So you've got your bikes , you want to take them further afield or on holiday, but you don't have space in your car. You are going to need a bike rack.

You will have noticed there are lots of different options at various different price points and you are probably wondering what's the difference between them all? Will they fit my Car? Is this the right one for my bike?

This guide will help you understand the different options available and what needs to be considered when choosing a bike rack.

YOUR BIKES- How many bikes are you looking to carry and what type of bikes are they? Mountain bikes, road bikes, e-bikes, child's bikes or fat bikes?

YOUR VEHICLE- Not all bike racks fit all vehicles, does your car have a tow bar or set of roof bars fitted? Will a rear mounted bike rack fit my car?

YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS- Will you need access to the boot whilst transporting your bikes? Are you able to lift your bikes onto the roof? Where will you store your bike rack when it's not in use?

Rear mounted cycle carriers attach to the back of your car on the boot or tailgate.

- Fits directly to your vehicle so no additional roof bars or tow bar is required, this makes rear mounted bike racks one of the most affordable ways to transport your bikes

- It is possible to carry up to 3 bikes weighing a maximum of 15kg each.

- Suitable for mountain bikes, road bikes, child's bikes and some e-bikes.

- Ideal if you need the space on your roof space for a roof box.

- Rear mounted bike racks do not fit all cars you will need to use the vehicle look up feature on our website to see if there is a rear mount carrier that is compatible with your car.

- Depending on the model and fitment to your vehicle you may need a lighting board if the bikes and carrier obscure your lights and number plate.

- More difficult to fit than towbar and roof mounted options.

- You won't be able to access the boot of your car when the bike rack is fitted.

Roof mounted bike racks need to be fitted to a set of roof bars. If you don't already have roof bars for your car you can find a set at roof-bars.co.uk.

- Different models available for securing bikes by the forks, frame or around the wheel. Designed to keep your bike secure and protected, ideal for road bikes gravel bikes, mountain bikes and more.

- Cost effective option if you already have a set of roof bars.

- Available in single units so ideal if you are only looking to carry one bike.

- You may find it difficult to load bikes onto the roof of your car, especially if your bikes are heavy, you have an SUV or if you are vertically challenged.

- Carrying bikes on your roof will reduce your fuel efficiency due to the addition drag created.

- You need a set of roof bars to mount this type of bike rack on your car.

Tow Bar mounted bike racks are a great option for transporting your bikes.

- Easy to attach / remove from your tow bar.

- Easy to load bikes onto carrier and can carry up to 4 bikes. 

- Great for transporting e-bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, fat bikes and child bikes.

- The safest and most secure type of bike rack available with integrated lights and number plate holder on platform models.

- Most models have a tilt mechanism that allows you to tilt the bike rack to gain access to your boot even when fully loaded with bikes.

- Tow bar mounted bike racks are more expensive than rear or roof mounted options.

- You will need a tow bar fitted to your vehicle.

- You will need somewhere to store your bike rack when not in use, some models are quite large.