Some people are too lucky to be living a few minutes of walk away from their favorite surf spot. Others may not be too far, but the stretch is too far to be walking with your surfboard tucked under your arms. Driving is just not practical.
Surfboard bike racks are what you need when you live within a reasonable distance. The fresh air, a bit of cardio from pedaling, and the convenience of not having to think where to park are what make surfboard bike racks a must-have for surfers who bike.
If you are looking for the best surfboard bike racks, you have come to the right place. This article presents reviews of the best bike racks and things you need to know like:
- What are surfboard bike racks
- Why should you buy a surfboard bike rack
- Buying guide: What to look out for when buying a surfboard bike rack
- How to make a DIY surfboard bike rack
What Are Surfboard Bike Racks?
Surfboard bike racks are specialized racks that can be mounted onto the side or the back of your bike. Their primary purpose is to offer a safe and comfortable place to handle your board while you bike your way to the beach.
Bike racks are designed to keep your surfboard snuggled tight onto your bike without hampering you from pedaling, steering, and being able to see everything around you.
Necessity truly is the mother of all inventions. And, surfboard bike racks are one of those inventions. Biking while holding your surfboard can be disastrous. With a bike rack, you won’t have to balance and tire your arms while holding the board as you ride. Instead, you become more alert, and your surfboard is protected against falls or dents.
Top 5 Best Surfboard Bike Racks Reviewed
Surfboard bike racks make surfers travel to the surf spot convenient and free from parking hassle and fee. Most importantly, it spares from using gas. So not only does it save us money for gas, but it also leaves the least carbon footprint.
Moreover, biking with your surfboard to the beach gives you that fast warm-up you need before you hit the line-up.
- Moved by Bikes MBB Longboard Rack
- Ho Stevie! Surfboard Bike Rack
- Carver Surf Rack CSR Max for Longboards
- Onefeng Sports Surboard Bike Rack
- COR Surf Shortboard Bike Carrier Rack
1. Moved by Bikes MBB Longboard Rack – Our Top Pick
A company with a mission to create simple but effective products that make it easier to do more with bikes, Moved By Bikes has one of the best surfboard bike racks in the market today. Their passion for outdoor recreation and sustainability are their primary reasons for coming up with MBB Longboard Rack.
MBB Longboard Racks are your best gear for getting your longboard to the beach with your bike. It features Moved By Bikes’ patented quick-release bars that allow quick installation and easy removal when not needed.
The bars are widely spread safely attached to its frame mounting. This design makes it one of the most stable racks in the market. Its strength allows surfboards and even SUPs that weigh up to 25 lbs. Its aluminum and stainless assembly is perfect for coastal environments.
Your surfboard and your bike are both safe with MBB Longboard Rack. But, like most foreign objects attached to the bike, it adds weight to be accustomed to – not to mention the additional weight of the surfboard. So, as a precaution, keep your load within 25 lbs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can carry longboards and SUPs up to 25 lbs | Too wide for shortboards |
| Sturdy and robust construction | |
| Easy installation and removal | |
2. Ho Stevie! Surfboard Bike Rack – Best For All Bike Sizes
Who would best know the needs of surfers than a surfer, too. Steve Mara wanted to make things easier for his fellow surfers by creating surf gear at par with big brands’ quality but a friendly price to your bank account.
One of which is Ho Stevie! Surfboard Bike Rack. Steve Mara’s idea of a convenient and eco-friendly way of taking your surfboard to the beach. Not only will your savings thank, but mother nature, too! This fit-all-bike-sizes bike rack is fast and easy to install. You only need to clamp the frame to the seat post, and you’re all set.
This surfboard bike rack is made with strong and super lightweight aluminum construction. It considered the coastal environment to avoid rusting and corrosion. It is strong enough to grip surfboards up to 8 ft long. Although some have reviews that suggested longboards can board, too.
Bikers will love this bike rack for their surfboards, especially with the bungee cords that contribute to securing the board as you ride. But, more importantly, the padding keeps the board safe from anything that can dig into it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anodized paint to avoid chipping | Not recommended for titanium or carbon fiber seat posts |
| Easy mounting and installation | |
| Foam padded arms | |
3. Carver Surf Rack CSR Max for Longboards – Best for Longboards
Since 2003, Carver Racks have served over 40,000 surfers with all their surfboard rack systems specially designed for bikes. Year after year, the demand for decent surfboard bike racks increases. These demands include new ideas and creative inventions. Thus, the birth of Carver Surf’s The Max Rack.
