Bike carrier security
 

I bought a used Thule carrier so I can go ride on some nearby bike paths. This is a trunk carrier held on with straps.
Should I remove it and put it in the trunk while riding or do these not get stolen often enough to bother?

I never worried about it when I had a carrier like that, but I never went riding on bike paths near Fort Worth. Like all other crime statistics, the answer will depend on where you are. Unfortunately, I know nothing about the crime rate in your area.

Thanks. I was just curious if carrier theft was a general problem.
In scuba diving several divers have had their cars broken into while diving.

If someone breaks into your car while you are cycling they might steal your rack anyway. Are you able to carry your bike inside your car? You wouldn't need a rack in that case. Years ago, I carried 2 road bikes inside my VW Passat when traveling for a 1 week vacation with a friend along with all the luggage we needed for 7 days. If I am going for a day ride I always carry my bike inside the car

Where will you be parking? If at Clear Fork trailhead, probably not. If at the park on University, probably so. Gotta know the hood.

At first I want to ride the loop around Marine Creek Lake. If I do ride the Trinity trail I will probably hide it.

The bike will fit in the trunk if I remove both wheels. That is why I bought the carrier.

I leave my bike rack (carrier) on my car all the time, except in the winter. It has a locking hitch pin, and I have not ha any issues with damage or attempted theft. I've used my hitch racks this way for over over 8 years, and my roof racks for 20+ years. A trunk rack is probably not as secure, and could be a problem.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...58221c66_c.jpg

I see people leave them on the car at River Legacy. A friend with a trunk rack has never lost his. Probably just need to be aware of where you are. I wouldn’t think they are a big target for thieves since they generally don’t have much black market value.

The answer is pretty simple. Can you get your bike home without the rack?

If you can, and having the rack stolen will not be a major inconvenience to your budget, I imagine even a Thule trunk rack is not cheap, then don't lock it.

If you can't get the bike home, then you should probably remove it.

At the very least, I'd get a Thule lock strap so it will take a bit longer to take the rack off.

John

If it is a trunk rack make sure all of the straps and connections are in good shape, the rack is less of a bike carrier and more of a safety device if it fails those bikes could go flying into someone else's window or something and cause grave damage. If everything is good on it make sure it is installed properly and regularly checked.

In terms of leaving it on or off the car I would leave it on for a day while I am out riding but would make sure to take it off regularly and store it inside away from damaging UV rays and extreme temperatures.

You're talking about the ones that clip into the edge of the open tailgate and then are held in place with straps?
If so, they are going to be pretty hard to steal without breaking in the car first or damaging the straps, and they aren't really expensive new so unlikely to be worth much used even without damage. The bigger risk is that someone may try and cut the straps to steal the bike, if the bike is locked onto the rack.

If it's a towball mounted one, Thule do a barrel lock for about $20 that'll prevent it being removed, which is worth it because they would otherwise just screw off. To be honest I don't know why they don't already come with it fitted as most other brands do.

It attaches to the trunk lid with straps.
I was concerned about someone stealing it while I was on my bike. I won’t be leaving my bike on it.

The hitch mounted racks are pretty expensive and some thieves know that. I’ve heard of those getting stolen.

The trunk rack you’ve got isn’t worth much and certainly won’t bring much cash at a pawnshop or whatever. It’s probably fine.

Sherwin Williams sells the best bike racks for only about $10.00. They call them painter's canvas drop cloths.

I wouldn't worry about it then, you're probably more likely to get your bike stolen whilst putting the rack back together. If you can get the bike in the car in an emergency, then worst case is you need to buy a new rack later.