How’s it going, Audi A3 owner? So, you’ve got this awesome, stylish car that’s an absolute joy to drive. It’s perfect for zipping around town and even for those longer weekend getaways. But then you bought a bike, or maybe two, and you realized the one thing your otherwise-perfect hatchback or sedan doesn’t have is an obvious way to take your wheels with you. I totally get it. Stuffing a bike into the trunk is a messy, frustrating game of Tetris that usually ends with a scratched interior and a whole lot of regret. You need a legit solution that lets you hit the trails without compromising your car’s style or your sanity. Well, guess what? That solution exists, and it’s called a bike rack. Let’s dive into the world of Audi A3 bike carriers and find your perfect match.
Hitching a Ride: Understanding Your Audi A3 Bike Rack Options
Before you just buy the first rack you see online, it’s crucial to understand the three main types that play nice with your Audi A3. Each one has its own vibe, its own pros, and its own set of considerations. Think of it like choosing a travel buddy; you want someone reliable who doesn’t cause more drama than they’re worth. Your A3, depending on the model year and trim, can accommodate a few different styles. We’re talking about trunk-mounted racks, hitch-mounted racks, and even roof-mounted systems. Which one is the right fit for your lifestyle and your specific car? Let’s break it down so you can make an informed decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.
The Trunk Mount Rack: The Universal Go-To
Alright, let’s start with the option you’ve probably seen the most: the trunk-mounted rack, sometimes called a strap-on rack. This is the old-school, no-fuss, “I just need to get my bike to the park” solution. It’s a frame that attaches to the rear of your car using a web of straps with hooks that secure to the edges of your trunk, hatch, or bumper. The Saris Bones series is, like, the celebrity of this category. The biggest selling point? Universal fit and, usually, a lower upfront cost. You don’t need any special equipment on your car to install one. For real, you can buy it today and be hauling bikes this afternoon. That’s awesome for spontaneity.
But, and this is a big “but,” it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Because it relies on straps, there’s always a slight risk of wobble or sway, especially on rougher roads. You also have to be super mindful about not blocking your license plate or taillights, which might mean buying an extra accessory light kit. And let’s talk about your car’s paint. The good racks come with super soft rubberized feet and coated hooks to prevent scratches, but if a tiny piece of grit gets trapped, it could leave a mark. So, installation requires a bit of care and a good cleaning of your car’s contact points first. It’s a solid choice if you’re an occasional rider, but maybe not the best if you’re a hardcore cyclist hitting the roads every weekend.
The Hitch Mount Rack: The Rock-Solid Powerhouse
Now, if you’re after the most stable and secure feeling, the hitch-mounted rack is where it’s at. This type requires your Audi A3 to have a trailer hitch receiver installed first. I know, I know, that sounds like a whole extra project. But hear me out. Once you have that hitch in place (a Class I or II is perfect for the A3), you slide the rack’s stem into the receiver, tighten a bolt, and you’re golden. The stability is next-level because the rack is bolted directly to the car’s frame, not just strapped onto the bodywork. There’s minimal wobble, which is a huge peace-of-mind booster on the highway.
These racks come in all shapes and sizes, from platform-style racks that hold your bike by the wheels (super gentle on your bike’s frame) to hanging-style ones. The platform style is legit the best for protecting your expensive bike’s carbon frame or complex geometry. Many of them are also tilt-away, meaning you can still access your trunk even when the bikes are loaded. How cool is that? The initial investment is higher because you’re paying for the hitch installation and the rack itself, but for frequent use, it’s totally worth it. If you’re curious about some top-tier hitch options, you can check out this deep dive on the Yakima Ridgeback hitch rack. It’s a beast of a carrier that shows you what this category is capable of.
The Roof Mount Rack: The Style and Aerodynamics King
Feeling sporty? The roof-mounted rack system is the classic, sleek look you see on a lot of European cars. This is a more permanent system where you install raised side rails or fixed mounting points on your A3’s roof. Then, you attach crossbars, and finally, the bike carriers themselves clamp onto those crossbars. The biggest advantage here is that it keeps your rear end completely clear. Your trunk is 100% accessible, and there’s zero impact on your rear visibility. It also just looks incredibly cool and gives your A3 that “active lifestyle” aesthetic.
