Protecting bikes on a car roof

[m444ttb]

Looking at getting a proper bike rack for the car but I’m not that keen on the bike being subjected to all the crap that gets flung at the car. That has enough chips etc in the paint! Are there any covers or similar (that are any good) that would protect the bike for a long motorway trip?

[Pericoloso]

I've never seen a cover on a roof mounted bike.

Unless it's very tight fitting its going to flap horribly in the wind.

[GliderRider]

Pericoloso said:

I've never seen a cover on a roof mounted bike.

Unless it's very tight fitting its going to flap horribly in the wind.

The only way around this is to have a vacuum bag which won't flap. Maybe these people could help:

https://www.vac-bag.co.uk/motorcycle-vac-bags.html

[astroarcadia]

I have driven to the south of France a few times with two decent bikes on the roof - nothing but a few flies.

[ALawson]

astroarcadia said:

I have driven to the south of France a few times with two decent bikes on the roof - nothing but a few flies.

Have to agree with this, mainly flies and other insects. Not saying nothing untoward could happen as it could.

I initially thought you were concerned about thieves stealing the bike from the rack when stopped at services. I normally try and park right outside the main doors and the Thule locks are pretty good. I should probably get a small pull out wire lock for such occasions.

[Evanivitch]

You don't really want to increase the drag on the bikes for economic and safety reasons, so a loose covering isn't a good idea.

But, if it's an occasional thing then why not cable tie material to then frame, shouldn't take you long. Use reusable cable ties and it'll be easier on the return journey.

[m444ttb]

That may be the best idea. Some of that pipe lagging type stuff with reusable zip ties and some cleaning stuff to get the bugs off.

[lufbramatt]

I don't really think it's an issue. Less crap up there than what gets flung up by the tyres of the bike while riding it.

[BobSaunders]

m444ttb said:

That may be the best idea. Some of that pipe lagging type stuff with reusable zip ties and some cleaning stuff to get the bugs off.

This.

Never had a problem with bikes on top of the car, and never seen a stone chip yet.

Yes, rain is a annoyance, and the bike ends up covered in crud depending on the roads - but doesn't take more than a quick hose, quick clean, and oil. if required.

If in doubt, put it inside the car.

[CoolC]

BobSaunders said:

m444ttb said:

That may be the best idea. Some of that pipe lagging type stuff with reusable zip ties and some cleaning stuff to get the bugs off.

This.

Never had a problem with bikes on top of the car, and never seen a stone chip yet.

Yes, rain is a annoyance, and the bike ends up covered in crud depending on the roads - but doesn't take more than a quick hose, quick clean, and oil. if required.

If in doubt, put it inside the car.

Wrap cling film around the forward facing surfaces to keep flies etc off, but no need to worry about stone chips etc.

[Squiggs]

Unless you're going to closely follow someone who's going very fast along a gravel rally stage I really don't think stone chips are going to be an issue.

[TwistingMyMelon]

Only issue I found was after a couple of hours on the roof my left shifter was down on the handlebar, although it could have happened on the ride before going on the car

Ive just borrowed a towhook bike rack with no instructions and its first test is a 4 hour drive down to cornwall!! Hoping it works!

[sjg]

Yep, never an issue here, just insects that wash off easily. Have seen people put cling film over grips/bar tape (particularly if you need to ride it straight away when you arrive) but not many stones/chips would get up high enough to hit a bike on a roofrack. Even then, the frontal area that's painted is tiny anyway.

[bakerstreet]

If you are that bothered, then get a towbar fitted and fit a towball carrier, which are much better than the roof mounted units IMO.