Everyone who has traveled a bicycle for many kilometers knows that riding with a backpack behind your shoulders is uncomfortable. It strains the spine. It is best to purchase a high-quality bicycle rack, which is also useful for transporting people. A large number of these products are sold in stores. You just need to know which is better to choose.
Types of luggage
There are bicycles with built-in luggage racks, but there are also models for which this necessary part must be purchased additionally. Moreover, they are:
- Back, classic. The product is ideal for transporting goods and a backpack. You can fix the child's bicycle seat on the trunk, so that the child will be completely safe when traveling. It is desirable to install this design on the feathers of the rear triangle of the frame. With such a mount, it almost does not loosen around.
- In front of them. Usually they are presented in the form of a basket. Designs are ideal for transporting small loads. Heavy things can make cycling difficult . Bike baskets on the trunk are very convenient and practical.
- Console, quick-detachable. Suitable for transporting bags with a brake, purses with a camera or folders with papers. If the structure is loaded, then it sways strongly when moving. When the frequency of oscillations coincides with the frequency of rocking the bicycle, then such a product will not last long.
Installation option
Each bicycle rack has its own characteristics, so it can’t be installed on every vehicle. This should be considered when choosing a structure, since it is important that it be fixed securely. All types of luggage racks are suitable for mountain biking, and best of all - console. Mounting is done using the seat post.
Different bike racks are also suitable for a bicycle with rim brakes, you just need to choose the right wheel size. For vehicles with disc brakes, it is difficult to install a classic product with 4 attachment points. You may have to create a home-made mount or bend the upright.
Carrying capacity
Each bicycle rack has its own capacity indicator:
- Rear, classic - 20-25 kg. Do not transport more cargo, otherwise there is a possibility of failure of the fasteners: bolts and threaded holes.
- Basket - 5-7 kg. The front luggage compartment withstands a bit. Even there is a large load in it, you need to consider that a loaded steering wheel is unpredictable.
- Cantilever - 10-15 kg. When laying even a small load, it must be borne in mind that all the burden is held on the seatpost and frame pipe. These elements and without additional load withstand the weight of a person.
Material
When choosing a bicycle rack, you must consider the material from which the product is made:
- Steel.
- Aluminum alloy.
- Titanium alloy.
Steel are considered the heaviest, but they are easier to repair if there is a welding machine. Moreover, they are stronger than aluminum products. Steel and aluminum structures can be purchased at every bike store and on the market. Titanium has a high cost, and usually they are created to order.
Chairs for children
Previously, children could be transported on a frame, but it is very dangerous. For the safety of the child, a bicycle luggage carrier is installed. Now this design is in demand. The product is necessary for reliable protection of the child from falling, which no other design can provide.
Modern devices have lateral protection, due to which leg injury can be avoided. The product is suitable for transporting children under 8 years old. The chair provides support to the back and head. Therefore, for the safety of children, such designs are ideal.
Trunk Acquisition Guidelines
To quickly fix a lightweight bag or plastic bottle, you need to purchase a bike carrier with a hold-down bracket. If you choose a universal trunk for fastening on any bike, you should consider the presence of long and flexible fastening mustaches necessary for fastening to the seatpost.
The universal trunk must have height-adjustable support racks for fixing on vehicles with wheels of different diameters. On the road, it is customary to take a bicycle pump, for which there should be a welded mount. A vertical metal plate will help to fix the retroreflector or taillight .
For long trips, you need to install a trunk that has side frames. Facilitation of the installation of the trunk with disc brakes provides a vertical rack. Collapsible products can be folded for storage, but they are more shaky in the joints. Cantilever luggage racks have a different level of inclination, therefore, it is necessary to consider the features of the transport frame. It is advisable to choose a bicycle mount on the trunk, which is attached with an eccentric.
Reviews
You can find different reviews about the designs. Buyers value steel racks more because they are practical. It is enough to choose the right design for your transport, so that the mount is reliable. According to people's reviews, installation is important. It is advisable to attach to the upper feathers on the back triangle.
If the bike is used for shopping, then the front basket is ideal. You can always put something in it. Child seats, according to consumer reviews, are best purchased from trusted manufacturers. Indeed, reliability and durability are important in the design. Cantilever luggage carriers withstanding large loads are in demand among consumers.
But with clamping clamps it is better to purchase if very small loads are transported. Thus, the trunk is considered a convenient accessory for a bicycle. It is only necessary to get it in accordance with the size of the transport. This bike is suitable for different occasions, including for a long trip.