.
• Make sure your vision isn't blocked - See if your bike hitch could block your back window before buying.
• Ensure your license plate is easily seen - Look at the specifications of the hitch and make sure it doesn't block your license plate or brake lights.

Hitch-mounted bike racks can be a great option if you want an easier time mounting your bike and want to avoid things like an aerodynamic drag. Nevertheless, they can be an issue if you want easy access to your trunk or your vehicle model doesn't allow them.

Choosing the Right Type of Rack for Your Car or Truck

Choosing the best bike rack for your car or truck is crucial. You'll want to consider things like ease of installation, price, whether your car model supports their use, and how often you'll transport bikes to another location.

If you're ready to take your bike riding on the road and are looking for a safe way to do so, then the 4 Wheel Parts team has a variety of bike racks for you to consider. Look at our options to make the best call about the right bike rack for you.