Rear Mounted Bike Rack.

Scorpion

I bought a bike carrier, one that fits over the rear mounted spare on my Toyota Surf, last year and today was the first time I tried it on my truck. It was a bit of a fiddle as there were no instructions but it seemed to be very secure by the time I'd finished.

I just mounted my old Giant Chicago on it to give it a try and it looked fine. The thing is the rubber and cloth securing straps rub up against the frame of the bike. Now while I don't mind this on the Giant I would prefer to be a little more cautious when mounting a brand new bike on the back.

So, after all that useless info, I wondered how many of you use a bike rack and how do you keep it from damaging your bikes? I had considered foam rubber but I assume when that gets wet it may also cause damage?

Or am I just being totally anal and should I just fasten it on as designed? :roll: :roll: :roll:

mcbazza

old socks!!

johnnyrotten

Yay for old socks!!! Me too! I thought it looked a bit pikey, but if someone else is doing it, that's cool I'm going to get some pipe lagging stuff for next time though, just so I 'know' my bike won't get damaged.

ratty2k

Helicopter tape on the bike frame, just stick it where you need to stop it rubbing and bingo!

mcbazza

Yeah, pipe lagging is also good.
The lagging is good for the forks, as with more than one bike on the rack the forks tend to touch another bike. Whereas, we wrap the socks around the frame where the clamp from the trailer mounts onto the frame.

Scorpion

Cheers guys, pipe lagging and old socks, not the top of my list as accessories but they certainly seem to do the job!

Panter

If its the "straight bits" ie you can slide something over the metal then you can get shrink tube that will fit from most sea fishing tackle shoops. Its used to make the handle on top-end beach casters and is tough, hardwearing and won't scratch your bike.

cheers

Chris

Scorpion

Just had the Avalanche on the bike rack this afternoon and I must admit I may have been over reacting. There are 4 rubber securing straps (carrys 2 bikes) on the straight hangers and the bike sits nicely on 2 of them. The other two cloth straps wrap around the frame so I think I'll just get some pipe lagging for those sections.

I must admit it was a bit scary having the new bike strapped on the back for the first time, I had visions of it falling off and going under the wheels of the car behind! :roll: :roll: :roll:

lesz42

i have just got a carrier too, rear mounted, and was very conscious of it, spent more time looking at the mirror ( noob) :shock:



guess that will subside! lol, ( i feel shamed!)

toby_g

don't feel shamed, when I first got mine I was petrified. The whole journey was spent looking in the rear view mirror, and pulled over every half hour to check the tension in the straps/clips etc.

Now I know that the thing is bomb proof and the straps will hold a Rhino, I drive with much more confidence.