Have you have been bitten by the cycling bug?
Maybe you have booked a cycling holiday and are in the process of researching the next step, which is to work out how to transport your precious bikes safely.
Cycle carriers come in many different shapes and sizes, and even for the experienced cyclist choosing the correct type can be a challenge.
At Northwest Towbars, we have many years of experience within the industry and take pleasure in helping our customers choose the best cycle carrier for their specific requirements.
Things to Consider When Choosing A Cycle Carrier
What Type of Car Do You Drive?
The type of car you own will be a huge deciding factor in the type of cycle carrier you need to purchase. If you have a saloon or hatchback, then a rear door carrier could be a good option however if your car has a spoiler or is a hatchback with an exceptionally large window this type of carrier will not be suitable.
If your vehicle already has built-in roof bars, or you have a tow-bar, then a tow bar or roof-mounted carrier might be a better option.
And if your vehicle doesn’t have roof bars or a towbar this is an investment to decide upon for the safety and security of your bikes.
How Many Bikes Do You Need To Carry?
Our advice where possible is to future proof your purchase as best as possible, and this includes thinking about how many bikes you need to transport.
Is your partner likely to want a bike when he or she sees how much fun and enjoyment you are getting from yours?
Maybe you have small children who will eventually want or need a bicycle of their own.
Cycle carriers are capable of carrying between 1 and 4 bikes, depending on the type and model of your purchase, so consider the future when making any purchasing decisions.
If you think you are only ever going to take one bike with you, then roof rack bars might be an excellent choice. These are sold in pairs but only let you carry one bike at a time.
What Is Your Price Range?
Before visiting a shop to choose a bike carrier, decide on your budget and stick to it when you are assessing your options. As an honest and reliable retailer, we will always respect your wishes, and where possible, only show you car bike racks that fall within your budget.
What Is Your Current Fitness Level?
Although a roof cycle carrier might look great and will not obscure your vision, you will need a certain fitness and strength level to load your bike onto the roof. This is not necessarily that difficult an operation but is something worth bearing in mind when buying a cycle rack.
Consider Security for your Cycle Carrier
Another important factor to consider is the security of your bikes if you ever plan on leaving them unattended at a service station, for instance. Rear door cycle carriers have many benefits, but they do not offer any locking mechanisms, which means that a roof bike rack or a tow bar bike rack might be a better choice.
Whatever your needs or requirements, Northwest Tow Bars sell some of the best cycle carriers on the marketplace.
Our staff are fully trained and knowledgeable. You can browse our online shop or call for advice and make an appointment during the pandemic to secure the final part of your cycling holiday.