Best Bike Racks for Popup Campers
If you like being out and about camping with your bicycle, getting a bike rack is the most obvious option. You need a bike rack that will hold the number of bicycles needed, therefore family men might require larger loading capacities. There are quite a lot of options regarding the bike racks you can choose from the most well-known brands to generic yet durable ones.
You can choose from the wide range of bike racks available on the internet to attach to the camping vehicle you’ll use on the next outdoor adventure. How can you choose the best bike rack for pop up camping? Here is a complete guide on this subject:
What to look out for in a bike rack
When choosing a bike rack, there are 5 primary considerations you should make and they are related to:
- The stability of the rack
- Its efficiency
- The safety considerations
- How compatible is it with the vehicle
- If it is secure
Here is how you can assess each one of these points just mentioned:
Stability
The first and foremost considerations you should make is the safety of the bike rack before purchasing it. When you have heavier bikes or larger quantities, durability is very important. You should also ensure that the rack is made of materials that do not easily corrode or get worn off.
Efficiency
You should also consider the efficiency of the rack, like the interference of aerodynamics of the car and parking zones with limited height restrictions. Although that is true, you should also consider the point of how other items are packed in the car. If there is no space on your pickup truck’s loading bin, you might need to get an alternative solution.
Safety
The rack should not expose the vehicle to unnecessary accident risks that may be caused by an obstructed view of the rearview mirror. Do not go for a rack that completely hides your license plate with no solution for an alternative place to mount it for the time being.
Compatibility
You need to ensure that the bike rack is compatible with the vehicle used for camping. If you are using an SUV, get the appropriate rack. You should also ensure that the bike rack is compatible with the bikes that will be mounted on it.
Security
The security of your bikes is very important and should be taken into account. Generally, bike racks come with a lock that can be used to secure it from thieves. The more security options a rack provides, put it at the top of the shortlist.
Top 10 bike racks for pop up camping
#1. Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Racks
The Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Racks is made of sturdy materials and is not susceptible to bending or swaying in the wrong direction inadvertently. Users can be assured of the product quality because this product has a lifetime warranty. You can use this rack on any vehicle with a 1.25” or 2” trailer hitch. It is very easy to set up this bike rack and it can be done in less than 5 minutes.
The carry arms do not get in the way when they are not in use because they quickly drop down. The rack has a beautiful appearance with a black powder coat finish.
#2. Thule Insta-Gater Pro Truck Bed Bike Rack
If you hooked a caravan trailer on your pickup truck’s hitch and the loading bin is empty, this bike rack can be used to secure one bicycle at a time. It is very easy to use this bike rack because you can just place it on the loading bin for the bicycle to be in an upright positing.
You can quickly mount a bike with the ratcheting arm and it holds it in place without touching the frame. Therefore, you get no scratches or dents on the frame of the bicycle. The bicycle will be safe with Thule’s One-Key system that comes with the lock readily available.
#3. Saris Bones Car Bike Rack
The Saris Bones Car Bike Rack works perfectly for any kind of vehicle and is designed for cars with no trailer hitch. You can also mount this bike rack even on vehicles with spoilers making it have robust applications.
The rack is well-known for its wide array of vehicle compatibility. It has a beautiful appearance and strong rust-free frame that are injection-molded. The straps are manufactured using 100% recyclable material but yet look so beautiful and luxurious. You can get a 2, 3, or 4 bike rack of this kind from Saris depending on the number of bikes that need to be racked.
#4. Saris Freedom Bike Hitch
The Saris Freedom Bike Hitch carries two bicycles that weigh less than 60lbs each. It attaches to the vehicle’s trailer hitch but has a unique tilting function when opening the trunk. For extra security, the bike rack has reflectors for easy visibility and also has integrated locks to secure the bicycles from thieves.
The rack is quite lightweight, weighing only 27lbs making it fuel-saving. Saris provides a lifetime warranty on this product that is made from sturdy materials. If your wheelbase overlaps 50” you can get an external bar for it fit perfectly.
#5. Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack
The Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack has a simple design that looks very beautiful on most vehicles even when it is not in use and folded to conserve space. You do not need any tools to mount this rack and that is one of the beauties of it all. The bike rack is very durable and can hold up to 4 bicycles.
The rack is secured on the vehicle and the bicycle is locked onto the carrier making it safe from thieves. You can use this rack to support almost any size or frame style bike.
#6. Yakima – Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack
Yakima – Holdup Hitch Mounted Bike Rack is a sophisticated solution to load bicycles for a popup camping trip. The rack comes with a built-in SKS security system that locks both the bikes and the carrier. You can also space the bikes to avoid any interference when driving to the camping site.
