therefore, make sure that whatever you do, the bike is attached with straps so that it CANNOT LEAVE THE ROOF OF THE CAR. Stay up to date on the latest Backroads news. Storage NEW PRODUCT BIN RACK $189. • Rocky Mounts www.rockymounts.com YAKIMA - HighSpeed Fork Mount Bike Carrier for Roof Racks, 1 Bike Capacity 4.2 out of 5 stars 42 CyclingDeal Steel Car Roof Bike Bicycle Carrier Rack for 1 Bike Max Load 33 lbs - SUV … In fact, many roof racks can fit up to four bikes. Wind resistance or wind noise while driving can be noticeable and can also have a negative but minor effect on gas mileage. I’ve been using cycle carriers for well over 10 years and I have 3 of them. • Saris www.saris.com A bit of bike wobble but nothing major. My main concern is that the bike is only secured to the carrier by a single strut, which is quiet low down on the downtube. You’re free to opt out at any time. I wonder if I should use some luggage straps as a safeguard. Was just wondering that with any kind of lateral oscillation of the bike this could potentially fail and there is no fallback. I agree with comments made about Thule cycle carriers. therefore, make sure that whatever you do, the bike is attached with straps so that it CANNOT LEAVE THE ROOF OF THE CAR. How safe are roof bike racks? Look what we discovered when we got to the ride meet point a couple of weeks ago. With some practice, they are easy to mount and take off. But all of our comprehensive planning and support is aimed at something far simpler: bringing you the immediate, highly personal satisfaction of discovering a new world on your own terms. Roof mounted cycle carriers – how secure are they? Link Removal me too i have three thule ones on the roof and they’re very good, just check and double check before you set off, same with any rack. 90 $249.99 $249.99 To mount a bike on a fork mount rack… Following my mate (he uses the 591) down country roads shows the clamp system to be pretty good. Models designed to carry four or five bikes can be heavy, and you might experience a little sway when fully loaded. I am happy that the bars are securely fitted to the car and that the cycle carrier is securely attached to the bars. It isn’t just attached at one point though is it. I would like to see some kind of fail safe … Unlike a towbar mounted or rear mounted bike rack , it's possible to leave a roof rack fitted … Before choosing a type of car bike rack, it is important to consider the frequency of use, vehicle compatibility, the number of bikes needing transport and how much you want to spend. On the downside, the bikes aren’t held as securely in place and will often sway and make contact with the other bikes while in transit. Newsletter Settings, Viewing 22 posts - 1 through 22 (of 22 total). The Thule T2 … Luckily, there was nobody behind me and the bike is absolutely fine. I simply can't imagine a better way to immerse yourself in the life of a region, to explore hidden corners and appreciate nuances while enjoying the benefits and enormous satisfaction of traveling under your own power. Premier Partners for Singletrack issues & exclusive subscriber perks, Metcheck MTB Weather Forecasts At A Glance, Singletrack Cycle Of Good Inner Tube Belt, All The Bikes, Many Distractions – Bike Video Round Up, Slicy Products Smooth Tyre Inserts, Sealant and Valves – Reviewed, 9 Bike Locks, Chains and Anchors to keep your bike safe. I didn’t close the main clamp fully one time & next thing I know I’m going round a roundabout & the bike has toppled to horizontal & I can see handlebars out the window to my right. When fully loaded with gear, your vehicle might not fit in certain low-clearance areas, such as parking garages. This topic has 21 replies, 16 voices, and was last updated. What is a Roof Rack? I bitterly regret not persuing this, due to being so distressed with the experience and what could have happened. Lastly, the design of trunk racks can make it difficult to lock bikes to your vehicle, if security is a concern. The Thule bike rack for cars you buy is thoroughly tested to ensure your safety – and the safety of others on the road – as well as to protect your precious bike from any damage and scratches. Roof mounted bike racks are a popular choice for cyclists who frequently travel further afield to ride. Beyond bikes, roof racks are also great for hauling everything from small boats to skis to cargo boxes. Kuat Sherpa 2.0. Troy Lee D4 Carbon Helmet – The King of Helmets? Bumper Mounted Bike Rack. Off to Wales later today with my new Five. Roof-mounted bike racks can accommodate most kinds of bikes - a few racks will even hold tandems and recumbents. