Bicycle Surfboard Rack
How to Choose the Right Surfboard Bike Rack
Sep
In recent years, the popularity of cycling to surf spots has surged, especially with the rise of e-bikes and mopeds. More surfers are opting for this eco-friendly, efficient mode of transport to reach their favorite waves. However, transporting a surfboard without a proper rack can lead to safety risks, particularly when using bungee cords. These cords can easily snap or shift, potentially causing accidents or damage to your board.
This is where a dedicated surfboard bike rack becomes essential. Designed to securely hold your surfboard in place, a good rack ensures both your safety and the protection of your equipment during the ride.
Gnarly Padz takes this to the next level by enhancing any surfboard bike rack with inflatable surfboard pads. These pads offer superior cushioning and stability, minimizing the risk of damage and making your ride more secure. Not only do Gnarly Padz provide extra protection, but they also offer a more sustainable option over bungee cords, which can wear out and contribute to environmental waste.
Types of Surfboards and How They Influence Your Bike Rack Choice
The type of surfboard you use has a direct impact on the kind of bike rack you should choose. Different boards have unique sizes, shapes, and weights, all of which affect how easily they can be transported by bike. Let’s break down the three most common types of surfboards—shortboards, longboards, and SUPs—and how they influence your bike rack choice.
Shortboards
Advantages of Biking:
Shortboards are typically between 5 to 7 feet in length, making them compact and lightweight. These features make them easier to transport by bike, as they don’t extend too far beyond the frame. Their size also allows for better balance and maneuverability, crucial for cyclists navigating tight spaces or urban areas.
Racks for Shortboards:
The Ho Stevie! Shortboard Rack is a popular choice specifically designed for shortboards. Its lightweight and minimalist design ensures that the shortboard is secured without adding excessive bulk to the bike. The rack’s narrow profile also helps reduce drag during transport, making it more aerodynamic.
Longboards
Challenges for Biking:
Longboards range from 8 to 12 feet, making them significantly larger and harder to transport on a bike. The extra length requires a sturdier rack to prevent the board from shifting during your ride. Longboards also create more wind resistance, making the bike harder to control, especially in windy conditions.
Racks for Longboards:
The Moved By Bikes (MBB) Longboard Rack is an excellent solution for transporting longboards. Its durable design provides the necessary support for longer boards, preventing sway and offering stability even over long distances. This rack is versatile and works well for a variety of bike types, including electric bikes.
SUPs (Stand-Up Paddleboards)
Challenges for Biking:
Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are much bulkier and wider than traditional surfboards, typically ranging from 9 to 12 feet in length and requiring significantly more storage space. Their weight also demands a robust system to carry them safely, especially when cycling over uneven terrain or longer distances.
Racks for SUPs:
The Carver Racks are designed to handle the larger dimensions and heavier weight of SUPs. These racks offer increased width, allowing for a snug and secure fit. Their sturdy construction ensures that even the heaviest paddleboards can be transported with ease, without compromising the cyclist’s balance.
Comparing Surfboard Rack Features by Board Type
Below is a comparison graph showing key features of surfboard racks for shortboards, longboards, and SUPs.
Types of Surfboard Bike Racks for Different Vehicles
When transporting your surfboard by bike, choosing the right surfboard rack is essential for safety, convenience, and protecting your board. There are several types of surfboard racks designed for bicycles, each offering different mounting styles and features to suit various bike types and surfboard sizes. Let’s explore the most popular options:
1. Seat Post-Mounted Racks
These racks attach directly to your bike’s seat post, making them ideal for smaller boards like shortboards. One great example is the Ho Stevie! Surfboard Rack, designed to transport boards up to 8 feet long. Its lightweight design and foam padding help protect your board during the ride.
2. Frame-Mounted Racks
If you need to carry a larger board, like a longboard, frame-mounted racks provide more stability. The Moved By Bikes (MBB) Longboard Rack is a versatile option that can carry a variety of board sizes. It mounts securely to either the rear rack or seat post and features quick-release bars for easy removal when not in use.
