securing bikes on bike rack

[digit]

All,

I have just got hold of a Thule 921 tow-ball mounted bike rack -

is it ok to just use the clamps and wheel straps when transporting or should I use additional
straps/bungees?

Cheers
Digit

 

[steveindenmark]

I always use bungees. I always fasten the bikes to the carrier with a wire cable and lock and I also lock the carrier to the tow bar with a cable.

 

[gazza_d]

Use additional straps,but use straps (nylon or toe straps) not bungees as bungees can stretch and move causing scratching or even snap.

 

[digit]

Thanks Steve,

the bikes will be secure from theft (as much as we can), its the security of the bikes staying on and not wobbling off etc

Cheers
Digit

 

[digit]

Thanks gazza,

got plenty of straps from kayaking days I can use, just wasn't sure whether to trust just the clamps on the rack

Cheers
Digit

 

[Buck]

We have the same Thule rack.

The clamps and straps are fine on their own but additional straps (as we do) are always good for the mind, reducing worry!

We also have a long cable lock that we feed through all 4 frames and the carrier rear upright so that if we stop for any reason, we're not worried about the security side either.

 

[digit]

Thanks Buck,

We've got plenty of straps from kayaking and have ordered a lock with cable for security.

Cheers

 

[Turdus philomelos]

Not sure which model number we have however we have used it intensively over the past few years and have never felt the need to add extra secures. Our model securely locks carrier to tow ball and bikes to the carrier. It was rather expensive however as we use ours most weekends it was well worth the invest compared to the cheaper carrier we had previously. Which reminds me it's still in the loft.

 

[RMurphy195]

Use additional straps,but use straps (nylon or toe straps) not bungees as bungees can stretch and move causing scratching or even snap.

Agree with this. I tend to strap the crank of the first bike onto the rack, to the rack if possible, plus a strap between the front wheel rim and the bike down tube to keep the steering straight-ahead. Old inner tubes or pipe insulation, wherever any part of the bike contacts the rack or another bike, (pipe insulation wil wear through after a bit). Watch that sharp bits eg boltheads, brake parts etc. don't touch other bits

 

[Sara_H]

My OH uses 671 bungees and straps when he puts the bikes on the car.

 

[Globalti]

How about treating the poor wee bike to some new bar tape?