Bike racks for carbon fiber bikes?
06-13-11, 08:14 AM
#26
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I'm using the Thule 517 Peloton fork mount with both my carbon bikes with no worries.
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400005_400169
Along with the 450 crossroad railing feet.
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400005_400169
And 50" load bars
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400005_400169
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400005_400169
Along with the 450 crossroad railing feet.
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400005_400169
And 50" load bars
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400005_400169
06-13-11, 10:30 AM
#28
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Hey guys!
My very first hitch mount was in fact the Swagman. Its a decent rack, holds the bikes really sturdy and its made pretty well. My biggest problem with the Swagman, and that carries over to the Stick Up and whatever the other one is from Thule, they make contact with the top tube. The bikes will vibrate around enough in the rack that eventually you'll start to mar the top tube. You can put a microfiber rag between the hook and top tube and that does help but then you have rags you have to keep up with every time you're loading and unloading your bikes. It's also a real negative when you are carrying bikes with cables across the top tube like mountain bikes. You have to put the rag between the cables and the frame.
Thats really the only negative I can say about the Swagman. Its light, it can be locked and it does a good job of carrying the bikes. Just the whole top tube thing kind of stinks.
If I was buying today, I still would buy the Raxter. I have a Yakima Holdup right now and its alright but in the grand scheme of things, I still think the Raxter is better. Its lighter, its easier to load the bikes and with the adjustability in bike position on the rack, you can fit just about anything on it.
Im hoping to obtain a Kuat towards the end of the season to review. I emailed them and they were very receptive, they just said their stock was too low to do it at the time.
In conclusion, of all the racks I have owned, this is probably how I would rank them.
1 - Raxter
2 - CycleOn Pro
3 - Thule T2
4 - Yakima Hold Up
5 - Swagman
6 - Thelma
Id rank the Thelma lower if I could
Hope that helps you guys and Ill be happy to answer any more questions you may have. I'm trying to hang around here more now that Im actually riding again.
My very first hitch mount was in fact the Swagman. Its a decent rack, holds the bikes really sturdy and its made pretty well. My biggest problem with the Swagman, and that carries over to the Stick Up and whatever the other one is from Thule, they make contact with the top tube. The bikes will vibrate around enough in the rack that eventually you'll start to mar the top tube. You can put a microfiber rag between the hook and top tube and that does help but then you have rags you have to keep up with every time you're loading and unloading your bikes. It's also a real negative when you are carrying bikes with cables across the top tube like mountain bikes. You have to put the rag between the cables and the frame.
Thats really the only negative I can say about the Swagman. Its light, it can be locked and it does a good job of carrying the bikes. Just the whole top tube thing kind of stinks.
If I was buying today, I still would buy the Raxter. I have a Yakima Holdup right now and its alright but in the grand scheme of things, I still think the Raxter is better. Its lighter, its easier to load the bikes and with the adjustability in bike position on the rack, you can fit just about anything on it.
Im hoping to obtain a Kuat towards the end of the season to review. I emailed them and they were very receptive, they just said their stock was too low to do it at the time.
In conclusion, of all the racks I have owned, this is probably how I would rank them.
1 - Raxter
2 - CycleOn Pro
3 - Thule T2
4 - Yakima Hold Up
5 - Swagman
6 - Thelma
Id rank the Thelma lower if I could
Hope that helps you guys and Ill be happy to answer any more questions you may have. I'm trying to hang around here more now that Im actually riding again.
06-13-11, 11:00 AM
#29
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Ill probably do a review on the Yakima just to add it to the list. The only really bad thing I can say about Yakima is their packaging sucks. I got 2 Hold Ups and both were beat all to hell when I opened the box. Trays cracked, paint scraped off the racks, etc. I managed to disassemble one of them and with the other, make a functional unit.
I thought long and hard about going back to the Cycle On Pro. Its a great rack and the tool less hitch mount would have been great on my new car.
06-13-11, 11:01 AM
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Wait till you get caught up in some wind and see how much you love it. That rack DESTROYED a front wheel on my bike when I got caught up in a freak windstorm.
06-13-11, 11:02 AM
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LOL.. this is actually what I went to when I had my Mazda 3 with roof rack and yea, these are great racks.
06-13-11, 05:11 PM
#32
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Hey Jayc:
Thanks for the great reviews. I really want the Raxter as well but the Swagman is so much cheaper I cannot resist trying. I am going to see what happens with the Swagman. If the guy does not respond to me I will just order the Raxter. Thanks again for the advice.
Claude
Thanks for the great reviews. I really want the Raxter as well but the Swagman is so much cheaper I cannot resist trying. I am going to see what happens with the Swagman. If the guy does not respond to me I will just order the Raxter. Thanks again for the advice.
