OutdoorGearLab Announces the Best Bike Racks of 2016

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - July 20, 2016 - PRLog -- The top bike racks of 2016 have just been unveiled by the pragmatic and popular gear review website, OutdoorGearLab. Eighteen trunk, roof and hitch-mounted versions were tested to determine which piece of gear was at the top of its game. A team of reviewers spent twelve months assembling, installing and fiddling with the models. They loaded, unloaded and drove countless miles on bumpy dirt roads, gravity-fueled shuttle runs and long haul highway stretches to thoroughly evaluate the products. Hours were spent scrutinizing designs to discover compatibility issues, weaknesses of security systems, and the strengths of skillful design. After the grueling review process was complete, items were put head to head and evaluated in categories including versatility and capacity, ease of assembly and attachment, ergonomics and ease of use, durability, and security.

The winners are as follows:

Editors' Choice Award - Thule T2 Pro

The T2 Pro earned the Editors' Choice award for earning top scores in almost every category. Reviewers were eager to test out the updated version of this tried and true favorite and were impressed with its versatility and ergonomics. Featuring the lowest loading height of any item in the review and an easily accessible release handle, this model is designed with ease of use in mind. Reviewer Curtis Smith says, "Everything is well thought out, down to the extra wide wheel trays and ratcheting arms, giving fat bike enthusiasts a viable hitch mount option." The fact that it attaches without the use of tools is the icing on the cake.

Top Pick Roof Rack - Kuat Trio

The Top Pick for roof versions has been awarded to the updated Trio for unsurpassed durability and ease of use. This product stands out due to innovative design features such as a handy cutaway for clearance of disc brake calipers and its ability to hold models with any axle standard at the fork. For fat or plus models, an adaptor can be purchased to accommodate the larger fork spacing. Expert tester Curtis Smith found that, "The Trio is best suited for users who are utilizing a roof system and have multiple types of products with different axle standards." With a cable lock that extends from the back, high quality construction materials, and an aesthetically pleasing design, this product ticks off all of the boxes on the checklist.

Top Pick Trunk Rack - Thule Raceway

The Raceway won the Top Pick award for trunk mounted versions due to its secure and sturdy build and customizable FitDial system. It features rubber coated steel cables which ensures durability and allows for easy adjustments. The Raceway was the most secure trunk mount product tested, including both a cable lock for the cargo and a lock preventing the removal of the rack from the vehicle. Reviewers said, "Setup was easy, using the Thule Fit Guide that has a number designated for each compatible vehicle. The Fit Dial is then turned to the corresponding number and the optimum support arm angle for your vehicle is set, no guesswork."

Best Buy - RockyMounts JetLine

In terms of value, the JetLine deservingly earned this honor; it's well priced and makes no compromises in regards to quality or performance. Even with its lower price tag of $130, it still boasts most of the bells and whistles that the costlier models feature. The quick release lever is easy to manipulate and will clamp any fork with 9mm dropouts. Overall, testers loved this product; Smith states, "It is simple and easy to use and provides a secure, stable way to transport most sets of wheels. With the lack of moving parts and quality construction, it may outlast your vehicle."

Based out of Cheyenne, Wyoming, OutdoorGearLab, LLC aims to offer highly informative in-depth gear comparison reviews to aid outdoor enthusiasts in their gear purchasing choices. The site presents side-by-side comparative charts which break down products based on specific measures. Skilled reviewers implement rigorous, creative methods to test products over these measures and then award top performers accordingly. Categories cover a range of activities such as hiking, climbing, backpacking, cycling, and running. Check out outdoorgearlab.com to explore this fast growing resource.