A roof rack is a frame frame attached to the top of a car roof in which assorted items can be fasted unto. By that definition, a bicycle roof rack is simply a roof rack specifically designed to attach bicycles to the roof of the car.
Why You Need a Bicycle Roof Rack
There are plenty of reasons why carrying your bicycle via the roof is a good idea. Mainly, it is because it saves space and enables smaller-sized cars to transport bulky items such as a bicycle without compensating the volume of passengers or trunk space. The thing is, if you're going to be strapping one or more bicycles to the top of your car, you'd better pay attention to some safety tips to prevent any unwanted accidents, especially when the car is traveling along bumps, slopes and at fast speeds.
Check Your Roof Rack Clamp Type
First off, check that the bicycle roof rack you are about to install is suitable for your car. The modern day roof rack now comes with two types of clamps. The traditional clamp attaches itself to the car at the rain gutter crevices whereas the other type of clamp does not. When in doubt, always ask around and any salesperson should be able to show you a table that will indicate to you the suitable type of bicycle roof rack for your car model.
Check Your Spacing
Bicycle roof racks come in an array of racks with different spacing between the front and rear of the rack. What you want to look out for is the optimum spacing for fitting your bicycles. Typically, users are advised to keep the front of the rack towards the front of the car take precaution as you would not want the whole rack to tilt forwards. Before you clamp down the rear rack, measure the distance between the front fork of the bicycle in relation to the rear tire. Ideally, the rear end of the rack should be as far as possible from the front section of the rack.
Check the Clamps
Now that both ends are clamped down, double check that the rack is leveled as its clamping strength is stronger when it is even attached at all four points of the car roof. By the way, even before you place your car roof on the top of your car, the first thing you would want to do is to first clean the surface area of the roof. When the rack is finally leveled and you are satisfied with the distance and positioning of the racks, it is then time to tightly secure your rack to your car roof.