Everything you need to know about purchasing and installing bike racks on your car
Whether it’s a family holiday or travelling to a cycling or mountain biking event, transporting your bike from A to B can be as essential as a bag of pick-me-up lollies to a passenger’s needs and happiness.But there are some important things to know before purchasing and installing a bike rack, including state and territory-specific laws and regulations that should be checked pre-purchase.
“Laws for the mounting and use of bike racks vary between states and territories in Australia,” says the team at Supercheap Auto.
“These include limits for overhang past the sides and rear of the vehicle, and that lights and number plates must not be obscured. In some cases, an auxiliary license plate must be used.”
Another component to consider before you purchase a bike rack is which type is best suited to your needs.
Some of the most common bike rack types
Hatch or boot mount
“These are a cost-effective solution if you own a hatchback or sedan, and don’t have a tow bar,” says Supercheap Auto.
Model depending, these will carry between one and four bikes but tend to have a lower weight limit than other options.
Tow Bar Mount
This bike rack will fit any vehicle with a tow bar.
“If your tow bar features a square hitch receiver, the bike rack can quickly be fitted or removed. If the tow bar has a fixed tongue, the bike rack can bolt directly underneath the tow bar,” Supercheap Auto says.
Roof Mount
If you have a platform rack or roof bars, the manufacturer may have an optional bike mount accessory that allows you to fix your bike onto the roof rack.
This option is typically better for lightweight bikes.
Mistakes when choosing a bike rack
Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a bike rack so you can avoid them!
- Failing to match the weight of your bike/s to the capacity of the bike rack
- Not all bike racks are compatible with all bike frames- so check this before purchase
- Choosing the wrong tow bar mount for your vehicle
- Failing to consider legal requirements such as overhang, licence plate, and taillight obstruction
- If you require regular access to the rear cargo area of your vehicle, choose a bike rack design that allows easy access
How to install a bike rack
Once you’ve purchased your bike rack, installing it is often the next biggest hurdle and it can be hit-and-miss for first-timers.
Here are some helpful tips for installing bike racks to make the process as smooth as possible.
- Pre-assemble the bike rack on a workbench or table
- Identify points on the vehicle where the bike rack will make contact and clean these areas
- Locate the bike rack on the vehicle with the help of an assistant if required and loosely attach any straps and fasteners
- Check the positioning of the bike rack, then secure all straps and fasteners as recommended in your fitting instructions
- Fit your bike/s to the rack, secure them with an anti-theft lock, and give the bike rack a good shake to ensure it is firmly mounted
- After driving a short distance, check the bike rack and tighten it further if necessary
Common mistakes when installing a bike rack
Like purchasing, installing bike racks can also include a few errors along the way. Some of the most common include:
Scratching your car
“This mistake usually occurs when mounting the bike to the rack. Take it easy when mounting and place padding where the bike may contact the vehicle,” says Supercheap Auto.
Over or under-tightening straps and fasteners
These can result in uneven loading, damage to your vehicle, or loss of your bike and bike rack.
Forgetting that the rack is installed
“The consequences usually manifest when parking causing damage to the bike and vehicle,” Supercheap Auto says.
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