It carries 2 bikes but can go all the way up to 4 when using the HoldUp +2 attachment. The rack does not scratch or mark the bicycles but instead protects the paint and carbon frames from any damage. You can tilt the rack with the bicycles loaded to access the trunk of the car.
#7. Hollywood Racks – 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack
The Hollywood Racks – 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack has adjustable wheel holders making it easier to mount different sizes of wheelbases. You can use the rack for 45lbs weighing bikes and when it is being used, the wheel supports fold. If you would like to access the vehicle’s trunk, the rack can be tilted.
You can lock your bicycles on the frame of the rack to keep them safe and sound from people who might try to steal them. The rack is not too close to the trunk door so it minimizes the risk of scratching or denting the vehicle when loading or unloading the bikes.
#8. Hollywood Racks Fat Tire Electric Bike Rack
If you have an electric bike with fat to wide tires, this rack is the perfect solution when going out camping. The loading capacity is 2 bikes each with a weight of 80lbs per bicycle. The frame allows you to lock your bike in place, deterring any thieves that may attempt to lift the bicycle and run away with it.
When you are not using the rack, it can be folded flat against the vehicle. The rack also tilts when you would like to access the vehicle’s trunk. Before mounting electric bikes on this rack, ensure that the batteries are removed and stored in the trunk.
#9. Swagman TRAVELER XC2 RV Bike Rack
Swagman TRAVELER XC2 RV Bike Rack can be assembled and mounted within a few minutes. The rack is lightweight but keeps the bikes stable regardless of the kind of terrain you are driving on. You can attach this bike rack on most types of campers and trailers designed for camping.
The rack can hold two bikes with a weight of 35lbs per bike. It is very easy loading and unloading the bikes and you can gain access to the back of the RV or camper easily by folding the upright bar down. You can mount the rack even on a 4.5” continuous steel welded RV bumper.
#10. Rhino Rack Roof Top Hybrid Bike Carrier
Rhino Rack Roof Top Hybrid Bike Carrier is mounted at the top of the vehicle. You can attach this carrier to almost any roof rack in the market. The carrier has straps attached to it securing the bike wheels to stand upright at all times. The front wheel is clamped and secured in place with locking mechanisms.
You can have peace of mind when using this carrier because it has multiple locking systems that keep the bicycle secure. The aluminum materials used on this carrier are durable and resistant to rust. It is recommended to be used for bicycles averaging around 45lbs.
Why do you need a bike rack when popup camping?
If you intend on bringing a bike on your camping trip, it is essential to have a bike rack for easier transportation. Even if you do have a pickup truck, all the camping gear will use up all the space that could be used to store the bike. Therefore, you need a bike rack either way when going on a popup camping trip.
If you do not get a bike rack, the bikes might get damaged when traveling or even damage your vehicle. Also, a bike rack makes it easier to access the bikes whenever needed to and it is also a simple process returning them. Thus, you can have mountain biking fun wherever you want and at any given time without worrying about the logistics of removing it from the racks and returning it.
Also, when you have stopped at a nearby restaurant on your way to the camping site, the bikes will be safe and sound from thieves. That is why it is so important to get a safe and secure bike rack that is reliable.
What might happen when choosing a bad bike rack?
If you are wondering what can happen if a bad bike rack is used, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. A bike rack that is not reliable or corrodes easily can compromise its stability. After a short while. the rack might be unusable because you would not be sure when it will break while in transit.
If the frame of the rack is not reliable, it might bend toward the cars and scratch it causing damages that cost a lot of money. Also, when you fail to choose the perfect rack, it might be incompatible with your vehicle or bicycle. Also, getting a bad bike rack can cause problems when removing it for use and returning it afterward.
Alternatively, you might cause accidents if a rack obstructs your rearview mirror view. These are just a few scenarios of things that might happen when choosing a bad bike rack. All of these points outline the importance of getting the best bicycle racks to use when popup camping.
The bottom line
These bike racks designed for popup campers are great solutions to secure your bicycle on almost any type of vehicle when driving to the camping site. It is easy to mount them, they do not require a lot of time when mounting them to the vehicle and they are also very durable. Most of them have beautiful modern designs that will look good on your car.
Best Single Speed Crankset
As a cyclist, you should know that when switching to a single speed crankset, you can avoid a lot of mechanical issues. You shouldn’t skimp on this bike component for the main reason that it is your bike’s drivetrain.
A single speed crankset is a crucial component because it’s responsible for converting reciprocating motion into rotational motion, thus, allowing you to move your bike ahead. The crankset helps the single-speed belt or chain push the wheel at the rear.
When properly set up, your bike can accelerate quickly from a standstill position to 20mph in only a couple of pedal strokes. To guide you on choosing the best single crankset for your needs, this article offers you a buying guide along with a list of the best products on the market now.