3. Side-Mounted Racks
For surfers who prefer side-mounted racks, these options position the surfboard alongside the bike, offering better balance during the ride. This type is particularly helpful for longer commutes, as it reduces wind resistance. Check out the Ho Stevie! Shortboard Rack or other side-mounted options from brands like Cor Surf.
By considering your bike type, board size, and personal preference, you can find the perfect surfboard bike rack for your next adventure. For more options, visit StoreYourBoard for an extensive range of bike surfboard racks.
The Top 3 Surfboard Bike Racks: Moved by Bikes, Ho Stevie, and Carver
When it comes to surfboard bike racks, choosing the right one depends on your surfboard type, commuting needs, and budget. Whether you’re looking for durability, affordability, or versatility, these three options—Moved by Bikes, Ho Stevie!, and Carver—stand out as top contenders. Each offers unique features that cater to different kinds of surfers, from longboard riders to those who prefer a lightweight shortboard setup. In this section, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each rack to help you decide which is the best fit for your surfing lifestyle.
- Moved by Bikes – Known for its quick-release system and adaptability, this rack is perfect for those who switch between different board sizes frequently.
- Ho Stevie! – A budget-friendly option that’s lightweight and easy to install, ideal for shortboard surfers.
- Carver Surf Racks – A more durable, heavy-duty option suitable for longboards and rough terrain, offering robust protection and a secure fit.
1. Moved By Bikes (MBB)
Easy Installation and Quick-Release Features
Moved By Bikes (MBB) is another top contender in the world of surfboard bike racks. One of its most impressive features is the ease of installation. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or someone new to bike modifications, MBB makes the setup process simple. The rack can be installed in just a few minutes using basic tools, making it accessible even for those who don’t want to spend hours tinkering with their bikes.
Another standout feature of MBB racks is the push-button quick-release system. This allows you to easily remove the rack when it’s not in use, making it incredibly convenient for riders who might not always need the rack attached to their bike. The quick-release system saves time and effort, allowing you to transition from a surf commute to a regular bike ride in just seconds. This also means less wear on the rack when it’s not needed, prolonging its lifespan.
Adaptability for Different Board Sizes
Moved By Bikes (MBB) racks are well-known for their adaptability, and they can handle a variety of surfboard sizes, from shortboards to longboards. The MBB Longboard Rack is one of the most versatile options available, capable of securely holding boards over 8 feet in length. At the same time, it works equally well for shorter boards, making it an all-in-one solution for surfers who use multiple types of boards.
The rear bar mounts to the seat post or rear rack, while the front bar attaches to the bike’s head tube, ensuring stability even when transporting larger, heavier boards. Whether you’re carrying a shortboard to catch fast-breaking waves or a longboard for some smooth, mellow rides, MBB racks will get your board to the beach securely and comfortably.
For more information on MBB racks and to watch installation videos, visit the Moved By Bikes website
2. Ho Stevie! Racks
Compact and Lightweight Design
Ho Stevie! is a surf brand known for its minimalist and functional designs, and their surfboard bike racks are no exception. One of the key benefits of the Ho Stevie! Surfboard Bike Rack is a compact and lightweight design, which is perfect for surfers who prefer a less bulky, more streamlined look on their bikes. This makes it particularly suitable for shortboard riders who need to navigate urban environments or narrow bike lanes without the hassle of extra weight slowing them down.
Although designed primarily for shortboards, this rack can handle longboards in some cases, provided they are under 8 feet in length. The lightweight aluminum frame ensures that your bike’s performance won’t be compromised, allowing for smooth rides even with a surfboard attached.
Durability and Board Protection
Despite its compact size, the Ho Stevie! Surfboard Bike Rack doesn’t skimp on durability. Like the other racks mentioned, this one is also made from rust-resistant aluminum, ensuring that it can withstand exposure to salty air and sand without corroding. Additionally, the rack features foam padding along its arms to protect your board from dings and scratches during transport.
The rack is specifically designed to fit a wide range of bike types, including beach cruisers, mountain bikes, and road bikes. The adjustable arms allow you to customize the fit, ensuring your surfboard is always secured in place, regardless of the bike’s geometry. This makes it a versatile option for riders who may switch between different bikes depending on the day or terrain.
