As an avid mountain biker in Australia, I’m often asked about the best way to transport bikes. One type of rack that I consistently recommend for its versatility, ease of use, and vehicle safety is the towbar bike rack. While other options like roof-mounted or trunk-mounted racks are available, towbar racks provide a range of benefits that make them the superior choice for most cyclists. They not only offer a more secure and reliable method for transporting your bikes, but they also reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle—something that can be costly in Australia’s rugged environment.
Here’s why a towbar bike rack is the best option for safely and effectively transporting your bikes across Australia, whether you’re heading to your local trails or making a cross-country trip.
1. Towbar Bike Racks Are Easier to Use and More Convenient
One of the most significant advantages of a towbar bike rack is its ease of use. Unlike roof-mounted racks, which require you to lift bikes onto the top of your vehicle, towbar racks are mounted at the rear, making them much more accessible. Loading and unloading your bikes is as simple as lifting them to waist height and securing them in place. This feature is especially important for heavier bikes, like e-bikes or downhill mountain bikes, which can be a real struggle to lift onto a roof rack.
Towbar racks also eliminate the need to worry about height restrictions when entering garages, drive-throughs, or parking spaces with low clearance. Roof-mounted racks can lead to disastrous situations where riders accidentally drive under a low-hanging obstacle, forgetting that their bikes are on top. Towbar racks avoid this risk entirely, as they sit at the back of the vehicle, out of the way of such hazards.
Additionally, many towbar racks are designed to tilt or swing away from the vehicle, allowing you to access the boot without needing to remove the bikes. This feature is incredibly convenient for long road trips where you may need to access gear or snacks without the hassle of unloading and reloading your bikes every time you stop.
If you want a bike rack that is convenient, user-friendly, and minimizes the physical effort of loading bikes, a towbar bike rack is the clear choice. You’ll spend less time struggling with your equipment and more time enjoying the ride.
See also: What Are The Top 5 Hitch Bike Racks For Easy And Secure Transport
2. Better for Your Vehicle: Less Risk of Damage
Many cyclists opt for roof or trunk-mounted racks to avoid the cost of installing a towbar, but this often ends up being a false economy. Roof and trunk racks can cause significant damage to your vehicle if not used carefully.
Roof-Mounted Racks
Roof racks are notorious for increasing the risk of accidents involving overhead obstacles. Whether it’s an overhead car park, tree branch, or low bridge, forgetting that your bikes are on the roof can result in bent frames, damaged paint jobs, or even roof damage to your car. Plus, the wind resistance created by bikes on the roof can cause them to sway, increasing wear on your vehicle and reducing fuel efficiency—something to consider if you’re making long trips through the Australian outback or along the coast.
Trunk-Mounted Racks
While often cheaper, trunk-mounted racks can be problematic. They rely on straps and hooks to secure the rack to the back of your vehicle, and if these aren’t fitted properly or the load is too heavy, the rack can slip, causing dents and scratches. The added pressure on your vehicle’s rear end can also damage paintwork or the boot lid over time. Worse still, trunk-mounted racks can obstruct your rear visibility, making reversing more dangerous—especially important in Australia’s unpredictable terrain, where you may be driving off-road or navigating tight spaces.
Towbar Racks
Towbar racks, by contrast, distribute the weight of the bikes evenly across the towbar, which is designed to handle heavier loads. They keep the bikes far enough away from the car’s body, reducing the chance of scratches or dents. They also don’t obstruct your view out the rear window and typically come with built-in features to keep bikes stable, minimizing swaying during transport.
Investing in a towbar bike rack can save you from costly repairs to your vehicle. If you’re serious about protecting both your car and your bikes, a towbar rack is the safest and most reliable option.
3. Towbar Bike Racks Offer Greater Security and Stability
When transporting bikes, especially valuable mountain bikes, security is a top priority. Towbar bike racks are designed with robust, built-in locking systems to secure your bikes to the rack, as well as the rack to the vehicle. This double layer of security is crucial when stopping for food, fuel, or taking a break, especially when parking in unfamiliar areas or leaving your bikes unattended for any period.
Towbar racks are also inherently more stable than other types of racks, which is a significant advantage when driving on uneven or unsealed roads, common in many parts of Australia. The last thing you want is for your bikes to sway or jostle around while you’re driving on bumpy tracks. With a towbar rack, the bikes are mounted lower to the ground, reducing the amount of movement and keeping them more stable throughout the trip.
Many towbar racks, especially platform-style racks, also come with additional protective features such as padded clamps or wheel cradles to ensure that your bikes remain scratch-free and securely in place, even on rougher terrain.
For long-distance travel, off-road adventures, or just peace of mind while your bikes are mounted to your vehicle, the stability and security offered by towbar bike racks make them the ideal choice. You can rest easy knowing your bikes are safe and secure, no matter the conditions.
4. Towbar Racks Are Perfect for Carrying Multiple Bikes
If you often ride with family or friends, or if you’re a part of Australia’s thriving mountain biking community, you’ll likely need a bike rack that can handle multiple bikes. Towbar bike racks, particularly platform-style racks, are excellent for this, with many models designed to carry up to four or even five bikes.
This makes them an ideal choice for group trips, whether you’re heading to a race or simply exploring new trails with mates. Compared to trunk-mounted racks, which can struggle with the weight and often max out at two or three bikes, towbar racks offer a more practical and stable solution for transporting larger numbers of bikes without sacrificing safety or convenience.
If you frequently ride with a group, the ability to carry multiple bikes securely is a major advantage. Towbar racks offer the capacity and stability you need for group rides and longer trips.
Towbar Bike Racks Are the Clear Choice
When it comes to safely transporting your bikes across Australia, towbar bike racks are the superior choice. They’re easy to use, reduce the risk of damage to both your vehicle and your bikes, and offer excellent stability and security. Whether you’re a weekend warrior hitting local trails or planning a longer adventure across Australia’s diverse landscapes, a towbar bike rack will give you the peace of mind and convenience you need to enjoy your ride.
Invest in a towbar bike rack, and you’ll find it’s a choice that pays off for years to come, keeping your bikes and your vehicle safe while you focus on the adventure ahead.
