Carbon Transportation

[Hacienda71]

What is the best kit for transporting a carbon framed bike on a car? In the boot is fine if it is just me, but if there are a couple of us it can be tricky. Clamping the downtube is clearly out. Any advice/recommendations? Thanks

 

[Herzog]

Rack on top of the car - just watch out for bridges.

 

[smokeysmoo]

+1 for a rack. I used to transport my cf bike this way when I had one, and I use it now for my CAAD, and if my mate and I travel anywhere for a ride his Scott CR1, (soon to replaced with a Scott FO1L), goes on my rack. I use Thule ProRide 591 racks and you'd be hard pressed to overtighten the clamp IMO.

 

[VamP]

The guys who repair carbon frames reckon roof racks are the number one causes of broken frames. Mine gets stripped down and goes inside the car. It's not just about overtightening, you get wind buffeting the bike around at 70mph+ and the down tubes are just not designed to withstand those forces. My alu and my steel goes on the roof. The carbon goes inside. In fact it is becoming a bit of a factor in deciding my next bike...

 

[Vapin' Joe]

The guys who repair carbon frames reckon roof racks are the number one causes of broken frames.

Sounds like bollocks.

How do the pros get by descending at 70mph?

 

[Herzog]

The guys who repair carbon frames reckon roof racks are the number one causes of broken frames. ...

Providing they are properly mounted and secured, the frame will survive unscathed - like Smokin' Joe, I'm skeptical about that claim.

 

[VamP]

Sounds like bollocks.

How do the pros get by descending at 70mph?

Ah. I hadn't realised the pros don't ride their bikes in the usual manner when descending. How do they maintain control if their only point of contact is a vice like grip with one hand around the downtube?

 

[VamP]

Providing they are properly mounted and secured, the frame will survive unscathed - like Smokin' Joe, I'm skeptical about that claim.

This from the leading frame repair dude in the UK. Not sure what he has to gain by lying about this? It's the last one of the FAQs you want.

 

[endoman]

so how are all the bikes on team cars mounted?

 

[dellzeqq]

I've used something like this mounted on a Golf

and, to be honest, it's a bit nerve-wracking. The bikes stick out beyond the edge of the car, and they do bounce around in the wind. My advice is.......don't

 

[Chromatic]

I've got a Thule tow bar mounted carrier and use it to carry my bike around without any problems.

 

[Andrew_P]

I've got a Thule tow bar mounted carrier and use it to carry my bike around without any problems.

How do you clamp a Carbon bike? I have thought of putting mine in the middle and not clamping it just use the wheel wraps and maybe a bungee tie between it and the other two bikes.

 

[junglegusset]

From what I can remember from watching the tdf they have roof mounted racks where the bikes front wheel is removed and the frond fork dropouts fit into a clamp on the cars roofrack. Back wheel is then strapped down with the usual ski boot strap method. Hey Presto no pressure on frame. Could be making this up in my mind btw. :confused:

 

[VamP]

so how are all the bikes on team cars mounted?

They use custom made racks, with seat tube clamps and fork mounts, thus:

They also don't hare along at 70+ mph into a 40mph cross wind. Oh and if they break it, they just grab another...

Ultimately, it's your choice, but I prefer not to take the risk.

 

[amaferanga]

I use one of these:

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike Shop/Accessories/Bike Transport/Car Racks/Saris Gran Fondo 2-Bike Rack_SA872.htm?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=googlebase&utm_term=Car Racks