Luggage On Line

Be Prepared With A Car Bike Rack

You're a bicyclist. You're going on a road trip. Do you leave your bike behind or do you take it with you?

Obviously, you take it with you!

I don't need to tell you of the joys of biking. It's good exercise, you get places a lot faster than if you were jogging, and you can see all the beautiful scenery across this great country.

So what's stopping you from bringing your bike with you?

Space considerations? If you've got all your luggage in your trunk there's no room for your bike.

The hassle? Even if there is room in your trunk for your bike, you might have to take the wheel off to get it to fit, and be worried about scratching the car to boot.

The solution is the car bike rack. There's two main kinds - one that fits on the roof of the car and one that is rear mounted. You'll have to decide which type would best suit your needs.

Don't want to invest in the cost of a bike rack? Well, think about it. Maintaining your health on the road is an important consideration - there's hidden health costs factored in right there! You'll probably be able to rent a bike at your destination but there's the cost of the rental - and frankly the bike itself will not be of the highest quality.

There's such a thing as serendipity. You may be visiting a place that you're unfamiliar with, so you won't think to bring your bike. You arrive and find out that there is some great scenery to be seen - a park, a trail, or something! - and you without your bicycle. So make a habit of taking your bike with you everywhere, and because you have a bike carrier, it couldn't be easier.

Family Fun With a Bicycle

If you have young children, the time to get them interested in biking is now.

Children in this country simply do not get enough exercise. They spend too much time sitting around watching television or playing video games. (On the other hand, if they're reading books - don't bother them - let them read!) If they're outside, they're putzing around practicing skateboard tricks with their friends, and not getting any exercise at all.

A great many children also don't get to spend enough time with their parents. "They grow up so fast," is a constant refrain. Instill in your kids a love of exercise early - and a good relationship with you. Spend time together by biking - you'll be getting exercise, you'll be sharing experiences, you'll have memories to last you for the rest of your life, and so will your children.

And that brings us back to the bike carrier. Each child has to have their own bike, and mom and dad have to have their own bike, and they all need to be brought along on your trips. So pick up that bike carrier, and get out and start having fun.

About the Author

Alastair Hamilton writes for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . A website with tips on bicycle carriers at
car bike rack

Fast Motorized bicycle

Delta Leonardo Bike Rack with DaVinci Tray $19.99 Delta Leonardo Bike Rack with DaVinci Tray. This elegant space-saving bike rack allows you to hang your bicycle up and out of the way while protecting your walls from scuffs, dirt and dings.

TransIt Rack Strap $6.99 TransIt Rack Strap. Keep your cargo tight on your bike rack.

Nirve Brookhurst Commuter Bike $639.99 Nirve Brookhurst Commuter Bike. Add some Euro style to your bike commute with the Nirve Brookhurst commuter bike. This sharp-looking bike features a classically-styled, lugged chromoly frame with water bottle and rack mounts, Shimano 7-speed internal rear hub for smooth gear changes, alloy caliper brakes and easy-rolling 700c wheels that make commuting a breeze.

TransIt Rack $24.99 TransIt Rack. Our best selling bicycle rack.

TransIt TD-1 Rack $24.99 TransIt TD-1 Rack. Perfect for off-road rides or your daily commute, the TransIt TD-1 bike rack is the durable way to haul your extra gear.

Louis Garneau Orbit Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet $49.99 Louis Garneau Orbit Mountain Bike Bicycle Helmet. With a detachable visor, 21 vents, and a rack and pinion mechanism that comfortably and securely holds the Bicycle Helmet in position, this mountain bike Bicycle Helmet is ready for any trail.

XPORT Xpress Truck Rack - Extra Mounting Kit $24.99 XPORT Xpress Truck Rack - Extra Mounting Kit. Add another bike to your XPORT Xpress Truck Rack.

2011 Focus Maleta Disc Trekking Bike $1349.99 2011 Focus Maleta Disc Trekking Bike. Wherever your journeys lead you -- across the country or across town -- the Focus Maleta Disc trekking bike will take you there with confidence. With a lightweight alloy frame, Shimano XT drivetrain and functional accessories such as dynamo-powered LED headlight and tail light, mudguard and rear rack, the Focus Maleta is a serious trekking bike that's perfect for bike commuters, bike trekkers and anyone else who's serious about their riding.

TransIt Xpress Truck Rack $79.99 TransIt Xpress Truck Rack. Turn any truck bed into a bike transport system in seconds. Just snap the TransIt Xpress Trunk Rack in place, mount the bikes, and go.

Delta Megarack Ultra Rack $29.99 Delta Megarack Ultra Rack. Perfect for commuting or long-distance touring, the Megarack Ultra bike rack is highly adjustable and provides bombproof performance at a great value. Transports loads up to 66lbs and features adjustable legs for compatibility with most bike styles.

