Bike Carrier Rack
Which bike carrier rack would you recommend?
To transport 4 bikes attached to a minivan.
Your local bike shop and/or REI store are great places to go for a rack. They should be able to explain all the ins and outs of how to carry your particular bikes on any given rack system.
In addition to what Paul M says, you may want to consider the following.
Hitch racks largely hold the bikes behind the vehicle out of the airstream. Thus, you might get slightly better milage with a hitch rack. Carefully, examine how the rack holds your bike, though. Some allow easy mounting of bikes and hold securely. Others are kind of tough to use. If you need to get into the back of the van while the bikes are on the rack, make sure it will fold down, but don't expect it to be entirely out of the way. Yakima, Thule, Saris all make pretty good hitch racks.
Roof racks get the bike entirely out of the way of your rear door, but put them right into the air stream. This will knock several miles a gallon off your milage. Depending on how high your minivan is, and how tall you are, it may be tough to get the bikes on and off the roof. (You may need to carry a small stepping stool with you.) The good news is a variety of mounts are made to hold any and all types of bikes incredibly securely. Plus, as Paul M mentions, there are no end of options and attachements for roof rack systems. If you need a flexible cargo system, a roof rack is the way to go. Take a look at Yakima and Thule. Saris also makes nice mounts that will fit your Yak or Thule rack.
Trunk racks are the least expensive option, but are a huge pain to use. For one, they will tear up the paint on your bicycles as you get them off and on the rack. The straps will also tear up the paint on your car. Unless you get the straps incredibly tight, they will vibrate in the wind and make lots of noise.
Most trunk racks are made for 2 or 3 bikes. You may be able to find a 4 bike rack, but I've never actually seen or used one.
Most truck racks are made to accommodate adult sized road bikes. To get kids bikes, mountain bikes, etc. on a trunk rack requires a lot of creativity and coersion. Due to the weird positions you wind up hanging the bikes, the number of bikes you can get on the rack may be limited.
Forget about getting in and out of the back door of the van when you have the trunk rack mounted.
It might sound like I hate trunk racks and, in fact, I do. Nothing has eased my life like getting a roof rack. On occasion, though, I need to haul more bike than my roof rack will accommodate. Out comes the dreaded trunk rack and (in its own ugly fashion) it serves its purpose.
If you want a trunk rack, I'd go to your bike store (and/or REI) and take a look at the trunk racks they stock. Tell them what types of bikes you need to haul and carefully question if and how you can get 4 bikes on the rack. Buy only after making a careful decision.
Anyhow, I hope this helps with your decision.
Amazing Bike Rack Installation Video
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Softride 26260 Velcro Soft Wrap - Pack of 4 $7.19 Softride Soft Wraps are versatile and are a great accessory for your Softride Bike Rack.FeaturesRed velcro12" longSecure bike frame and tires togetherVersatile usesSold individuallyGenuine softride accessoryWarrantyLimited lifetime workmanship and materials... |
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Racor Pro PLB Freestanding Bike Stand ... |
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