Bike Bags, Racks and Pumps: Mounts, Lights, Loads

Racks and bags: attachment point, wheel range and load

Car racks differ in how they attach. A hitch-mounted rack needs a receiver of the right size, commonly 1.25 or 2 inches, and lists how many bikes it carries and the maximum total load. Freestanding racks for a garage or hallway list the wheel diameter range they hold, for example 16 to 27.5 in. Step-through frames and fat tires may need an adapter.

Bags attach to the frame, seat or handlebar, and the mount style tells you where. Frame bags sit on the top tube and may add a phone window, so check that the listed screen size, such as 6.5 in, fits your phone. Seat bags hold tools and a spare tube. Water bottle cages are sized for standard bottles, so check the diameter range if you use wide ones.

Lights, pumps and bottles: ratings and valves to check

For lights, lumens measure brightness, and runtime depends on the mode in use. USB charging is common, so check the cable and the battery capacity in mAh, which only gives a runtime when compared with the power the mode draws. A tail light with turn signals and a handlebar remote adds signaling, and a waterproof rating matters for wet commutes. Mount style and clamp range decide whether it fits your bike.

Pumps differ by job. A floor or hand pump fills tires and its head must suit the valve, Schrader or Presta. A shock pump is for suspension forks and rear shocks and reaches high pressures such as 350 psi in small, precise steps, which makes it impractical for tires. Check the maximum pressure and gauge, and look for a head that locks on without leaking air as you remove it.

Questions about Bike Bags, Racks and Pumps: Mounts, Lights, Loads

What size hitch does a bike rack need?

A hitch-mounted rack must match your vehicle's receiver, which is usually 1.25 or 2 inches square. Check the receiver size, the number of bikes and the total load, and that the rack's wheel and frame fit range suits your bikes.

How do I tell Presta from Schrader valves?

Schrader valves are wide with a spring-loaded pin in the middle, like a car tire valve. Presta valves are slim with a small lock nut at the tip. Many pump heads handle both, but check the listing first, because a single-type head will not seal on the other.

Can I use a shock pump for tires?

It is not a good idea. A shock pump moves a tiny volume of air to reach high pressure, so it would take far too long to fill a tire. Use it only for the suspension fork and rear shock, and follow the pressure the suspension maker specifies.