As more and more people are making a conscious decision to get healthy and exercise, biking is steadily on the rise. Individuals of all ages benefit from this activity. If you're a bike enthusiast like me, bike racks for hitches can help you take your bicycle on the road. Read on for information on the different types of racks available.

My Hitch and Bike Rack Setup

SportyRack - What I own and Love it!

Before we get into some general speak and talk about bike racks and hitch types, let me just share with you the bike rack, hitch setup I have and what I think of it. Firstly, I own a Kia Forte Koup and had a trailer hitch installed professionally through U-haul. I did have some trouble with the install though as after installed the muffler of my car was constantly banging on the hitch support bar as it run right next to the muffler. U-haul suggested the isolator was old or worn (the car is was only a year old) and Kia suggested it was U-Haul’s fault. One Kia deal was great and just suggested I take it up to a local muffler shop and they “re-adjusted” the muffler (heated it up and move it a little) and the problem was fixed.

So now that I got my hitch installed I was ready to get my bike rack. I had already searched online and at my local bike shop where I purchased my road bike. I have a Specialized Roubaix Elite SL2 Apex Compact so I wanted to be sure my bike is protected while in transit plus can be locked up safe. The bike racks at my local bike shop were pretty darn expensive, over $250 so I ended up going with one that got great reviews on Amazon. The SportRack Hitch Platform 2 Bike Rack. So far I love it. I ended up getting a long cable and Master Lock 5 ft cable lock to attach my bike to the hitch itself. It works great and I can put the bike rack on in no time.

General Tips on Bike Racks for Hitches

There are several types of these bicycle racks to choose from. They range in price from about  $200 to $500, which makes them affordable for almost everyone. There is no reason not to take your bike with you when you travel, whether it's cross-country or across town, and a bike rack makes it traveling more practical.

Hitch racks typically accommodate anywhere from two to five bikes. They are suitable for most vehicles including SUVs and RVs.  As a rule, SUV models are made to tilt away from the vehicle so that the rear cargo area is much easier to access.

This style of bike carrier is said to be the easiest to install.  Some racks don't even require tools to install it. Bike removal is also very simple. Popular brands of bike hitch racks include Saris and Thule. Saris manufacturers universal hitches that work with several vehicles as well as model specific options. Some racks have adapters that fit both 1 ¼ and 2 inch hitches.

Many of the more expensive models include added safety features such as anti-sway cradles that prevent bikes from bumping into one another and extra locks that keep the bikes more secure. These carriers take up little space and typically fold up when not in use. They are so much more convenient than transporting bikes on a trailer or in the back of a pickup truck.

When purchasing a rack that is meant to accommodate three or more bicycles, it is important to choose one that is made out of steel or heavy aluminum. This will help to ensure that the rack is strong enough to hold the weight of more than one bike. The weight limitations on most racks are 35 pounds per bike. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry.  Never try to put more bikes on a carrier than it is made for. Family bike racks are a popular choice, as more and more families ride together. These particular racks accommodate both adult and juvenile size bicycles.

It is important to shop around when you are looking for a hitch bike rack. Don't buy the first one you see. Choose one that will transport your bikes safely and last for several years. The initial investment may be a little more, but like everything else in life, you get what you pay for.