But, and this is a significant “oh snap” moment, there are some major downsides. First, you have to lift your bike up and over your head to load it, which can be a real grunt, especially with heavier mountain or e-bikes. Second, you absolutely must remember you have bikes on the roof. Forget it once, and you might drive straight into your garage, causing catastrophic damage to your bikes, your car, and your garage door. It’s a costly mistake. Finally, all that stuff on your roof creates wind resistance, which can lead to a noticeable hit on your fuel economy. You’re essentially turning your sleek hatchback into a brick wall at highway speeds. For a detailed look at how much a rack can affect your wallet at the pump, our article on bike rack MPG loss and real fuel costs breaks it all down.
Spotlight On: The Saris Bones EX for Your Audi A3
Let’s get specific and talk about one of the most popular and highly-rated trunk racks out there: the Saris Bones EX. This isn’t just some generic rack; it’s got a cult following for a reason. Imagine a rack that’s lightweight, tough as nails, and designed with some serious smarts. The Bones EX is made in the USA from 100% recyclable materials, which is a nice little bonus for the environmentally conscious. Weighing in at just 11 pounds, it’s a breeze to take on and off, so you don’t have to leave it on your car all the time if you don’t want to.
One of its killer features is the arc-based design. What’s the big deal? Well, those arched “dog legs” are engineered to fit over spoilers on most modern vehicles. Given that many Audi A3 models, especially the Sportback, have a subtle integrated spoiler on the hatch, this is a massive win. It means the rack sits flush and secure without putting pressure on or interfering with that aerodynamic piece. It also has this clever design that separates the bikes on different levels, so your handlebars and pedals aren’t constantly banging into each other. No more scratched-up bike frames after a journey. That’s a game-changer.
Key Features and Specs of the Saris Bones EX
Let’s lay out all the important details in a simple table so you can see exactly what you’re getting.
Feature/Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Rack Type | Trunk Mount (Strap-On) |
Bike Capacity | 2 Bikes |
Weight Capacity | 35 pounds per bike (70 pounds total) |
Rack Weight | 11 pounds |
Frame Material | Rust-proof, Injection-Molded Composite |
Key Feature | Adjustable Arms and Legs for a custom fit |
Key Feature | Ratcheting Anti-Sway Straps to prevent bike contact |
Key Feature | Articulating Rubber Feet to protect vehicle paint |
Key Feature | Integrated Strap Management to hide loose ends |
Compatibility | Fits over 90% of vehicles, including those with spoilers |
Competitors:
Thule Outway
Detail
Alright, so you’re probably tired of bike racks that feel like they’re going to shake your car apart, right? Well, the Thule Outway is pretty much the opposite of that; it’s built around a legit anti-sway system that basically puts a stop to your bikes banging into each other or, even worse, scuffing up your car’s paint. It’s designed to carry two bikes, and it doesn’t matter if you’re hauling your fancy road bike or your kid’s smaller frame because the arms adjust to fit pretty much anything. How awesome is that? And get this—it actually comes with integrated locks, so you can secure your bikes to the rack and the whole rack to your car, which is a huge peace-of-mind feature if you need to make a quick stop. You won’t have to guess if it’s on tight enough, either, thanks to these clever torque-limiting knobs that click to tell you, “Yep, we’re good to go.” It’s not some universal one-size-fits-all situation, which is actually a good thing because it means Thule engineered it with specific vehicles in mind, giving you a super stable fit with twin hooks, robust steel cables, and protective pads. It even has these soft cradles that soak up road vibrations, so your bikes aren’t getting rattled around for miles. When you’re done, the arms fold down flat, which is great for storage, and you can actually pop your trunk open even with the rack on, as long as there aren’t any bikes loaded. Just a heads up, though, it’s got a solid 99-pound total load capacity, but the rack itself weighs 18.3 pounds, so it’s still manageable. You’ll want to double-check their fit guide to make sure it plays nice with your specific ride, but for sedans, wagons, and most SUVs, even some with spoilers, you should be golden.
Malone Hanger
Detail
Need to get the whole crew to the trailhead? The Malone Hanger BC3-OS is your ticket, letting you haul a solid three bikes at once without breaking a sweat. It’s built with oversized steel tubing, so you know it’s tough enough to handle the load, and those anti-sway cages are a legit game-changer—they stop your bikes from clanking together and getting all scratched up. How annoying is it when you finish a drive and find your bike frame got damaged on the way? An integrated cable lock is right there built into the rack, which is super convenient for quickly securing your bikes if you need to dash into a store. The whole thing is surprisingly straightforward to set up with its six-point strap system that gets everything nice and stable on your car. When the adventure’s over, the arms fold down flat, making it a breeze to stash in your garage or trunk. Just a heads-up, you’ll want to double-check your car’s setup, as it might not play nice with certain plastic spoilers on your hatch. Weighing in at 15 pounds, it’s manageable to handle, and it supports up to 99 pounds of gear, so it’s ready for your next big outing.