What to Look Out for When Getting the Best Single Speed Crankset
With the many brands of single speed cranksets available in the market, it won’t be that difficult to find an affordable and trustworthy one. But there are certain features you should look out for to ensure that you get the best one for your preferences and needs. Here are some factors for you to consider when choosing this bike part:
Types
There are a few choices when it comes to crank types. The type you choose depends on your bike and the features you need in a single speed crankset.
- Square Taper
Design wise, the square taper is the most functional crank and it’s technically simple too. This is the most used type as almost all fixes have a cartridge bottom and a square taper crankset. This type if very popular because it’s easy to install and maintain.
- Integrated
If you prefer a more sophisticated look, you can go for this type. Another reason why you may choose this type over the square taper is to decrease weight. Integrated single speed cranksets are lighter, more durable, and cooler. These are sturdier because they have bigger external bearings.
- Track
Not all types of single speed cranksets work with all types of bikes. For instance, this type is primarily designed for track bikes and they offer superb speed and performance.
Tooth Count
Different cranksets can have different chaining tooth counts. Tooth count is the number of tiny teeth that the chain will hook-up on. This feature is a very important factor. Adding more teeth makes your bike more difficult to pedal while going uphill but it will go significantly faster on straight roads.
If you frequently ride on hilly terrains and steep inclines, it’s better for you to choose a smaller chainring with a low tooth count. For increased speed and flat areas, a higher tooth count performs better. The most common ratio is about 16 – 17 teeth on the rear cog and 42 – 44 teeth on the chainring in front.
Arm Length
As with the tooth count, there are also different cranks for different arm lengths. There are two main reasons why crank arm length matters. First, is your speed and the second reason has something to do with knee pain. A longer arm enables you to go faster while paddling with less effort. Although this makes gearing easier, you have to watch your pedal stroke.
With a shorter crank arm. you can ride at a faster cadence while reducing the risk of developing pedal stroke. On the downside, you reduce your power compared to longer arms. Shorter crank arms are also recommended if you experience knee pain. The length of the crank arm is one of the main culprits for recurring knee pain. The wrong length generally causes this.
Brand
When buying a single speed crankset, choose one with a reputable brand name so you don’t get disappointed. Today, there are so many manufacturers of bicycle parts, the majority of which are in Taiwan and China. There is nothing wrong with that as most bike parts come from those countries anyway.
The problem is that unknown brands typically cut corners on specifications – from using cheap quality materials, inconsistent or finished products or shoddy alignments. All of these factors add up to a likely scenario where the bike part you purchase ends up failing you.
Top 5 Single Speed Cranksets
#1. Retrospec Single-Speed Crankset
The Restrospec Single Speed Crankset is one of the best fixed gear cranksets and it comes in different colors. It’s perfect if you’re looking to build a fixie as you can save money without having to compromise anything. This is also the best crankset if you intend to upgrade the drivetrain of your road bike.
Any way you look at the Restrospec Single Speed Crankset, it’s an excellent choice since it combines steel chaining with a light crankset made of aluminum alloy. This combination makes the chainring more durable.
The crankset consists of parts pieces and it comes in three sizes – 46T, 48T, and 44T. This is a great feature as it gives you a wide range of options, thus, allowing you to select the best size to suit your riding style. The crank arm is 170mm in length making it suitable for most types of riders.
Pros
- Features an all-new design for the crank arm that’s much stronger.
- Lightweight and burly for superior reliability and strength.
- Comes in a wide range of colors (black, blue, chrome, lime green, orange, red, white, and yellow).
Cons
- Some issues because of the painted threads.
#2. CYSKY Single Speed Crankset
The CYSKY Single Speed Crankset is one of the most popular models among cyclists because of its superior quality. The manufacturer’s primary purpose for their product is to offer strength and durability. This product comes with everything that you need to ensure excellent output. Investing in this model might be your best decision for the year!
This crankset enables you to ride efficiently on any kind of road. Your bike will travel smoothly requiring only a minimum effort. The crankset alone can decrease the maintenance costs of your bike.
The CYSKY Single Speed Crankset is of aluminum alloy 7075-T6 making it denser but still lightweight enough to perform at its best. Aside from Single Speed bikes, you can also use this crankset for Fixed-Gear Bikes, Track Road Bikes, and more. It even comes with a cutting surface made of anodized CNC.
Pros
- Suitable for different types of bikes.
- Offers ultimate durability and strength because of the aluminum alloy material.
- It’s sleek, stylish, and offers superior performance.
Cons
- A couple of users have complained about the given measurements.
