Even if you usually ride close to home, the most beautiful routes rarely start around the corner. Road cyclists often head for the Chevreuse Valley, gravel enthusiasts explore the Vexin Park or the Fontainebleau forest, while many French EuroVelo routes begin in the neighboring region. The car therefore remains the easiest way to reach the starting point. It is therefore important to choose a transport solution that is practical, safe, and suitable for your bike.
Today, several systems allow you to transport a bike by car. They differ in their vehicle requirements, ease of use, cost, and conditions of use. Before choosing a bike rack, it's best to understand all the differences to make the right choice.
In this article, the experts at Routes and Roads explain the main transport solutions, how to choose the most suitable bike rack, and remind you of the points to check before hitting the road.
Table of Contents:
Transporting your bike inside the car
Transporting your bike on the roof
Transporting your bike on the tow hitch
Transporting your bike on the tailgate
How to choose the right bike rack
Conclusion
There are four main ways to transport a bike by car. The choice depends primarily on the vehicle, the number and weight of bikes to be carried, and the type of outings you plan.
All four allow a bike to be transported safely, but they differ in their vehicle requirements, ease of use, cost, and conditions of use.
Transporting a bike inside the car
Transporting your bike inside the car
Installing the bike inside the car is the solution that best protects it from rain, water splashes, dust, and gravel. This option is particularly suitable when transporting a single bike and when the vehicle has a sufficiently spacious trunk or foldable rear seats.
To save space, it is often necessary to remove the front wheel, turn the handlebars, or slightly lower the seatpost. The bike then occupies part of the passenger compartment while remaining perfectly protected throughout the journey.
Transporting your bike on the roof
The roof bike rack allows you to keep all available space in the passenger compartment and in the trunk. This is a very popular solution for cyclists who regularly travel for training, cyclosportives, or a cycling weekend.
The bike is lifted onto the roof and then secured to the bike rack. Depending on the model, the bike is held at the frame, fork, or wheels. Once the bike is loaded, remember that your vehicle is now taller than usual: a point to keep in mind before entering a parking lot, passing under a gantry, or any other structure with a height restriction.
Installing a bike on the car roof
Transporting your bike on the tow hitch
The tow bar bike rack is often considered the most practical solution for transporting several bikes. Installed quite low, bikes are much easier to load and unload, which is particularly suitable for heavy mountain bikes or e-bikes.
Before transporting an e-bike, manufacturers generally recommend removing the battery. This makes the bike lighter and puts less strain on the bike rack. Many models are also equipped with a tilting system that allows access to the trunk, even with bikes installed.
Transporting your bike on the tailgate
Compact when disassembled, the tailgate bike rack is suitable for vehicles compatible with this type of attachment. It allows you to transport one or more bikes without having to install a tow hitch or roof bars.
Before purchasing, always check the model's compatibility with your car. The shape of the tailgate, the presence of a spoiler, or the design of the bodywork can vary significantly from one vehicle to another, even within the same category.
Final check before departure
How to choose the right bike rack
Now that you know the main solutions, it's easier to identify the one that suits your needs. To make the right choice, consider the number of bikes to transport, your car's characteristics, and the frequency of your trips.
Number of bikes
To transport a single road bike or gravel bike, almost all solutions are suitable. However, if you regularly travel as a couple or with family, it's better to opt from the start for a bike rack that can accommodate several bikes. This will give you more flexibility in organizing your outings.
Vehicle characteristics
Before buying a bike rack, take the time to check your car's characteristics: trunk dimensions, presence of roof bars or rails, possibility of installing a tow hitch, as well as the maximum authorized load on the roof. Then compare this data with the requirements of the bike rack you are considering.
If your car is also used daily, consider how easily the bike rack can be installed and removed between trips.
For family trips, choose a bike rack that can accommodate several bikes
Frequency of use
If you only transport your bike a few times a season, a solution requiring little preparation before loading will be more than sufficient. On the other hand, if you go riding almost every weekend, you will appreciate a system that allows you to install the bike in a few minutes.
Which solution to choose?
If you only transport one bike a few times a season and your car offers enough space, storing it directly inside the passenger compartment remains the simplest solution. This will avoid the purchase of additional equipment.
For your regular trips for training, competitions, or long rides, a roof bike rack or a tow hitch bike rack will generally be more practical. These solutions completely free up the passenger compartment and allow you to prepare the car faster before departure.
Installing a bike on a tailgate bike rack
The tow bar bike rack is particularly suitable for families, owners of heavy mountain bikes, and users of electric bicycles. Thanks to its low loading height, handling bikes requires less effort. In addition, on many models, the tilting system allows the trunk to be opened without removing the bikes.
The tailgate bike rack is a good alternative when the vehicle cannot accommodate a tow hitch or roof bike rack, or when transport inside the passenger compartment is not practical. Before making your choice, always make sure that the model is compatible with your car.
Conclusion
Choosing a suitable transport solution means saving time before departure, better protecting your bike, and fully enjoying your ride. Before each trip, take a few minutes to check the fastenings, ensure the bike is properly secured, and take into account the new dimensions of your vehicle. These few minutes of preparation are enough to reach the starting point peacefully and avoid unpleasant surprises on the road.
If you are planning an outing around Paris, a day in the Chevreuse Valley, a getaway in the Vexin, or a more ambitious trip on the EuroVelo routes, the Routes and Roads team is here to help you. The store's specialists will help you prepare your bike, choose the right accessories for your itinerary, and tell you the last points to check before hitting the road.
