So how do you decide which bike carrier to buy? To a large extent this is determined by (1) the number of bikes to be carried, (2) the types of bikes to be carried and (3) which bike carriers fit your car. If you opt for roof mounting options you will also need to consider if you need to carry any other items on the roof.
The different types of bike carriers
- Carry up 4 / 5 bikes * **
- Suitable for most bikes
- Suitable for most vehicles (roof bars are required)
- More difficult to load bikes - especially on tall vehicles
- Carry up to 4 bikes
- Suitable for all bikes
- Suitable for most vehicles (vehicle tow bar required)
- Easiest to use and load
- Best option for heavy bikes (eBikes, large MTBs, Fat bikes)
- Carry up to 3 bikes
- Car specific - not suitable for every vehicle
- Boot access can be tricky
* depending on the loading limit of your vehicle and your roof bars
** depending on the length of your roof bars and the fixing types. We suggest to maximise the space on your roof bars you opt for T-Track fittings.
Once you've decided which type(s) to go for, you need to consider style, features and price. See the articles on each type of bike carrier for further guidance.
Key considerations
1How many bikes do you need to carry (now and in the future)?
You can usually carry:
- up to 4-5 bikes on the roof with roof mounting bike carriers * **
- up to 4 bikes on a tow bar mounting bike carrier
- up to 3 bikes on a rear mounting bike carrier
* depending on the loading limit of your vehicle and your roof bars
** depending on the length of your roof bars and the fixing types. We suggest to maximise the space on your roof bars you opt for T-Track fittings.
2Do you need to carry anything else (eg. a roof box)?
You can often fit bike carriers on the roof alongside a roof box. The number of bikes you can fit next to a roof box is dependent on a number of factors;
- The length of your roof bars
- The width of the box / other item
- The width of the bike carriers
You can usually fit 2 bike carriers next to a medium width roof box. We have a guide with examples on what you can usually fit on different length roof bars.
How much can I fit on my roof bars?
If there is not enough space on your roof bars to carry your roof box and all of the required bikes you will need to consider a tow bar mounting bike carrier or a rear mounting bike carrier.
3The types of bikes that you intend to carry
It's clearly important to think about the types of bikes that you are looking to transport. If you are looking to transport heavy bikes, such as e-bikes, fat bikes and heavy mountain bikes, then we would recommend Tow Bar Mounting Platform Racks, for example.
4Changing vehicles in the future
If you anticipate that you may change vehicles in the next few years, then you need to consider whether the rack would be likely to fit the new vehicle.
- Tow bar mounting racks are the best long term option as a tow bar can be fitted to nearly any vehicle
- Roof mounting racks are also a good option as most vehicles can be fitted with roof bars. However, it is important to note that the roof loading limit might be lower than your current vehicle, in this case you won't be able to carry as much. Many new electric vehicles have lower roof loading limits
- Rear mounting racks are limited to certain vehicles, so it's less likely that you would be able to use this with a new vehicle.