As you know, bike racks are perfect for transporting your bikes to all the adventurers’ destinations. They give you the convenience of carrying your bike without compromising on the space inside your vehicle.
However, bike racks vary in terms of design and their ways of mounting. So, the right bike rack for your vehicle will be determined by your vehicle model.
Some vehicles are high and relatively larger in size, while others are smaller. Their sizes affect the loading and offloading of the racks and bikes.
This is why you may ask, are bike racks universal? Can you fit a bike rack on both a large vehicle and a smaller one? Continue reading to learn more.
Are Bike Racks Universal?
No, bike racks are not universal. When choosing a bike rack, it is best to go for racks that will fit your car model.
Bike racks vary in terms of size, shape, and design. Each of these racks can fit effortlessly on large-sized cars such as SUVs, but some won’t do so well on small cars.
This is why you need to be mindful of your vehicle before shopping for a bike rack.
You can adjust the bike racks to suit different mounting points, but not all can fit every vehicle. For instance, roof racks fit well on trucks, SUVs, and other roof-compatible vehicles, while hatchback racks go so well with small vehicles.
You can find several different types of bike racks each to suit your needs.
Are Rear Bike Racks Universal?
No. Not all rear bike racks can work with bikes or vehicles. You need to be careful when shopping so as not to choose the wrong one.
Rear bike racks are those that mount to the back of the vehicle. They feature straps that hold the rack on the back of the car and arms in which the bike rests.
Most rear-mounted racks have a basic design and are simple to mount.
Despite this, not all rear racks can easily fit on every vehicle. Even if they do, they can cause other issues, such as blocking your rear lights and vehicles number plate, which can cause issues with the law.
Also see: Do bike racks need lights?
Also, you need to be wary of the straps. They can easily come loose if you fail to secure them properly.
Keep in mind that the best racks for your car will depend on your budget, the type of mount on your car, the specific rack, its size, and the number of bikes to carry.
Also, you may want to choose a rack that is fast to install. Racks with quick-release make it easy to remove.
Are Thule Bike Racks Universal?
No. Not all Thule bike racks are universal. Thule has a ‘fit my car’ feature that you can use to assist you to choose the perfect bike rack that will fit your car.
Thule is among the best brands for bike racks/carriers for different types of vehicles. They have made each design for each car model.
Bike racks from Thule are designed to withstand long distant driving even on rough terrain. The racks come in different types; roof, hitch, trunk. Hitch racks are the easiest to mount.
For instance, Thule roof racks have different mounting options and accessories to offer you loading and offloading options.
The racks are tested extensively to ensure they give you safety and other road users safety. You don’t require many tools to install the racks. Their user guide is clear and easy to understand, making them a go-to for many car owners.
The racks come with a warranty period that is generous enough to give you peace of mind.
Is There a Universal Bike Rack?
No, there is no universal bike rack. Each car bike rack is made for a specific car and currently, there is no ‘fit all’ bike racks for cars.
Racks are designed to save space and can carry up to three bikes per trip.
You should only choose the rack that is right for your vehicle. For instance, if you are buying a hitch bike rack, chose that rack that marches your vehicle’s receiver.
Final Word
Are Bike racks universal? If this is a question you have asked yourself severally, then you are in the right place. Bike racks come in different shapes and designs, each suitable for a different kind of model.
Universal bike racks are those that work for all vehicles and bikes. But, there aren’t any racks that can perfectly fit on every vehicle. You need to choose the one that goes well with your vehicle model.
Keep in mind that there are many bike racks out there, but not all can fit on your vehicle, so choose wisely.
