Own the Rear

Some people want to move up in the world. We'd rather move back. Because when it comes to bike racks, back is better.

Think about it. Top-racking involves a lot of hefting and straining, possibly dropping your bike, and winding up with it someplace that's out of sight, out of mind.

If you haven't driven into a low-ceilinged garage with a bike on top of your car, you probably know someone who has. It's not pretty.

Now consider the back.

Loading your bike is easy. Pick it up a foot or two, put it on the rack, done. To keep track of it, just glance in the rearview mirror once in a while. When you're away from the car, a variety of locking options make sure your bike's still there when you come back.

Depending on your vehicle type, a rear rack can be more aerodynamically efficient than a top rack, impacting your gas mileage — and your wallet — less.

And all rear racks are easier to transfer from vehicle to vehicle, giving you the flexibility to keep your bike close at hand whatever car you drive.