For more details, visit the official Ho Stevie! Website to browse their product line.
3. Carver Surf Racks
Versatility for All Types of Boards
Carver Surf Racks have long been recognized for their versatility and adaptability. One of the best things about Carver is that they are compatible with a wide variety of surfboards, ranging from shortboards to longboards, and even SUPs. This makes Carver an excellent choice for surfers who might switch between different types of boards depending on the day’s conditions or personal preference. If you’re someone who owns multiple boards or enjoys different water sports like stand-up paddleboarding, Carver Surf Racks can accommodate all your needs with a single rack system.
These racks are built to carry boards as short as 5 feet and up to 10 feet, providing a secure hold without compromising the bike’s stability. This level of flexibility is key for surfers who don’t want to be restricted by the type or size of their board.
Heavy-Duty Build for Rough Rides
One of the standout features of Carver Surf Racks is their heavy-duty build. Constructed from all aluminum materials, these racks are designed to endure the toughest conditions, from salty sea air to rough urban rides. Aluminum is not only lightweight but also resistant to rust, ensuring that your rack will last for years to come without deteriorating from exposure to moisture or harsh elements. The sturdy build is particularly useful for surfers who take long commutes on uneven or off-road paths.
These racks are specifically engineered to handle the wear and tear of rugged terrains and fast speeds, making them ideal for both traditional bikes and e-bikes. This heavy-duty construction ensures that your board stays secure no matter how rough the road gets.
Compatibility with Most Bike Types
Carver Surf Racks are designed to be highly compatible with a range of bike types. Whether you ride a beach cruiser, a road bike, a mountain bike, or an electric bike, Carver has a surfboard rack option that will work for you. The racks are engineered to fit snugly on the bike frame without damaging it, thanks to their padded components and secure attachment system. Plus, their universal design means that you won’t need to worry about compatibility with specific bike models or makes.
You can learn more about Carver Surf Racks and explore their offerings on their official website.
Price Comparison: Moved By Bikes, Ho Stevie, and Carver Surfboard Racks, Plus the Added Benefits of Gnarly Padz
When it comes to choosing the best surfboard bike rack, price and sustainability are two critical factors to consider. Each brand—Moved By Bikes, Ho Stevie, and Carver—offers unique features at different price points. Understanding the cost and value of these options, along with the benefits of adding Gnarly Padz to each, can help you make an informed decision that not only fits your budget but also ensures long-term durability and sustainability.
In this section, we’ll compare the prices of these three popular surfboard bike racks, examine the additional cost of adding Gnarly Padz, and highlight how choosing these inflatable pads over traditional bungee cords can improve both performance and environmental impact.
1. Moved By Bikes (MBB) Surfboard Rack
Price:
The Moved By Bikes (MBB) Longboard Rack is priced at around $135. This rack is known for its versatility and ease of use, accommodating both shortboards and longboards. It features a push-button quick-release system, making it easy to install and remove when necessary. The sturdy aluminum construction ensures that the rack can handle rough rides and heavier boards, making it ideal for surfers who need a reliable rack for longer commutes.
For those looking for a lighter option, MBB also offers a Shortboard Rack, which is priced slightly lower at around $120. This rack is perfect for shortboard surfers who want a streamlined, minimalist design that still offers durability and ease of use.
Adding Gnarly Padz:
Gnarly Padz can be added to the MBB rack for an additional $44.99. These inflatable pads offer enhanced protection by reducing the risk of damage to your surfboard during transport. With traditional bungee cords, there’s a constant risk of the cords stretching out or snapping over time, which compromises the security of your board. By choosing Gnarly Padz, you avoid these issues, as the pads provide a more secure and durable hold, ensuring your board stays firmly in place without the risk of losing elasticity.
Sustainability:
Traditional bungee cords wear out over time, losing elasticity and often ending up in landfills. Gnarly Padz, on the other hand, is designed to last much longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing environmental waste. By investing in this sustainable solution, you’re not only protecting your surfboard but also making a more eco-friendly choice for your surf commutes.