The Max Rack is designed to handle surfboards 8 ft or longer. Mount this rack to your seat post, tighten up the bolts, hook up your surfboard, and you are good to go. You won’t need much time to adjust to the added weight as this bike rack offers excellent balance and stability.
Stability can be pretty tough to deal with, particularly with side-mounted bike racks. Not with the Max Rack. Some riders even claimed not having any stability issues while riding for a few miles with an 8 ft longboard.
The Max surfboard bike rack’s arms are wrapped in soft foam that keeps it secure and snug fit. This padding prevents dings and scratches on the board while you are on the go. Moreover, this bike rack is quick and easy to install. Removing it after a day at the beach is as easy as 1, 2, 3, too.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rubberized clamps to protect the seat post from scratches | May not fit mountain bikes |
| Lightweight and sturdy design | |
| Foam padded carrying arms | |
4. Onefeng Sports Surboard Bike Rack – Best Value for Money
Onefeng Sports Products is one of the many subsidiaries Nice World has. All of which are dedicated to technology and production that encourages outside recreation like surfing. Therefore it comes as no surprise that their innovation includes a bike rack for your surfboard.
This surfboard bike rack can fit surfboards up to 8ft with no problem. The safe design includes padded adjustable arms to keep your surfboard from getting dinged or scratched even when riding your bike on rough roads.
The aluminum construction painted in black makes it resistant to rust or corrosion. While this bike rack is offered in single color only, it goes well with almost any bike color. Plus, it can be mounted to scooters or moped, too.
Its singe lynchpin fixture goes around the base of the seat post. Mounting and installing this bike rack is not too hard. You simply join up the metal posting below the seat and adjust the arms according to the size of the surfboard.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Adjustable for different size of boards | Not recommended for SUPs |
| Easy to install and remove | |
| Cheaper than most brands | |
5. COR Surf Shortboard Bike Carrier Rack – Best for Shortboards
The COR Surf Owner and founder Andy Gossett has been engineering surf gears and surfboard racks since 2007. From wooden surf racks, the company also came out with bike racks that are not only convenient to surfers who bike but eco-friendly, as well.
One of the bike racks they have is mainly designed for shortboards. A solid bike rack, this doesn’t require many tools for installation. You only need an Allen wrench to tighten it up against the post. So installation is easy, that it won’t take you more than 30 minutes to mount.
The neon green color not only makes it stand out among other surfboard bike racks. It is intended that way so you can be highly visible to traffic. Underneath the neon green shade is an aluminum and stainless steel material that makes the bike rack strong, lightweight, and rustproof.
Its fully adjustable arms are foam-padded to ensure the boards are resting safely and free from getting dents. In addition, COR Surf made sure to throw in some bungee cords to wrap over the top adding more security as you ride the bike.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Includes bungee cords to keep your boards secure | Not recommended for boards longer than 8 ft |
| Color makes you visible to traffic | |
| Light but robust | |
Why Should You Buy A Surfboard Bike Rack?
Deciding how to transport a surfboard to the beach can be challenging, especially if the distance from where you are isn’t too far but isn’t too near either. Driving to the beach or walking with your surfboard tucked under your arm aren’t your only options. Then, of course, there’s always the handy bicycle.
Bikes are a convenient mode of transport that can take you from point a to b. It saves you from the hassles of finding the right parking spot, having to pay for the parking ticket, getting stuck in traffic, and spending on gas.
Moreover, biking is an excellent warm-up activity too. Nothing warms up your legs better than biking before hitting the beaches.
Buying Guide: What To Look Out For When Buying A Surfboard Bike Rack
The search for the best surfboard bike rack involves considering a few factors that will very well impact your ride to and from the beach.
Surfboard Size
More than anything else, the size of the surfboard to be transported must be considered. After all, it is why you are getting a bike rack. So find out the size of your surfboard since specific board sizes can only lodge on particular types of racks.
Figure out whether the board you are planning to use these bike racks with are shortboard, longboard, or SUPs.
Type of Surfboard Bike Rack
Bike racks come in three types – side-side mounted, rear-mounted, and trailer-mounted. The most common types we see around the beaches are side and rear-mounted.
