Here is a short comparison of bike racks that fit on roof bars and those that fit on the car's tailgate or boot lid. Although both types let you take your bike wherever you want, there are some notable differences between the two.

We can say from the outset that both roof bar racks and tailgate or boot lid racks have their pros and cons. That said, when it comes to pros and cons, things can be subjective: it depends entirely on what you need from the rack.

Bike racks for the tailgate or boot lid

If you decide to get one of these racks, you should know that you won't need to make any changes to your car's bodywork to fit it. These racks come in two types. Small racks – the bikes hang by their frames. With these racks the bikes may touch each other or even touch the car's bodywork. Also, if you are carrying step-through (ladies') bikes, you will need a bike frame adapter as well.

Large racks with wheel trays – the bikes sit in the rack's wheel trays and are secured with special wheel straps and support arms. With these racks the bikes don't touch each other, and they won't damage or scratch the car's bodywork either.

On both types, wherever the rack touches the car's bodywork it is protected by rubber pads and rubber-coated straps, so the car won't get scratched.

What's more, racks that fit on the tailgate or boot lid are easier to store and easier to fit.

The bikes are secured to the rack with special straps and stay safe for the whole journey. Nor do you need to worry about scratching your car's bodywork: bike racks of this type have rubber pads and clips that protect your car.

How versatile are tailgate and boot lid racks?

Depending on your needs, these racks can carry one, two or even three bikes. The choice is yours, but bear in mind that the rack you go for will shape your long trips with your bike or bikes.

You might think that a rack like this on your tailgate will block your view, but that is unlikely to happen. The rack is designed so that it doesn't completely block your view through the rear window.

In conclusion, tailgate and boot lid racks are a quick, easy way to carry your bikes.

But how worthwhile is it to buy a bike rack that fits on roof bars?

Bike racks for roof bars

This type of rack suits people who want to be able to fit other carriers to their car as well. What does that mean? Well, with roof bars fitted to your car, you can also attach roof boxes, ski or snowboard racks and kayak & canoe racks.

Roof bar bike racks are fairly quick to fit and let you carry several bikes at the same time. However far you travel, your bikes stay secure on the racks.

If you choose this type of bike rack, you will obviously need to fit roof bars to your car first. Then, once you have bought the rack, you attach it to the roof bars following the instructions supplied. Fitting it properly can take around 5 minutes, and you won't need any special tools. Quick and easy.

Racks that fit on roof bars are also fairly easy to remove and store. And when you are not using the bike racks, you can fit other car accessories to the roof bars. Such as?

Well, a roof box comes in handy when you go on holiday with family or friends. You can also fit ski and snowboard racks to the bars for those winters when a trip to the slopes is planned for every weekend.

So which rack should I choose?

The conclusion to draw from this article is that the perfect rack for you could be either one that fits on roof bars or one that attaches to the tailgate or boot lid. Always choose the rack that meets your carrying needs.

For advice and tips on bike racks, we encourage you to visit us at SuportBicicleta.ro.

With us you will also find a wide range of bike racks, ski and snowboard racks, roof boxes, kayak & canoe racks and other car racks and carriers.