Downtube clamping roo carriers

[shanta]

Hi

Just got myself and other my half our first carbon road bikes and was told by the shop i got them from NOT to use the carrier as it clamps the downtube and can "crush" the carbon, this seems odd. I have done a bit of "google'ing" and opinion seems devided. Anyone actually damaged a frame with one of these.

Cheers

 

[EltonFrog]

Hi

Just got myself and other my half our first carbon road bikes and was told by the shop i got them from NOT to use the carrier as it clamps the downtube and can "crush" the carbon. Done a bit of "google'ing" and opinion seems devided. Anyone actually damaged a frame with one of these.

Cheers

Load of bollox. Pro bike teams have loads of bikes clamped to their cars.

 

[shanta]

Thats what i mean, has anyone actually wrecked one on a carrier?

 

[PK99]

Well I haven't, driven thousands of miles with two carbon bikes on the roof clamped to the down tube. If the CF in the down tube was weak enough to crush with a bike clamp it wouldn't be strong enough to any use as a down tube. I'm no expert just my guess.

I've never heard of anyone else crushing on either.

WRONG, carbon fibre components are strong in the direction of intended load, but weak to crush forces.

From British cycling:

Avoid the crush
As we’ve already mentioned with regards to not over tightening components, carbon fibre is prone to crush damage. Care needs to be taken when using work stands and car racks that clamp onto tubing. Use the minimum pressure required to hold the bike in place, clamp onto foam pipe lagging for extra protection and maybe consider an alternative system for transporting your bike. If you’re intending to fly with your bike, we would strongly recommend a hard case.


Read more at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/k...-Zone-Caring-for-Carbon-0#P0iupeUoKfgpFHvO.99

Wrt the pros, their roof carriers will be set correctly for the bikes they carry,



Also

http://www.carbonbiketechnics.co.uk/2016/03/a-peek-into-common-damage-areas-and_30.html

 

[shanta]

User has a point..

Although I've just had Facebook message from another LBS who say DON'T...

Surely someone out there must have mullered a frame this way?

 

[fossyant]

You don't over clamp any tube. Just enough to hold it. I'm not whacking up the clamping force to damage the paint on my steel bikes. You are more likely to scratch them. Just use some foam or rags if worried. You just need the bike secure enough not to wriggle. Best advice with roof carriers, use two straps on the front wheel, as far apart as you can, stops the wheel oscillation at speed, and bike wobble. Use an old toe strap to dampen the wriggle.

 

[PK99]

[QUOTE 4271575, member: 45"]That doesn't say don't.[/QUOTE]

Correct, it says be very careful.