Bike gear racks are pretty universal but they also include a couple unique features to suit your needs and the needs of your vehicle.

A bike carrier comes in two main varieties: bike roof gear racks or a rear-mounted bike gear rack. The difference between them is substantial and pretty important to consider when making your purchase. Bike roof gear racks are great if you have a smaller car because you can store your bikes up top and out of the way, but they're still in easy reach. They allow you to safely and easily transport bikes and other recreational gear, like surfboards, to and from your destination while providing extra room in the cab for passengers, overnight gear or snacks and beverages. They have only one downside: they require you to reach above the vehicle to stow and retrieve your gear, which can be difficult with a high roof.

If you have a larger vehicle, like an SUV, a hitch-mounted bike gear rack is the better option. The one downside is that this type of bike carrier can make it difficult to access the trunk or rear of the vehicle. However, good hitch-mounted bike gear racks either fold down or swing away to the side when you need to reach into the rear and grab your gear.

The best bike gear racks are forged from steel tubing, capable of holding up to 300 lbs of evenly distributed weight, and usually work with just about any cargo carrier system. They're also personally-tailored to your specific make, model and year, providing a custom fit, and manufactured by proven name brands like Smittybilt and MBRP. Each kit is finished in a tough black powder coating that resists corrosion and comes complete with all the necessary hardware for a quick and easy installation.

Finally, of any vehicle on the road, a pickup is ideally suited for the addition of a bike gear rack. A truck bed bike gear rack mounts securely to your pickup with bumper-cushioned screws. With just a couple turns, it's securely locked in place with no drilling required. Just slide the wheel of your bike into one of the open slots and you're on your way.