Now At 834 River Drive - We Love it at the new location

Transporting a Bike: How to Safely Haul Your Ride

Transporting a bike is more than just loading it into your car; it's about ensuring your bike remains safe and undamaged while you're on the road. If you're heading to explore new trails and bike paths in Canada, or simply transporting your ride to a different part of town, knowing how to do it safely is very important. In this guide, we will walk you through the best practices for transporting a bike to safely haul your ride using a car.

Why Properly Transporting a Bike Matters

Improper transportation can lead to damages — not just to your bike, but also to your vehicle. A bike that isn’t securely fastened can shift during transit, potentially causing scratches, dents, or even more serious damage. When you invest time in learning how to transport your bike safely, you open up opportunities to explore new riding locations that would otherwise be out of reach. Choosing the Right Car Rack The first step in safely transporting a bike is selecting the right car rack. Not all racks are created equal, so you need to choose one that suits your vehicle, bike type, and specific needs. Platform Racks For an easy-to-use, secure option, consider a platform rack. A platform rack for bikes is a type of bike rack designed to securely transport bicycles on the back of a vehicle, typically mounted to the trailer hitch receiver. Unlike traditional bike racks that support bikes by their frames, platform racks hold bikes by their wheels. They often feature adjustable arms for accommodating different bike sizes and locking mechanisms for security. Some models are designed to be foldable for easy storage when not in use. The T2 Pro XTR 1.25" 2-Bike Black from Hardwear Co. is an excellent choice. This rack allows you to mount your bike without removing the wheels, keeping your bike stable and secure during your drive. Hitch Racks If you often travel with multiple bikes, a hitch rack might be your best bet. A hitch rack is a type of bike rack that attaches to the rear of a vehicle using the trailer hitch receiver. This type of bike rack is known for its stability and ease of use, as it securely holds bikes behind the vehicle, away from the car's body. The Camber 4-Bike Rack is perfect for family outings or group rides, safely accommodating up to four bikes at once. Tailgate Pads for Trucks For truck owners, tailgate pads offer a convenient way to transport bikes. A tailgate pad is a protective pad designed to be placed on the tailgate of a pickup truck, creating a cushioned surface to safely transport bikes. The pad usually attaches to the tailgate using straps or buckles and provides a soft and secure platform for bikes to rest on during transportation. Tailgate pads are often equipped with bike-specific straps or individual bike slots to keep the bikes in place and prevent scratches or damage to the truck and bikes. Hardwear Co. offers two great options: the EVOC Tailgate Pad (136cm) for mid-sized trucks and the EVOC Tailgate Pad (160cm) for full-sized trucks. Both pads protect your truck and bike from scratches and other damage, making them ideal for quick and easy bike loading. How to Secure Your Bike Properly After choosing the right rack, the next step is securing your bike properly. Follow these tips to ensure your bike is safe: Check for Stability Before loading your bike onto the rack, ensure that the rack itself is securely attached to your car. Give it a good shake and check for any wobbling or movement. If the rack isn't stable, it could potentially come loose during transit, putting your bike at risk of damage or loss. Position Your Bike Correctly If you're using a platform or hitch rack, position your bike properly. Place the bike on the rack in a way that it is centred and balanced. This not only ensures that the bike fits properly but also prevents it from swaying or shifting during transportation, which could lead to scratches or other damage. Use Additional Straps Even if your rack comes with built-in straps, consider using additional straps for extra security. Adding extra straps, such as the MOS Uplift, can further enhance the stability of your bike on the rack. This is especially important when travelling on rough or bumpy roads where the bike is more prone to movement. Double-Check Everything Before hitting the road, take a moment to double-check that everything is secure. Pay close attention to the straps, making sure they are tightened properly and haven't come loose. Also, verify that your bike is aligned correctly on the rack and hasn't shifted during the loading process. Taking these extra precautions will give you peace of mind and help ensure a safe and damage-free journey for your bike. Common Mistakes When Transporting a Bike When transporting a bike, certain mistakes are easy to make but can lead to costly damages. Here’s how to avoid them: Avoid Overloading Your Rack Ensure that you do not exceed the weight limit of your rack. Exceeding this limit can result in the rack failing, putting both your bike and car at risk of damage. Be mindful of the specified weight capacity of your rack and distribute the weight of your bikes evenly to prevent overloading. Mind Low Clearances When your bike is mounted on the roof, always pay attention to low clearances such as garages, bridges, and drive-thrus. Ignoring these low clearances can result in costly damage to your bike, car, or surrounding structures. Be proactive in checking for potential clearance issues before proceeding to avoid any mishaps. Transport Your Bike Safely Today Now that you know the ins and outs of transporting a bike safely, you can start exploring new locations with confidence. From remote trails to challenging mountain paths, your bike can now go where you go, opening up a world of cycling opportunities in Canada. If you don’t have the right fear of transporting a bike yet, explore our wide range of car racks, tailgate pads, and accessories. Each product from Hardwear Co. is designed to make transporting your bike safe, easy, and hassle-free. Start your journey with confidence — choose Hardwear Co. for all your bike transport needs in Canada. Shop car racks today!