Trunk mount, Roof mount, Spare Tire mount or Receiver Hitch mount bicycle car racks.
Here is a quick summary of the different types of Racks available.
Advantages To Trunk Mount Bicycle Car Rack
Trunk Mount are usually cheaper than other types of racks.
Simple installation. Easy to store when not in use.
Disadvantages to trunk mount bike racks
If your exhaust pipe points directly at the tires on your bike it can burn the tire and ruin it.
Many bike racks do not separate the bikes well and the bikes will rub the paint off of each other.
Bumper Mount Racks
I consider most Bumper Mount Racks a subdivision of Trunk racks. The difference between a Trunk mount and a Bumper mount is the Bumper mount rack will extend down low enough to use the bumper to help support the load. They are usually a little more expensive than the pure trunk mount racks.
Advantages to Roof Racks
You can pull a trailer and the bikes will not be in the way.
Often there are a lot of other accessories to carry canoes, skiis, snowboards etc. to fit the roof rack.
Disadvantages to Roof Racks
People have been known to forget the bikes are on the roof and run into the garage.
Advantages to Spare Tire Racks
Usually the rack will not contact the car’s paint at all.
Disadvantages to Spare tire racks
They do not fit many cars normally only the smaller SUVs.
The metal covers on some of the newer SUV’s spare tires make it hard to fit some vehicles. Be sure to check to make sure the rack you buy will fit your vehicle.
Advantages to Receiver Hitch Racks
Easy to install.
Less wind drag than Roof Racks.
The bikes are kept away from the car so they don’t rub on the paint of the car.
Disadvantages to Receiver Hitch Racks
If your vehicle does not have a receiver it usually costs around $200 to have a receiver put on.
You cannot haul a trailer when your rack is on your car, there are some specialty racks available that do allow you to do both.
Like the Trunk rack and the Spare Tire Rack when your bikes are on the rack it is often hard to get into the back of the car.
The Allen Tow and Go is a unique Trailer Pulling Bicycle Hauling rack.
The Receiver hitch racks have become really popular in the last few years because they protect the vehicle, the bikes, are easy to install, and will fit a lot of different vehicles.