Claude
06-13-11, 05:31 PM
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Yea, I transport one of my bikes nearly every day (as does my wife) and it is exclusively inside the car.
OP: What sort of hassle is taking off the wheel? Certainly you dont' think properly attaching it to any carrier rack, no matter what the style, is easier or quicker? By the way, if I can fit my bike inside a Subaru Forster or Outback wagon without taking off the wheel, surely you can do the same with a Forerunner, no?
The only reasons to have an exterior carrier rack of any sort are (1) if you just can't fit it inside the car (my wife and I both drive Subarus; I also have a Suburban with a fork mount inside) - like if you have stuff in the back or (2) you have to carry more than one bike.
We have a Yakima tray type, not hanging type for when we need it, but we use it very rarely.
By the way, I really don't understand the worry about using this type with a carbon frame. The downward pressure on the top tube is very low. Certainly a small fraction of one's body weight as you can't possibly push down on it with that much force, plus you never would because it's just not required. As for scuffing - which is a potential issue for the bike whether it's steel, alloy or cf - that's easily prevented by putting a piece of clear frame protector tape on the tube and/or some temporary duct tape or such.
OP: What sort of hassle is taking off the wheel? Certainly you dont' think properly attaching it to any carrier rack, no matter what the style, is easier or quicker? By the way, if I can fit my bike inside a Subaru Forster or Outback wagon without taking off the wheel, surely you can do the same with a Forerunner, no?
The only reasons to have an exterior carrier rack of any sort are (1) if you just can't fit it inside the car (my wife and I both drive Subarus; I also have a Suburban with a fork mount inside) - like if you have stuff in the back or (2) you have to carry more than one bike.
We have a Yakima tray type, not hanging type for when we need it, but we use it very rarely.
By the way, I really don't understand the worry about using this type with a carbon frame. The downward pressure on the top tube is very low. Certainly a small fraction of one's body weight as you can't possibly push down on it with that much force, plus you never would because it's just not required. As for scuffing - which is a potential issue for the bike whether it's steel, alloy or cf - that's easily prevented by putting a piece of clear frame protector tape on the tube and/or some temporary duct tape or such.
Last edited by Camilo; 06-13-11 at 05:46 PM.
06-14-11, 06:26 AM
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Just got one of these last week: https://www.kuatinnovations.com/index.php?page=sherpa Love it. Does not touch the frame. Very well built. And it's weights 33 lb. vs the 60 for the Thule and Yakima. Only problem is the security cable is too short to lock 2 bikes so I ordered another cable. I bought the rack at: www.etrailer.com
06-14-11, 06:41 AM
#36
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I have used Thule roof racks for eons.
I have traveled thousands of km on highways, up and over major mountains, in wind, rain, hail (once) and typhoons all with 4 carbon bikes on the roof.
Not one problem.
I don't like putting a bike inside the car because the chain gets grease in places where I don't want grease to be.
I don't understand this thinking that a bike (regardless of material) needs to e constantly babied or it will crumble into a smoldering pile. Think of what you do to it when you ride it.
Roof racks are how GOD intended bikes to be carried.
I have traveled thousands of km on highways, up and over major mountains, in wind, rain, hail (once) and typhoons all with 4 carbon bikes on the roof.
Not one problem.
I don't like putting a bike inside the car because the chain gets grease in places where I don't want grease to be.
I don't understand this thinking that a bike (regardless of material) needs to e constantly babied or it will crumble into a smoldering pile. Think of what you do to it when you ride it.
Roof racks are how GOD intended bikes to be carried.
06-14-11, 07:52 AM
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I'd rather get grease in my car (truck) than bugs & road dirt and rocks hitting my bike, and getting ground in there by rain and 65+ mph wind. 3 weeks ago I was traveling back from Moab over Vail Pass in a blizzard and one of the bikes got blown part way out of the yakima steelhead fork clamp. Luckily it leaned on the other bike up there and we were able to pull over and fix it before it was damaged. The bike didn't have lawyer tabs on the fork.
06-14-11, 08:16 AM
#38
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I'd rather get grease in my car (truck) than bugs & road dirt and rocks hitting my bike, and getting ground in there by rain and 65+ mph wind. 3 weeks ago I was traveling back from Moab over Vail Pass in a blizzard and one of the bikes got blown part way out of the yakima steelhead fork clamp. Luckily it leaned on the other bike up there and we were able to pull over and fix it before it was damaged. The bike didn't have lawyer tabs on the fork.
2. User error.
06-14-11, 10:33 AM
#39
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I'd rather get grease in my car (truck) than bugs & road dirt and rocks hitting my bike, and getting ground in there by rain and 65+ mph wind. 3 weeks ago I was traveling back from Moab over Vail Pass in a blizzard and one of the bikes got blown part way out of the yakima steelhead fork clamp. Luckily it leaned on the other bike up there and we were able to pull over and fix it before it was damaged. The bike didn't have lawyer tabs on the fork.
