How Can I Carry Bikes On My SUV And Keep Them Safe And Secure

Question:

Am looking for a bike roof rack that has some kind of lift assist. I want to carry my bike on the roof so it will be safer from thieves, but it is too much weight and too unwieldy trying to get it up on the roof of my SUV.

asked by: John C

Expert Reply:

We do have locks to keep your bike secure on the rear of your vehicle. I am specifically thinking of hitch bike racks that can be locked to your vehicle and the bikes can be locked to the rack. Your bike would be just as secure on the rear of your vehicle as it would be on the roof of your vehicle.

Most roof rack companies that also make hitch bike racks use the same lock cores for each. I do understand if you keep your heavy bike on the roof of your vehicle, the weight of the bike will also be a theft deterrent. But you will be limited.

All roof rack bike accessories have weight limits with 50 lbs being the maximum of the ones we carry. That rooftop bike carrier is the Inno Tire Hold II Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On - Aluminum, part # INA389. You will not have to remove your front wheel when you use this carrier to carry a bike.

The Kuat Trio Roof Bike Rack - Fork Mount - Clamp On - Aluminum - Gunmetal Gray, part # RU01, you attached to your question is a fork mounted roof bike rack with a 45 lbs weight limit. Unfortunately, we do not have an assist to help load bikes onto the roof of your vehicle.

We do have hitch bike racks with ramps to help you load heavy bikes. If you provide me with the year, make, and model of your vehicle, I can recommend a trailer hitch and a hitch bike rack for you. It would also help if I knew the make and model of the bike you want to transport.

I have included a product description link and a video review link below.