General Cycling Discussion - Security of roof racks.

I have a Thule Roof rack system. I have tightened every screw/nut at the security (stabilizer) arm. The arm secures about the down post. It is supposed to stablize the bike in the tray.
My problem -the bike jiggles about like jello. I get nervous about the security of my bikes. I see other systems going down the road. The bikes look secure. No bike wobble. What do you think of your roof rack. Do you feel comfortable putting your bikes up there?
My favorite bike shop, recommends I retrofit the tray and convert the system so that the fork attaches to the tray and discard the stabilizer arm. I hope I do not have to do this. The system should work, as is.

I actually sell Thule stuff in my shop - what part numbers are involved?

I was always using roof racks with my road bikes, but mountain biking is usually dirty nature, so I switched to hitch mount.

I also have the stabilizer arm type roof rack and I am quite happy with them. The bikes do tend to wobble around a little but they have never come off and I have been down some wickedly rough roads in the three years I have had them. I put both mountain bikes and road bikes on the roof without a problem. I was worried when I first noticed the wobble if the stabilizer "plate" might deform but so far it has not. If you do find a way to stop the wobble that would be great.

Mike

Mike and Campag. This is my working weekend have not had time to look up the part number of the stabilizer arm. The box was labeled, 'Big Mouth,' I think for larger down tubes.
I would say the wobble of the arm allows the bike to sway maybe as much as 3 inches in both directions. Looks pretty shaky. When going on roads with rutts it sways back and forth at a really fast sway. Does yours rock that much? Tightening the screws/nuts seems to not effect the sway. The bike shop offered to change the stabilizer arm, doubt it would make much difference. Thanks...Get back with you later.

That is the same unit I have ( two of them). They are the Big Mouth bike carriers.

Mike

I use a Yakima. It uses the fork mounts and keeps the bike nice and secure. They make a stabilizer style like the Thule as well but I avoided it for the very reason you are describing. Sometimes the shape of a full suspension bike can be a PITA. Easier to deal with fork drop outs instead.

So McCubbin are you happy with it. Share my problem. Mine I bought in 2000.

I am happy with them. I wasn't sure about the rocking at first but it does not seem to be doing any damage to the rack as of yet and it certainly isn't hurting the bike. I don't like fork mounts for a few reasons and the main one is that I travel with so much gear that I don't have room in the car for muddy front wheels especially when I am carrying two bikes. I am usually carrying at least two kayaks on the roof at the same time as the bikes. I have also heard (maybe it's a rumour) but fork mounts can cause some structural damage to the bike if there is enough torque on the forks from bumping up and down rough roads. This does not happen with the upright carriers because the entire bike sways.

Mike

Hey - while we are on the subject - has anyone put a yakima system on an Acura Integra 3-door? It's my husband's car (and since I sold my car and bought a truck the rack sits there useless).

I know you need the fit kit but I wanted to know if it impairs the use of the sunroof - cuz he won't have that lol!

THANKS.