Types and Number of Bikes
The correct spare tire bike rack should possess features that align perfectly well with your transportation requirements, as well the bike frames in use. For example, Dual-Arm models have two cradles tasked with the responsibility of holding bike frame, while at the same time, providing the desired and stable support. Firsthand users have reported that these models are the best when it comes to standard frame bikes, including road, children, mountain, and women’s bikes.
If you have bikes with alternative frames, consider acquiring and using an adapter bar. Likewise, you can go for Single-Arm models, which remain designed in a manner that they accommodate alternative, standard, and other styles. The models in question can also aid in the transportation of different sizes of bikes. Equally important, Dual-Arm and Single-Arm models have the capacity of carrying up to two and three bikes, respectively.
Weight Capacity
Apart from a spare rack’s versatility and capacity, you should consider their weights since some are heavy, which might inconvenience your transit during installation and offloading. In this sense, go for the amazingly light spare tire bike racks, such as Allen Sports Deluxe 2, which you can easily load and offload from the truck with little to no stress.
Security
Besides weight, your bike’s security is a vital determinant of quality and result-oriented spare tire bike rack. The rack should promote convenience by enhancing towing, especially when in use. For example, bolt-on racks come with locking capabilities, while at the same time, featuring strap on devices, which secures both the vehicle and bike with a strong lock and key. The deluxe 2-bike comes with a tie-down cradle that fixes on the rack’s very carrying arm to protect bicycles. If you buy a rack without these features, you should purchase a cable lock with the sole purpose of securing each of your bikes.
Installation
No one needs a rack of poor quality and difficult to handle during the assembling process. Choose a simple-to-use spare tire bike rack. Bolt-On, for example, allows you to remove the wheel before attaching the base plate to the mount of your spare tire. Despite a few minutes spent on wheel removal, you can exploit the opportunity presented by Strap On racks that are quick to install. You need only to clamp it to the tire and use a strap to secure your bike.
Truck Accessibility
The right spare tire bike rack should enhance vehicle accessibility. In other words, you should be able to operate the rear door while the bike rack and bicycle is attached to the spare tire. However, many racks require you to first remove the bikes before using the truck’s rear door, as in the case of Hatchback rack.
Budget
Price remains a vital consideration when choosing your spare tire bike rack. In most cases, heavy racks are cheaper compared to their light counterparts. As stated earlier, light racks are more convenient and versatile, as they also enhance your truck’s mileage. Therefore, price-conscious shoppers should consider going for more massive racks.
Conclusion
Conclusively, it is evident that the market has a variety of spare tire racks, which play a fundamental role in enhancing bike transportation. However, they possess different features, and you need to consider a broad range of factors before identifying and purchasing the best rack for your bicycle. Most importantly, consider the rack’s reliability, budget, compatibility, ease of loading and unloading, and security characteristics.