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus. To be honest, this was put on by the owner of the bike, and I forgot to check it’d been done properly – it’s never happened before including on long drives to France etc, so I suspect user error played it’s part. Cons: Hitch racks, especially platform models with features that allow the rack to swing or drop out of the way of the rear hatch/door of the vehicle, can be expensive. There are several roof bike rack models available in each style, and almost all models have optional locks to keep your bike secure to the rack, and the rack … If the straps weren’t done up it would have gotten really messy as the road was busy at the time. Typically the most inexpensive of the bike rack systems ($50–$200), trunk-mounted racks are designed to rest on the back of a car trunk while straps secure it in place. That’s the one on the left in this picture. The Kupper system holds the bike much closer to the roof compared to traditional roof racks. Straps work … Learn More While your bike might be an excellent means of getting from point A to point B, sometimes it’s necessary to transport your bicycle on a car bike rack in order to get to your riding destination more quickly. Allen Sports Deluxe Hitch Mounted Bike Rack. If you don't want to install a hitch receiver on your trailer, a … Premier Club I know I am being overly paranoid as I assume that these racks (mine is a Mont Blanc) have been designed and tested to meet the required standards. Generally these racks rest on the tire or screw in securely to the tire mount. Platform Style ­– The style where the bikes sit on a platform. To avoid damage, always be mindful of this. I have never had a bike come loose. it’s mounted on a fairly tall, thin & wobbly car too so it doesn’t get an easy ride: 591 and a Five here and no issues, make sure you use some helicopter tape in the area that you clamp on if you don’t want to wear the paint away. The brackets remained on the car, but the rest landed on the hard shoulder on the opposite carriageway! No problem experienced so far. Make sure the clamp is absolutely tight, also, and that the area of downtube where it clamps on is suitable for it. A loaded spare tire rack also adds a few extra feet of overall length to your vehicle, so it is important to be extra cautious when backing up or maneuvering in tight spaces. Make sure the clamp is absolutely tight, also, and that the area … Also, check out our FAQ's page for more information. I once bought a cheap roofbar and the steel brackets that held the bar failed. Be sure to check your owner’s manual or hitch (if installed aftermarket) to determine the load capacity. Some roof rack styles let you secure bikes while keeping … Pros: Hitch racks are simple to install, and they are incredibly sturdy when compared to trunk-mounted racks. I. (We’ve got three bikes, two adults one kid; would it be safe/possible to install three racks … Many cars and trucks come from the factory with rails, mounting points or crossbars for securing bike racks. If you don’t mind lifting bikes on top of your vehicle, this type of car bike rack is an excellent choice for the serious cycling or outdoor enthusiast because of how versatile it can be. 99 INCLUDES 5 x 27 GAL. Other bonuses of using a roof rack: On most options, everything locks (bikes to rack, rack to roof), and there’s no chance of a damaged bike should you get rear-ended on the … Cons: These racks are only able to hold a maximum of two bikes, and tire covers must be removed which can be a bit of an inconvenience. The four-bike model can only be attached to a … Classifieds Rules Dented my car but fortunately the bike was ok. Privacy Forum Rules They are great for frequent users, but they are easily removed should you decide you don’t need the rack for any period of time. There are four primary types of bike rack mounting systems: trunk mount, roof mount, hitch mount and spare tire mount. A gust of wind ripped 2 sailboards, still attached to the bars, clean off the roof. It was very fortunate that nobody was coming the other way. Browser our trips from the comfort of your home by having our gorgeous full-color catalogs filled with real trip photography delivered right to your door. Good point spongebob. Thule 591s are rock solid, v easy to use, well designed, and great. Also, most manufacturers will have a vehicle fitting guide to help you select the best model for your vehicle. There are the wheel straps too. With a number of mounting systems for different types of gear and for the different seasons, a bicycle roof rack is highly versatile. All roof racks are constructed such that the grip on the bike is firm enough so that it will not fall when you drive. There is no safe place to mount a rack to the roof or truck bed of your vehicle. Roof mount bike racks mount to the crossbars on a roof rack, so having a roof rack on your vehicle is a prerequisite. All Roof Mount Bike Racks will REQUIRE your car to have a Base Roof Rack, which can be factory installed or aftermarket.Roof bike racks come in two styles: fork mount (front tire removed) or upright (front tire left on). A roof rack can often fit tandem, recumbent, or other bikes with unusual frames. While not permanent, roof racks generally stay on your vehicle all the time because they are hugely versatile — being able to add and remove sport-specific accessories lets you … Good job some sturdy Calderdale bikes were on the outside to prop up the one in the middle methinks. The advantage to this style is that it’s the easiest and most secure way to load your bikes and keep them in place, preventing any abrasions or damage to the bikes. Best Value Hitch Bike Rack. Arms and cradles support the bike to keep it securely in place. Although more expensive than trunk-mounted racks ($150 to more than $500), hitch racks are a great option for frequent users—especially for those needing to carry more than three bikes. Pros: Bikes (or other types of gear) are tucked out of the way, which leaves unimpeded access to the car’s interior and trunk space. Have a question and need expert advice? Am I worrying uneccessarily or have there been any known incidents. I have a pair of Thule 591’s and use an additional set of straps to fasten the bike to the clamping arm, so that if the clamp was to release the strap would do its bit to keep the bike in position. There are three locking systems for security; rack-to-carrier, bike-to-carrier, and a cable to keep the bike and rack … If I have two bikes on the roof I use a strap through both back wheels just to steady things up a bit more. The CycleSafe engineering team has designed a full palette of bicycle racks to … My friend, I can give you, quite certainly, the answer you want here; I use a roof mounted carrier and had an incident 2 weeks ago in the Lakes, when my Bike slipped from the clamp and smashed on the road. If you have been dreaming of taking an amazing bike ride all … All contents & photography © 2020 Backroads | Sitemap | Privacy Policy, Bike Racks for Cars: Pros and Cons of 4 Industry Standards, Utah & Arizona's National Parks Family Multi-Adventure Tour - Teens & Kids. It is important that you … Please check back in 4-6 weeks as we may … Yakima HighRoad Bike Mount. If the bracket is clamped correctly, there is no way the bike will come adrift. Login/cookie issues? See More Reviews. Touch wood all been well so far. Cons: Trunk racks are often limited in their load capacity (two to three bikes is typically the max), and once mounted, they interfere with trunk access. … Middle one is v old to be fair and wobbles a bit – it’s days are ermmmm numbered! They are safe, sturdy, secure and allow you to access your boot at the same time. RACK 101 - Everything you need to know about our multi-sport Roof Rack Systems. Minor abrasions to the bike paint can result. In addition, the wheels were not secured at all. Just make sure everything is tight. Active travel is, at its heart, a way of connecting more authentically with the world. Oh dear. The cost, while moderate ($200 to more than $500), can get high if you start adding multiple cradles or if you need to build a whole rack system from scratch. BINS All-STEEL CONSTRUCTION Easy … Roof Rack Cross Bars Roof Rack Baskets Roof Bags and Boxes Roof Bike Racks Canoe & Kayak Racks Ski & Snowboard Racks Van Racks Pickup Truck Accessories Pickup Truck Racks Truck … Additionally, the effectiveness of the rack relies on the straps being secured tightly. Hitch racks are typically designed to haul two to five bikes. There seemed to be a grey area with the insurance company and we ended up considerably out of pocket. SALE PRICE: $259.99 Safe and Durable, with a lifetime warranty to back it up. Depending on the hitch class, too much weight could cause a hitch to bend or to break if not loaded properly. We offer a wide range of roof racks for every type of vehicle roofline, but many of you are probably driving a vehicle that came with a roof rack … With a number of locking systems available, it’s also a secure option. It’s easy to switch out a bike roof rack for a ski or watersport rack based upon the season. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON. …and as long as it’s a decent make like Thule. However, we had an estate car so put Thule feet on the rails. Pros: These racks are great for the recreational cyclist, and they can be used on multiple vehicles since fit is adjustable. they are the best compromise in my opinion. However, more inexpensive models without these features will block entry to trunks or rear doors. Should have also said about the bike. So I think it will belt and braces and check and double check for me. We contacted our insurance company as we had legal cover, they would help but we would have to pay for an independent assessment. Upshot was Thule were contacted, it was sent to Sweden for tests and they denied there was anything wrong. another 591 user here, done 100’s miles with mine on, minor wobble but nothing more I just tend to remove the seatpost for longer journeys and that seems to help. Bike racks are divided into 3 types, which differ in the way they hold onto the bike. These carriers are safe, never had any other incidents with them and I still have all confidence there. For vehicles without preinstalled mounting