How fast with a roof bike rack + bike?

[john_p]

I know it depends on a lot but with a mountain bike fitted to a roof mounted bike rack, what is a safe maximum speed? Can it go to 60-70 or should I stay 30-40ish ?

The roof and bike rack on their own seem fine up to 70mph.

The bike is secured with an arm around the bottom tube and straps around each wheel..

[munroman]

Judging by what I saw on the A9 northbound today, anything up to 80mph

This was with 3 bikes on the roof.

Certainly 30-40 is way too slow, the most important thing is regular check that everything is still tight and hasn't started to work loose, and, based on a friends escapade, remember you have the bikes on when you approach a height limiting barrier!

[rfn]

I went to Germany when I had the Mondeo. Thule roof rack and Bike bars.

It was fine upto 100+ for sustained periods. I probably shouldn't have gone that fast but every time I stopped I double-checked everything was on okay.

I wouldn't forsee a problem at "usual cruising speeds". More safe than a boot-mounted rack!

[Knackered dad]

Zafira, two mountain bikes on the roof, also one hanging off the back. 70/75 no problem. Probably would be fine faster, not that thats legal of course.

[edo]

I had the Porsche Transpoortation system on my Cayman (Mont Blanc Barracuda) and with two bikes it was rock solid. 3 figures (Germany) easily do-able. Didnt help mpg that much of course.

[john_p]

Thanks all. I shall try the local dual carriageway tomorrow and take the bike faster than it's ever been before..

..with nobody behind me, just in case