Malone Runway
Detail
If you’re an SUV owner with a spare tire mounted on the back, you know that finding a bike rack that actually works with your setup can feel like a total long shot, but the Malone Runway BC2 is pretty much designed for your ride. Instead of messing around with a dozen straps all over your paint, this rack mounts directly to your spare tire, which is legit a game-changer for getting a solid and confident fit. It’s built from tough oversized steel, so you can trust it to carry up to two bikes without any wobbling drama, and it has a total load capacity of 66 lbs. The setup is no big deal thanks to two quick-release hubs that let you adjust the arms in a snap and a six-point strapping system that locks everything down tight. When your adventure is over, the whole thing conveniently folds flat, so it’s not going to take up your entire garage space. And at 28 pounds, it’s sturdy enough to feel reliable but not so heavy that it’s a grunt to handle. Pretty slick, right? You get that peace of mind knowing your bikes are secure and won’t be clattering together all the way to the trails.
Comparison Guide
Feature | Saris Bones EX 2 | Thule Outway | Malone Hanger BC3-OS | Malone Runway BC2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rack Type & Core Concept | A lightweight, universal trunk rack famous for its spoiler-friendly, arc-based design and rust-proof construction. | A vehicle-specific trunk rack focused on premium vibration protection and a secure, click-tighten installation system. | A heavy-duty, strap-on trunk rack built with oversized steel to carry three bikes, focusing on maximum capacity. | A unique spare-tire-mounted rack specifically for SUVs with a rear-mounted spare, eliminating contact with the vehicle’s body. |
Bike Capacity & Weight | Holds 2 bikes with a 35 lb/bike (70 lb total) capacity. | Holds 2 bikes with a robust 99 lb total load capacity. | Holds 3 bikes with a 99 lb total load capacity. | Holds 2 bikes with a 66 lb total load capacity. |
Key Security & Stability | Features ratcheting anti-sway straps to prevent bike-to-bike contact and articulated rubber feet to protect your car’s paint. | Includes an anti-sway system, soft cradles to absorb road shock, and an integrated lock to secure bikes AND the rack to the car. | Uses anti-sway cages and a six-point strap system for stability. Includes an integrated cable lock to secure bikes to the rack. | Relies on the solid mounting to the spare tire for stability, backed by a six-point strapping system for a shake-free ride. |
Vehicle Compatibility | Universal fit that works with 90% of vehicles, including those with spoilers (sedans, hatches, SUVs). | Vehicle-specific fit; must be verified for your exact car model (sedans, wagons, CUVs, SUVs, some with spoilers). | Vehicle-specific fit; may not be compatible with plastic spoilers. Designed for a wide range of cars. | Exclusive fit for SUVs with an external spare tire on the rear hatch or door. |
Installation & Adjustability | Highly adjustable arms and legs for a custom fit. The QR code “Easy Fit Check” verifies compatibility before you buy. | Uses trunk/hatch-specific pads and a clever torque-limiting knob that clicks when optimally tightened for a perfect fit. | Features four quick-release hubs for arm adjustment and a webbing stabilizing strap for a secure attachment. | Mounts directly to the spare tire. Features two quick-release hubs for easy arm adjustment without tools. |
Portability & Storage | Weighs only 11 lbs and folds for compact storage, making it easy to remove and stash when not in use. | Weighs 18.3 lbs, is foldable, and allows you to open your trunk even when bikes aren’t mounted on the rack. | Weighs 15 lbs and folds flat for easy storage in a garage or vehicle trunk. | Weighs 28 lbs and folds flat against the spare tire or for storage, though it’s heavier due to its steel build. |
Ideal User | The occasional rider with a modern car who wants a reliable, lightweight, no-hassle rack that’s easy to store. | The discerning cyclist who wants a top-tier, secure, and protective trunk rack for their specific vehicle and doesn’t mind verifying fit. | The rider who needs to transport three bikes at once and wants a simple, durable, and capacity-focused solution. | The SUV owner with a rear spare tire who wants a ultra-stable mount that completely avoids straps on the vehicle’s body. |
Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Bike Rack For Audi A3
How’s it going? So, you’ve got your eye on a new bike rack, but you’re staring at a wall of options and it all feels a little overwhelming. I totally get it. You just want a simple, secure way to get your bikes from point A to point B without any drama, scratches, or heart-stopping moments in the rearview mirror. Well, chill, because we’re about to break down four fantastic options in serious detail. We’re going beyond the basic specs and diving into the real-world nitty-gritty of the Saris Bones EX 2, the Thule Outway, the Malone Hanger BC3-OS, and the Malone Runway BC2. We’ll talk about who they’re for, what they’re made of, and how they actually feel to live with. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly which one is your perfect match. Sound good? Let’s roll.