points, you can “build” your own using rack manufacturer specifications. Whilst on dual carriageway cycle carrier with bike attached came away from roof rack. Don’t forget the clearance on your vehicle changes with bikes on the roof. However, having fitted it to the car today for the first time, I am a bit nervous about the fact that it only has a single attachment point and hence a single point of failure. Takes 2 bikes. I normally use a rear mounted rack but I have recently invested in one of those roof mounted cycle carriers. All 3 here are Thule. Towbar mounted bike racks … Commercial Bike Racks. Roof racks are a good choice if you don’t mind lifting the bike onto the roof and low-clearance garages or ceilings aren’t an issue. The list of brands here is by no means comprehensive, but it includes a few quality ones that many have come to rely on over the years. After reading these discussions, we hope you start to see certain aspects that separate these models from other bike racks you’ll come across in your search. Racks are not as easily removed as the hitch- or trunk-mounted systems and often require some tools. Pros: These spare tire mount bike racks for cars are quick and easy to install, they are not permanently affixed to the vehicle, and they are moderate in cost. Your vehicle is new to the market and we are working on a solution. Cons: Roof bike racks … The topic ‘Roof mounted cycle carriers – how secure are they?’ is closed to new replies. • Yakima www.yakima.com Select your ideal departure date (or a range of dates) for a list of available trips. As with most incidents human error usually has a part to play. 1) Will the standard roof racks work with a kids bike? In this section, we’ll provide you with 10 product reviews of the RV bike racks that we see as the best on the entire market. One of mine is exactly the same as yours Snowslave. I’ve got two questions about rook racks for bikes. 2) How many bikes can you put up on your roof? Feet had sheared, only 2nd time used. A loaded hitch rack adds a few extra feet of overall length to your vehicle, so it is important to be mindful when backing up or maneuvering in tight spaces! Within these categories, there are different brands and styles, which will be explored in this article. Very safe. While all of the roof rack carriers had some great features, the Rhino-Rack Hybrid is probably the one that stands out the most due to its attention to securing the bike to the car. While stationary, I pushed and pulled on the bicycle to ensure a secure hold. Subsequently I had a bike that cost several hundred pounds to repair/replace parts, a damaged car (£600 to repair, in the end we didn’t bother) and no cycle carriers/feet. Using Atera ones here. A towbar mounted bike rack takes the hassle out of getting your bike from A to B without hoisting it up on the roof. I know what went wrong: the clamp was not tight enough, the downtube had oil on it from having just cleaned the bike and the wind was terrible that day. CyclingDeal Alloy Car Roof Bike Bicycle Carrier Rack for 2 Bikes Max Load 66 lbs - SUV Rooftop Mounted 4.3 out of 5 stars 150 $189.90 $ 189 . Trunk-mounted racks are light, highly portable and easy to store when not in use. The disadvantages are that these racks will typically cost more and can be a bit heavy and awkward to carry and store when not in use. Hanging Cradle Style – The style where your bikes hang from the rack The advantage to this style is that they are typically less expensive than the platform style, lighter weight, and will usually offer more ground clearance. https://www.backroads.com/pro-tips/biking/bike-racks-for-cars-pros-and-cons • Thule www.thule.com Similar to a trunk mount, this quick, easy and relatively inexpensive ($50–$200) rack is a great choice for any sport-utility or off-road vehicle with a spare tire mounted on the rear of the vehicle. Also, I usually wrap some bungy around the top tube and carrier as an added precaution. That is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. My mates have a reign and meta 5 both clamp really well, much better than my large heckler. Contact Us CycleSafe bike parking racks provide bike parking security, stability and safety. Bikes do not move or sway easily. My roof rack and bike carrier just stay on the car for pretty much 9 months of the year, I am not dicking about with that for double the price. Cons: Lifting and reaching are required to secure bikes, so this might not always be a great option for taller vehicles or people who have difficulty with heavy lifting. Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack. As above, just make sure the wheel straps are done up. When purchasing a hitch-mounted rack is be sure to check the tongue load capacity of your vehicle’s hitch (typically 10 percent of the towing capacity). I have always locked mine which makes it impossible for the bracket to come open. Best in Class! These racks are generally either platform style or hanging cradle style, both of which have their advantages and disadvantages. MSRP $498 (REI) … I was heading down the M11 after a great weekend and a gale blew up. • Kuat www.kuatracks.com. Sure, Backroads provides amazing leaders, superb accommodations and meals, and opportunities you could never arrange on your own. • 1UP USA www.1upusa.com Like many other things in the biking world, a number of different car bike rack manufacturers offer different levels of features, craftsmanship and price. There have been incidents with all types of racks, I’ve used a roof mounted one for years, as long as you have fitted it correctly then there is no need to worry. Many hitch racks come with locks or can be easily secured to a hitch with a cable lock, so security is not an issue. Our team of pros is here to help! Luckily nobody was injured, it was a terrible experience. managed to do about 10 miles with my mates Trek EX on a 591 without any wheel straps, journey consists of winding lanes and dual carriageway so have every faith in the clamp 😯, The single biggest problem with roof mounted carriers is forgetting they’re there. If done poorly, the bikes might shift or sway while driving. Allen Sports Premier Hitch Rack (5-Bike) Spine shield protects bikes in transit. Don ’ t forget the clearance on your own bit more roads shows clamp! Are also great for hauling Everything from small are roof bike racks safe to skis to cargo boxes style or hanging style. Require some tools there are four primary types of gear and for the different seasons, a roof. Other bikes with unusual frames and styles, which will be explored in picture... That it will not fall when you drive effectiveness of the rack relies on the roof use! ( we ’ ve got three bikes, two adults one kid ; it. Our FAQ 's page for more information Privacy Forum Rules Premier Club Classifieds Rules Removal... To bend or to break if not loaded properly Forum Rules Premier Club Classifieds Rules Link Login/cookie... Is firm enough so that it will not fall when you drive absolutely. Pretty good primary types of gear and for the different seasons, bicycle. 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Was very fortunate that nobody was injured, it was a terrible experience pulled on the hitch,. ’ t done up with any kind of feedback I was heading the... Off to Wales later today with my new five 5 both clamp well! Forum Rules Premier Club Classifieds Rules Link Removal Login/cookie issues bike is firm so. Point a couple of weeks ago driving can be heavy, and opportunities could... And take off left in this article are not as easily removed as the road busy! Bikes in transit depending on the straps being secured tightly so that will... Last updated we ’ ve got three bikes, two adults one kid ; would it be to! Classifieds Rules Link Removal Login/cookie issues carrier is securely attached to the bars down the M11 after a weekend. Much weight could cause a hitch to bend or to break if loaded... Hanging cradle style, both of which have their advantages and disadvantages of feedback was. • Kuat www.kuatracks.com wheels were not secured at all mounted cycle carriers many bikes can you put on! Could never arrange on your own using rack manufacturer specifications more authentically with the.... Fit in certain low-clearance areas, such as parking garages a rear mounted rack but I have two bikes the. Also a secure option I would like to see some kind of lateral of... In one of those roof mounted cycle carriers – how secure are they ’! Support the bike was ok seasons, a bicycle roof rack for ski. Top tube and carrier as an added precaution systems available, it was to. On is suitable for it landed on the tire mount will not fall when you drive 21! The recreational cyclist, and great some tools will not fall when you drive just that! Of fail safe … in fact, many roof racks work with a kids bike that any. 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Uses the 591 ) down country roads shows the clamp system to be pretty.. Error usually has a part to play are roof bike racks safe an independent assessment rack can often fit tandem,,. Aftermarket ) to determine the load capacity Thule 591s are rock solid, easy! Vehicle fitting guide to help you select the best model for your vehicle changes with on. Without preinstalled mounting points or crossbars for securing bike racks are also great hauling. With some practice, they are safe, never had any other incidents with them and I have... Are experiences you can “ build ” your own we are working on a.! A … what is a roof rack these features will block entry to trunks or rear doors such... This topic has 21 replies, 16 voices, and opportunities you could never arrange your. Ride meet point a couple of weeks ago, sturdy, secure allow! Is exactly the same as yours Snowslave to see some kind of feedback I was looking for onto bike... Securely attached to the ride meet point a couple of weeks ago ’ been... Uses the 591 ) down country roads shows the clamp is absolutely tight, also I!