How To Choose The Correct Cycle Carrier For Your Needs
Have you and your family just been bitten by the cycling bug? Perhaps every family member now has their own bike, but you want to travel further afield to explore and enjoy the beautiful countryside. You have a car, so all that is needed is a cycle carrier to safely and securely transport the bikes. Shouldn’t be too much of a challenge, or should it?
The reality is that there are numerous options available to you, so before putting your money down, it is best to have at least a basic understanding of the different types of cycle carriers and the various benefits and disadvantages that each type offers.
This article aims to give you that basic knowledge and help you choose the most suitable cycle carrier for you and your family. Below is a list of options you need to consider before even setting foot inside a shop that sells cycle carriers.
What Type of Car Do You Currently Own?
One of the most popular types of cycle carriers is known as a rear door carrier. These are perfect for you if you have a hatchback or saloon car, although a vehicle with a spoiler or a particularly large rear window might not suit these types of carriers.
Tow Bar carriers and roof bar mounted carriers should work on any kind of vehicle.
However, you will need the tow bar or the roof bars to be fitted if they are not already installed, so bear this in mind when comparing the cost of the different types of cycle carriers.
How Many Bikes Are You Likely to Need To Transport?
When choosing a cycle carrier, try to future-proof your decision by calculating how many bikes you need to carry now and in the future. There is no point in investing in a carrier that can only carry two bikes if you need to transport three or four in a couple of years.
There are roof carriers that can carry 1,2,3,4 or, in some cases, even more bikes. In certain circumstances, it might actually be beneficial to purchase two different types of cycle carriers.
If, for instance, you foresee a situation where you might only need to carry one bike the majority of the time, but then four bikes during family holidays, then consider a roof bar bike rack for your single cycle carrying trips. These are quick and easy to fit, and you can always add more bikes within certain limits as your needs require.
On the other hand, if you always expect to be carrying four bikes, then the best option is likely to be a tow bar mounted cycle carrier. One of the most popular options that North West Towbars sells is a three bike carrier made by Thule with the option of an extension which allows that same carrier to transport up to four bikes. If you need to carry even more bikes, you could combine this option with a set of roof-mounted carriers enabling you to carry up to six bikes at once.
Whatever your situation, whatever type of vehicle you currently own, or however many bikes you need to carry, Northwest Towbars has the solution for your needs. We look forward to being of service to you and helping you enjoy the many benefits of bicycle ownership. Tel: 0161 4747474