Bike Rack for carbon bike
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Bike Rack for carbon bike
Hello,
So I recently upgraded to a carbon bike (Cannondale SuperSix) and I was wondering if it was safe to carry on a trunk rack? I am using a Thule Raceway 2.
https://www.rei.com/product/867061/th...runk-rack-2013
Should I be worried about the straps clamping too tight on the top tube?
I am not sure if I was just paranoid or something, but when I mounted it today and pulled on the strap, I thought I heard a small cracking noises. However, when I put my ear up to the tube and pulled on the strap on the top tube again (twice), I didn't hear anything. I am just clamping the tube at whichever hole is the closet. I am not going crazy on getting it clamped tight. Just whichever strap hole is snug.
I have done some searching across multiple cycling forums, but the opinions seem to be mixed, but leaning towards it being safe...
Thanks,
Alan
So I recently upgraded to a carbon bike (Cannondale SuperSix) and I was wondering if it was safe to carry on a trunk rack? I am using a Thule Raceway 2.
https://www.rei.com/product/867061/th...runk-rack-2013
Should I be worried about the straps clamping too tight on the top tube?
I am not sure if I was just paranoid or something, but when I mounted it today and pulled on the strap, I thought I heard a small cracking noises. However, when I put my ear up to the tube and pulled on the strap on the top tube again (twice), I didn't hear anything. I am just clamping the tube at whichever hole is the closet. I am not going crazy on getting it clamped tight. Just whichever strap hole is snug.
I have done some searching across multiple cycling forums, but the opinions seem to be mixed, but leaning towards it being safe...
Thanks,
Alan
Last edited by abshih; 04-25-14 at 08:44 AM.
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#4
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You can always wrap pipe insulation around the tubes and then straps around that .
top and some on the bottom to keep it from swinging a s you stop and Start..
worry as you choose .. to.. or not .. someone may rear end your car with the bike on there ,,
does your insurance cover replacing a carried bike, if damaged, when hit?
top and some on the bottom to keep it from swinging a s you stop and Start..
worry as you choose .. to.. or not .. someone may rear end your car with the bike on there ,,
does your insurance cover replacing a carried bike, if damaged, when hit?
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I just wrap mine with some microfiber cloths I have laying around for piece of mind. I highly doubt that if carbon fiber is that weak they would be able to use it. I worry about gouging the surface not breaking the carbon fiber.
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There is no worries. I carried my Kuota Kharma many a mile on my trunk rack with no issues. Carbon isn't as fragile as some people make it out to be. The cracking you heard was probably the brake cable that runs along the top tube. Like said above wrap the clamping points with something to keep from gouging up the paint.
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I am a total noob to cycling, but learning a lot here. But is Carbon Fiber that fragile? I see tons of threads talking as if it completely explodes upon the slightest stress. Or, is this slight extreme sarcasm by fellow members here?
Is it made of egg shells? If so- I will immediately take anything carbon fiber off my "want list".
Is it made of egg shells? If so- I will immediately take anything carbon fiber off my "want list".
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I am a total noob to cycling, but learning a lot here. But is Carbon Fiber that fragile? I see tons of threads talking as if it completely explodes upon the slightest stress. Or, is this slight extreme sarcasm by fellow members here?
Is it made of egg shells? If so- I will immediately take anything carbon fiber off my "want list".
Is it made of egg shells? If so- I will immediately take anything carbon fiber off my "want list".
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I'm not so concerned about carbon fiber being fragile, I'm concerned about its unpredictable failure modes. If I drop it, chances are it's ok. With a metal bike, if you drop it and there are no visible damage, it is almost certainly ok. There may be a microfracture in the carbon that over time works its way into a full blown failure. Chances are low, but still higher than with metal.
Repairs and so forth are also more difficult. If a steel frame fails, anybody with a blowtorch can repair it. If CF fails, you're pretty much up a creek. And with carbon, you need to make sure you get everything to correct torque specs, but with metal, you can just crank it down and say "good enough".
Many people have carbon bikes and they're fine for them; but in my (not so) humble opinion, plastic is for toys.
Repairs and so forth are also more difficult. If a steel frame fails, anybody with a blowtorch can repair it. If CF fails, you're pretty much up a creek. And with carbon, you need to make sure you get everything to correct torque specs, but with metal, you can just crank it down and say "good enough".
Many people have carbon bikes and they're fine for them; but in my (not so) humble opinion, plastic is for toys.
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Contact www.rei.com and talk to customer service
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I've seen someone crack a top tube on a bike rack before but it was one of those ratchet style and the moron really cranked it down. If you use some common sense, you shouldn't have any issues with your bike and that rack. That cracking sound is pretty normal. I've also heard it when putting it in a bike repair stand. No issues with those bikes either. Like others have said, it's not that fragile.
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I've been putting my Trek carbon on a Thule rack for almost 5 years. I also clamp the top tube in a repair stand. I don't crank down hard, just snug. So far, no problems.
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This is a great thread. I just bought a carbon road bike myself and am planning to carry it on a Thule Raceway 2 rack as well. Now I know I shouldn't have to worry too much.
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I just don't understand why someone would spend a couple of grand on a bike, maybe two and put on trunk mounted couple of hundred dollar rack that requires the rack to come in contact the pain on the car, with the bike frame and possible contact with another bike. Get a platform rack and don't look back.. Ok give me a minute to get my flame suite on
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because I spent all my money on the bike and now cant afford a real bike rack.
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Repairs and so forth are also more difficult. If a steel frame fails, anybody with a blowtorch can repair it. If CF fails, you're pretty much up a creek. And with carbon, you need to make sure you get everything to correct torque specs, but with metal, you can just crank it down and say "good enough".
Many people have carbon bikes and they're fine for them; but in my (not so) humble opinion, plastic is for toys.
Many people have carbon bikes and they're fine for them; but in my (not so) humble opinion, plastic is for toys.
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