I don't care what the calendar says, as far as I'm concerned, summer is here. Whistler's bike park is open, the shore is dry, and your bike is ready. All that's left is getting your wheels to the trail; this is where I come in.

You are immediately surrounded with bike racks when you walk into the Vancouver location of Rack Attack. Out of the 3 kinds of bike racks (Trunk mounted, Roof Mounted, Hitch Mounted), the most practical is a hitch-mounted rack. Most truck mount bike racks have a weight limit, limiting the number and type of bikes you can carry. Roof mounted bike racks work great, as long as you are able to lift your bike onto your roof. Let's face it, not everyone can lift a bike onto the roof of an SUV. (NOTE: Underground parking and roof mounted bike racks do NOT mix). With that in mind, here is an insiders guide to hitch mounted bike racks.

• Because the racks hold the bike by its wheels; these racks will carry any bike.
• Easiest bike racks to load.
• Can carry from 1 - 4 bikes.

• 2-inch receiver hitch is needed to carry more then 2 bikes.

• Carries most frames without the need for frame adapters.
• Folds down to allow access to the back of your vehicle.
• Can come with the ability for "swing away" access to the rear of your car, even with the bikes on the rack.
• Separate cradles allows for a firm grip on each specific bike.
• Have built in anti-rattle to keep the rack silent.
• Arms can fold down when not in use, keeping the rack out of the way.

• None

• Low Cost

• Many bikes need a frame adapter, at extra cost, to fit the rack.