photo by Flickr user mattgalligan

Pros: Trunk racks are one of the most affordable ways to carry your bike on your car. Depending on how many bikes you want to carry as well as the brand, you can find a trunk rack at your local bike shop anywhere from about $50 to $200. Trunk racks fit on most vehicle types, making them easy to install. Trunk racks can old one, two, or three bicycles.
Cons: Trunk racks use the top tube of the bicycle to mount on to the rack as displayed in the picture, so if you have a sloping top tube they can be trickier to use or require a bike frame adaptor.

Cost: $$-$$$

photo by Flickr user MPPope

Pros: Hitch racks make for the easiest loading and unloading of bicycles, especially the tire cradle versions. This style of rack can also hold a lot of weight and in some cases carry up to 5 bicycles. If you’re looking to go on a family outing or you have a lot of friends, this is the rack for you.

Hitch racks come in two basic types–arms or cradles–and of those there are many varieties. Arms act similarly to the trunk rack and require a flat top tube or bike frame adaptor. Cradles hold your tires and allow for a wide variety of bicycle frames which can be especially great for mountain bikes, children’s bikes, or “women’s” bicycles.

Cons: You have to have a hitch installed on your car before you can get a hitch rack. The hitch itself could cost around $600. The rack will likely cost around $500. At about $1000 total, this investment will have a long lifetime. If you expect to get a different car anytime soon, however, you might want to stick with the more versatile trunk rack.

Cost: $$$-$$$$

photo by Flickr user peteSwede

Pros: You can parallel park just as you always do, you can access your trunk without a problem, and the roof rack itself can be used for other types of cargo carriers such as a boats or skis.

Bicycle trays for roof racks come in two styles: one that allows you to keep your wheels on which is especially great if you have fenders, and another style which requires you to take your front wheel off which some claim is more secure.

Cons: More upper body strength is required for this method. You have to have a roof rack installed on your car before you install the bicycle trays. Also, don’t even think about driving into a garage with this one!

Cost: $$$-$$$$

Pros: All of Pittsburgh’s Port Authority buses are outfitted with bike racks. This rack can hold up to two bicycles, allowing you to connect your bike trip with public transit. No need to purchase anything additional.

Cons: Buses travel to limited locations and might not service your neighborhood or your destination. The bus racks very rarely do not work with certain bike setups, especially if you have both a front and rear rack attached to your bicycle.

Cost: $ free with bus fare