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A bike repair stand makes it easy to repair your bike when needed.

Spring is here, and bikers are out in full force. Before you hit the road, the League of American Bicyclists recommends taking a minute to inspect your bike and make sure everything is working properly.

With a handy acronym, it’s easy to remember the ABC Quick Check every time you ride your bike.

A = Air

• Check your tires to see if they’re properly inflated.
• Use a pressure gauge to check the pressure (rated pressure should be listed on the tire sidewall).
• While you’re at it, check the tread and sidewall for damage.

B = Brakes

• Always test the brakes before you ride.
• Inspect the brake pads. If there’s less than 1/4 inch left, replace them.
• Make sure the pads don’t rub the tire or spokes.
• Apply the brakes and make sure there is at least 1 inch between the bar and lever.

C = Cranks, Chain, and Cassette

• The crank bolts should be tight. Apply lube to the threads only, if needed.
• Inspect the chain for wear. Twelve links should equal no more than 12 1/8 inches in length.
• Make sure the chain doesn’t skip on the cassette. If it does, repair or replace it.

Quick = Quick Release

• Make sure the hubs are tight to the frame and the quick release is properly engaged.
• Inspect all quick releases (including brakes) on the bike to make sure they are engaged.

Check = Check It Over

• Take a short ride down the driveway or down the block to make sure everything works like it should. Apply the brakes and make sure the gears shift properly.
• Check the bike over for loose or broken parts. If anything needs fixing, fix it before you ride.
• At the beginning of your bike ride, pay attention to any unusual noises or handling. Stop and inspect if anything seems out of the ordinary.

Steel load bars can be cut down to size if needed.

Once you’ve got your roof rack base squared away, it’s time to add load bars—the backbone of your rack system. Round bars, square bars, and aerodynamic bars let you attach bike carriers, boat cradles, and other accessories for your outdoor gear.

The tips below will help you choose the right load bar length for your vehicle.

1. Can you cut the load bars down to size if needed? Yes. Steel load bars can be cut to size, so if the length you need is in between sizes, get the larger size and cut it to the length you need. Just remember: “Measure twice; cut once.” You don’t want to end up with load bars that are too short.

2. The Fit Wizard for Thule and Yakima provide a recommended load bar length for your vehicle. Measure the distance across the roof of your vehicle to get a visual, practical sense of how long the load bars will be. Not long enough? Get the next size up and cut them down to size if needed.

3. Multiple boats, bikes, skis, and combination loads may require longer load bars.

4. Cargo boxes and single carriers work fine with the standard bar length. Just keep the future in mind—if you’re thinking about carrying a wider load eventually, you may want to invest in longer load bars now.

5. Legally, the load bars should not extend beyond your side mirrors.

6. For Thule Rapid Aero bars, you’ll need to stick with the recommended bar length for your vehicle. Longer bars won’t fit, since the channel running underneath the bar will be too short to allow you to attach the towers. If you need a longer load bar, you’ll need to choose the standard load bars instead of Rapid Aero bars.

Roof cargo bags give you more leg room on road trips.

Road trips are fun.

Road trips surrounded by coolers, suitcases, empty pop cans, and your annoying little sister? Not so fun.

Good news: there is a solution to your problem. Mounting a cargo box on your roof or rear hitch can give you more storage space and more leg room. (Unfortunately, you’ll still have to deal with the annoying little sister—sorry we can’t help you there).

Rooftop Cargo

Cargo boxes are split up into two categories: hard and soft.

Hard cargo boxes offer durable protection and security. You can lock them up and leave them on your vehicle at rest stops, diners, and hotels. They also keep their shape, so there’s no need to pack the box full when you drive with the cargo box mounted on your vehicle.

Soft-sided cargo bags are budget-friendly and light enough to easily lift on and off your vehicle’s roof, when empty. It’s best to pack the cargo bag full in order to keep it from flapping in the wind while you’re driving down the highway. Some soft cargo bags are adjustable in size for lighter loads.

Rear Cargo

If you’ve got a trailer hitch on your vehicle, rear cargo carriers are another option. They are easier to access (no reaching overhead) and easier to mount (no lifting overhead). Just keep in mind that they may block rear access to your vehicle.

The simplest and most affordable way to carry your bike is with a trunk-mounted carrier.

Need a way to haul your bike around? The simplest and most affordable way to carry your bike is with a trunk-mounted carrier. Just strap it on your car, secure your bike, and you’re ready to roll.

Trunk bike racks are quick to install and just as easy to remove. They fold for storage, taking up as little space as possible in your garage or closet…a big advantage for apartment dwellers.

3 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Bike Rack:

1) Does it fit your vehicle?
If you have a spoiler on your car, make sure the rack is compatible with spoilers. Most racks are adjustable to fit most cars or hatchbacks, but it’s still important to do your research up front to save yourself the hassle of an exchange or return.

2) Does it fit your bike?
If you have an odd-shaped frame or a bicycle that is smaller or larger than average, you might need a special rack.

3) How many bikes do you need to haul?
Get a bike rack that fits the most bikes you expect to haul. Sometimes a larger capacity rack is better. A 3-bike mount makes it easier to fit 2 bikes, since you can space them out further. It also reduces the chance of scratching the frames or your vehicle.

Installation

To install a trunk bike rack, just rest the padded rack on the back of your car, hook the straps onto the trunk or hatchback, and tighten the straps.