Rack systems come in two basic flavors: roof mounting and rear mounting. As a general rule, rear-mounting systems (which include rear rack and hitch mounts) are less expensive, but provide for fewer accessories. Forget about mounting a kayak on a hitch rack.

Yakima's classic hitch mounting system

Not all cars are created equal, and for that reason it's best to know what options will fit your car before hitting the dealer. The Yakima, Thule, and Rhode Gear Web sites provide installation guides that can help target the exact products needed all the way down to part numbers.

Hitch Mounting

The advantage to these systems (besides their lower cost) is that they are more convenient to load, especially on a tall vehicle. Try to pack four bikes on the top of your average SUV, and you'll begin thinking about bringing a ladder too.

Of course the flip side of the convenience is the limitation in options, as well as the fact that the bikes are more prone to damage. Everyone's heard the story about someone driving with a roof-mounted bike into a garage, but it's just as common to back a hitch-mounted system into a wall, another car, or some other object vastly harder than a bicycle. Rear mounting systems generally don't require the front wheel to be removed, which can be a great time-saver at the trailhead. Rear and hitch systems hold the bikes by the top tube, and employ any of a variety of straps or mounts to secure the bikes. Better constructed hitch mounting units swing out of the way of the tailgate, providing easy access to the contents of the vehicle. While a good hitch mounting system costs around $400, it's a bargain considering that a whole family's worth of bikes can be transported with only one piece of equipment.

Trunk Mounting

Mounting systems that secure to the trunk of a car via straps can cost much less, but are poor choices for anyone expecting to ride more than once or twice a month. The complexity of these systems, combined with the aggravation of trying to assemble them on short notice, makes them difficult to use, and can add hours to the time needed to prepare for a ride.

Many people with expensive"luxury" cars or leased vehicles opt for trunk mounting options since they are easy to install and remove and leave no permanent marks. A good trunk mounting system utilizes rubber feet to minimize contact with the surface of the vehicle, while providing relatively good stability. However, these racks are sadly almost impossible to secure; it takes only a sharp knife to cut many of the carriers away from their cars.

Move on to What a Rack — Roof Mounts

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