2. Ho Stevie! Surfboard Bike Rack
Price:
The Ho Stevie! Surfboard Bike Rack is one of the most affordable options on the market, priced at around $70. This budget-friendly rack is designed for shortboards, accommodating boards up to 8 feet long. It’s a popular choice for surfers who want a lightweight, easy-to-install rack without sacrificing quality. The Ho Stevie! The rack features adjustable arms that allow you to customize the fit to your bike and board, ensuring a secure hold during your ride.
Despite its lower price point, this rack is known for its durability. It’s made from lightweight aluminum and comes with foam padding to protect your surfboard from dings and scratches during transport. While it doesn’t have the same quick-release features as the MBB rack, its simplicity and ease of use make it a great option for surfers who don’t need to switch between racks frequently.
Adding Gnarly Padz:
Adding Gnarly Padz to the Ho Stevie! The rack would cost an additional $44.99, bringing the total to about $114.99 This is still a highly affordable option for surfers who want extra protection for their boards without breaking the bank. The inflatable pads add a layer of cushioning that helps secure the board, preventing it from moving around during the ride.
Sustainability:
Ho Stevie! Racks come with bungee cords to secure the surfboard, but like most bungee cords, they will eventually lose their elasticity and need to be replaced. By switching to Gnarly Padz, you eliminate this issue. The pads are designed to last much longer than traditional bungee cords, reducing the need for frequent replacements and helping you minimize waste. Additionally, the use of inflatable pads ensures that your surfboard is held more securely, reducing the risk of damage from shifting or loosening cords.
3. Carver Surfboard Bike Rack
Price:
The Carver Surfboard Bike Rack is another popular choice, especially for surfers who need to transport larger boards, such as longboards or even SUPs (stand-up paddleboards). The price for a Carver rack ranges from $130 to $150, depending on the model and features. Carver racks are known for their robust construction and ability to handle rough terrain, making them an excellent option for surfers who need a heavy-duty rack that can withstand the elements.
Carver racks are made from rust-resistant aluminum, ensuring long-lasting durability even in coastal environments where saltwater can corrode other materials. They are designed to accommodate boards up to 10 feet long, making them one of the most versatile options for surfers with larger boards.
Adding Gnarly Padz:
The cost to add Gnarly Padz to a Carver rack is $44.99. While this is the most expensive option of the three, it offers the most robust solution for surfers with larger boards or those who need extra durability for longer rides. The addition of Gnarly Padz ensures that even heavy boards are securely protected during transport, reducing the risk of damage and providing a more comfortable, stress-free ride.
Sustainability:
Like the other racks, Carver Surfboard Bike Racks come with bungee cords to secure the board. However, over time, these cords will stretch out and lose their effectiveness, requiring frequent replacements. By adding Gnarly Padz, you not only enhance the protection of your surfboard but also reduce the need for bungee cords, making this a more sustainable choice. Gnarly Padz is designed to last much longer than traditional cords, helping you reduce waste and make a more environmentally conscious decision.
Why Gnarly Padz Is the Better Choice for Sustainability
Gnarly Padz is a patent-pending inflatable air pad system designed specifically to replace bungee cords for securing surfboards to bike racks. One of the biggest issues with bungee cords is that they lose their elasticity over time, especially when exposed to saltwater and sun, making them less effective and often ending up as waste. Additionally, traditional bungee cords can snap, posing a safety risk to both the surfer and the board.
By switching to Gnarly Padz, you eliminate these problems. The inflatable pads offer a longer lifespan and better durability, holding your surfboard securely in place without stretching out or breaking. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, making Gnarly Padz a more sustainable and cost-effective solution over time. Furthermore, they provide added cushioning to protect your surfboard from damage, ensuring that your board arrives at the beach in perfect condition, no matter the terrain you ride through.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Surfboard Bike Rack for Your Needs
When comparing the prices of these three popular surfboard bike racks—Moved By Bikes, Ho Stevie!, and Carver—it’s clear that each offers unique features at different price points. Moved By Bikes provides a mid-range option with excellent versatility and quick-release features, making it ideal for surfers who need to switch between boards frequently. Ho Stevie! is the most budget-friendly option, perfect for shortboard surfers who want a simple, lightweight rack. Carver is the most expensive but offers heavy-duty construction and the ability to carry larger boards, making it ideal for longboard and SUP surfers.
