"Bike on Bord"

Rear, roof, or trunk?

Servus die Wadln! With spring comes the start of cycling season again. Many people set off by car to the most beautiful cycling areas – whether for a weekend trip or a vacation. maut1.de provides important tips for transporting your bicycles safely.

There are various ways to take a bike along in your car. The safest and most convenient option is a bike rack that can be mounted on the tow hitch at the rear of the vehicle. The bikes can be mounted easily and secured safely there. You will also hardly notice them while driving, as they create little air resistance.

If you do not have a tow hitch, you can transport your bikes with a rear-mounted rack attached to the trunk. The disadvantage: the bikes completely block the driver’s view through the rear window.

Another option is roof racks. However, especially with larger and heavier bikes, this can be cumbersome, and mounting them properly is usually only manageable for strong and tall people. In addition, bikes on the roof create strong air resistance, which affects the driving characteristics and especially the fuel consumption of the car. Extra caution is also required when entering parking garages or low underpasses: do not forget that the bikes are on the roof.

In general, the rule is: when transporting bicycles on or at the car, you should not exceed 120 km/h, drive defensively, and avoid abrupt braking or acceleration.

Another way to transport one or two bikes is of course the trunk, if the rear seats are not needed for passengers. The bike can be loaded through the folded-down rear seat. However, it is strongly recommended to cover the interior with blankets to avoid damage and scratches.

Important: always fasten the bikes with seat belts or secure them with straps to prevent them from sliding or flying around during sudden braking. Another disadvantage of transporting bikes in the trunk is that after riding in rain or through puddles, you bring the dirt from the bike into the car.

Conclusion: If you have the option of installing a bike rack on a tow hitch, it is definitely worth the investment.

And here are some additional tips for securing bicycles:

Pay attention to quality when buying

Invest in a high-quality bike rack that is suitable for your car and bicycle. These are available with holders for two to four bikes. Test reports can provide a good indication of which model to choose, and experience shows: it is better to invest a few euros more in a good product than to buy a cheap one.

Check the mounting: Make sure your bike is properly secured to the bike rack. Use additional straps to secure the bike and prevent it from moving during the drive. It is best to lock the bikes already when you set off, to protect them from theft, for example during a short stop at a rest area.

With rear-mounted racks, always connect the electrical plug to the tow hitch and check the rear lights, brake lights, and indicators for proper function before departure.

Important: it is mandatory to mount a license plate on the rear bike rack. You can either move the one from the trunk or obtain a spare plate that can remain permanently on the rack (available online starting from around 5 euros).

In some countries such as Italy and Spain, warning signs are also mandatory. However, they are worthwhile everywhere for better visibility and are inexpensive.

Protect your bike from damage

Use suitable protective covers or padding to protect your bike from scratches and damage during transport. Especially during heavy rain showers, water can otherwise get into the brakes and gear mechanisms, which is not good for the bicycle. Also make sure that pedals and handlebars do not come into direct contact with other bikes, as this can cause serious scratches.

Regularly check the condition of the bike rack and the fastening to ensure everything is in proper order. A quick check during every stop helps ensure a relaxed journey without constantly worrying about your valuable cargo.

In this sense: Servus die Wadln!

maut1 wishes you a relaxing cycling season!