How secure is a bike on a car rack?

redddraggon

http://www.saris.com/p-198-sentinel-2-bike.aspx

I have one of these racks. I have yet to use the rack while the car is in motion, but I can securely attach the rack to the car.

I'm a bit worried about my bike being held onto the rack, there's two plastic straps to hold the bike on. Is that all I need? It doesn't seem very secure, am I missing a vital point?

LangerDan

The plastic straps should be fine. If you are concerned, though, something like a toe-strap or a bungee cord can be used for additional peace of mind.

One thing to watch out for on such a rack is that the inner pedal can sometimes bang against the bumper or tailagate so you might need to either put some padding around the pedal and/or use (another!) bungee cord to tie the wheel to the cars towing eye.

Courage Monsieur

Also bear in mind other "security" issues. Many thefts of bikes from petrol stations etc with these. People think just because it's strapped onto the car it's secure, when it isn't at all.

Cheers

Paul

LangerDan

RE: Pauls security comment above. You used to be able to buy (or make yourself) a 2-metre length of steel cable with fist-sized metal "balls" at each end. You threaded the cable through the bike on the boot or roof rack and then chucked the "ball" ends into the car before closing the door / boot. The balls prevented the cable from being pulled back out. Not the ultimate in security but usually enough to deter the opportunist thief.