Best way of carrying carbon bikes on roof of car?

Father Faff

I don't want to put my carbon frame in those clamps that grip the downtube at probably its thinnest point. I've seen some cars with carriers where you take the front wheel off and use the front wheel holder to mount the bike I assume this is the best way for a carbon frame? If so what make are the carriers?

Geo555

Thule 561 Outride is one of the most common fork holder cycle carrier, although it's not recommended for full carbon forks, ie. no metal dropouts.
A couple of alternative are the Inno Tyre Hold or Yakima Frontloader.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/ ... -range.php

sloppyschleckonds

proto

Geo555 wrote:

Thule 561 Outride is one of the most common fork holder cycle carrier, although it's not recommended for full carbon forks, ie. no metal dropouts.

I think Thule have withdrawn that proviso, and for what it's worth I've carried bikes with carbon fork dropouts using a 561 for thousands of miles without incident. On occasion, well over 100mph too.

Father Faff

SloppySchleckonds wrote:

What make is that then?

ellotreacle

Father Faff wrote:

SloppySchleckonds wrote:

What make is that then?

It's the SeaSucker
http://www.seasucker.com/shop/1187/

Anonymous

What can happen if you use a normal Thule roof carrier?
They do not grip the down tube very hard.

spankwilder

Carbonator wrote:

What can happen if you use a normal Thule roof carrier?
They do not grip the down tube very hard.

The Proride is fine for carbon frames.. But, just don't cramp the jaws too tight. Also! if you get movement between the jaws and your frame, it'll dull/scratch the finish.

Outride is probably the best carrier for carbon frames as you're clamping it where it designed to take the stress. Worth noting on some forks though, that the outer part of the dropouts can foul the clamp (damage your forks), so give it a go in the store before you fit it to your car!

Bar Shaker

Unless your car is an Exige or similar, I would always put the bike inside the car.

The risks of forgetting it's there and driving under a car park height restriction or similar are just too scary. I have seen the aftermath of such an event. It still haunts me!!

orangepip

SloppySchleckonds wrote:

That does look pretty awesome. Anyone actually used one?