Your passion for the outdoors can sometimes take you to faraway places. These destinations require packing and traveling with your equipment, ranging from backpacks and other luggage to bicycles and kayaks --- items that might not fit inside your vehicle. This demand moved various manufacturers to produce bicycle racks to help you transport your equipment more efficiently. Through the years, technological advances have powered the evolution of these bicycle racks.
Development
Bicycle racks were originally developed in response to the demand of outdoor recreation buffs. These enthusiasts wanted an easy, convenient and efficient way to transport their bicycles safely. Bicycle racks started gaining popularity in the early 1970s with trunk-mounted racks, manufacturer Hollywood Racks reports on its website. The original bicycle racks were designed simply and had very few extra features; later models have more bells and whistles, such as the integrated bottle openers offered by manufacturer Yakima.
Mounting
As the demand for bicycle racks grew, manufacturers branched out from the trunk-mounted design and developed mounting options to fit most makes, models and vehicle types. Along with the trunk-mounted racks designed for cars, there are roof racks for SUVs and cars, hitch carriers and specific truck solutions for pickups, even spare-tire-mounted carriers for Jeeps or other SUVs. All racks feature the ability to lock and secure your bikes into place to prevent theft.
Materials
Materials used on original racks were steel and aluminum --- which made them quite heavy. With a focus on developing aerodynamic and lightweight racks, manufacturers started using lighter materials and coatings for the racks. Modern racks are commonly galvanized and powder coated to prevent rusting, for example; others made with recycled plastic materials, providing an "earth-friendly" product.
Combo Racks
With outdoor enthusiasts looking to participate in multiple sports, manufacturers started offering combination racks. Depending on your needs, these combo racks can carry kayaks, luggage and bicycles. As a result, these bicycle racks are only used by cyclists, but by climbers, kayakers, hikers, campers and families on plain old vacation.
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