Thule Proride 591

bluebirdmark

Hi.
Ive just gone and bought myself a Giant Anthem X2 in the sales and am now looking for a bike carrier. Im really tempted with the Thule Proride 591. Trouble is im a little concerned as to how the clamp on the Thule will fit around the frame of the Anthem, being as the frame is quite square and with a number of cables running along the frame and looping to the rear shock.
Will it clamp the bike safely without crushing the cables, or will it clamp the bike at all?.
Could anyone shed some light on this for me please.
Thanks.
Mark

peter_booker2003

depends what size you have but should be fine. My anthem used to fit on easily. just clamp it onto the frame underneath the cables and it will be fine

handsome devil

Best carrier by a mile - I have 3 and I have put various bikes on with no problems (with one exception - my mates Marin Mount Vision). Your Anthem won`t be a problem.

bluebirdmark

Nice one. Was just a bit worried about it regarding cables etc. Theres not much room to put the clamp on the frame under the cables on the downtube really. They seem really good carriers, just concerns me having a £2000 bike on the roof and not being able to see it is another worry!!. You reckon this one is better than getting a rear carrier?

waby1234

Both have advantages and disadvantages. I really like the Proride and having the bike up on the roof out of the way.

Boot mounted or tow bar mounted can also be good and more economical/quieter. Just depends what you want from your carrier.

bluebirdmark

Basically, i want a carrier thats going to be secure and strong, one that i havent got to worry about and one that gets me to where i want to ride with no hassle. What are the cons to a roof carrier, are they noisy etc. Basically i narrowed it down to two choices really, the Thule and this one: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165477
Havent made my mind up really, but i need to soon

zanush

I was looking at the Thule Proride 591 myself and did see an anthem in one but i'm uncertain as to whether it would fit my boardan fs team seeing as it has the downtube cable's ie hydraulic brake and gears :?: ...plus me being a short arse adds to the problem lol. I'd rather have that than going to the expense of a towbar and carrier, i really need to sort something out as it is becoming a chore having to take the front wheel off all the time and man handle it into the back of the car ....

waby1234

I have the Proride and would thoroughly recommend it - however fuel consumption will increase and wind noise can be noticeable at times. Otherwise it's rock solid - have done several hundred miles with the bike on the roof. I like having the bike out of the way. If you already have roof bars then it's a good buy - mine cost £74 brand new ffl
eBay.

Hatch mounted carriers can be less sturdy and can restrict access to the boot. They can also be easier to lift bikes onto and potentially can carry multiple bikes.

Swings and roundabouts really!!

My Fury has down tube cables and the clamp is no issue.

rapid_donkey

I have Thule roof bars and often consider getting a Thule roof mounted carrier.
However, even though I have a 3 door A3, I always come back to putting the bike in the back of the car.
The bike is secure and out of sight (compared to rack or roof), doesnt affect mpg or create wind noise, the bike doesnt get covered in flies or wet if it rains, and if the bike is dirty, a 2m x 1m tarpaulin covers the boot and seats perfectly.

zanush

I don't already have roof bars so would have to spend £152 getting those first (citroen ones with replacement roof strips) but then to find out it doesn't fit in the carrier properly would be a pain. I can get a towbar with single electric fitted for £215 and £130 for a thule ride on 2 bike carrier and have no worries about bike fitting.
I have a citroen ds3 so prolly same size as your A3 and end up doing pretty much the same thing as you and all options have their pro's and con's. I'm just wondering how long the 15mm maxle will hold up with the wear and tear of being taken out multiple times a week :?

rapid_donkey

I always worried aswell that if I put a minging bike on the roof, the wind will blow the mud and stones and gravel from the tyres and frame onto cars behind, and I wouldnt want to piss off other road users.
I have a Giant Trance X3 with Fox forks and a 15mm axle. Mine is in and out all the time, as long as you keep it clean it shouldnt be a problem.
I often put a bit of general purpose grease (the red stuff from Halfords) on tthe threads of the axle and it slides in and out and screws up as sweet as the day I got it.

zanush

I've got a tub of Fuchs Renolit Aqua 2 (formerly Century aqua lube) which is a boat trailer hub grease, i'll use some of that seeing as it's sitting there doing nothing.

bluebirdmark

Decisions, decisions!. I still can't make my mind up. Until I do, I might just stick it in the back of my car. I've got a Mazda 6 and it'll go in the back without having to drop the front wheel, so no hassle really.

Stevo_666

I've had my Anthem clamped into a 591 too many times to count now and never had a problem. You can clamp over the cables or move them, both ways work.

chrisw333

Roof carriers are fine. Far better than the strap on rear ones, which always seem to damage your car.

balmybaldwin

These are the biggest problem with roof racks: http://goo.gl/maps/9i2C0 (Leithhill carpark)

waby1234

balmybaldwin wrote:

These are the biggest problem with roof racks: http://goo.gl/maps/9i2C0 (Leithhill carpark)

The problem there is actually the driver not knowing the height if the vehicle.

balmybaldwin

waby1234 wrote:

balmybaldwin wrote:

These are the biggest problem with roof racks: http://goo.gl/maps/9i2C0 (Leithhill carpark)

The problem there is actually the driver not knowing the height if the vehicle.

No, the problem is you can't get in and out of some carparks with bikes on the roof, and instead have to stop outside and unload bikes before parking, and drive out before you reload bikes when leaving it's a PITA

waby1234

balmybaldwin wrote:

waby1234 wrote:

balmybaldwin wrote:

These are the biggest problem with roof racks: http://goo.gl/maps/9i2C0 (Leithhill carpark)

The problem there is actually the driver not knowing the height if the vehicle.

No, the problem is you can't get in and out of some carparks with bikes on the roof, and instead have to stop outside and unload bikes before parking, and drive out before you reload bikes when leaving it's a PITA

That's the driver again then - for wanting to park there.