Deciding between a platform and a hanging bike rack, consider that a platform rack offers better support and protection for bikes, accommodating various frame styles, while a hanging rack is generally more affordable and compact but may require additional care to prevent bike-to-bike contact and potential frame damage.
Since cycling is highly popular among cyclists and for recreational and other valuable activities, they need bike racks to transport their bikes. When it comes to choosing the bike rack, you’ll find two options to choose. They’re – the platform bike rack and the hanging bike rack.
So, which one you should choose? To be honest, there’s no direct answer to it. They both have advantages and disadvantages.
None of them are pinch-perfect. Consequently, learning their features can help you make a concrete decision based on your specific requirements. Now, I’ll show you an in-depth on Platform vs. Hanging bike racks: selecting the best one for you.
Here we go –
Platform vs. Hanging Bike Racks: Choosing the Best One for You
Before starting to make a comparison, we should know about the platform and hanging bike racks. Let’s check –
Platform Bike Racks
A platform bike rack, also known as a tray-style bike rack, is designed to carry bikes horizontally. It consists of a sturdy platform where the wheels of the bikes rest, secured in place by adjustable clamps or straps.
Platform racks are typically mounted on the rear of vehicles. Contrariwise, some can even be fastened to a trailer hitch or the roof.
Further, this bike rack is balanced with various bike racks, such as mountain or step-through bikes.
In this platform bike rack, there are various spots to attach bikes. These slots are made for the front wheel to go into. Henceforth, they’ll be secured through the locking mechanism. The best thing about these spots is they can successfully prevent any chance the bikes will come into contact.
Platform Bike Rack Advantages
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Simple Loading | Bike loading and unloading are much more straightforward. There’s no need to lift the bike very high. |
| Compatibility | This bike is compatible with various types of bike styles, including road bikes, mountain bikes, fat-tire bikes, and even e-bikes. |
| Sturdiness | These bikes are super sturdy and generally built with two fastening points. They’re adjustable straps and the ratcheting arm. |
| Stability | Platform bike racks provide excellent stability for your bikes during transportation. The horizontal positioning ensures minimal swaying and movement. As a result, it reduces the risk of bike-to-bike contact and potential damage. |
| Accessibility | Most platform racks have a tilt or fold-down feature. It allows easy access to the vehicle’s rear without removing the bikes. |
| Bike Intactness | It completely vanishes the bike-to-rack contract. Hence, it significantly decreases bike-to-rack tears. |
Platform Bike Rack Disadvantages
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Heavier | These bike racks are pretty much heavier. So, you need to spend more energy to convey them. |
| Bulkier | These bike racks are pretty bulkier. Therefore, you could face challenges when you’re going to store it. |
| Cost | These bike racks are very costly. However, people accept the high price due to the superior security system. |
Hanging Bike Racks
Hanging bike racks, also known as mast-style bike racks, suspend the bikes by their top tubes or frame from horizontal arms. They are commonly attached to the rear of vehicles or, in some cases, the spare tire mount.
Hanging bike racks could be the perfect option if you want to convey lightweight bikes. Due to the lesser weight, you can conveniently mount and remove it from the car.
Consequently, due to the complex mechanism, these bike racks come into close touch with the bike’s frame. Further, you don’t have to break the bank to purchase it.
Hanging Bike Rack Advantages
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Hanging racks are much lighter than its counterpart. For this reason, they’re much more convenient to install and remove when not in use. |
| Folding | Since you can fold them, storing these racks are effortless. |
| Easy Installation | These racks are very effortless to install and remove. You won’t find any type of hassle while installing or removing tasks. |
| Compact Size | They tend to have a more compact design. Hence, it is beneficial for storage when the rack is not in use. |
| Shorter-sized | These racks are shorter than platform racks in terms of distance from the car. |
| Affordability | They’re much more affordable than hanging racks. |
Hanging Bike Rack Disadvantages
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Bike Contact | If you carry a couple of bikes, there’s a chance they could come in contact with each other. It can cause scratches if you can’t find a path to nullify them. |
| Easy Moving | Bikes can move even without the presence of an anti-sway bar. |
| Loading Problem | Loading bikes onto a hanging rack requires lifting them higher off the ground. It is highly challenging for shorter-sized people. |
Comparison between Platform vs. Hanging Bike Racks
Now, let’s check a thorough table comparison between platform vs hanging bike racks. Here we go –
| Feature | Platform | Hanging |
| Installation | Simple | Complicated |
| Weight | Heavier | Lightweight |
| Size | Longer | Shorter |
| Compactness | Less | Highly compact |
| Price | Expensive | Affordable |
So, Which One Should Pick Between Platform vs Hanging Bike Rack?