Saris Bones EX 2: The Lightweight Spoiler Specialist
Let’s kick things off with the Saris Bones EX 2. This rack is kind of a legend in the bike world, and for good reason. What’s its deal? It’s all about being clever, lightweight, and incredibly versatile. The first thing you’ll notice is its unique arc-based design. Those swooping, sculpted arms aren’t just for looks; they’re engineered to fit over spoilers on modern cars, which is a massive headache solver for owners of hatchbacks and sedans with integrated rear spoilers.
Diving into the Components and Materials
The Bones EX feels different because it’s not made of steel. Instead, Saris uses a high-tech, injection-molded composite material. What does that mean for you? Two things: it’s ridiculously light, weighing in at just 11 pounds, and it’s completely rust-proof. You can leave this thing out in the rain, and it won’t develop a single spot of rust. The arms and legs are fully adjustable, allowing you to get a truly custom fit on your vehicle. For securing your bikes, it uses a system of ratcheting anti-sway straps. These are legit; you tighten them down, and they physically stop your bikes from swinging side-to-side and banging into each other. The feet that touch your car are articulated rubber, meaning they pivot and conform to your car’s contours, and the hooks are vinyl-coated to protect your paint. It’s these thoughtful details that make it stand out.
Who is the Saris Bones EX 2 Made For?
This rack is the ideal partner for the casual to frequent cyclist who drives a modern car like a hatchback or sedan and doesn’t want a permanent rack. If you value something you can easily take on and off in seconds and stow in your closet, this is your guy. It’s perfect for weekend trips to the trailhead, group rides with a friend, or even a beach trip with your hybrid bikes. It’s for the person who says, “I just need something that works, doesn’t scratch my car, and isn’t a pain to deal with.”
The Pros and Cons, For Real
The advantages are huge. Its spoiler compatibility is a game-changer, and its featherweight and rust-proof nature make it a dream for easy handling and longevity. The fact that it fits 90% of vehicles without any special guides is awesome. But, it’s not perfect. The total weight capacity is 70 pounds (35 pounds per bike), which might feel a bit light if you have heavier e-bikes or robust downhill rigs. As a trunk rack, it will always have a tiny bit more movement than a hitch system, and you have to be diligent about strapping it correctly every single time to avoid any paint issues. It’s a fantastic all-rounder, but it has its limits.
Thule Outway: The Premium, Locking Fortress
Now, let’s talk about the Thule Outway. If the Saris is the clever lightweight, the Thule is the sophisticated bodyguard. This thing oozes quality and is packed with smart features that scream “premium.” The first thing that sets it apart is its fitment; this isn’t a universal rack. It’s vehicle-specific, meaning Thule has designed different versions or mounting pads to perfectly match the contours of your specific car model. That’s a level of integration the others don’t offer.
Breaking Down the Tech and Build
The Outway is built on a foundation of alloy steel, giving it a solid, robust feel and a massive 99-pound total load capacity. But the real magic is in its technologies. My favorite is the torque-limiting knobs. When you’re tightening the rack to your car, these knobs will physically click to tell you it’s tight enough. No more guessing, “Is this too loose? Am I about to strip this?” It’s a genius feature that eliminates installation anxiety. Then there are the soft cradles. These aren’t just rubber pads; they’re designed to actively absorb road shock and vibrations, so your expensive bike frames aren’t getting rattled to death for miles on end. And, oh yeah, it comes with integrated locks. For real. You can lock your bikes to the rack and the entire rack to your car, which is a peace-of-mind feature you can’t put a price on if you need to stop for lunch mid-trip.
Ideal User Profile
The Thule Outway is for the cyclist who sees their bike as a valuable investment and their car as a prized possession. You’re willing to do a little extra homework to ensure a perfect fit because you want the absolute best in security and protection. You probably take longer trips, maybe even travel to races or distant mountain biking destinations, and you want the confidence that comes with a rock-solid, feature-packed system. This is for the rider who doesn’t want to compromise.
