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Bike stem - how to lock in forward position when transporting on trunk bike rack?

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Bike stem - how to lock in forward position when transporting on trunk bike rack?

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Old 06-06-21, 08:48 PM
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DC_Cycle
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Bike stem - how to lock in forward position when transporting on trunk bike rack?

Hi All:

When transporting my bicycle on a trunk-mounted bike rack, the stem (and thus front tire) move left and right constantly, particularly as I accelerate or brake in my car. This leads to lots of thuds and banging as the handle bars hit the bike's frame repeatedly from the left and right side, which doesn't seem ideal. Is there a tool to quickly lock the stem in the forward position while the bike is being transported? I've tried bungee cords as an ad-hoc solution to some minimal success but I am looking for something a little more elegant.

Thanks,

Last edited by DC_Cycle; 06-06-21 at 08:49 PM. Reason: Clarity
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Old 06-06-21, 09:02 PM
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Just strap the front wheel to the frame. Some racks come with Velcro straps for this very purpose.
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Old 06-06-21, 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Rolla
Just strap the front wheel to the frame. Some racks come with Velcro straps for this very purpose.
+1 Bungee cords are too stretchy to hold the fork/wheel stationary. Something rigid like nylon webbing with velcro should work better.
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Old 06-06-21, 10:44 PM
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some trunk racks come with a swing down arm brace in which to secure the front wheel to. i guess yours doesn't have one. a short cam buckle strap (like NRS) works well through the front wheel/spokes and through the frame/downtube.
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Old 06-06-21, 10:53 PM
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If you were my age you would have numerous toe clip straps hanging around. One of those looped through the front wheel and around the downtube of your bike would solve your problem instantly
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Old 06-07-21, 06:16 AM
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I use these. leave them right on the rack when not in use. usually running to bottle cage when in use

​​​​​​https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-06054-...3068071&sr=8-1
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Old 06-07-21, 07:01 AM
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Thanks all - bought some nylon + velcro straps which look like they will do the trick!
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Old 06-07-21, 08:10 AM
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The ultimate, albeit expensive, solution is a hitch rack with wheel trays.
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Old 06-07-21, 09:15 AM
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Twine does the job cheaply!
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Old 06-08-21, 04:23 PM
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Old toe straps
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Old 06-08-21, 10:47 PM
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Old 06-09-21, 02:23 AM
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Originally Posted by HillRider
+1 Bungee cords are too stretchy to hold the fork/wheel stationary.
Bungee cords can be made to work just fine. If they aren’t holding firmly enough simply stretch them more and double-loop them.
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Old 06-09-21, 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by HillRider
+1 Bungee cords are too stretchy to hold the fork/wheel stationary. Something rigid like nylon webbing with velcro should work better.
Even with nylon webbing there's going to be some movement, but it's going to be so small that brinelling-like wear might occur. That's why I prefer bungees, FWIW.
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