#3. SRAM S300 Courier Crankset
For a very reasonable price, the SRAM S300 Courier Crankset can be yours for the taking. Aside from offering high durability and superb performance, the crankset has a sleek presentation. It comes in a visually-appealing package. The threads of this crankset come greased but that’s the only one – which is an advantage.
Unlike some of the cranksets out there, you won’t find excess grease on any of its components. Moreover, it includes washers that fit the crankarms so you won’t have to dirty your arms when installing pedals. After installation, you can cycle for miles without worrying about visible wear on your bike’s crank. You won’t feel flex either. This shows how sturdy the crankset is.
Most of the SRAM S300 Courier Crankset’s parts are of plastic, except for the cups on the outside which are of aluminum. The bottom bracket and pedal threads don’t have rough edges. The spindles of this single speed crankset are also made of high-quality materials. It has a laser etching that is very clean and that stays on the face of the crank arms even after you use it for a long time.
Pros
- It’s well-engineered, balanced, and smooth.
- It’s lightweight and made of durable material to ensure a long life.
- Includes a bottom bracket.
Cons
- Not suitable if you plan to change your bike’s chainring.
#4. SHIMANO Altus M311 Single Speed Crankset
With the Shimano FC-M311 Bicycle Crankset, you will elevate your bike’s performance. It’s a highly functional product that has great compatibility with chaincase for maximum convenience. Additionally, the crankset also has compatibility with 7/8 speed. It requires a 123-mm bottom bracket, which you have to purchase separately.
The Shimano FC-M311 Bicycle Crankset is perfect for you if you’re looking for superior performance and ultimate convenience. The integrated design of the chainguard promotes convenience while enhancing the crankset’s overall performance. It’s even made of light yet high-quality materials so that it doesn’t add more weight to your bike.
Pros
- Features a chainguard integrated design for added convenience.
- Made with a lightweight construction so it won’t add to your bike’s weight.
- Comes in two colors (black and standard) to match the rest of your bike.
Cons
- Chainrings may warp after a particular time of use.
#5. Pro-Lite Single Speed Crankset
The Pro-Lite Single Speed Crankset comes with the drive side and both of the crank arms. The design of the crankset makes it compatible with the square-taper brackets at the bottom. This crankset has 53 teeth. The bottom bracket is not part of the package, although you can order this from the manufacturer’s website.
You need a 68-mm width for your single speed bike. As for the spindle length, that depends on what type of frame you use. The Pro-Lite Single Speed Crankset comes with a protective cover that fits for a single speed bike, a Fixie, a track road bicycle or a Dahon. This crankset weighs around 669g without the BB.
Pros
- The crankarm measures 170 mm with a 130 mm diameter bolt circle.
- A strong and reliable crankset that has good compatibility with different bikes.
- Made of a special aluminum allow that’s lightweight and durable.
Cons
- You need to install it carefully so you don’t bend it.
What is a single speed crankset?
The crankset is a crucial component of a bike’s drivetrain. This component is responsible for converting reciprocating motion from your leg into a rotational motion. As such, it helps drive the belt or chain, which, in turn, drives the bike’s rear wheels. Unlike the older models, modern crankset products are more advanced and they come with additional features.
If you’re looking for a single speed crankset, opt for the modern models. The modern ones have bottom brackets to ensure maximum performance. Most are lightweight which means they do not add weight to your bicycle.
There are a wide variety of single speed cranksets on the market today for every type – square taper, integrated, and track. For you to choose the right crankset, it’s important for you to know what you want for your bike.
For instance, you can upgrade a square single speed crankset to an integrated single speed crankset. In such a case, you need to choose wisely by considering the important factors and carefully going through the specifications of different products.
The benefits of using a single-speed crankset
Shifting to a single speed crankset helps you avoid a number of mechanical issues with your bike. But this isn’t the only benefit of this essential component. Consider these other benefits that a single speed crankset has to offer:
- You won’t have to worry about shifters or derailleurs with a single speed crankset. Therefore, you can focus more on what matters most – riding your bike. This makes cycling a fun and simple experience – one that you can’t get with other types of cranksets.
- You won’t have to deal with frequent mechanical problems because single speed cranksets have fewer parts that move.
- They are much more affordable and lightweight.
- They have very low maintenance costs.
With all of these benefits, it’s no surprise that most cyclists, especially those who live in cities with flat roads prefer single speed bikes.
Verdict
The market today offers many brands of single speed cranksets. As a bike owner, you have to choose one carefully. Hopefully, this article helped you make a decision to buy the best single speed crankset based on the important factors. Then you can choose any of the products featured above.
The cranksets here were thoroughly compared and assessed. As such, choosing any of them would be a great buy. Moreover, the produces listed here come in varying sizes and colors giving you the option to customize your bike without much effort.