Discussion
Thinking about buying one because I can't fit my bike in the car and don't really want to sell the car.
But I'm concerned about a carbon racing bike sitting on the roof at 70 mph for 100+ miles. Are frames really desgined to take this much load especially with cross winds etc?
It just doesn't seem right...am I missing something?
But I'm concerned about a carbon racing bike sitting on the roof at 70 mph for 100+ miles. Are frames really desgined to take this much load especially with cross winds etc?
It just doesn't seem right...am I missing something?
I just bought a Thule system for my car to take my new bike. They seem quite stable, even in 'difficult' driving conditons...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BvOUBpDN00&fea...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmQ0SLw-Bv4
ETA: you're really asking about how the bike will fare, aren't you? D'oh, need to work on my speedreading!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BvOUBpDN00&fea...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmQ0SLw-Bv4
ETA: you're really asking about how the bike will fare, aren't you? D'oh, need to work on my speedreading!
CoolC said:
I do't think you have anything to worry about. I'm sure if there was there'd be all sorts of stories around about it.
There are plenty of horror stories on this subject. A quick google search will give numerous examples or damage caused to carbon frames using roofbars. May just be internet hysteria though.thule stuff is solid and well worth the inital outlay. i came back from the lakes with two mountain bikes on the roof in heavy rain and they barely wobbled. i also put the road bike up there and i'm confident its secure up there.
although its just one main support on the down tube and the plastic straps over the wheels they are strong bits of kit.
although its just one main support on the down tube and the plastic straps over the wheels they are strong bits of kit.
If you do go down the roof mounted route I wanted to recommend a place I bought a Thule 591 last week.
I had a look in my local Halfords, and saw it was £89.99, found a place on line, a Ford cars main dealer, where it was £58.22 plus £5.99 p&p and it came next day.
The place was Sandicliffe Ford in Nottingham.
I had a look in my local Halfords, and saw it was £89.99, found a place on line, a Ford cars main dealer, where it was £58.22 plus £5.99 p&p and it came next day.
The place was Sandicliffe Ford in Nottingham.
PH5121 said:
If you do go down the roof mounted route I wanted to recommend a place I bought a Thule 591 last week.
I had a look in my local Halfords, and saw it was £89.99, found a place on line, a Ford cars main dealer, where it was £58.22 plus £5.99 p&p and it came next day.
The place was Sandicliffe Ford in Nottingham.
I got my 591 from the same place yesterday! I also got a full rack with fitting kit on ebay for £50. Sorted!I had a look in my local Halfords, and saw it was £89.99, found a place on line, a Ford cars main dealer, where it was £58.22 plus £5.99 p&p and it came next day.
The place was Sandicliffe Ford in Nottingham.
Had to buy a short roof kit as well, but still saved plenty over buying new. It's things like this that ebay is made for.
ETA, I nearly bought from Sandicliffe but ended up going with ebay as it was a couple of quid cheaper.
Edited by MrsMiggins on Monday 24th October 16:21
You can get them on ebay for £53 + £7 shipping http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THULE-PRORIDE-591-BIKE-R...
Edited by MrsMiggins on Monday 24th October 16:20
CoolC said:
Every pro cycle team has their VERY expensive carbon bikes on roof mounted racks, so I can't see why the average Joe should worry.
As Jimboka says there are lots of horror stories kicking about. I've read that Pro Cycling teams don't really care about the bikes being up on the roofs, flying around hairpin bends etc because they have some of the best mechanics in the world stripping down the bikes everynight and replacing everything that shows any sign of wear and tear. It doesn't really compare with me, the one man bandit, who has to shell out for things from his own pocket.I missed the Thule auction finale on ebay as got stuck in a meeting...
Jimboka said:
There are plenty of horror stories on this subject. A quick google search will give numerous examples or damage caused to carbon frames using roofbars. May just be internet hysteria though.
Yeah, but hysteria in a Porsche 996/997 RMS issue way or an Audi RS6 DRC way?! How hysterical is it....?MrsMiggins said:
You can get them on ebay for £53 + £7 shipping http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THULE-PRORIDE-591-BIKE-R...
Thanks, by far the best roof carrier IMO. Edited by MrsMiggins on Monday 24th October 16:20
pablo said:
if yu are running 50mm wheels and a aero frame then yes, a sinde wind might be an issue, but if thats the case you probably have a bikeboxalan and a nice 330 estate.
for normal bikes with regular tubing and rims, roof racks are fine.
Was feeling pretty reassured about this comment until I mentioned it to the Elite category rider at work and got a bit of a dressing down. Apparently one never puts one's bike on the roof, always inside no matter what. Something about head tubes, weather, bugs, paint and surface damage. His bike is the same price as mine so looks like I'm just going to have to get those wheels off!for normal bikes with regular tubing and rims, roof racks are fine.
The Stiglet said:
Was feeling pretty reassured about this comment until I mentioned it to the Elite category rider at work and got a bit of a dressing down. Apparently one never puts one's bike on the roof, always inside no matter what. Something about head tubes, weather, bugs, paint and surface damage. His bike is the same price as mine so looks like I'm just going to have to get those wheels off!
If you fall off are you immmediately going to replace the bike?It'll be fine!
CoolC said:
If your really worried then get the type that fits to the front fork with the wheel removed and use one of those thong thingy's for use on rollers/turbo turned around to protect the headtube from the weather.
^^ This, have done plenty of motorway miles with mine strapped on the roof with no damage apart from copius dead flies getting everywhere.That said, i regret not getting the version that attaches to the forks and would choose this if starting again. Although there is a certain amount of flex in the Thule 591 which may dampen the effects before it gets to the frame?
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