Car Racks
Let’s face it – you can’t always ride your bike to every destination. Sooner or later, every serious rider is gonna have to transport their bike. The key is knowing which rack system is right for you, your car, and most importantly your ride.
To aid you in your decision, BOW’s done a bit of the leg-work for you. Below we’ve outlined the major rack types, and the type of setup to which they’re best suited. After you’ve chosen a rack type that fits your needs, go ahead and click through to view our selection of racks from that category.
TRUNK MOUNT
MAIN ADVANTAGES: Lower price, portability
Trunk carriers offer easy bike access and can usually carry up to 3 bikes. These carriers will mount with straps to your vehicle hatch and/or trunk. Because of their size and the fact that they are designed only for bikes, trunk racks are typically lower in cost and can transition easily between different vehicle types. You’ll need to look for additional options if you need to carry more than 3 bikes or need a place for other items (skis, boats, etc.).
Trunk Mount: All
SPARE TIRE MOUNT
MAIN ADVANTAGES: Lower price, portability
Similar to trunk carriers, spare tire racks offer easy bike access, but usually only carry up to 2 bikes. These carriers will mount to your vehicle’s spare tire bolt pattern for a secure fit. Much like trunk mount racks, these carriers are typically lower in cost and can transition easily between most vehicles with an exposed spare tire.
Spare Tire Mount: All
HITCH MOUNT
MAIN ADVANTAGES: Access, security
Hitch systems require a receiver hitch on your vehicle – the size and type can be determined by a local hitch dealer. Once you have a hitch installed on your vehicle, you can mount a bike carrier. Hitch carriers offer easy access, locking security, and easy installation and removal. Systems are available for up to five bikes, and there are systems available that allow easy access to your hatch or rear vehicle compartment. The weight-load capacity of hitch mount carriers are limited to the hitch systems capacity.
Hitch Mount: All
ROOF MOUNT
MAIN ADVANTAGES: Options, flexibility
Roof carriers (mounting with a roof system or to your vehicle’s pre-existing factory rack system) have many advantages. Roof systems offer the most options and can usually carry many bikes (up to 4 or more in most cases). These systems will mount to either your vehicle doors or your factory rack and can carry up to the limit for your car. Beyond bike options, roof system can allow you to carry other item, such as luggage boxes, skis, boats, etc. While providing the most flexibility and options, roof systems will costs more, can take more time to mount, and you’ll need to watch out for low garage heights!
Roof Mount: All
CARGO BOXES
MAIN ADVANTAGES: Options, flexibility
Keep your gear away from the elements (and other people) with the hard-shell protection and security of our boxes. More than just sleek looks and peace of mind, they offer the capacity to accommodate whatever you’re bringing. While providing the most flexibility and options, roof systems will costs more, can take more time to mount, and you’ll need to watch out for low garage heights!
Cargo Boxes: All
SEARCH
STAY IN TOUCH WITH BOW
Email: bikes@bowcycle.com
Phone: (403) 288-5422
Fax: (403) 288-5728
6501 Bowness Road, NW
Calgary, Alberta CAN T3B 0E8
FRIENDS OF BOW
BOW IS LEGIT
