You Can Take It With You Travelling with your bike is easier than ever before. Whether you travel by car, ride the rails or take to the friendly skies, your bike can come along for the ride.
DRIVING WITH YOUR BIKE
Bicycle carrier systems come in a broad range of syles to fi t virtually every type of automobile. When selecting a system, consider these factors:
- The size of your vehicle.
- The number, size and weight of your bikes Sure, you can fi t more bikes on the roof of a Suburban, but do you really want to lift them all up there?
- Where your vehicle is stored Will it fi t in the garage with the rack attached and/or the bikes up top?
- Mobility Do you need to frequently remove the rack or swap it between vehicles?
- Budget Carrier systems vary in price, based opon features and style.
Once you confirm your requirements, check out the different types of carriers available:
ROOF RACKS
Good for all sizes of bicycles, and essential for tandems.
Keeps bikes secured, without contacting each other or your vehicle.
TRUNK RACKS
Relatively easy to install and remove, and can be shared between vehicles. Very affordable.
HITCH RACKS
Good for heavier loads due to sturdiness and low mounting height. Most brands allow for ample separation of bikes. Easy to install and remove.
TRUCK BED RACKS
Easy to install and remove. Easy to load bikes.
FLYING WITH YOUR BIKE
Whether your bike travels in a specialty hard or soft case, or even a cardboard box, fl ying with a bike is all about secure packing and light weight. Keeping your bike secure protects it from friction related damage. Keeping it light makes transport to and from the airport more manageable, and may cut down on airline charges.
Airline bike carriers differ in size, weight and price. Advantages of a larger carrier include reduced bike dismantling and increased storage space. This equates to less contact between bike parts and wheels within the case. Disadvantages of large cases include portability in your own vehicle or a taxi at your destination, and the potential for overall weight to exceed airline limits. Smaller cases may require more time and effort to pack, but can be worthwhile at the airline check-in counter, or when your cab driver shows up in a tiny sedan.
BUSES AND TRAINS
The experience of taking your bike on a bus or train will vary greatly from area to area, or type of bus or train. Commuter trains typically accommodate bikes during non peak hours within the train’s cars or loading areas. Be sure to check your train service for bike transport rules. Many buses provide racks at the front end, where you can secure your bike yourself. Destination trains (like Amtrak) and buses (like Greyhound) often offer bike transport in either boxed or unboxed condition, differing from carrier to carrier. Check ahead to fi nd out which method will work best for your trip, and to reserve space for your bike.