Adding Gnarly Padz to any of these racks enhances their performance, providing better board protection and a more sustainable alternative to traditional bungee cords. While the initial cost of adding Gnarly Padz is $44.99, the long-term benefits of improved durability, reduced waste, and enhanced security make it a worthwhile investment for any surfer.
How Gnarly Padz Enhances Any Surfboard Bike Rack
Transporting a surfboard on a bike can often lead to unexpected dings, scratches, and damage, especially on bumpy roads or during long rides. That’s where Gnarly Padz comes in as a game-changing accessory designed to offer protection, sustainability, and long-lasting value for surfers using surfboard bike racks. Whether you’re using a Moved By Bikes, Ho Stevie!, or Carver surfboard bike rack, Gnarly Padz enhances the safety and durability of your setup.
Purpose of Gnarly Padz: Protection During Transport
Gnarly Padz serves as inflatable, cushioned pads that protect your surfboard during transport. These pads are designed to create a buffer between the surfboard and the bike rack, ensuring that your board stays safe from damage like dings, cracks, and scratches. Traditional surfboard bike racks, especially those using bungee cords or metal arms, may not offer sufficient cushioning for your board during bumpy rides. The inflatable design of Gnarly Padz ensures that the surfboard is securely cradled, reducing the risk of damage even when riding over uneven terrain.
Gnarly Padz is constructed from durable materials like ballistic nylon and rubber, offering robust protection from the daily wear and tear that can occur during commutes to the beach. These pads are especially beneficial for those riding longer distances, where vibrations from the road can cause damage to even the sturdiest of surfboards. By adding this layer of protection, surfers can transport their boards with peace of mind, knowing they’ll arrive at the beach in perfect condition.
Easy Installation: Gnarly Padz Straps Onto Any Bike Rack
Gnarly Padz is designed to be easily installed on any surfboard bike rack. With two heavy-duty Velcro cinch straps on the back, these inflatable pads can be securely fastened to racks like Moved By Bikes, Ho Stevie!, and Carver. The adjustable straps make the pads versatile enough to fit a wide range of rack designs, ensuring a snug fit no matter what bike setup you’re using.
This universal design allows Gnarly Padz to enhance the performance of any bike rack, providing a cushioned layer between the metal frame of the rack and your surfboard. Traditional racks often rely on bungee cords or minimal padding, which can leave the board vulnerable to bumps and scratches. Gnarly Padz prevents the board from moving around during transit, keeping it securely in place and minimizing the chances of damage.
Sustainability: A Long-Lasting Alternative to Bungee Cords
One of the standout features of Gnarly Padz is its sustainability. Traditional bungee cords, often used to secure surfboards to bike racks, degrade quickly when exposed to elements like sun, saltwater, and constant stretching. Over time, these cords lose their elasticity, becoming ineffective at holding the board securely in place. They eventually snap or weaken, requiring frequent replacements, which not only adds to waste but also increases the cost for surfers.
Gnarly Padz offers a long-lasting alternative. Built from high-quality materials that resist UV damage and saltwater exposure, these pads are designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment without losing their integrity. The inflatable design ensures that they maintain their protective function over time, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This makes Gnarly Padz not only a more sustainable option but also a more cost-effective one in the long run.
By choosing Gnarly Padz, surfers can avoid the environmental impact of frequently discarded bungee cords and enjoy a solution that lasts for years. This makes it the ideal choice for surfers who are mindful of both their budget and their ecological footprint.
Conclusion
Gnarly Padz is the ultimate companion for any surfboard bike rack, providing unmatched protection, easy installation, and a sustainable solution for securing your board. Whether you’re a casual surfer or someone who bikes daily to the beach, Gnarly Padz ensures your surfboard remains in perfect condition throughout your ride. Plus, by replacing short-lived bungee cords with a more durable and eco-friendly option, you’re making a responsible choice that benefits both your wallet and the environment.
