Which roof mounted bike rack for carbon frame?

[seadragon]

Obviously being suitable for carbon bikes a must, but it must be a doddle to use and secure

Many thanks

[duff]

I've had no problems with Thule 591 on several carbon bikes over the years. I think there is a newer version now with better securing systems.

Some say they aren't suitable for carbon bikes but unless you're massively over tightening the clamp on very fragile bikes I can't see a problem...

[CoolC]

I wouldn't class any external bike racks as secure. Great for moving a bike from A to B but never for untended storage.

[PomBstard]

duff said:

I've had no problems with Thule 591 on several carbon bikes over the years. I think there is a newer version now with better securing systems.

Some say they aren't suitable for carbon bikes but unless you're massively over tightening the clamp on very fragile bikes I can't see a problem...

Same here. Have used one of hear for about 10 years, motorway speeds, B roads, with a carbon bike - no problem.

As for being secure - same with anything nice on display - if a scrote wants to nick it, they will.

Just remember your car will be a few feet higher than usual, and you can’t see it to be reminded...

[numtumfutunch]

duff said:

I've had no problems with Thule 591 on several carbon bikes over the years. I think there is a newer version now with better securing systems.

Some say they aren't suitable for carbon bikes but unless you're massively over tightening the clamp on very fragile bikes I can't see a problem...

Agreed

And by secure I imagine you mean at 85mph, not parked up in Liverpool??

[CoolC]

numtumfutunch said:

Agreed

And by secure I imagine you mean at 85mph, not parked up in Liverpool??

[47p2]

Just bought a Volvo branded Thule Proride 598 last week for almost half the price of a Thule branded unit. Dont see any more the same price now but the 'Genuine Volvo Aluminium Bicycle Holder' on eBay from a seller in the Huddersfield area are £64.99 which is still a significant saving

[naetype]

Yakima from roofbox.co.uk

This is way better than a Thule Linky

[MarkJS]

Been using a Thule 598 recently with a carbon Santa Cruz with no problems. Obviously, common sense prevails when tightening the main clamp. I think the wheel straps are strong/stable enough to keep the bike secure with the main clamp mainly keeping to bike upright, so I tighten the wheels first, then nip the main clamp.

[CraigBroadbent]

A lot of bike manufacturer's say not to clamp their carbon steads.
https://auxtail.com/about/carbon-clamping/

[Tri_Doc]

This is something I hadn't considered before, but are carbon frames ok to put on the regular rear mounted style bike racks, ie: two arms resting underneath the toptube?

[Your Dad]

Craig will always say no to clamping a carbon bike, as he sells bike carriers and likes to link to his company website.

I, like many others here, have never had an issue with a bike that's been on a roof mounted carrier that uses a clamp on the downtube. Yes, some manufacturers say not to, but some also void warranties if you use your bike for competing in races but that doesn't stop people.

[hyphen]

Thule also sell a separate Carbon frame protection device (looks like a rubber strap) to go with their roof racks, no one using it?
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/roof-bike...

Edited by hyphen on Tuesday 6th February 10:12

[MarkJS]

hyphen said:

Thule also sell a separate Carbon frame protection device (looks like a rubber strap) to go with their roof racks, no one using it?
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/roof-bike...

Edited by hyphen on Tuesday 6th February 10:12

It's a gimmick IMO. I bought one and sent it back for a refund - it's hard, rigid plastic and apart from possibly spreading the load/clamping force by a couple of cm's, I could see no benefit whatsoever. The clap on the Thule 598 is a good quality softish rubber which has a little 'give' and is much kinder on the frame I reckon.

[47p2]

MarkJS said:

It's a gimmick IMO. I bought one and sent it back for a refund - it's hard, rigid plastic and apart from possibly spreading the load/clamping force by a couple of cm's, I could see no benefit whatsoever. The clap on the Thule 598 is a good quality softish rubber which has a little 'give' and is much kinder on the frame I reckon.

Rigid in one direction but flexible enough to wrap round the frame spreading the load. So rather than the 598 clamp tightening up on a 25mm section of the frame the load is not spread along the 100mm length of the frame protector

[Goosey-itr]

out of the 2 mentioned i'd really go for the 598. I have 1 of each and much prefer the newer ones, even available in black if it tickles your fancy

[47p2]

Volvo Aluminium Bicycle Holder With Frame Bracket (Thule ProRide 598).

[MarkJS]

Seeing as we're doing photo's. Thule 598 Volvo branded with carbon MTB.

[bakerstreet]

I'd advise fitting a towbar and using a tow bar mounted rack. Much better all round solution IMO.

I know its more expensive, but I've been through all the options and the rack on a towbar is much easier to install and fit the bike to.

[seadragon]

I would for for a towbar generally, but sticking one on my Golf R estate just isn’t an option, would ruin the look and I already have roofbars so getting roof bike rack makes more sense for me

I think will go for the 598, many thanks for the views though