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Sports Racks: Bike, Snowboard, Ski, Kayak, Canoe And Surfboard
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Published: October 26, 2006
Travel and sports are often related, as many people like to use a vacation or trip to participate in their favorite sporting event or activity. As many first-time travelers have learned the hard way, sports racks make hauling any oversized equipment a much easier task. Instead of spending a lot of time and effort cramming equipment like bikes, snowboards, or skis into the backseat of a vehicle, different sports racks allow for easier storage, save time and give you more interior space.
There are many considerations to take before purchasing any sports racks. Finding the right rack for you is important, after all, these are meant to make traveling easier, not harder. Consider the model of the car if the rack is meant for more than one vehicle. Size of the vehicles, factory roof racks, externally mounted spare tires, rain gutters and receiver hitches can all factor in heavily on what type of rack works for you. You don't want to get a rear mounted rack that won't fit around your spare tire or a roof mounted rack that won't fit on top of your vehicle.
Clearance is another important issue for sports racks. Consider the vehicle's height and length when selecting the proper rack. If stored in a garage, a taller vehicle with a roof mounted rack may not make the height clearance and a longer vehicle might stick out too far with a rear mounted rack. In cases like this you should consider a rack that is easy to remove and reinstall later.
Security is important as well. If the vehicle is left unattended for a long period of time, not only could your equipment be stolen, the rack might be taken as well. In cases like this, it would be smart to look into sports racks that can be secured to your vehicle and will secure your equipment properly.
There are several different kinds of sports racks meant to transport certain types of equipment. Before purchasing any type of rack for your vehicle, take into consideration not only what is needed currently, but what you may need to transport in the future.
Bike Racks
Bike racks come in many sizes and models and can be mounted on the top and rear of the vehicle. They can hold anywhere from one to four bikes, making size a key element. If you only plan on taking one or two bikes, go with a smaller rack. However, should there be a possibility of transporting more bikes in the future, a bigger rack might be a smarter choice.
When considering bike racks, the type of mount can also be important. With a roof mount, the bikes will be completely out of your vision, but clearance can become an issue. They often need professional installation and are harder for stowing and retrieving the bikes. Rear mounted bike racks are easier to install with better access to the bikes, however they can block some vision to the rear, as well as access to the trunk. They also consist of more fabric straps and weaker metal, leaving them open to thieves.
Ski and Snowboard Racks
Racks built to hold snowboards and skis can be mounted in the same fashion as bikes. These can take up less room, as it is easier to attach a flat snowboard or ski set over a bulky bike. It is a better idea to use either horizontally rear mounted snowboard racks or else roof mounted racks. This way the snowboards or skis do not become a visual distraction to the driver. If you are traveling with both bikes and snowboards, this might be something you cannot work around.
Figuring out what you need first is essential to the process of shopping for sports racks. There are hundreds of styles meant for carrying different equipment. Some racks are only made to transport one specific piece of equipment while others can be universal. Take the time to find which sports racks might work the best for you.
Hodgson, Michael. Sports Racks. 2006. OutdoorMind LLC. 25 October 2006. http://www.adventuresportsonline.com/accessrack.ht m
Petersen, J.S. What Should I Consider When Buying a Bike Rack?. 2006. Conjecture Corporation. 25 October 2006. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-should-i-consider-whe n-buying-a-bike-rack.htm
There are many considerations to take before purchasing any sports racks. Finding the right rack for you is important, after all, these are meant to make traveling easier, not harder. Consider the model of the car if the rack is meant for more than one vehicle. Size of the vehicles, factory roof racks, externally mounted spare tires, rain gutters and receiver hitches can all factor in heavily on what type of rack works for you. You don't want to get a rear mounted rack that won't fit around your spare tire or a roof mounted rack that won't fit on top of your vehicle.
Clearance is another important issue for sports racks. Consider the vehicle's height and length when selecting the proper rack. If stored in a garage, a taller vehicle with a roof mounted rack may not make the height clearance and a longer vehicle might stick out too far with a rear mounted rack. In cases like this you should consider a rack that is easy to remove and reinstall later.
Security is important as well. If the vehicle is left unattended for a long period of time, not only could your equipment be stolen, the rack might be taken as well. In cases like this, it would be smart to look into sports racks that can be secured to your vehicle and will secure your equipment properly.
There are several different kinds of sports racks meant to transport certain types of equipment. Before purchasing any type of rack for your vehicle, take into consideration not only what is needed currently, but what you may need to transport in the future.
Bike Racks
Bike racks come in many sizes and models and can be mounted on the top and rear of the vehicle. They can hold anywhere from one to four bikes, making size a key element. If you only plan on taking one or two bikes, go with a smaller rack. However, should there be a possibility of transporting more bikes in the future, a bigger rack might be a smarter choice.
When considering bike racks, the type of mount can also be important. With a roof mount, the bikes will be completely out of your vision, but clearance can become an issue. They often need professional installation and are harder for stowing and retrieving the bikes. Rear mounted bike racks are easier to install with better access to the bikes, however they can block some vision to the rear, as well as access to the trunk. They also consist of more fabric straps and weaker metal, leaving them open to thieves.
Ski and Snowboard Racks
Racks built to hold snowboards and skis can be mounted in the same fashion as bikes. These can take up less room, as it is easier to attach a flat snowboard or ski set over a bulky bike. It is a better idea to use either horizontally rear mounted snowboard racks or else roof mounted racks. This way the snowboards or skis do not become a visual distraction to the driver. If you are traveling with both bikes and snowboards, this might be something you cannot work around.
Figuring out what you need first is essential to the process of shopping for sports racks. There are hundreds of styles meant for carrying different equipment. Some racks are only made to transport one specific piece of equipment while others can be universal. Take the time to find which sports racks might work the best for you.
Hodgson, Michael. Sports Racks. 2006. OutdoorMind LLC. 25 October 2006. http://www.adventuresportsonline.com/accessrack.ht m
Petersen, J.S. What Should I Consider When Buying a Bike Rack?. 2006. Conjecture Corporation. 25 October 2006. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-should-i-consider-whe n-buying-a-bike-rack.htm
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