Roof Top Bike Racks
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The two biggest names in racks are also the two biggest names in roof top bike racks: Thule Racks and Yakima Racks. Both companies offer full lines of roof bike racks.
Fork Mount Roof Bike Racks: These racks require that you remove the bicycle's front tire when mounting the bike to your roof bike rack. When in use, the bike will attach to the rack near the bike frame in the front and to the tire in the back.
Upright Roof Bike Racks: These racks do not require that you remove the bicycle's front tire when mounting the bike to your roof bike rack. When in use, the bike's tires will attach to the rack in both the front and the back.
To read more about the benefits of Fork Mount and Upright Roof Bike Racks, simply scroll down to the bottom of this page.
How do I decide: Fork Mount Bike Rack vs. Upright Bike Rack?
There are very good reasons to opt for either type of roof top bike rack: the fork mount or the upright style. Here are some of the best reasons to opt for each style.
Benefits of a Fork Mount Bike Rack
1. You should expect a much more stable right with a Fork Mount Bike Rack. Because the bike's front wheel has been removed, the bike will ride lower to your vehicle, reducing the effect of wind and drag when you are driving. This should also make for a quieter ride.
2. Fork Mount Bike Racks hold your bikes without touching your bike frame, eliminating the risk of scratching or scraping the frame. If you own a racing bike, a Fork Mount Bike Rack might be the way to go.
3. Some Fork Mount Bike Rack owners find it is easier to lift their bikes onto the roof rack without the weight of the second bicycle tire.
4. Fork Mount Bike Rack offer improved aerodynamics when compared to an upright bike rack style which, over the course of a long trip, should improve your gas mileage.
Benefits of an Upright Bike Rack
1. Because you don't need to remove the front wheel, loading/unloading your bike onto your upright roof bike rack should be a much quicker and easier process.
2. Upright Bike Racks use wheel holders that will accommodate a greater selection of bikes on the road.
3. If you own a downhill, BMX or children's bike, it's likely that an Upright Bike Rack will be able to fit your bike more easily.
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