Carbon Bikes and Cycle Roof Carriers

ForumNewbie

A while ago ago I read somewhere that if bikes with Carbon frames are clamped on to Cycle Roof Carriers like the Thule ProRide 591 http://www.thule.com/en/GB/Products/Bike-Carriers/RoofCarriers/Thule-ProRide-591, where the sloping downtube of the frame is clamped tightly to the carrier, this could damage the carbon frame.

I use a Thule ProRide 591 carrier and am considering buying a carbon bike so wondering if there is any truth in that?

ajb72

I use said carrier and I believe this is a bit of a myth. Thule themselves do not suggest carbon frames are not to be used with the carrier (as far as I know!), and carbon frames are seriously strong (there's a youtube video somewhere showing one being crushed in a vice - it takes some considerable effort to achieve).

The clamp is shaped in a way that to helps to spread the pressure point on the frame, rather than have two small points exactly opposite.

If you have any doubts, get a different version, but I have never had an issue, and not heard of one either.

ForumNewbie

ajb72 wrote:

I use said carrier and I believe this is a bit of a myth. Thule themselves do not suggest carbon frames are not to be used with the carrier (as far as I know!), and carbon frames are seriously strong (there's a youtube video somewhere showing one being crushed in a vice - it takes some considerable effort to achieve).

The clamp is shaped in a way that to helps to spread the pressure point on the frame, rather than have two small points exactly opposite.

If you have any doubts, get a different version, but I have never had an issue, and not heard of one either.

Thanks for that ajb72.

chris_phillips

I actually contacted Thule with the same issue and they were not advocating carbon bikes on roof racks but were not condoning them either, they said as long as you use common sense and dont overtighten, then it should not be a problem.I also use a couple of bungee cords to try and eliminate any lateral movement.seems to have worked thus far. As long as you drive sensibly I really cant see there being a problem. Have you considered the fork attachments?

brettjmcc

I bought a set of these last year as they had them on offer in my local Halfords: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 65515#dtab

Very similar to the Thule. I took my carbon cannondale up to the lakes from Essex on top of an SMAX. No issues here. As people say just tighten enough.

mroli

For £35 - why run the risk?!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWNX:IT

Works great for me... Course the front wheel comes in the car - but I think you can get independent front wheel clamps too http://www.parker-international.co.uk/5 ... older.html

ForumNewbie

Chris Phillips wrote:

I actually contacted Thule with the same issue and they were not advocating carbon bikes on roof racks but were not condoning them either, they said as long as you use common sense and dont overtighten, then it should not be a problem.I also use a couple of bungee cords to try and eliminate any lateral movement.seems to have worked thus far. As long as you drive sensibly I really cant see there being a problem. Have you considered the fork attachments?

I suppose you would have to tighten really really hard to dent the frame, as a carbon frame can't be that soft? I'm not very strong so I'd probably be okay even if I tighten it as hard as I can.