General Cycling Discussion - Thule Bigmouth / Cannondale frame

Hi,

I just bought a Thule rack with the Bigmouth bike carrier and I was wondering if I could damage my Cannondale frame since the aluminium is very thin where the mouth attaches ? Any comments or experience with this ?

Thanks,

Martin

Hi Martin,

I'm not too sure on this one..but as Thule are top bike carrying specialists, I shouldn't have thought that it would damage your bike.

Which one is it...ontop of the car, or on the back?

Cheers

Rich

This is a roof rack:
http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/product.asp?dept_id=8&sku=899xt

Martin

I think you'll be fine with it to tell you the truth..Thule wouldn't make a bike rack that damages frames.

If it ever did, I'm sure they'd be happy to offer compensation.

Cheers

Rich

The aluminum tubes in most frames are not intended to be loaded in compression around the tube. I would definately NOT clamp my frame to a repair stand at the seat tube or top tube or even the bottom tube.

I would however NOT see a problem with this type of rack. The difference being that the repair stand has offset link in the clamp mechanism that increase the force by adjusting the length of the lever.

The Thule rack simple uses a self adusting closer to tighten the clamp. It should work fine, as long as you don't overtighten it. Just get it snug so the bike doesn't move around and that's it!

L8R

Great! Thanks guys. After seing the following picture, I think I can trust this carrier:

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/racing/images/02_voriders1024.jpg

(It's the same that is used by the Volvo/Cannondale team)

:D

Martin