Has anyone done any distance with a SeaSucker rack?
Discussion
I've seen threads of people asking about SeaSuckers (suction cup bike racks for those not in the know) previously, but can't find any reviews of people doing long, high speed trips with them.
I am very skeptical about putting expensive bike's on a suction cup, but have seen enough videos that am coming around to the idea.
I have a company Mercedes C43 estate and cannot put a towbar on it. I will also already be using the roof rack for a roof box so no space up there.
I looked at just getting a boot rack, but nothing supposedly fits the car. I understand it's due to the spoiler on the top of the boot lid that can't take the pressure from the straps, hence looking at these SeaSuckers.
Every review I've read is largely people doing 1-2 hour trips at the max. I am driving to the south of France in a couple of weeks, so was curious if anyone's taken these on 8-12 hour drives, sat at 70-80mph for hours at a time.
This is how it will be fitted to the car, roofbox on top and the bike forks on the roof, with the back wheel at the bottom of the boot. No doubt will get some odd looks...
I am very skeptical about putting expensive bike's on a suction cup, but have seen enough videos that am coming around to the idea.
I have a company Mercedes C43 estate and cannot put a towbar on it. I will also already be using the roof rack for a roof box so no space up there.
I looked at just getting a boot rack, but nothing supposedly fits the car. I understand it's due to the spoiler on the top of the boot lid that can't take the pressure from the straps, hence looking at these SeaSuckers.
Every review I've read is largely people doing 1-2 hour trips at the max. I am driving to the south of France in a couple of weeks, so was curious if anyone's taken these on 8-12 hour drives, sat at 70-80mph for hours at a time.
This is how it will be fitted to the car, roofbox on top and the bike forks on the roof, with the back wheel at the bottom of the boot. No doubt will get some odd looks...
While I haven't driven with Seasuckers for that long I have left them on the car overnight before now.
First point is that if there is even the slightest hint of dirt or any unevenness in your paint they will loosen over six hours, and drop off altogether after ten or so.
Clean the surface scrupulously and use the silicon sealant stuff they come with before you stick them down and you should be fine though.
Either way, I'd check (and re-pump them if necessary) every few hours anyway.
k
Jockinthebox said:
I’ve driven to the SOF a few times with my bike on the roof, I’ve seen a few British cars heading down that way with seasuckers fitted, have you looked at a “saris bones” rack, I’ve used one to carry 2 bikes to Scotland from London
I did look at a Saris, but this will obscure the number plate and rear lights. Looking at getting the electrics out there didn't look simple hence looking at the vertical option.I did see Saris do a vertical one (gran fondo), but couldn't find any information whatsoever on wether these would fit the car.
I’ve done a couple of homeward journeys after a LEJOG using suction cup bike holders. That was a good 10 hours at motorway speeds. They held up just fine. The trick is to make sure that the surface they attach to is scrupulously cleaned and dried before attachment. and make sure that the racks are properly sucked down/ secure before setting off.
aspender said:
The Saris Gran Fondo rack holds the bikes in pretty much that position, and if mounted high enough the straps shouldn't interfere with the spoiler. It all depends on the angle of the rear screen but worth a look.
Seconded - I've got a Gran Fondo and have switched it between at least a dozen cars over the past couple of years. From memory, I can only think of one that it wouldn't fit onto. And you can still see the lights and plate, so no need for a light board.I've used a standard Saris rack on the back of a Skoda Octavia hatch, and now a Superb hatch, with and without a number plate board. It takes about 22 hours to get to Pescara in Italy, and I have never had any problem with the police or border guards when I have not had the number plate board. You see plenty of folk that don't have them. Of course, this could all change with the genius idea that is Brexit 
PHlL said:
Right, going to take the plunge (suction cup pun intended - sorry!)
Can't find a mini bomber in stock. Looks like it'll have to be two of the Talon smaller ones.
Is just under about £300 about for each one? Very pricey, hoping to find an independent who'll do two at a better deal.
I go try from the US - about half the price! (if you are going....and can wait post-COVID!)Can't find a mini bomber in stock. Looks like it'll have to be two of the Talon smaller ones.
Is just under about £300 about for each one? Very pricey, hoping to find an independent who'll do two at a better deal.
Maracus said:
Have you looked at the Treefrog?
Interesting... TUV approved and higher weight load. My big reservation would be it's less of a known brand so less tested, which doesn't help my concerns of the suction technology itself.
Will have a much closer look this evening.
I don't suppose anyone has any exposure to them?
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