roof mounted cycle carriers

roof mounted cycle carriers

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Discussion

lufbramatt

Original Poster:

5,419 posts

140 months

Thursday 1st June 2023
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Realised last week (the day before we went on holiday) that 2 of my bikes will not fit on either of the bike carriers that me and my dad have (Thule 591 and Atera Giro which both clamp the down tube). Shape of the tubes mean the clamps just don't fit or are starting to distort the tubes. Luckily my dad has a big estate and had enough space spare to fit my bike inside the car. Can't do that in either of my cars though

Options seem to be a carrier that the bike mounts to using the fork dropouts or a carrier that clamps around the front wheel with two U-shaped loops around the top of the wheel.

Fork mounted ones mean the front wheel needs storing in the car (not helpful when car is full of other luggage/people) and the through axle adaptors appear to be quite expensive (both bikes use 12mm through axles). Front wheel holders for the roof bars are available, but again not cheap.

The "around the front wheel" type look like they avoid these issues but I've never used this type. Anyone have any experience? Options include the Yakima Highroad or Thule Upride. How secure are they and how easy to use?

I have aero roof bars for both cars so don't want to go down the route of fitting towbars and never been a fan of rear-mounted cycle carriers.


CambsBill

2,040 posts

184 months

Thursday 1st June 2023
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Yakima Frontloader has performed perfectly for me on several trips now, holds the bikes very firmly, easy enough to load & unload, integrated lock as well

Tymb

132 posts

101 months

Thursday 1st June 2023
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I've had the INNO Tyre Hold for a number of years with no problems,

https://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/roof-mount...

Depending on the height of your car I find it useful to have a little folding step similar to this, because you have both wheels left on it does make lifting the bike on a bit more of a stretch.
https://www.dunelm.com/product/small-grey-step-sto...

On Roofbox it is worth looking in their bargains section, at the time I got mine I think it was a toss up between the INNO and the Front Loader, the INNO was in the bargain area.
https://www.roofbox.co.uk/bargains-sale-clearance/...