Roof Or Hitch: Which Bicycle Mount Is Right For Your Car?

Cycling can be a great hobby, fitness activity, or even a primary form of transportation, but getting your bike from point A to point B is not always easy. As great as it would be to use pedal power to get everywhere, it's often necessary to mount a bike to a car for more long-distance adventures. Fortunately, plenty of rack options exist to get this job done.

There are also plenty of decisions to make when choosing the right rack. Most manufacturers offer bike racks in two general configurations: hitch or roof. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so you'll need to decide which one makes the most sense for your particular vehicle, needs, and budget.

Roof Racks: Pros and Cons

The primary advantage of using a roof rack is its versatility. In addition to hauling your bike, you can build a roof rack system to transport anything from kayaks to extra cargo and everything in between. When adding a roof rack, you'll typically need to decide on a system that fits your car before deciding on specific accessories to carry your bikes.

Although they offer versatility, roof racks will cost a little more to set up since you'll need load bars, supports, and the actual bike carrier parts. You'll also need to consider your vehicle's height and how easily you can reach the roof to mount and unmount your bike. You may also notice some increased wind noise and decreased fuel economy due to changing your car's aerodynamic profile.

Note that the overall cost of installing a roof rack system may be less if your car already has factory base bars in place.

Hitch Racks: Pros and Cons

Hitch racks attach to a tow ball on the back of your vehicle. Contrary to common perceptions, you can install a tow ball on nearly any car, including small sedans, hatchbacks, and other non-utility vehicles. Hitch racks allow you to support multiple bikes on the back of your vehicle, making them somewhat more easily accessible than roof-mounted bike racks.

The primary drawbacks to hitch racks include less versatility than roof racks and the need to install a tow hitch on your car. If you don't already have a tow ball, a hitch rack may be more costly than a roof-mounted solution. You may also need to unmount the hitch carrier to access your trunk or tailgate cargo area.

Which Should You Choose?

Both roof and hitch racks are excellent options for carrying one or more bicycles. In many cases, the best choice will come down to your capabilities and the equipment on your vehicle. If you have difficulty lifting your bikes, a hitch rack is a superior option. On the other hand, roof racks are more suitable when you want the added versatility or want to avoid the cost of installing a tow ball.

In either case, buying from a trusted manufacturer will ensure you get a bicycle-carrying solution that will last for years and support many future adventures.

Reach out to a company like FTM Land, Mobile and Marine Solutions for more information. 

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