Side-mounted racks are easy to install and work with almost any bike. These can work with shortboards and longboards. The best thing about side-mounted racks is how the wind least impacts them. In addition, they don’t require additional space for maneuvering in tight spaces.
Rear-mounted racks are mounted at the back of the bike. This type works best for bikers who aren’t fans of counterbalancing the weight of the surfboard. Rear-mounted racks are best for shortboards.
Trailer-mounted racks aren’t too common. This bike transport system is wheeled and is attached to the rear of the bike. While it is convenient for bikers planning to transport SUPs or multiple boards, it can be a challenge with maneuvering as you have to be aware of the extended area the trailer takes.
Installation
Surfing is a fun activity, and the last thing you want to get stuck to is getting a rack taking some time to install. So be sure to pick a bike rack that you can easily install, remove, and adjust. Moreover, check that the mounting system connections are compatible with the bike you are installing it to.
Materials and Construction
Consider how harsh the coastal environment is. Be sure that the material and construction of the bike rack you are getting can withstand the water’s salt and salt air. Veer away from steel-made racks unless they are heavy powder-coated.
Conclusion
Bicycles have to be one of the easiest methods to get to the waves along with your surfboard. The many benefits we enumerated should be enough for you to give it a go. Plus, nothing makes hitting the beach more exciting than feeling the wind as you ride your bike and hearing the waves splash against the shores. You can’t experience that when you ride your car to the beach.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is a surfboard bike rack?
A: A surfboard bike rack is a device that attaches to your bicycle to allow you to transport a surfboard on your bike. It typically consists of a set of straps or clamps that secure the board to the bike frame.
Q: Can you make a DIY surfboard rack?
A: Yes! A few PVC pipes, some tools, and resourcefulness can save you from spending too much of your hard-earned money. Sometimes, DIY is better, as you can customize it according to your preference. Here’s a short video showing you how you can.
Q: Is it hard to ride with my surfboard on its surfboard rack if it is windy?
A: Riding a bike is all about keeping it balanced and stable. The added weight of the bike rack and the surfboard is one thing. Riding it on a windy day is another thing. Strong winds may impact your stability from side to side. This happens even more when your surfboard is strapped to your bike.
The surfboard bike racks we reviewed are mostly facing forward. This position lessens the impact of the wind on your balance and stability. However, be sure to be aware of the wind’s strength and direction and adjust as necessary.
Q: How do I choose the best surfboard bike rack?
A: When choosing a surfboard bike rack, consider factors such as the size and weight of your surfboard, the type of bike you have, and the type of riding you’ll be doing. Look for a rack that is sturdy, easy to install and remove, and has secure straps or clamps to keep your board in place.
Q: What are some of the best surfboard bike racks on the market?
A: There are several high-quality surfboard bike racks available, including the Carver Surf Rack Mini, the Block Surf Surfboard Bike Rack, and the Moved By Bikes MBB Longboard Surfboard Bike Rack. Each of these racks is designed to securely transport surfboards on a bicycle.
Q: Can I use any surfboard bike rack on any type of bike?
A: Not all surfboard bike racks are compatible with all types of bikes. Some racks may work better on certain types of bikes, such as beach cruisers or mountain bikes, while others may work better on road bikes. Be sure to choose a rack that is compatible with your specific bike.
Q: How do I install a surfboard bike rack on my bike?
A: The installation process will vary depending on the specific rack you choose. Most surfboard bike racks come with detailed instructions that should be followed carefully. In general, the rack will need to be attached to the bike frame or seat post using bolts, clamps, or straps.
Q: Can I transport more than one surfboard with a bike rack?
A: Some surfboard bike racks are designed to hold multiple surfboards at once, while others are only designed to hold one. If you need to transport more than one surfboard, be sure to choose a rack that is designed for that purpose.
Q: Are surfboard bike racks safe for my surfboard?
A: As long as you choose a high-quality, well-designed surfboard bike rack and use it properly, it should be safe for your surfboard. Look for racks with soft, non-abrasive padding to protect your board from scratches or damage. Additionally, make sure your board is securely fastened to the rack and won’t wobble or shift during transport.
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G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at several of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which has now well and truly rubbed off on my two young sons, both little Aussie surf-stoked groms!
