When it comes to taking our bike on a car trip, we always like it to travel "first class." We'd rather carry one less bag or pack more tightly than allow our beloved companion to suffer through cramped conditions. But we may have doubts about which bike rack is best for our car. Here, we hope to help you find the option that best suits your needs.

To start with, there are three basic types on the market: those that mount on the vehicle's roof , those with a tailgate, and those with a tow bar . Here we review them all, along with a few more, slightly more original ones.

ROOF BIKE RACK

Roof-mounted racks are fairly easy to install , don't usually require too many tools or accessories (just the top bars), and are quite secure. The bike is attached by the frame, wheel, or fork (depending on the model). You should consider the type of bike you have (if the frame is carbon, it could be damaged, and it's better to secure the bike to the wheels).

This model is the most affordable . If you don't count the top bars (which you may already have installed for skis or an additional luggage rack), you can find interesting models for €35, although if you want something more premium, you can go up to €90 or €100.

The main drawback of this model is that, by significantly increasing our aerodynamic profile, we will consume more fuel , and we will have to be very careful in tunnels and passages with height restrictions.

Example: Elite Electric Life

This model is compatible with roof bars up to 80 x 50 mm and wheels of any size up to 29", thanks to its oscillating rear wheel support system. Installation is very simple and the grip is completely secure.

TAILGATE BIKE RACK

Tailgate-mounted bike racks are the most commonly used for long trips . They usually have a steel or aluminum frame and can accommodate multiple bikes. Most models are foldable and fairly inexpensive.

But be careful, depending on the model you choose, you may need to install additional lights so that those behind you know when you brake or change direction, and you must be careful not to cover the license plate .

If you use a raised model , the bikes sit high and the license plate and lights are clearly visible. And be careful, they have a weight limit, so don't overload them!

The price range here is enormous. There are €30 models that claim to be valid for all models ("they say they are," but that's not always true) and €170 models with vibration-absorbing strap systems and anti-theft protection.

Example: Mottez A025P1

This model comes pre-assembled and is foldable . It does not obscure the license plate or lights. It has vibration absorbers on the straps and three covered ramps with wheel supports and grip buckles. They hold the bike to the frame and wheel and incorporate an anti-theft system.

TOW BALL BIKE RACK

Towbars are the logical evolution of the hatchback models. They were created to solve those problems that still existed. With this type of bike rack, you can easily access your vehicle's trunk at any time (they usually have a tilting mechanism). They can also carry a larger number of bikes, and most models include an anti-theft system, which is very useful if you stop for lunch or a rest and your car is out of sight.

Within this category, there are two main types: platform racks (on which the bike rests) and hanging racks (which have arms on which we hang the bike). Both are very secure, but they have very different prices: hanging racks usually cost around €150, while platform racks can easily exceed €300.

The main drawback is that, generally, most of the cars we buy do not have this ball as standard , so we will have to install it and (very important) pass the MOT again to homologate it because it is considered a "major reform".

The installation of the famous ball would be the subject of a separate article, but if you ask at your local garage, they'll surely give you all the advice you need.

In any case, we must take into account several factors, such as the model of our car, the ease or difficulty of installation, the total number of bicycles we plan to carry, the maximum weight each bike rack can support, etc.

Example: Thule VeloCompact

It's one of the brands with the widest and highest-quality product range, designed for three bikes . It can carry up to 60 kg and fits frames between 22 and 80 mm. It has extra-long wheel supports to allow transport of bikes with a wheelbase of up to 1300 mm, adjustable quick-release buckles, and removable arms with torque limiters.

OTHER NOVEL SYSTEMS

Bike racks:

There are times when transportation isn't up to us; we'll need to take a plane, train, or other means of transport where we can't carry the bike as is. In those cases, a specially designed suitcase for carrying our bike disassembled and well protected may be helpful.

There are very different models, depending on the material they are made of, their rigidity , or the availability of special compartments for the wheels or frame.

The price is usually over €300, and the most obvious drawback is having to completely disassemble and reassemble the bike every time we go on a trip.

Example: Cruz Bike Case 940-550

a price of €599 the exterior is made of ABS, which gives it great resistance to impacts , and the interior is lined with vulcanized polyurethane foam to perfectly protect all parts of the bicycle. It has side and top handles, four mesh nets for comfortable carrying, and two TSA-type locks for maximum security.

Seasucker Talon, the suction bike rack.

Here you can see the Seasucker Talon

It may seem crazy, but yes, there are bike racks that attach to our car using powerful suction cups . They come in one, two, or three sizes, and they use technology derived from the world of boating .

Its assembly is very quick, but its disassembly is not so much, for which you will need a special grease that comes standard. It is designed for a traditional 9mm axle wheel, although adapters are available for 15 or 20mm models.

The Honda Civic's interior bike rack

Here you can see the Honda Civic Tourer Active Life

At the last Frankfurt Motor Show, Honda presented its Civic Tourer Active Life , designed for cycling and triathlon enthusiasts .

This system takes advantage of all the interior space of the vehicle generated by folding down the rear seats (1,668 liters of capacity) and the double bottom in which they have placed aluminum rails to which the front fork of the bicycle is attached (the front wheel must be removed).

It also features additional storage space inside for all kinds of tools and accessories. This ingenious solution avoids all loss of aerodynamics and pampers the bike for what it is: the queen of the house.

In any case, whichever system you choose, don't forget to always travel with your Baggicase , the waterproof cyclist's mobile phone case , which will accompany you on all your adventures and help you avoid losing your phone, keys or money, wherever you are.