How To Install A Bike Rack

rusty two-wheeler bike parked alone in a bicycle rack

Installing a bike rack on your vehicle may seem a daunting task, but if you follow these simple steps, you can get it done in under 10 minutes. Bicycle racks can adjust to whatever car or SUV you have, and most racks come with instructions that are quite easy to follow. Any adjustments to the bicycle rack are easily made by unscrewing the rack before placing it on the rear of your car and adjusting it to fit your car.

Installing a rear bicycle rack

Bicycle racks come with six straps that you need to hook into the small nooks of your car. Hold the rack so that the grooves for the bikes are facing outward. Start with the trunk open so you can hook the edge of the two top straps and place them in the groove of the space between the body of the car and the trunk's opening. This should hold the rack. You can now shut the trunk.

Secure four straps via grooves in the side of the trunk then connect the remaining two straps to the bumper or beneath the trunk.

Connecting the bottom straps

Next, connect the second pair of bottom straps underneath the trunk or beneath the bumper to the two hooks by the frame. This varies on the type of rack.The padding should rest between the trunk and the bumper.

Attaching the side straps

Finally, do the same for the side straps as you did for the bottom straps. Find grooves in the side of the car to connect the edges of the strap. You can adjust the straps to gain maximum tension so there is no looseness. Then, once these are secure, double back to the top straps and make sure the straps are as tight as possible. Ensure that the rack is straight and that the cradle for the first bike (facing outward) is higher than the second. Roll up the loose ends of the straps and then tuck them into any nooks in the rack that you can find.

Placing your bikes

Now, you can place your heaviest bike first and the lighter bike on the outer cradle. The cradle is made out of rubber so you need not worry about bumps and scratches against your car.

Once you have placed the bikes on the rack, re-tighten the mounting straps as the bikes' weight may have caused them to shift. As a precaution, frequently check your rack when on the road.

Place your heaviest bike first and the lighter bike on the outer cradle