Mountain biking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in these warm months. It gives you a chance to fit in some much-needed cardio, get your adrenaline rushing, as well as connect with nature and its beauty. When getting ready for your trip, you should gather your protective gear and biking accessories, as well as think of clever ways for transporting your bike.
Simply placing it in your Ute’s trunk will leave you with less space to carry your other essential items. This can also significantly damage your bike. Using a quality bike rack will make the difference between smooth transportation and a disappointing moving experience that leaves you with scratches and paint peels all over your Ute.
What are the Advantages of Using a Tailgate Car Rack?
Some of the most popular transportation accessories for your bikes are the tailgate mtb car racks. They have a velcro closure system that allows you to easily and securely attach your bikes to your vehicle. This closure system is easy on the bike frames and protects their painted surfaces, which isn’t the case with a lot of ordinary low quality bike racks.
If you secure your bike nice and tight, this type of specialised rack will carry it safely to your destination through any kind of terrain. You don’t need to worry about bikes falling off from your pick-up when you’re going uphill, downhill, or passing through a difficult rocky road.
Another great advantage of the mtb bike rack is its unique construction with a rugged nylon material. This covers the whole tailgate of your pick-up, preventing any abrasions and damage caused by your bike. The material is strong enough to withstand harsh weather conditions, so it will protect your Ute from weather damage as well.
Its inner layer consists of a soft felt backing that doesn’t scratch your Ute’s surface and protects the paint job. Compared to the mtb design, other traditional car racks don’t guarantee much protection from damage, both for your pick-up and your bikes.
What to Consider Before Buying a Car Rack?
The first thing you need to consider when choosing from the range of mtb car racks is the number of bikes they support. This information is often listed with the product – and it’s an important one, since you don’t want to load your car rack with more pressure than it can handle. The modern car racks are ideal for those outdoor adventures when you need to carry multiple bikes simultaneously. They come in several versatile designs that allow you to carry from two up to six bikes at once.
The second important factor when choosing a rack is the security. While these racks don’t come with a lock system, they’re equipped with a strong closure system that will make anyone think twice before laying hands on your bikes. These bike racks tightly secure every individual bike with an anchor strap. All you need to do is strap them nice and tight, and your bikes won’t budge for the whole trip.
Can’t I Just Use a Piece of Foam?
Some people are hesitant when it comes to investing in a quality bike rack, so they use other methods instead. It’s common for people to use old blankets or pieces of foam for amortization when transporting their bikes. Although some consider this a safe way of transportation for shorter distances, it still poses some risks. Traveling without a padded and professionally designed mtb rack can result in scratches and paint chips on your pick-up and your bikes, so it’s best to opt for a professional rack that will keep them safe and secure.
Other Ways to Transport Your Bike
Roof Rack
Carrying your bikes on a tailgate bike rack isn’t the only way of transporting your bikes. Installing a roof rack is a popular way of transporting your bike while letting the world know that you’re an outdoorsy person. You can either carry your whole bike on top of your car or with the front wheel removed. This is a stable and secure way of transporting your bike however you will have problems with low overhead areas like garages. Another downside is that your bike’s wind resistance will lower the car’s gas mileage.
The Hitch Rack
You can install this type of mtb car rack in the tow hitch receiver at the back of your vehicle and it can carry one or multiple bikes. Some models allow you to load your bike onto a wheel tray and lock it into place. This bike rack is easy to install and it’s suitable for frequent use, but if you don’t secure your bikes properly, they can be subject to theft.
Bungee Cords or Soft Straps
A cheap way to secure the bikes in your vehicle that a lot of people find reliable is by using bungee cords or straps. It’s recommended that you avoid ratchet type straps because it’s tricky to find the optimal tension that will hold down your bike. It’s important to secure both the front and the back of the bike, as the rear can often get bouncy. Although this is a popular method for transporting bikes, it’s always best to opt for a professional car rack.
