In this section we will detail some items that are commonly overlooked and when used can make your trip with your bikes much more enjoyable and simple, so you can focus on the important things like riding!
Locks – One commonly overlooked accessory are the hitch lock and bike lock. These items are used to protect your investment. Whats the point in buying a new bike and rack if someone can steal it?
Frame adapter bars – Another commonly overlooked accessory for carrying bikes is a frame adapter bar. If you have a bike with a step through, broken or angled frame you will need a frame adapter bar. Some child sized bikes also require the use of a frame adapter bar. If one is not used then the weight of the bike is not evenly distributed and puts unwanted strain and wear on both the bike and the carrier. Eventually the carrier can even fail resulting in property damage.
Wheel straps – These are a commonly overlooked item as well and something we suggest as an accessory. They are used to tie the front wheel to the frame of the bike prohibiting the front wheel from swinging into other bikes on the carrier and or the vehicle.
Pedal covers – These items are used to keep the bikes from accidental scratching to the finish of the vehicle and other bikes on the carrier, as well as protecting from scratching or scraping you as you walk by the bikes on the rear of the vehicle.
Picking a rack – While roof mounting is the safest securest way to transport bikes its also more difficult and pricey than trunk or hitch mounting your bikes. If you have a receiver hitch then that would be the next best way to carry your bikes. If you do not have a hitch or cannot afford a roof mounting option then the next best option will be trunk mounting the bikes and rack. Does the rack you have chosen have anti-sway cradles? Does it include hitch and cable locks? Does it tilt to allow trunk access? How much does it weigh and can you install it by yourself? These are all questions you should ask yourself when trying to decide which rack to go with on your own.