Roof racks and carbon fibre bikes

[User66445]

The only type of bike rack my car will take is a roof-mounted one, which I've duly fitted. However, I'm wondering whether it is suitable for my Time, given the arm that holds the bike upright atttaches to the frame and has to be fairly tight to stop movement.

I'm told that CF frames aren't meant to be compressed, so am wondering what people here think - do I run the risk of damaging the bike?

 

[Drago]

Everyone will have their own opinion, but the only people who can give you a definitive answer are the bike manufacturer...

Email contact@timesport.com

 

[DCBassman]

If the arm on a Thule or similar rack can exert enough crushing pressure to damage a CF frame, then that frame is too delicate to be ridden. They hold them, they don't CLAMP them.

 

[Drago]

Arent there roof mounted sysyems that hold the bikemupside down by the seat and handlebars, or the rightway up with the front fork dropouts clamped into the system? Someone will have been there before.

 

[RussellZero]

I use these kind of bike racks for carbon frames - its fine, they can be held securely without compressing the tube, just be careful to make sure you don't overdo the tightness, it is possible to squeeze the frames so they go out of shape when clamped. The bike will be secured on both wheels as well, the arm in the middle just holds it in place really, stops it falling sideways.

 

[Globalti]

You just need to appreciate that a carbon fibre reinforced frame is a massively stiff and strong structure, like a cardboard tube but like that tube it has little resistance to localised crushing or point impacts.

 

[DCBassman]

The point I was trying to make was that you cannot apply sufficient crushing force with a Thule carrier. It would break first, I'm pretty sure.

 

[Gary E]

Just out of interest what car do you have?

 

[fossyant]

Wrap the clamping point with an old inner tube ( to stop scratching) and carefully tighten. Its the same with any frame. Too tight you'll damage the paint. Just dont be ham fisted. The wheel straps hold the bike on. The clamp is to hold it upright.

 

[User66445]

Just out of interest what car do you have?

Clio RS. I have contacted Time but no reply as yet.

 

[Gary E]

Clio RS. I have contacted Time but no reply as yet.

No idea how much you want to spend but have you considered getting a tow bar fitted? I used roof bars for years but recently switched to a tow bar bike rack. Much better IMO. If the look of a tow bar on your car bothers you you can go for a concealed/removable ball option. You still have the clamp but I barely do mine up. Also use these...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thule-9840...64574&sr=8-1&keywords=thule+protectors+carbon

 

[User66445]

That's the problem. You can't put a towbar in an RS. If I could, I would.

 

[jayonabike]

I wouldn’t worry. I’ve clamped my carbon bikes with the Thule clamp loads of times over hundreds of miles with no problems.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

Get a fork mount carrier then there's no clamping of the frame. However some specify that they are not suitable for fork fork with carbon dropouts, so best check beforehand

https://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/roof-mounting-bike-carriers.php

 

[Sixmile]

That's the problem. You can't put a towbar in an RS. If I could, I would.

I didn't want to stick a towbar on either of my cars so I went for a Seasucker rack. Two years on, totally happy and worth the money.