What system of bike rack do you recommend? To transport 4 bikes attached to a mini-van.
Your local bike shop / store REI are good places to make a grid. They should be able to explain all the ins and outs of how to transport your bike in particular on any given rack system.
In addition to what Paul says M, you may want to consider the following.
Hitch is largely keep the bikes behind the vehicle out of the airstream. Thus, you can get slightly better milage with a hitch rack. Carefully examine how the grid holds your bike, though. Some can be easily installed bike and hold securely. Others are kind of hard to use. If you need to get to the back of the truck while cyclists are on the grill, make sure it will fold, but do not expect to be entirely out. Yakima, Thule, Saris are all hitch brackets very good.
Roof Rack the bike completely out of the way of your back door, but put them directly in the airflow. This strike several miles per gallon mileage. Depending on the level of your mini-van is, and how you measure it may be difficult to get bikes on the roof and outside. (You may need to make a small step stool with you.) The good news is a variety of mounts are made to accommodate any and all types of motorcycles incredibly well. Plus, as Paul mentions M, there is no end of options and attachments for roof rack systems. If you need a flexible loading system, a roof rack is the way forward. Take a look at Yakima and Thule. Saris is also beautiful frames that match your Yak or Thule rack.
safe door are the cheapest option, but a huge pain to use. On the one hand, they tear the paint on your bike as you get off and on the grid. The straps will also pull up the paint on your car. Unless you get incredibly tight straps, they vibrate in the wind and make a lot of noise.
Most brackets are made safe for bikes 2 or 3. You may be able to find a rack 4 bikes, but I have never seen or used one.
Most carrier trucks are made to accommodate adult-size road bikes. For kids bikes, mountain bikes, etc. on a trunk grid requires a lot of creativity and no intervention. Because of weird positions you find yourself hanging bicycles, the number of bikes you can get the support may be limited.
Forget enter and exit the back door of the van when you have the bracket mounted on the trunk.
It may seem that I hate the trunk and the media, in fact, I do. Nothing has helped my life like getting a roof rack. Occasionally, if I need to carry more than my bike rack will accommodate. Rupture between the rack and feared trunk (in its own way ugly), it serves its purpose.
If you want a door-trunk, I would go to your bike shop (and / or IPE) and take a look at the safe door, they stock. Tell them what kind of bike you need to move carefully and the question if and how you can get 4 bikes on the rack. Buy only after making a prudent decision.
Anyway, I hope this will help in your decision.
trailer hitch racks are nice enough, but you need a team, they are robust and secure. but you can not open the tailgate with the bike. $ 150-250 for the rack. $ 150-200 for the team (if you do not have one)
roof racks are great, but can be expensive ($ 300-500) they can also be difficult to climb and descend. accessories are almost endless with roof rails, boxes, skis, kayak carrier, etc., all this will add costs. Look for brand names such as Thule or Yakima
door racks are less expensive (from 75 to 200 U.S. dollars). They strap to your tailgate with straps. they are less sure that the roof or trailer door, but are much cheaper. Look for names like saris. it seems they are pretty good hatch door. also you can not open the tailgate with bicycles.
Anyway, there are many options and cost differences. It depends how much you rely on the transport and W.
Posted on June 3, 2010.
