Hey -- I have a Buick Rendezvous. I need a bike rack desperately. Last night my husband brought home one by Bell. It won't work. Can you guys tell me what I should be looking for, what will work, what won't work? I've never had a rack before -- I just started riding a year ago. We can't afford to walk in a LBS and let them sell us whatever they have. Do all bike racks attach by straps and velcro??? My bike is an 05 Specialized Allez. Do I need a hitch and some kind of rack that attaches to the hitch? Help please?!? Thanks!
Allie

First thing to do is measure the receiver hitch on the car, that's the square fitting on the back of the car that the rack will slide into. Take this measurement with you so you get the right size. Then go to REI, or a good store and look. If you have Performance Bike Store in your area, they have a nice selection at good prices. I like to stick with Yakima or Thule, you have a nice bike, don't wreck it on a cheap rack.

Go to www.thuleracks.com or www.yakima.com and use their fit guides to see what will fit your car.

Yeah. I'd suggest getting a hitch rack. Counting the hitch, it's going to cost you a bit more than a strap on, but you won't have anything scratching up the painted parts of your car.

Of the hitch racks, I much prefer the ones, like Sport Werks, that hold the bike on it's own wheels. I think that it's easier to put the bikes on the rack, the bikes don't swing back and forth as much, and you don't have anything scratching up the painted parts of your bike.