Comparing Velcro/Hook and Loop Straps to Rubber Straps on a Bike Rack and 3-Bike Rack Recommendation

Question:

I am wondering if you could give me your expert advise on the following. 1. On a hitch bike rack, are velcro straps better, comparable, or less superior than rubber to secure your bike? **I live in an arid climate and am wondering if rubber holds up to intense sun, wind and lack of general moisture in the air. 2. On velcro, if it should rain , does this material still hold up well? 3. Also several of the hitch bike racks that I am interested in within my budget do not have bike rack locks and hitch locks. Can you recommend some for me that are reasonably priced and are secure enough that someone with a regular screw driver and/ or cutters would not be able to gain access?.? ** I will be purchasing a 3 bike hitch rack.

asked by: S. A

Expert Reply:

First, Velcro or hook and loop as they are called if not the Velcro brand, are considered less superior to other types of straps including rubber. They are not as durable as rubber. The thing with rubber straps though is that they can get over-stretched. That happens because people think the straps have to be as tight as possible but they don't. They just have to be snug. Rubber is also better at protecting the bike frames.

Hook and loop straps will still work fine in the rain. They are typically nylon which is a strong and durable material and water generally does not have a negative impact on the hook and loop style.

Some bike racks have a weld nut inside the shank (the end that fits into the hitch) and it will only accept a certain thread pattern. So as far as a lock it really depends on which racks you are looking at. But no matter what bike rack you choose you could always use a cable lock such as # CAB-10 to secure the bike and rack to the trailer hitch. But all locks are theft deterrents. If a thief wants the bike and/or rack bad enough any lock can be defeated.

For a 3-bike rack I recommend # S63365. It is a low-cost option with some great features including anti-sway cradles and the ability to tilt down. It works with 1-1/4 (Class II) or 2 inch trailer hitches. If you have a 1-1/4 inch hitch then you can use a lock, # e98879. There isn't a lock option for the 2 inch shank part of the rack so that is when you would use the cable lock # e98891.

expert reply by: Michael H