As a cyclist, you know that a bike is more than just a way to get around—it’s an investment in your health, adventure, and freedom. You know when transporting your bike on the back of your vehicle, it’s crucial to ensure that it remains safe from the elements and other potential hazards. One of the most common and effective ways to protect your bike while on the move is by using a bike cover for your bike rack. However, not all bike covers are created equal. Selecting the right one can make the difference between a well-preserved bike and one that is subjected to even more wear and tear. In this guide, we’ll explore important considerations for choosing the best bike cover for your needs and uncover potential risks from improper use.
While bike rack covers are an essential accessory for protection, they come with some safety concerns if not properly chosen or fitted. Here are the primary issues you should be aware of when using a bike cover.
Wind is a critical factor when transporting your bike. At highway speeds, poorly designed or cheaply made bike covers can catch the wind, causing them to tear or loosen. This exposes your bike to the elements and risks damaging your bike and vehicle through flapping torn material or debris striking the bike. In extreme cases, the cover—or pieces of it—itself could detach and become a hazard for other vehicles on the road.
It’s essential to choose a bike cover that is wind-resistant and has reinforced attachment points to keep it securely in place, even in high wind conditions.
Even at slower speeds, bike rack covers must be tightly secured to avoid flapping or, worse, flying off. Loose covers not only compromise the protection of your bike but also pose a threat to other drivers if they become airborne. As we mentioned above, flapping covers can cause wear to both the cover and the bike through constant motion, leading to premature damage.
Look for covers with multiple attachment points, including adjustable straps and buckles, that can secure the cover tightly around your bike and rack.
Depending on the vehicle, another hazard with bike rack covers is that they can block your rearview visibility. Bicycle covers—especially when mounted on smaller vehicles likes sedans or crossovers— can obscure the driver's view, creating blind spots. For this reason, it is best if bike covers are used on larger vehicles like SUV's and RV's.
In addition to creating blind spots, bike rack covers may cover the vehicle's rear taillights. Your vehicle's braking and turn signals visibility to other vehicles is not only important but it's the law. To avoid getting a ticket or even an accident, it's best to use bike rack covers on larger vehicles or opt for bike covers with built-in LED lights, like the Let's Go Aero's BikePack.
One of the primary reasons for using a bike rack cover is to shield your bike from harsh weather conditions. Rain, snow, and UV rays can degrade your bike’s components over time, leading to rust, fading, and general wear.
Water and moisture are the biggest enemies of your bike's components. When exposed to rain or snow, metal parts can rust, and bike chains and gears can seize up. A properly fitted waterproof bike cover while traveling ensures that no water reaches your bike, keeping it in pristine condition.
Similarly, prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can fade paint, crack rubber tires, and degrade other materials. UV-resistant bike covers offer a layer of defense from the sun, preserving your bike’s aesthetic and functionality.
When shopping for a bike cover, it’s crucial to prioritize a waterproof material and UV resistance. Covers that are only water-resistant won’t provide full protection in heavy rain, while covers without UV protection will fail to safeguard your bike against sun damage. To ensure you have a cover that will last for many seasons, check for high-quality waterproof materials and UV-blocking properties.
If you’re a long-distance traveler or frequently bike in various weather conditions, investing in a bike rack cover with waterproof material is essential. These covers are typically made from heavy-duty PVC fabrics that can withstand rain, wind, snow, and sun, ensuring that your bike is protected no matter where you travel.
Bike rack covers come in a range of types, each offering different levels of protection and durability. Let’s explore the most common ones.
The most affordable option, basic cloth bike rack covers are lightweight and easy to store. They are usually made from a lightweight canvas and have simple ties for attachment. They provide some level of protection from dust and light rain but are not ideal for more demanding conditions. Due to their thin material and fast design, they are prone to tearing, especially at higher speeds or in windy conditions, and typically only last one or two travel seasons.
While these covers are budget-friendly, they may not be the best option for serious cyclists or long-distance travelers such as RVer's looking for maximum protection.
For those seeking superior protection, high-performance bike covers like the LGA BikePack Enclosed Bike Carrier offer enhanced durability. These covers feature a lightweight but solid interior frame for structural support, and wind-resistant materials. Waterproof PVC fabric and reinforced stitching are key features, making them ideal for extreme weather conditions. These advanced covers are designed for longevity and provide robust protection in challenging environments.
If you travel frequently or transport high-end bikes, investing in a high-performance cover ensures that your bike remains secure and protected.
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V-lectric BikePack Enclosed Carrier |
Selecting the right bike cover for your bike rack depends on several factors. Here’s what to consider:
How often you transport your bike should influence your choice of cover. If you only occasionally transport your bike for short distances, a basic cloth cover might suffice. However, frequent travelers or those who embark on long journeys should opt for a durable, high-performance cover that makes bike mounting and covering fast and easy. Covers that feature easy-to-open doors and that offer access to both bikes individually are going to be best for those who plan on mounting and un-mounting the bikes frequently.
If you often find yourself traveling through harsh weather conditions, investing in a fully weatherproof cover is a must. For riders who mainly travel in fair weather, a simpler, lightweight cover may be adequate but prolonged use under harsh UV's rays from the sun will still wear them out quickly.
If you’re frequently driving at highway speeds, you’ll need a cover that can withstand high winds without tearing or detaching. Look for covers with reinforced seams, heavy-duty materials, and secure attachment points to keep everything in place. For the ultimate cover durability, covers like the Let's Go Aero's BikePack feature an interior frame from a ridged design.
When not in use, you’ll need to store your bike cover. Basic covers are lightweight and easy to fold, making them simple to store in your vehicle. High-performance covers, while more durable, can be bulkier, so it’s essential to consider your available storage space if they need to be removed for bike access. However, some bike covers like the BikePack do not need to be removed for bike access so additional storage is not needed when the bikes are not mounted.
Different racks—whether it be platform style, wheel mounted, hanging, or even a cargo carrier—require different cover designs. Ensure that the cover you choose is compatible with your rack style for a secure and proper fit before purchasing. Check your rack's manual and usage guides to be sure the rack is warranted with use for the bike covers.
If you have a unique bike style such as a recumbent or trike you especially want to confirm fit before purchasing. While your bike may fit on your rack, your bike's unique shape may not fit beneath the bike cover. This is also the case for bicycle accessory attachments such as child carriers and bikepacking gear.
While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s essential to balance cost with performance. A cheap cover may offer short-term savings but could end up costing more in bike repairs or replacement(s) in the long run. Investing in a higher-quality cover might save you money over time by providing better protection and durability.
Selecting the right bike rack cover is crucial for ensuring the protection and safety of your bike while on the road. By considering factors like weather conditions, travel frequency, and the style of your bike rack, you can choose a cover that best suits your needs. Prioritizing quality and durability will help keep your bike in top condition and ensure a smooth and worry-free travel experience.