06-14-11, 10:42 AM
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Draft master. Expensive, but very well engineered, and very customizeable.
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You could get lost and die.
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You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
06-14-11, 12:06 PM
#41
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I found this roof mounted bike rack doing a Google search. The bike is attached by the crank. The rack is called the Crankster.
I haven't found much about it but looks like a good solution.
https://www.discount-trailers.com/bike_roof_rack.htm
I haven't found much about it but looks like a good solution.
https://www.discount-trailers.com/bike_roof_rack.htm
07-08-11, 01:40 PM
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Quick update to this thread.. Kuat is sending me out a rack to review. I should be able ot hopefully post something week after next. 1UP is not interested in having a review done. They said their rack was selling well enough it wasnt worth it to them to have someone review it.
Truthfully the Kuat NV looks like it could be the ultimate hitch rack. I hope it performs as well as it sounds. Built in repair stand??!! Thats awesome! We shall see in about a week.
Truthfully the Kuat NV looks like it could be the ultimate hitch rack. I hope it performs as well as it sounds. Built in repair stand??!! Thats awesome! We shall see in about a week.
07-15-11, 03:01 PM
#43
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Has anyone used the Kuat Sherpa or NV with a road bike? What concerns me is damage to the front brake from the hold down bar. Any experience - good or bad would be appreciated. Andy
07-15-11, 04:14 PM
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I just went through this decision and decided to try the Swagman (link below). I normally put my bike in my truck, but we've got a family trip planned and will have the truck filled with luggage and will be hauling 4 or 5 bikes up to Colorado. I wanted something to support the wheels, the price was right, and very few bad reviews.
I ordered it through amazon and it arrived today (came with a cable lock and locking hitch thing which were supposed to be extras, so nice suprise). Seems very well made. It's sitting in my dining room waiting for assembly, so far it's the best bike rack I've ever owned (first). Possible review to follow after I've actually used the thing.
https://www.amazon.com/Swagman-Cross-.../dp/B000GKN45C
I ordered it through amazon and it arrived today (came with a cable lock and locking hitch thing which were supposed to be extras, so nice suprise). Seems very well made. It's sitting in my dining room waiting for assembly, so far it's the best bike rack I've ever owned (first). Possible review to follow after I've actually used the thing.
https://www.amazon.com/Swagman-Cross-.../dp/B000GKN45C
07-15-11, 04:41 PM
#45
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07-15-11, 04:46 PM
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I have one too and like it. I greatly prefer a hitch rack to a roof rack. However, though it works very well, lately I've taken to laying two bikes on their sides inside the SUV with a doubled moving blanket between them. With the rear seats folded down they fit assembled, one facing forward and one back. They're out of the dirt and rain, and more secure from theft and damage. I can fit the car in the garage with the bikes in it whereas it won't easily fit with the bikes on the hitch rack.
07-15-11, 05:02 PM
#47
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Not sure where you live, but right after I read this thread, I came across this:
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...496391629.html
Thule Bike Rack for rear tow hitch ...holds a total of 4 bikes. Good condition. Fits a Chev Suburban/Tahoe Ford Expedition OEM hitch. ***$75.00****
Don't know the model, but thought I would post in case it helped you in any way. Good luck!
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...496391629.html
Thule Bike Rack for rear tow hitch ...holds a total of 4 bikes. Good condition. Fits a Chev Suburban/Tahoe Ford Expedition OEM hitch. ***$75.00****
Don't know the model, but thought I would post in case it helped you in any way. Good luck!
08-14-11, 01:42 PM
#49
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The point it, every other rack would have laughed at the wind and kept right on going. The Thelma, because of the way its made wont do that. Its a good rack for what it is but given the cost versus other things out there like the StickUp, I dont know why people would use it other than its really light.
08-14-11, 01:44 PM
#50
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Finally got a Kuat NV. They were redesigning the rack and wanted to send me the latest one to review. I assembled it out in the laboratory this morning, took about 40 minutes or so. A complete review is forthcoming however I have to say, if you're in the market for a rack and you can afford this one, its the one to have. The workmanship and design blow away everything Ive ever seen. If there was ever a fitting item for the "over engineered" moniker, this rack is it. So many subtle touches on this rack that to a regular person, they probably wouldnt even notice it but to anyone that's seen a zillion racks, this is one nice piece.
There's a lot of places they could have cut corners and didnt. Looks like my Yakima isnt going to be seeing much use from here on out.
There's a lot of places they could have cut corners and didnt. Looks like my Yakima isnt going to be seeing much use from here on out.