Carbon bikes and car racks.

Brian B
Brian B Posts: 2,071
edited September 2007 in Workshop
I use a thule car rack with a big mouth style clamp. Can you damage a carbon frame as with my new bike I try not to clamp it too tight. Thanks in advance.
Brian B.

Comments

  • Brian B
    Brian B Posts: 2,071
    Sorry - Ping
    Brian B.
  • bikeit65
    bikeit65 Posts: 999
    Hi Brian what is the full name of the carrier you use.
    https://www.instagram.com/seanmcgrathphotography/
    Trek Domane SL7 GEN4
    Planet X RT58
    Cannondale CAAD 10 2012.
    Pain.. Is weakness leaving the body.

    HATING LIFE-CYCLES FROM 2011
  • Brian B
    Brian B Posts: 2,071
    The thule 599 xtr system - which was replaced by the thule 591 last year I think.
    Brian B.
  • bikeit65
    bikeit65 Posts: 999
    Brian IMO i would never use a roof monuted bike carrier especially to hold a carbon frame.
    I would only use either the Thule G5 904 / Pro 903 / 945/947 / 9402/9403.
    You can see them all here http://www.thule.com/Thule/ProductListP ... 45911.aspx
    https://www.instagram.com/seanmcgrathphotography/
    Trek Domane SL7 GEN4
    Planet X RT58
    Cannondale CAAD 10 2012.
    Pain.. Is weakness leaving the body.

    HATING LIFE-CYCLES FROM 2011
  • Brian B
    Brian B Posts: 2,071
    I have transported Alu framed bikes on this system for 6 years without any probs and I thought that as long as I dont over tighten the downtube my carbon bike should be ok. I have seen lots of bikes on the big tours and even yesterday on the TOB transported this way.

    Obvioulsly I am seeking advice - but what is the worst that could happen? I am hoping to upgrade to the THULE 591 system soon but would like to know if any others with carbon bikes transport their bikes this way.
    Brian B.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    OK, you're not supposed to 'clamp' unsupported carbon for obvious reasons and roofrack manufacturers post various 'don'ts' mainly for product liability reasons. The fact is that the loads on an unladed carbon-framed bike on a roof rack are significantly less than they would be for a laden bike ridden at speed, therefore you shouldn't worry - just be sensible - don't crank it up. As for any roofrack being unsuitable for carbon - anyone care to mention it to most pro tour teams?
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • zoggz
    zoggz Posts: 58
    use some cut up foam copper pipe lagging from wickes or plumbcenter mate.i own a 591 and its not done owt to mine :)
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Use padding, and dont go OTT and you should be fine.
  • baudman
    baudman Posts: 757
    Bikeit65 wrote:
    Brian IMO i would never use a roof monuted bike carrier especially to hold a carbon frame.

    Why not? (I don't have carbon, but I'm more interested in the 'would never use roof mounted). I'm thinking about getting one.
    Commute - MASI Souville3 | Road/CX - MASI Speciale CX | Family - 80s ugly | Utility - Cargobike
  • alang498
    alang498 Posts: 9
    I have just become the proud owner of a carbon framed Synapse and intend to transport it on a Saris Bones car boot mounted bike rack, but will protect the top tube with the foam tubes used for loft pipe insulation. Having previously ridden an aluminium frame I am still inclined to treat the carbon frame as if it was glass. Any confidence boosting comments about carbon frames and bike carriers would be appreciated !
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    I did hear about a numpty who drove his car into the garage with his OCLV trek on the roof. Amazingly the bike was ok, but the garage door was shagged.

    Carbon isn't really that fragile, but I wouldnt knock it over or drop things on it. So pretty much the same as any bike ?

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