Buying a Bike Rack: The Definitive Guide
If you don’t have space in your car, or you want to keep the interior of your car clean, a bike rack is a practical way to get your bike from point A to point B.
But if this is the first time you’ve bought a bike rack, you will no doubt have a few questions about the array of bike rack options available.
To help you find the ideal bike rack, here are some things to consider.
What are the different types of bike racks?
The four main bike racks are: towball mounted bike rack, towbar mounted bike rack, rear mounted bike rack and roof-mounted bike rack.
Towball Mounted Bike Rack
Attached directly to your towball, a towball mounted bike rack is one of the easiest and safest ways to transport your bikes. Best bike rack option for transporting up to 4 bikes over long distances.
Benefits of a Towball Mounted Bike Rack
- Carry 2, 3 or 4 bikes
- Easy to lift bikes onto the rack
- Easy access to the boot
- Securely lock the bikes to the rack
- Lighting board included
Search Towball Mounted Bike Rack Options
Towbar Mounted Bike Rack
Instead of fitting to the towball, a towbar bike rack is mounted to your car via the mounting plate of a flange type towbar. This bike rack can only be used with a flange towbar. Best bike rack option if you are on a budget.
Benefits of a Towbar Mounted Bike Rack
- Carry 2, 3 or 4 bikes
- Easy to lift bikes onto the rack
- Carry bikes and tow a caravan or trailer
Search Towbar Mounted Bike Rack Options here
Rear Mounted Bike Rack
Rear mounted bike racks are attached to the rear of your vehicle using a variety of straps. This bike rack is usually vehicle specific and will be the best option when you don’t have a towbar or roof bars currently installed on your vehicle.
Benefits of a Rear Mounted Bike Rack
- Carry up to 3 bikes
- Cheapest bike rack option
- Don’t need to purchase a towbar or roof bars
Search Rear Mounted Bike Rack Options here
Roof Mounted Bike Rack
Installed on a set of roof bars, a roof-mounted bike rack allows you to securely lock your bikes to the roof of your vehicle. This is best bike rack option for when you need easy access to your boot.
Benefits of a Roof Mounted Bike Rack
- Carry up to 4 bikes
- Easy access to the boot
- Securely locks bikes to the vehicle
- No need to purchase extra number plates or lighting boards
Search Roof Mounted Bike Rack Options here
Which is the best bike rack for you?
Each bike rack offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best bike rack option for you will depend on the type of vehicle you own, how often you intend to use the bike rack and the size of your budget.
Below you can find a variety of comparison tables to help you make a decision.
Towball Bike Rack vs. Towbar Bike Rack
Rear Mounted Bike Rack vs. Roof Mounted Bike Rack
Towball Bike Rack vs Rear Mounted Bike Rack 
Towbar Bike Rack vs Roof Mounted Bike Rack
How do I know which bike rack will fit my vehicle?
Towball, towbar and roof mounted bike racks are all universal fitting. This means that as long as you have a towbar or set of roof bars fitted, the bike rack will easily fit to your vehicle.
Rear mounted bike racks are a little different. As they use a variety of straps and clips, they will usually be vehicle specific. 
Can I fit a bike rack?
Yes - bike racks are really simple to fit and will be delivered with simple, step-by-step installation instructions. In our experience, it takes about 10 minutes to fit a bike rack - it really is that simple!
Plus, if you’re struggling, you can follow one of our installation videos on our Youtube channel.
Check out one of our installation videos below. 
Will a bike rack affect my insurance?
Fitting a bike rack can potentially be classified as a car modification. You need to notify your insurance provider of any modifications to your vehicle. Car modifications can affect how your insurance premium is calculated and, if you don’t tell your insurance provider, they may use the modification to invalidate your policy in the event of an insurance claim.