Bicycle Mechanics - Thule bike carrier and front disc brake

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ppc
12-26-05, 10:27 AM
I have an opportunity to buy a Thule Velovise 511 (http://www.roofrackshop.co.uk/bike/thule-511-velovise-bike-carrier.htm) real cheap, but googling around to see if my bike would fit on it, I noticed there's another model, the 511-1 (http://www.roofrackshop.co.uk/bike/thule-511-1-%20velovise-bike-carrier.htm) that specifically accepts disc brakes, implying that the 511 doesn't. I haven't looked at the 511 bar itself, but the photo I saw on the packaging doesn't show anything that would interfere with the front calliper.

I'd like to open the packaging and try the bar before buying it, but I can't do that. Could anybody with a Thule 511 explain if/why it would be unsuitable for a disc-brake-equipped bike? I suspect marketting BS from Thule here...

jhota
12-26-05, 09:19 PM
there is a difference.

not sure why they have different model numbers, but the 511-1 appears to be equivalent to the U.S. market "590 V2". the 511 is equivalent to the U.S. market "589," albeit made of metal rather than metal and plastic.

the difference is that the 511-1 and 590 neck down just behind the clamping portion. this allows clearance for large calipers. the 511 and 589 lack the narrow portion, which may interfere with some calipers.

i've got a 590 and a much older (over 5 years) tray. my mountain bike fits fine on both, but the older tray holds the bike "higher" than the new clamp style does and my front disc is a relatively svelte Hayes HFX 9, with a fairly small caliper. your results may vary...
ppc
12-28-05, 09:47 AM
the difference is that the 511-1 and 590 neck down just behind the clamping portion. this allows clearance for large calipers. the 511 and 589 lack the narrow portion, which may interfere with some calipers.

I see what you mean. Well, I passed up on the good deal (25 euros for a 511 / 589) and ordered the 511-1 / 590 instead. It's more expensive, but at least I'm reasonably sure it'll work. The brakes are Deore mechanicals, not exactly slim callipers.

Thanks for the info!