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Additional Types of Bike Racks
When carrying bikes on the front of a vehicle, there are various types of bike racks to choose from. One such style is the hitch mount bike rack. This type of rack attaches the bikes to the back of your vehicle using a trailer hitch. Hitch mounts come in both carrier and platform styles and are great for carrying up to four bikes at once.
Another type of bike rack is the box mount. This type of rack requires placing two attachable mounting plates, either inside your cargo box or outside it on your roof, utilizing bolts and nuts, which then securely holds your bikes into place. Box mount racks are great for carrying up to three or four bikes at once, depending on your cargo box size.
The final style is the trunk mount bike racks that utilizes straps and hooks which fasten tightly onto the rear trunk hatchback or tailgate of your vehicle with no need for drilling any holes into it so as not to damage it. Trunk mounts are generally considered light duty and good for hauling one or two bicycles at a time for short trips only.
Additional Tips for Safely Carrying a Bike
When selecting a bike rack, consider both the size and weight of the bike. If you choose to transport an electric bike, be sure you select a rack that is designed specifically for electric bikes. It is also important to evaluate your vehicle type and its existing weight limitations when selecting a bike rack.
When loading and unloading your bike onto the vehicle’s front-end, it is important to follow all instructions provided with the rear-mounted racks or hitch receivers – carefully lifting and loading the bike onto the rack. Be sure not to issue any strain on your vehicle by overloading it with too much weight or having an improperly balanced bicycle that may cause one side of the vehicle to tilt excessively.
Finally, add additional safety precautions such as reflective tape or additional lighting when transporting your bikes on a front-end rack. This will make them visible while driving and prevent other drivers from blatantly disregarding their presence.
References
Before carrying a bike on the front of a vehicle, it’s important to research and understand the safety guidelines associated with doing so. Firstly, the bike should be secured using straps or another locking mechanism in order to minimize any potential risks. Additionally, make sure that nothing can block one’s vision or interfere with driving, such as an armrail that is blocking headlights or mirrors. Depending on the type of bicycle, it may require special methods for securing it safely onto the front of the vehicle.
Further Reading:
1. “How To Transport Bicycles On The Front Of A Vehicle” Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/bikes/how-to-transport-bicycles-on-the-front-of-a-vehicle/)
2. “How to Load Your Bike Onto Your Car Safely” Halfords (https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/racks/how-to-load-your-bike/)
3. “7 Tips For Transporting Bicycles By Car” National Park Trips (http://www.nationalparktripsmedia.com/transporting_bicycles/)
4. “Bicycle Safety: What To Know Before You Ride” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/bicycle_safety/)