Weighing the Ups and Downs
The advantages are compelling: the click-tighten system, the vibration-damping cradles, the included locks, and the superior, vehicle-specific fit. It’s a top-shelf product. The disadvantages? Well, that premium experience comes with a higher price tag. The vehicle-specific nature means you can’t just assume it will fit; you must use Thule’s fit guide, and it might not be compatible with your neighbor’s car if you wanted to borrow it. At 18.3 pounds, it’s also a bit heavier than the Saris, reflecting its more robust construction. It’s a commitment to quality, but you’re paying for it.
Malone Hanger BC3-OS: The High-Capacity Workhorse
Okay, so what if you need to bring more than just one friend? Enter the Malone Hanger BC3-OS. This rack’s entire personality is built around one thing: capacity. It hauls three bikes with a total weight limit of 99 pounds. If you’re the ringleader of your cycling group or you have a big family, this rack immediately catches your eye. It’s the no-nonsense, get-the-job-done option.
Construction and Functional Components
The Hanger BC3-OS is built with “oversized steel tubing.” That’s not just marketing speak; when you pick it up, you feel its sturdy, 15-pound heft and see the thick tubes. This thing is designed for strength and stability under a heavier load. It uses a six-point webbing strap system to latch onto your car, which provides a wide, stable base. To manage the chaos of three bikes, it employs anti-sway cages. These are physical barriers that sit between the bikes to prevent frame-on-frame contact. It also includes a super convenient integrated cable lock, so you can quickly secure your bikes during a pit stop without fumbling with a separate lock.
Who Should Consider the Malone Hanger?
This rack is made for the budget-conscious family or the group of friends who need to maximize the number of bikes they can transport. Your primary concern is “Can it carry all of us?” and the answer here is a resounding yes. It’s the perfect solution for getting the soccer team to the park, taking the kids and their friends on a biking vacation, or any scenario where the third bike slot is a non-negotiable requirement.
The Trade-Offs of a Three-Bike Rack
The advantage is obvious: that third bike spot. The sturdy steel construction inspires confidence when you’re loaded up. However, carrying three bikes has downsides. It’s wider and can make rear visibility and parking more challenging. Malone explicitly states it may not be compatible with plastic spoilers, so hatchback owners need to be cautious. Loading and unloading three bikes can also be a bit of a puzzle, ensuring pedals and handlebars don’t get tangled. It’s a fantastic solution for a specific problem, but it sacrifices some convenience and compatibility for the sake of pure capacity.
Malone Runway BC2: The SUV Spare-Tire Expert
Finally, we have the Malone Runway BC2, which is a complete outlier in the best way possible. This rack isn’t for everyone, but if it is for you, it’s an absolute godsend. Its entire design revolves around one specific feature: mounting to the spare tire on the back of an SUV or large 4×4.
Unique Design and Material Makeup
The Runway BC2 completely bypasses your vehicle’s painted bodywork. Instead, it uses a dedicated mounting system that attaches directly to your spare tire. This is a massive advantage because it means zero straps touching your paint, which eliminates the number one fear of trunk rack users: scratches. It’s constructed from alloy steel, making it the heaviest rack here at 28 pounds, but that weight contributes to a feeling of immense solidity. It uses a six-point strapping system not for the car body, but to further stabilize itself against the spare tire and rear door. The arms adjust via quick-release hubs and, like the others, it folds flat for storage.
The Niche User for the Runway
This rack has a very specific soulmate: the owner of an SUV, Jeep, or similar vehicle with an externally mounted rear spare tire. If that’s you, your search for a rack just got a whole lot simpler. You get incredible stability because the rack is mounted to a single, solid point, and you get complete peace of mind for your vehicle’s finish. It’s also a savior for vehicles where a traditional trunk rack simply won’t work due to the spare tire’s obstruction.
Distinct Advantages and Limitations
The advantage is its unparalleled stability and paint-protecting design for its target vehicles. The connection is just so much more direct and solid than straps on a hatch. The main disadvantage is its extremely limited compatibility. It’s useless for sedans, hatchbacks, or any SUV without a rear-mounted spare. The 66-pound total weight capacity is also the lowest of the group, so it’s strictly a two-bike carrier. But for its intended audience, these aren’t really disadvantages; they’re just the parameters of a perfect solution.
So, Which One is the Absolute Best for Your Audi A3?
Alright, let’s get down to the final verdict. You’re probably thinking, “This is all great, but just tell me what to put on my Audi!” Fair enough. Let’s cut through the noise.
For the vast majority of Audi A3 owners, especially those with the Sportback hatchback, the Saris Bones EX 2 is the clear winner and the best overall choice.
