Bicycle Mechanics - Can you damage a frame by using tie downs to secure the bike in a pick-up truck?

I just purchased a fuji roubaix pro, and have been using my tie downs to transport my bike. In order to keep the bike from falling I've have to secure it pretty tight. I know that tie downs with ratchets are capable of producing very strong forces, so I'm worried that I might have damaged my frame. You just forget how light these frames are! I think I might have over tightened the straps, and I probably shouldn't of had them pulling at opposite sides on the inner triangle to keep the bike straight.

Am I being a mechanical hypochondriac!

What do you guys/gals think? Is their any way to tell if their is damage, besides color changes (my bike is mostly white)? Are the 853 Reynolds frames stronger than I am giving them credit for? Please, let me know so that I can get some sleep...thanks,

Fujimonster

Yes..

So why not just lay the bike down in the back of the truck? Thats what I do. I made a couple of pillars out of blue board (styrofoam insulating board) that I place under the wheels/frame to account for the handlebars and cranks/pedals. A couple bungee cords keep in all in place.

If you have to crank something down to secure it, you're either overdoing it or you need to rethink how you're doing it.

It doesnt need to be so tight as to pull the frame out of geo. Bungee cords with old handtowels for padding works well for me. I haul mine on the back of a wrangler.

Whatever you do dont use a load-binder and chain. :) :)



Olds

How about a truck bed rack? Designed specifically for the purpose, and relatively inexpensive, especially compared to haveing a frame realigned or replaced.

Truck bed racks work good too. But, they also make clamp type things that attach to the side of the bed wall. One end clamps to the wall, the other to your bike. No screws or anything.

If you have a back rack, you can use a fork block 19.95 most places, and two worm gear clamps (hose clamps?) works like a charm.

You can also use a fork block bolted to a 2x4 set in the supports on the sides of just about every truck made.

It is also hard on suspension forks to tie them down like this.

So how do I tell if I damaged my frame? What would it do to the ride quality of the bike?