How to transport your bike: in your car or on a bike rack? 

With the vacations just around the corner, you've decided to take advantage of the greenways and cycle paths at your holiday destination. But with so many bike racks on the market, it can be hard to choose between the three types, and you may be reluctant to carry your bike in the trunk.

Handling must be just as careful to protect your bikes (and your car), while driving rules are strict for safe riding. Find out which method of transporting your bike by car is best, and how to proceed.

You've already opted for a bike rack, since your trunk is already full to bursting. There are three main types of bike carrier to choose from on the market: roof-mounted, trunk-mounted or tailgate-mounted, and towball-mounted.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Here is a table to help you quickly understand your needs: 

• Number of bikes to be transported: some references are designed for a given number of bikes, and roof bike carriers are generally limited to two electric bikes,
  
• Load capacity: respect the weight supported by your bike carrier (an electricMTB can weigh the equivalent of three road bikes!), your car's maximum payload (a label affixed to the trunk or driver's door pillar), that of the roof, the vertical load (in the case of a hatchback bike carrier), or that of your tow bar.
• Compatibility with different types of bikes : some bikes are wider and have bigger wheels (VTTAE or fat-bikes), which means they can't fit into the bike carrier's rails, limiting the number of bikes you can carry, while some bike carriers are designed specifically for the weight and bulk of one or more e-bikes.
• Ease of installation and use: depending on your physical capabilities, or if you're on your own, some bike racks are better avoided than others. For example, roof-mounted bike racks require you to carry your bike at arm's length, and are harder to secure when you're on your own.
• Safety rules and stability: some bike racks give you better visibility during your journey, while others reassure you that your bikes are stable in all situations, sometimes with suspension.

Install the roof bars, then the rails of the roof rack. Mount your bike (two people are better for an electric bike, as it's heavier), adjust the knobs for rail spacing, then attach the frame to the bracket. Then fasten the wheels with straps, some of which are suitable for low-frame electric city bikes.

A trunk or tailgate bike carrier must be compatible with your vehicle model. Attach the bike carrier in accordance with the user's manual - models differ - then secure your bike to the frame and wheels using the arm. As e-bikes are close to each other, we strongly recommend that you install protectors between them.

Depending on the width of your installation or the model of your car, a signal rail with a second plate support may be mandatory (plate or lights not visible).

There are several possible attachments, so follow the assembly manual for your model. In general, all you need to do is align the bike carrier with the hitch ball, position the hitch and lock it in place with a bolt or lever.

Bikes and wheels are fastened in the same way as a tailgate bike carrier, by means of arms on the frame and straps on the wheels, which are fitted to the rails. Some hitch-mounted models can be attached to cranks for added stability.

Attaching your MTB electric bikes to the bike rack is not an end in itself, as it is imperative to add securing straps to optimize your installation. Even if you've secured your bikes perfectly the day before departure, it's a good idea to check all the fastening points before setting off. Move or shake the bikes slightly to check that the straps are properly tensioned and that there is no play.

Don't forget padlocks to secure your bikes to the rack at stops, where the classic bike lock is another good option. Also remove any parts that may come off easily, such as screens, lights or baskets. They may appear to be firmly attached to the handlebars at 25 km/h, but here you're sometimes riding at over 100 km/h! Finally, remove your battery to avoid the risk of theft.

Whether it's the weather or road dust, bicycles are exposed to the elements when transported by car. Why not protect your cycles with a protective cover? Take into account the size of the cover in relation to your bike, and whether it's waterproof enough in case of showers or thunderstorms on the way! Foams and protectors are recommended between bikes that could collide, especially on a trunk-mounted bike rack.

You can also take care of your car's equipment, for example by adding a protective cushion for the roof bars. Finally, if you own a pick-up truck, a tailgate protection mat is a must.

In Belgium, your bike carrier must incorporate a reversing light and a rear fog light. You must therefore opt for a 13-pin connector. Your license plate and signal lights must be fully visible. If this isn't the case, you'll need to provide a ramp to attach a new plate. Some bike racks come with one as standard, so this is the best option if you're traveling in Europe.

Please note that we are referring to Belgian law, which differs from country to country. 

You should also be aware that a bike rack increases your car's drag in the air, as well as its weight. These two points have consequences: an increase in fuel consumption of up to 40% according to ADAC measurements, in the case of a roof or hatchback bike carrier. So it's best to use a hitch-mounted carrier, which has less impact on dimensions and therefore consumes less energy.

To avoid increased fuel consumption and increase the size of your car, you can try dismantling your bike and transporting it in the trunk. It's cheaper too! Here are the tips and points to remember:

• Remove the front wheel to gain 30-40 cm in length,
• If possible, rotate the handlebars to reduce the width by loosening the bolt securing the stem to the frame,
• Also lower the saddle to the minimum,
• Remove the pedals to reduce the width of the bike (and the risk of impact),
• If headroom permits, install bikes high up on a transport bar and rails on the trunk floor,
  
• Add straps to secure the bike(s) to the trunk to limit movement during transport.

Don't forget a cover and a floor mat to keep your car from getting too dirty (especially from grease), and to avoid shocks that could damage the trunk and your beautiful cycle. If you're transporting several bikes, use protective covers or foams in between.

As a result, your bike(s) limit your cargo volume. To increase it, you always have the option of a roof box or even a trailer.

Now you know how to choose the right bike rack for your needs, and how to use it to the full. And don't forget to plan your bike tours in terms of accessories, equipment and itineraries.