Which roof carrier?

[NorthernDave]

I'm looking at getting a new roof carrier specifically to carry my new carbon bike.

I've narrowed it down to either a Thule 591 or a Thule 598 and I'd appreciate any constructive thoughts.
My initial thoughts are the 598, mainly due to the way the clamp operates.

Both are available at similar costs, so that isn't an issue.

Thanks.

 

[John the Monkey]

A nice comparison here - a review of the 598, but it does compare the product to the earlier version.

Personally, I like the Freeride, as it clamps the downtube side to side, rather than up and down.

 

[Hacienda71]

I have the 591 and it is dead easy to use. If they are the same cost though the 598 is the next gen and seems to offer the same level of functionality with some extra benefits so I would be tempted to go with that. Another comparative review.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/thule-proride-598-bicycle-roof-rack-just-in-45986/

 

[mattobrien]

If you're looking to use it on a carbon bike, have you considered one where it does not clamp the down tube? It would be horrible to over tighten the clamp and hear the worst happen to your carbon frame.

Thule do an axle clamping each the 561 here

 

[John the Monkey]

If you're looking to use it on a carbon bike, have you considered one where it does not clamp the down tube? It would be horrible to over tighten the clamp and hear the worst happen to your carbon frame.

From what I remember of the 591, that would be pretty difficult to do.

 

[Hacienda71]

The 591 has a torque setting so you can't over tighten it. I was sceptical of them but spoke to a few guys I had been racing with saw theirs in action and then got mine. I like the fact it will accommodate my rather deep aero down tube and also my mtb.

 

[NorthernDave]

Thanks - I've got a 532 and the clamp mech on that is the reason I'm looking to buy a 591 /598 - the 532 clamp really snaps shut and I fear the worst on a carbon down tube.
Both the 591 and 598 state they have a torque limiter to prevent any damage.

 

[John the Monkey]

Both the 591 and 598 state they have a torque limiter to prevent any damage.

My Dad has a 591, and that's my recollection of it - very easy to mount the bike to the carrier with those too, even on a tall car.

I don't like the top-bottom clamps forcing the cables against the downtube, personally (and as my Giant is Aluminium, have no crabon worries about the 532's clamp ).

 

[fossyant]

I've got 4 of the 532's and you set the clamp to lightly grab the tube if you've got plastic bikes. All the Thule racks are good. I got the 532 because there was a silly deal on 4 and it's a bit tricky to fit 4 of the better racks on cars I believe. Had mine a good 10 years now.

Beware, if you have a few bike fittings, you'll need two people to lift the rack in place.