The Roofrack, The Bugs, The Clingfilm ?

[BOR]

OK, I admit it. I am a polisher. Anyway, we are driving down to Italy in May (750km) and want to take the bikes on the roofrack.

We've done this before, but this time....it's different. I'm taking my new bike and want to avoid any problems/damage/insects etc. What do I need to do ?

I thought of covering the vulnerable surfaces with cling film, taking the chain off, stuff like that. But do I need to lock out the suspension or leave it open ? I'm just nervous that bikes arent designed to travel at 150km/h.

Any advice (except to not be such a pussy)?

[lingus75]

Don't think cling film will do much? Get a load of bubble wrap or save up the kitchen roll empties, cut open and put over tubes with some tape? Can't see the shocks needing any special treatment but if you cover the bikes the resitance could produce a lot of drag.

[Scho]

BOR said:

I'm just nervous that bikes arent designed to travel at 150km/h.

rightly so: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swq9hBdvkKU

[ewenm]

Get a rack that fits on the back of your car so the car protects the bikes (somewhat).

or stop being a wuss - the insect corpses add character

[PomBstard]

No probs carrying bike on the roof at 140'ish - some of the bugs here are a reasonable size and the distances aren't too short either.

[Gazzab]

will water pipe lagging fit?

[drewcole81]

Drive slower... I'd be more worried about the rack falling off at that speed than some small bugs that wont hurt your bike at all...

Dont worry it you'll get more stone chips riding it anyway.
If your really bothered about the paint work get sticky back plastic and cover the frame with it then it peels off when your done. You can buy the proper stuff for bikes.

[BOR]

Thanks very much, guys.

I like the kitchen roll tube and the pipe insulation ideas. I think I'll lock out the suspension rather than having it try to function at those speeds.

Ciao.

[Gazzab]

BOR said:

I think I'll lock out the suspension rather than having it try to function at those speeds.

Ciao.

You will be riding the bike on top of the car?

[BOR]

No.....but......but [beavis]..that would be so cooooool[/beavis].

It's just some vague idea that the forks/shock pogo-ing up and down might aerate the oil/some other bad thing. When my hardtail was up there, you would occaisionally catch a glimpse of the bike's shadow on the road, and it did seem to move about a lot.

[AbarthChris]

come on, its a mountain bike! its designed to be hurled off rocks and stuff! Im all for preventing avoidable damage, but flies and locking out the suspension? i know you said not to say it but... stop being a pussy!