Why? It’s like they designed it with the A3 in mind. The A3 often has a subtle yet meaningful integrated spoiler on the hatch, and the Bones EX’s signature arched design is purpose-built to clear it. Its lightweight, rust-proof composite construction means you can easily pop it on for a weekend adventure and take it off during the week without it being a grunt. The 70-pound total capacity is perfectly adequate for two standard road, mountain, or hybrid bikes. While the Thule Outway is a phenomenal rack, its vehicle-specific nature can be a bit of overkill for the A3, and the Saris achieves a near-perfect fit with its universal-yet-adjustable approach. The Malone options, while great at what they do, are the wrong tool for the job; the Hanger BC3-OS is overkill and potentially incompatible, and the Runway BC2 is completely unsuitable for an A3’s hatchback.
The Saris Bones EX 2 provides the ideal blend of compatibility, convenience, protection, and performance specifically for a car like the Audi A3. It gets you and your bikes to the fun, safely and simply, and that’s exactly what you bought your awesome car for in the first place.
Real Talk: Living with the Saris Bones EX
So, what’s it actually like to use this rack day in and day out? Off the top of my head, the best part is the ease of mind. The ratcheting anti-sway straps are legit. You cinch them down, and they hold your bike’s top tube and seat tube firmly, eliminating that annoying side-to-side wobble that makes you constantly check your rearview mirror. The straps themselves are high quality, and the integrated management caps are a genius touch. You tuck all the loose strap ends away, so there’s no flapping in the wind while you drive. It’s the little things, you know?
And let’s talk about the fit. The arms and legs are fully adjustable, so you can really dial in the perfect position for your A3’s unique rear end. The whole “fits 90% of vehicles” claim isn’t just marketing fluff; it’s because of this adjustability. Before you even buy, Saris has a nifty QR code you can scan to do an “easy fit check” with your specific car model. How awesome is that? It saves you the hassle of buying something that just won’t work. Installation might feel a bit fiddly the first time, but after one or two tries, you’ll have it on and locked down in under five minutes. Fair enough, it might not have the rock-solid, zero-movement feel of a hitch rack, but for a trunk solution, it’s about as good as it gets.
Making Your Final Choice: What’s Best for You?
Alright, we’ve covered a lot of ground. You’re now practically an expert on Audi A3 bike racks. But how do you make the final call? It really comes down to your personal cycling habits and budget. Are you the occasional weekend warrior who just needs to get two bikes to the local trailhead a few times a month? If so, a high-quality trunk rack like the Saris Bones EX is probably your perfect, cost-effective partner. It’s simple, effective, and stores away in a closet when not in use.
On the other hand, if you’re a dedicated cyclist who travels frequently to distant races or trail networks, or if you own expensive bikes that you’re paranoid about damaging, investing in a hitch and a platform-style hitch rack is the way to go. The superior stability and bike-frame-friendly design are worth every penny for peace of mind on long hauls. And if you love the look and don’t mind the height and fuel economy trade-off, the roof rack system is a stylish and functional option. Still on the fence about the wobble factor between trunk and hitch? Our comparison of trunk vs. hitch bike racks and which wobbles less can help clear things up.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Ride Every Time
No matter which rack you choose, a few golden rules will make your life easier and keep your gear safe. First, always, and I mean always, do a final check of every strap, bolt, and clamp before you pull away. Give the rack a good shake to make sure it’s secure. Second, use a secondary strap to secure the bikes themselves, even if the rack has its own hold-downs. A simple bungee cord through the wheels can prevent them from spinning. Third, remove your bike’s front wheel if the rack design calls for it, and for goodness sake, don’t forget to securely store that quick-release skewer.
What about cleaning your car? You can’t just forget about that. Leaving dirt and grime trapped under the rack’s feet for weeks is a surefire way to ruin your paint. But how do you wash your car with the rack on? It’s a common headache, but we’ve got you covered with a handy guide on how to wash your car when a bike rack is attached. It’s not a big deal once you know the right technique. Finally, be extra cautious when driving. You’ve got extra length and weight on the back (or top) of your car. Take turns wider and slower, and allow more distance for braking. It is what it is, but a little extra care goes a long way.
Our team is creating outdoor-gear relevant articles with passion. If our articles can help you to find the correct solutions for your questions, we will be happy about that. In the content creation process, we usually collect accurate and useful information online or offline to compile our content in an organized way. Consequently, we can guarantee that you can discover some expected answers to your questions. We appreciate your time on our site.