Now, the vital question comes. Which bike rack should you choose between Platform vs Hanging bike rack? Yes, I’ve tried to tell you everything in detail about Platform and Hanging bike racks. But if you still feel that you need a more specific answer, let’s check the points below –
- Do you love a more stable situation while carrying the bikes? If yes, then platform racks are the best for you. The reason is they’ve trays and securing arms to catch the bikes. If you are a frequent traveler, then platform bike racks could be the perfect option. You can conveniently mount and unmount your bikes through this rack. The procedure takes a little time. Let’s check the list of platform bike racks. Check the list and choose the rack that will suit you the most.
- Contrariwise, hanging bike racks are the best option if you frequently take them off and on from the car. If you have a tight budget, you can go for it. They’re easy to carry and lightweight. Since you don’t need much space to hold these racks, you can easily put several bikes on it. Here are the lists of Hanging bike racks. Choose which one will be the best suited for you.
So, it’s clear as daylight; both racks have pros and cons. You need to think thoroughly about which one you should choose. The decision is yours. Think carefully about which sides you’re ready to sacrifice and which sides you need the most. Hope you’ll find the best one for you.
Helpful Video
If you want to see the practical difference between Platform vs Hanging bike racks, you can watch this video to get a clear answer. Let’s look –
Some Important Considerations
Before choosing the rack, you need to remember some critical considerations. Let’s check –
- Do you have a bike with carbon frames? If yes, you should go for a platform rack since the bike will be secured at the frame. The bike warranty will be nullified in case the frame gets vandalized.
- During mounting and unmounting the rack, you must be careful.
Bottom Line
So, after a long discussion, it’s clear that there’s no exact answer to which one you should choose between Platform vs Hanging bike racks. The decision will largely depend on exact needs, preferences, and budgets.
If you’re looking for stability, ease of loading, and versatility – a platform bike rack could be the best fit for you. Elsewhere, if cost, lightweight design, and compactness are your main priorities, you can go after Hanging bike racks.
It doesn’t matter which one you choose – ensure your bike rack is compatible with your vehicle. So, pick the perfect one! Happy cycling!
FAQs:
What is the difference between a platform bike rack and a hanging bike rack?
Platform bike racks support bikes by the wheels, providing better stability and avoiding frame contact. Hanging bike racks suspend bikes by the top tubes, requiring more balancing but generally being more affordable.
Which is better, a platform bike rack or a hanging bike rack?
The choice depends on personal preferences and budget. Platform bike racks are more user-friendly and protect the bike’s frame, while hanging bike racks are economical and suitable for occasional use.
Are platform bike racks compatible with all types of bikes?
Yes, platform bike racks can accommodate various bike styles, including mountain bikes, road bikes, and even e-bikes, making them versatile for different users.
Do hanging bike racks work well for heavy bikes?
Hanging bike racks can handle heavier bikes, but users should ensure the rack’s weight capacity matches the bike’s weight to avoid any issues.
Are platform bike racks easy to install?
Yes, most platform bike racks are straightforward to install on a hitch or trunk, requiring minimal effort.
Can hanging bike racks damage the bike’s frame?
While hanging bike racks may cause minor scratches on the bike’s frame, using protective covers or towels can prevent significant damage.
Which bike rack type is more suitable for frequent use?
A platform bike rack is generally more convenient and efficient for regular cyclists due to its ease of loading and unloading bikes.
Are there any safety concerns with hanging bike racks?
Hanging bike racks are safe when properly installed and secured, but users should periodically check the rack’s stability and bike attachments.
What’s the average price range for platform bike racks?
Platform bike racks usually range from $150 to $500, depending on brand, features, and capacity.
Can I use a hanging bike rack on a car without a hitch receiver?
No, hanging bike racks require a hitch receiver, but alternative bike rack types are available for cars without hitches.
