Thule 591 and deep rims

Dan Walton

Hi all, I have searched as I'm sure I've read about this somewhere before, but does anyone know what sort of rim depth the straps on my Thule 591 will accommodate?

I'm hopefully ordering a new bike next week and I'm not sure if the straps will fit over the wheels. I think the wheels are 55 or 58mm deep (Giant SL1 Aero). If they aren't long enough, does anyone know of anywhere where I can get some longer ones!? Again, I have tried looking but also don't want to spend too long hunting if they aren't required.

Thanks!

stepdavi

On my trek I had 52mm clinches and straps were easily long enough mate

SoSimple

You should be fine size wise as the straps have plenty of length but I'd think carefully about using a Thule 591 to transport a carbon frame if thats what you're getting.

Its not recommended to clamp the downtube on a carbon frame, especially as the ratchet action on the 591 needs to be as tight as possible and even then, you'll get some lateral movement from the vehicle motion.

Some people will say they've carried their bikes like that, usually with extra padding such as pipe lagging but not sure I'd be taking the risk on a new bike!

Dan Walton

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19685117#p19685117]stepdavi[/url] wrote:

On my trek I had 52mm clinches and straps were easily long enough mate

Thanks stepdavi, should be ok then. Have you ever used the 591 for your Propel?

SoSimple, I know, I read up a lot on which carrier to buy before I got the 591, I think it should be fine. Lots of people say it will damage a carbon frame, but no one seems to have actually managed to damage theirs in the carrier, some have even crashed into low objects and have done damage to their cars, but I haven't found anyone saying that they have actually broken their frame in the carrier.
From what I could see, it was 591 and break your frame, or 561 and break your carbon dropout fork. Have you had experience of the 591 damaging a carbon frame?

stepdavi

yes mate used it on both giant and trek, followed the tour last year all over yorkshire (probably covered 200 miles) with trek on roof with no issues or damage. you dont have to clamp the down tube as tight as possible just reasonably, every sportive ive been to ive seen hundreds of thule 591s holding anything from £100 bikes to £10000 pinerellos. i really rate them and wouldnt hesitate recommending them. They come with 20mmx20mm t piece fittings which are excellent if you have roof bars with the t piece track in them.

Dan Walton

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19685386#p19685386]stepdavi[/url] wrote:

yes mate used it on both giant and trek, followed the tour last year all over yorkshire (probably covered 200 miles) with trek on roof with no issues or damage. you dont have to clamp the down tube as tight as possible just reasonably, every sportive ive been to ive seen hundreds of thule 591s holding anything from £100 bikes to £10000 pinerellos. i really rate them and wouldnt hesitate recommending them. They come with 20mmx20mm t piece fittings which are excellent if you have roof bars with the t piece track in them.

Yes, I already have the rack I've been using it with my MTB and current road bike and I've been very pleased, was just concerned about the straps over the wheels but from what you've said it should be fine. Also good to know that it'll fit over the Propel down tube! Thanks again.

SoSimple

When I bought my 591's, the guy specifically advised against carrying carbon frames, but said it was possible and 'shouldn't' cause any issues but he was aware of a number of crushed downtubes and it wouldnt be covered under frame warranty.

At the time, I had an alu frame but have subsequently upgraded to carbon.

I'm lucky to have a big estate car so can put it in the back but I'm sure in 99% of cases, you could probably safely carry a bike on the racks without issue.

Agree with the comment about not overtightening and would probably use some pipe lagging as the jaws are fairly firm rubber/plastic

stongle

Carried both my Madone 7 and Parlee on mine no issues whatsoever. The straps will accommodate the ENVE 6.7s, so that's 60&70mm rim depth accordingly.

Each to their own, but suspect tales of carbon bikes being crushed are anecdotal or amplified heresy nonsense, often driven by incompetent user error in the first place. Although I do treat my bikes with caddish abandon; I am slightly circumspect if I know I have to either drive fast or its a very windy day. In that case its seats down & bikes in the boot with my 2 and 5 yr olds on the roof (if you tie them flat they're surprisingly aero).

Dan Walton

Thanks guys, I can rest assured that the new bike should fit ok then! Now I just have to wait another 9 week or so to try it for myself...