Take Your Bike Anywhere with the Best Roof Bike Rack

Why do you need a Roof Bike Rack?

A roof bike rack is one of the various types of bike racks available today. However, it remains the most preferred choice amongst passionate cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.

As the name explains, the roof bike rack mounts on the top of your vehicle. This particular method makes it difficult to access. It also uses a strong locking mechanism to prevent the bike from swaying.

Yes, you would need a little muscle power to load and remove the bikes. But, it’s worth the high-security level offered.

The roof bike rack is highly versatile too. Unlike other types, it allows you to store much more on the rack than just bikes. Hence, you won’t have to invest in bike rack accessories.

What’s more, the roof mount clears the space around your vehicle. So, you can reach the insides and trunk of the vehicle easily. To sum it up, you should buy a roof bike rack if you want a high-security level, damage protection, and versatile usage.

Things to consider in the Best Roof Bike Rack

Be it online or offline-every marketplace has too much saturation. Thousands of products from a thousand different brands line up the shelves. And what’s more confusing is the never-ending claims to be the best.

Remember, these are baseless. No single product can be the best pick until and unless it fulfills your particular needs. Thus, you need to do your research.

For your help, we have brought together the essential-most features to consider in the perfect roof bike rack. Read more!

Installation Type

First things first, you should decide whether the roof bike rack should be a permanent or temporary installation on your vehicle.

Most people opt for a temporary one as it increases the wind resistance against the vehicle. Thus, increasing fuel consumption.

But, if you spend a major chunk of your life outdoors, then the permanent type saves a lot of hassle. The racks are available in both variants, so choose wisely.

Material

The composition of the roof rack influences the car's performance & durability. Different roof racks comprise different materials. However, the two fundamental material types you’ll find includes:

• Steel

Steel is your budget-friendly, long-lasting option. But, it is heavier and puts more load on the car. So, you’ll experience drag while driving, and fuel consumption will increase too.

• Aluminum

Comparatively, aluminum is lightweight and sturdy. It has the opposite effect, reducing drag and fuel usage. But, it comes at an expensive cost.

Accommodation

The accommodation of the roof bike rack will affect the number of bikes you can store. Usually, you will find racks with two cradles (each cradle carries a single bike).

But, there are also three and even four cradle roof bike racks available today. The selection depends on how many cyclists travel with you and the roof size of your vehicle. Larger cradle racks are naturally larger, and vice versa. So, consider the car roof area when purchasing.

Capacity

Once you’ve decided upon cradles, you need to evaluate the load capacity of the selected bike rack. A roof rack can handle a specific amount of load, after which it becomes unsteady and unstable. So, you need to look for one that can manage your bike(s) weight.

Safety

Although the roof bike rack is usually safe, it is better to examine the security mechanism thoroughly. Opt for ones that come with dedicated anti-theft locks. You can also look for additional accessories to store cargo other than bikes.

How to install a Roof Rack?

The installation method of each roof rack system varies with brand and type. If you’re a complete beginner, we recommend reaching out to the nearest automotive expert for assistance. But if you want to DIY, follow these simple steps.

Things you Need: Fit kit, crossbars, and a foot pack.

Instructions:

Install fit kit clips into the towers. If your car already has raised side rails, you can skip this step.

Mount the crossbars, placing them on the strongest portion.

Put the rack on top of it, and fasten it using provided clamps or drilled holes. For raised side rails, you won’t have to fasten anything. The feet will directly fit onto the crossbars.

Roof Rails VS Roof Racks-What’s the difference?

When searching for the best bike rack, you must’ve come across the term roof rails. Both roof racks and rails perform the same function, i.e., is carrying cargo on top of your car. So, what makes them different?

The difference between the two is in installation method and design.

Roof racks get attached across the car’s roof, whereas roof rails get mounted by feet, such that they run along the car roof’s lengths. Other than this, the roof racks vary from rails in terms of sturdiness and load capacity. Unlike rails, roof racks are more durable and capable of handling more load.

Best Roof Bike Rack FAQs

Can I use a roof rack without crossbars?

Yes, you can use a roof rack without crossbars. However, it is not recommended. The crossbars are an important part of the roof racks that provide much-needed stability and strength. Without it, your cargo is likely to be unsteady.

How do I increase the weight of my roof rack?

Increasing roof rack weight capacity is quite easy if you make the right calculations.

First, you need to consider the weight limit of your vehicle. Usually, cars and SUVs can handle up to 150 to 200-pounds. You can find yours in the vehicle manual.

Add crossbars to the roof rack for more weight capacity but do not exceed the car’s weight limit too much. Most people can increase the weight capacity considerably by only four crossbars.

How will roof rack affect your car performance?

Roof rack affects car performance by increasing wind resistance and weight. The heavier and the larger cargo on your car becomes, the more fuel will get consumed to move forward. Thus, making your car less power-efficient.