Roof mounted carrier ?

s1mon

Hi,

Just treated myself to a set of Thule roof bars, fitting kit and a 591 carrier 8) . Got it all mounted ok and stuck the bike on it seems to hold it pretty well bit wobbly on the front wheel. I've always used a boot mounted carrier but got pee'd off keep putting it on the boot then back off again :x How safe are these roof one's ? I haven't driven anywhere yet with the bike up there, too scared it's going to fall off :shock:

Simon.

The Big Cheese

If installed correctly I would say safe as a rear-mount.

There are the obvious precautions when it comes to height restrictions but apart from that I don't see anything unsafe about them.

I used to have a halfords rearmount rack but it rubbed a lot of the paint of mine and the GF's bikes (that we had at the time) so got rid.

Now (and this is no good if you don't have the room) I use a bike bag and sling the bikes in the back of the car (put seats down - small car - crap boot)

Thule always get good reviews and as long as you protect your frame where the arm grabs the downtube you'll be fine.

jellybellywmb

I have been using a 591 for two years and never had any problems. I know what you mean about the front wheel wobbling but don't worry this is normal just make sure you pull the straps down nice and tight and ensure the main clamp is centrally clamped and it will not go anywhere. I always add a couple of straps just in case something lets go but no need really.

I also just tend to stop quickly after the first few miles and give the bike a shake just to make sure nothing has come loose.

Yahoobedoo

I've done hundreds of miles on motorways and twisty roads with three bikes on the roof of my Accord no problems (touch wood) - not using Thule's, just basic Paddy Hopkirk's from Argos. The front wheel always wobbles slightly but as it's strapped it's not a problem.

As Jellybellywmb says, always stop after a few miles and check the mountings/straps/binders to make sure nothings come loose and do the same again when you return.

Andy B

I use Thule 591's & I'm no slouch when it comes to driving

I add an extra strap tied between the bikes top tubes when I'm carrying 2 bikes, & when carrying one bike I tie a strap around the frame & 591 clamp arm, just to be extra safe...

The 591 is a superb bit of kit, much better than the Halfords ones I used to use, with their fiddly fabric straps (really fiddly with cold wet fingers) & awkward clamping mechanisms.

The Big Cheese

Andy_B wrote:

I use Thule 591's & I'm no slouch when it comes to driving

I add an extra strap tied between the bikes top tubes when I'm carrying 2 bikes, & when carrying one bike I tie a strap around the frame & 591 clamp arm, just to be extra safe...

The 591 is a superb bit of kit, much better than the Halfords ones I used to use, with their fiddly fabric straps (really fiddly with cold wet fingers) & awkward clamping mechanisms.

Glad I am not the only one who had problems with Halfords straps - and you're right, a real bugger when your hands are cold!!!

s1mon

Thanks all.

Might put an extra strap or two just to be extra safe.

Simon.

shin0r

Another thumbs up for 591s here - great piece of kit.

colsibob

Our kid just got 1 from decathlon for 30 notes.

Used it yesterday it was fab.

Did a bit of fast motorway driving too !!!

s1mon

Hi,

I risked the the roof mount today :shock: , well didn't have much choice my bike was covered in mud and it wasn't going back in the back of the van well impressed with it staying on there did stop to check it once but all was ok.

Simon.

woodywmb

Thule kit is great. We've used it for 10 years without problem. They will even send you small replacement parts without charge after the warranty period. I wouldn't buy anything else for above the car. But be warned - low branches on trees can catch in the tubes or wheels and catapult the bikes off. You don't often realise that one stray branch is hanging about! The car gets damaged too - not just the bikes.

woodywmb

Thule kit is great. We've used it for 10 years without problem. They will even send you small replacement parts without charge after the warranty period. I wouldn't buy anything else for above the car. But be warned - low branches on trees can catch in the tubes or wheels and catapult the bikes off. You don't often realise that one stray branch is hanging about! The car gets damaged too - not just the bikes.