If you happen to own a bicycle and desire to be out and about, you recognize that its crucial that your bike or bicycles make it to your desired location damage free. The idea relating to hitch mount bike racks would be to properly transport your bikes devoid of damage to your bicycle or your car.

The above-mentioned type of bike transport is usually the lowest priced and the most simple to use. These bike carriers are designed to put on your automobiles trailer hitch and therefore are very easy to put on and remove. Most of the carriers are built of heavy duty steel causing them to be extremely resilient to withstand your many road trips.

Bike Rack Fundamentals

Hitch mounted bike racks affix to the trailer type hitch of the vehicle. Receiver type carriers range in size from 1.25 inch to 2 inch sizes. In the event that you currently have a receiver on your car or truck you ought to measure the opening prior to purchase, although many carriers can be modified to suit both dimensions.

In the event you intend on hauling more than two bikes you should opt to install the 2" receiver trailer hitch. The 2" receiver can easily handle up to 5 bicycles while the 1.25" receiver probably should not surpass 2 bicycles.

You may also go with a towing hitch mount bike rack, this type enables you to carry bikes and also tow small trailers or boats at the same time. Be aware that there are tow weight limitations with these types, normally 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The majority of the bike carriers are made to tilt or even collapse out of the way for rear access to the car, as well as for ease of parking. Should you have different types of bikes you need to tow, an great option is the tray style rack, that may hold up to 4 without problems. A rack having a locking function needs to be something you ought to keep in mind when shopping. The majority of types may possess some kind of locking device as well as pin for securing the rack to the car. An additional feature you may want to consider is anti vibration technology which helps keep the bicycles from rubbing and banging against each other and most of all keeps them safely and securely away from the vehicle.

Styles of Racks

Tray Racks

With this type of bike rack the bicycles remain within a tray. This kind will carry any kind of bike as well as multiple types of bikes. The majority of tray style bicycle racks possess a 2 bike capability although with a converter kit can transport up to 4 securely.

Fixed Frame Carriers

This type is very sturdy and can carry up to 4 bikes. Fixed frame racks usually do not swing or fold out of the way.

Towing Racks

As the name says you are able to transport up to four bicycles and in addition tow a small trailer or boat up to 2,000 to 3,500 pounds.

Hanging Carrier

Capable of transport up to five bikes and the most typical kind of hitch mount bike racks. These types do not accommodate non standard bicycles.

Ball Mount

This particular bike rack is perfect for the automobile which has only a bumper with a ball mounted to it. The downside to this type is your limited by the weight capability and also the bumper isn't as strong as a trailer hitch that is mounted to the frame of the car. Most of these types of hitch mount bike racks do not collapse.