How to decide on the right bike rack system for your car

Few of us have a vehicle large enough to transport mountain bikes in the inside.
This means that for the remainder of us, if we would like to take our cycles on holiday or out into the backwoods we have to get some sort of cycle rack to fit to our vehicle.
There are four major classes of bike racks to select from.
These are: Roof racks. Strap-on tailgate racks. Towing hitch racks and a type that mount in the cargo bed of a pick-up lorry. Every style has its own particular benefits and downsides so it's essential that you think hard about exactly how you are going to use your cycle rack before finally deciding on the style to purchase.
Strap-on racks
Strap-on racks are the cheapest style available. They are easy racks that rest on the rear hatch of the automobile and are fastened by webbing straps with hooks that hook around the top and lower sides of the rear hatch. Strap-on cycle racks are best used for reasonably low mileage journeys, as the straps can infrequently work slack on extended journeys. At times your back license plate will be blocked out by this type of bike rack so a light board will be required to stay within the laws. If you don't already have a trailer socket on your vehicle, having one to be fitted will increase your final price for the rack. One issue with this type of bike rack is the bikes can occasionally damage the vehicle's panels or paintjob. Also, the strap attachment points can simply mark the vehicle just under the points of contact.
Roof-mounted racks
These fix to standard type roof rails. Some autos have lengthwise rails to which you can fit two cross bars but on other cars you will have to buy a separate roof rack and bike carrying attachments. Most cars can carry 2 bikes and lots up to four this way. This type of rack is reasonably secure and the bikes can be locked on to the rack fairly easily. Depending on the height of your vehicle, getting the bikes on and off the rack could be a strain especially if you aren't extremely tall or strong. Having the bikes up there in the slipstream may also cause a large amount of drag, increasing your fuel consumption.
Tow-hitch mounted racks
Towing hitch mounted cycle racks are very sturdy and some can carry up to six full sized bikes. Just the job if you already have a towing attachment. If you do not, you will have to allow for the extra cost of getting one fitted. These bike racks are at a good low working height and hence are very easy to load and unload. Like the strap-on type, they can block the sight line to your license plate so be aware of this possibility. Some come with a 'swing away' feature that enables you to open & close the rear hatch even with your bikes loaded. Some even allow you tow a caravan at the same time.
Lorry bed racks
These are nice if you already have a pickup van. The cycle rack is fitted in the lorry bed just to the rear of the cab and the bikes fix easily onto the rack. They are terribly safe, secure and simple to load and unload. They don't obscure lights or raise fuel consumption and so are perfect in some ways but of course only of use if you own a truck!