2012 Charge Mixer City Bike $1299.99 2012 Charge Mixer City Bike. What do you look for in a classic commuter bike? Double-butted chromoly frame? How about a maintenance-free 11-speed Shimano Alfine hub? And lightweight double-wall alloy wheels maybe? And fenders and rack mounts? And who doesn't want lightweight cockpit components? If this sounds a lot like your wish list, you're wishing for a Charge Mixer City Bike. It's got all this and more, including Truvativ AKA 1.1 crankset, easy rolling 700x32c tires and -- get this -- even hydraulic disc brakes.

XPORT Xpress Truck Rack $89.99 XPORT Xpress Truck Rack. Turn any truck bed into a bike transport system in seconds. Just snap the XPORT Xpress Truck Rack in place, mount the bikes, and go. a href=/images/performance/web/PDFs/30-3482_02 Xport Xpress Truck Rack_INST.pdf target=_blankClick for Instruction Manual/a

Thule 501 Insta-Gater Truck Rack $139.99 Thule 501 Insta-Gater Truck Rack. This pick-up bed bicycle rack can handle virtually any bike you want to transport.

2010 TransIt Kenan Commuter Bike $449 2010 TransIt Kenan Commuter Bike. The Kenan commuter bike takes its name from University of North Carolina alumnus and benefactor, William Rand Kenan, Jr. A brilliant chemist, Mr. Kenan made his first major discovery in the late 1800s while looking for an economical way to produce aluminum. Fast-forward a century or so and here you have the TransIt Kenan, one of the most brilliant uses for aluminum to ever come down the pike. With a 3-speed internally-geared rear hub, all-weather disc brakes, wide (but super fast) tires and mounts for fenders and rack, the Kenan is a bomb-proof, low-maintenance, all-purpose bike that will get you across campus or across town with ease and economy.

2011 TransIt Kenan Commuter Bike $549 2011 TransIt Kenan Commuter Bike. The Kenan commuter bike takes its name from University of North Carolina alumnus and benefactor, William Rand Kenan, Jr. A brilliant chemist, Mr. Kenan made his first major discovery in the late 1800s while looking for an economical way to produce aluminum. Fast-forward a century or so and here you have the TransIt Kenan, one of the most brilliant uses for aluminum to ever come down the pike. With a 3-speed internally-geared rear hub, all-weather disc brakes, wide (but super fast) tires and mounts for fenders and rack, the Kenan is a bomb-proof, low-maintenance, all-purpose bike that will get you across campus or across town with ease and economy.

2012 Charge Steamer Hybrid Street Bike $599.99 2012 Charge Steamer Hybrid Street Bike. Here's something you don't see every day -- a Euro-styled hybrid with an edgy industrial twist. The Charge Steamer Hybrid Street Bike bridges the gap between your typical beach cruiser and cookie cutter-variety hybrid bike. It features a 6062 alloy frame with an integrated rear rack, 26 balloon tires, cushy sprung saddle, swept-back handlebars, custom chainguard and fenders and wide-ratio 3-speed hub gears. It's a comfortable, low-maintenance bike that makes getting there as much fun as being there.

2011 TransIt Rock Creek Trekking Bike $499 2011 TransIt Rock Creek Trekking Bike. With enough comfort for long rides in the country, enough utility for a daily commute and all the durability you need for the occasional offroad shortcut, the TransIt Rock Creek Trekking bike is a go-anywhere, do-anything bike for cyclists who'd rather spend their time riding instead of maintaining a stable of bikes. With its upright seating position, easy-rolling 700c wheels and 27 gears, the Rock Creek is a highly capable cruiser. And with its sturdy aluminum frame, shock-absorbing fork and rear rack mounts, its ready to tackle the mean streets, bike paths or fire roads when you are.

2012 Schwinn Vestige City Bike $1429.99 2012 Schwinn Vestige City Bike. Schwinn calls the Vestige a commuter bike with an eco-twist. We call it just plain cool.That's because the Vestige is made from flax fibers, a renewable and recyclable resource that performs much like carbon when it comes to damping road vibrations. Water-based paint, partially biologically sourced resin, bamboo grips and fenders and Schwalbe tires with recycled content puncture protection round out the Schwinn Vestige's eco-friendly palmares. But aside from its minimalistic carbon footprint, the Vestige holds a few other tricks up its sleeve -- er, in its tubes, actually. It turns out that flax fiber frames are partially translucent, which prompted the Vestige's designers to add dynamo-powered LED lights inside the top tube and downtube, producing the world's first commuter bike that glows in the dark. And as if all that wasn't enough to commend the Vestige, it also features a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain, dependable alloy V-brakes, lightweight alloy double-wall wheels and rear rack mounts, making it a highly capable commuter, cruiser or all-around fun and fitness bike with a unique personality.

Schwinn Searcher e8 Electric Bike $999 Schwinn Searcher e8 Electric Bike. Leave the car in the garage. If your destination is no more than 20 miles away, getting there on the Schwinn Searcher e8 electric bike makes a lot more sense than driving. It's healthier, a lot more fun and considering today's gas prices, it's a lot more economical, too. The front wheel-mounted motor churns out 250 watts of continuous power and 450 watts of peak power. As you pedal, the powerful motor gives you an assist that propels you faster on the flats and takes much of the effort out of climbing hills. The Toshiba battery pack is cleanly integrated into the rear rack and charges fully in only 30 minutes. If you're looking for a way to end the pain at the pump, it's time to connect with the Schwinn Searcher e8.

2010 TransIt Rosemary Commuter Bike $649 2010 TransIt Rosemary Commuter Bike. Just as Rosemary Street parallels Cameron Avenue in our hometown of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the TransIt Rosemary commuter bike parallels our Cameron commuter in almost every specification except color. More than just a run-of-the-mill commuter bike, the Rosemary is a premium commuter equipped with carefully selected, high-quality components. We start with a custom chromoly frame for strength, durability and steel's legendary ride quality. Then, we specify only top-notch drivetrain, cockpit, and rolling components to ensure that the Rosemary delivers a great ride, exceptional comfort and long-lasting durability. To ensure minimal maintenance and to simplify shifting, we chose an internally-geared rear hub that puts a range of nine handy gears right at your fingertips. All-season disc brakes, custom wheels with easy-rolling, puncture-resistant tires, sturdy alloy fenders and rack mounts round out the highly functional package. Compare the Rosemary to any other high-end commuter bicycle (really, we encourage you to check some out -- especially their price tags), and you'll see that on top of everything else, we've also made her an unparalleled value.

2011 Schwinn World 21 Commuter Bike $399.99 2011 Schwinn World 21 Commuter Bike. The durable and comfortable Schwinn World 21 commuter bike is designed with the commuter's needs in mind. New for 2011, Schwinn starts with a lightweight aluminum frame with Comfort Tuned 68-degree seat angle and adds a Comfort Tuned saddle and grips to provide a comfortable cockpit. A 21-speed drivetrain with Shimano Tourney derailleurs and Revo Twist shifters offer lots of gearing options and easy shifting. And since no respectable commuter bike is complete without them, front and rear fenders, alloy rear rack, chain cover and bell are also included.

2011 Schwinn World 24 Commuter Bike $449.99 2011 Schwinn World 24 Commuter Bike. A durable and comfortable commuter bike with everything you need to start riding more and driving less. The lightweight aluminum frame with suspension fork soaks up road vibrations, the 24-speed Shimano drivetrain lets you get up to speed fast and the Schwinn approved tires with city tread provide all-weather traction. Schwinn even adds front and rear fenders and rear rack to make the World 24 more functional.

RACK SGO 2BK HITCH1 1/4 $89 RACK SGO 2BK HITCH1 1/4.

Profile Design Aqua Rack $42.99 Profile Design Aqua Rack. Carry extra water without sacrificing cycling aerodynamics with this Profile Design Aqua Rack.

TransIt Seatpost Rack $34.99 TransIt Seatpost Rack. The TransIt seatpost rack is perfect for bikes without dropout eyelets or dual-suspension bikes.

2011 TransIt Franklin Commuter Bike $799 2011 TransIt Franklin Commuter Bike. Historic Franklin Street runs the breadth of Chapel Hill. Following this fabled thoroughfare south from our brick-and-mortar shop located just off Franklin to the summit of the town's namesake hill, you'll discover the historic university architecture, quaint shops and hip bistros that inspired the Franklin's design. The flagship in the TransIt line of commuter bikes, the Franklin is a versatile ride built for dependability, utility, comfort and style. With a custom hybrid-style frame fashioned from lightweight aluminum alloy, Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub and RapidFire shifter providing plenty of easily accessible gears for hill-climbing, and a rear rack and fenders offering all-weather functionality, the Franklin blends modern thinking and old-school aesthetics in a bicycle that has at least as much character as the town we call home.

2010 TransIt Franklin Commuter Bike $749 2010 TransIt Franklin Commuter Bike. Historic Franklin Street runs the breadth of Chapel Hill. Following this fabled thoroughfare south from our brick-and-mortar shop located just off Franklin to the summit of the town's namesake hill, you'll discover the historic university architecture, quaint shops and hip bistros that inspired the Franklin's design. The flagship in the TransIt line of commuter bikes, the Franklin is a versatile ride built for dependability, utility, comfort and style. With a custom hybrid-style frame fashioned from lightweight aluminum alloy, Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub and RapidFire shifter providing plenty of easily accessible gears for hill-climbing, and a rear rack and fenders offering all-weather functionality, the Franklin blends modern thinking and old-school aesthetics in a bicycle that has at least as much character as the town we call home.

TransIt Pannier Seatpost Rack $39.99 TransIt Pannier Seatpost Rack. A seatpost rack designed for mounting a set of pannier bags on bikes without threaded eyelets or full suspension bikes.

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