Is there a Vehicle Bike Rack that takes into account a rear disk wheel? I’m looking to purchase a bike rack for my Honda Element (Rear or Top) but got to thinking the racks that don’t make contact with the bike frame have a strap hold down for the rear wheel. Because I plan to purchase a disc wheel this season, I’m planning for the future. My bike frame is carbon so a assume a rack without a frame clamp is best.
I assume that 90% of STers ride a rear disk so you guys may have good insight on bike transport. So any recommendations?
I take the disc off for travel and leave a training wheel on, with the risk of something hitting the wheel or having the extra surface area stress the rack with a side wind it’s just easier to leave it in the car in a wheelbag.
In addition to what SLCTri said I either use a long velcro strip or two toe straps routed under the wheel tray over the chain stays to keep the back wheel on the rack. Cheap and easy.
Thanks for the input. I did not think of the forces that would be applied to the disc wheel itself if left mounted on the bike while in transit to a race. Thanks!
I agree with the above in taking off the disk wheel. I left mine on during a short commute and the bike really got pulled and pushed around by the wind while in transit.
Why not just put the bike inside the Element. I have had 4 bikes inside of mine without taking the wheels off or anything. Easy…
Mike
I would love to see a set up like yours. My wife and I run the same races so there is 2 tri bikes, Gear, and my son to get into the Element. I built a mount in the hope of getting both bikes inside with only taking out one rear seat but had to remove the front wheels on both bikes and still had issue closing the rear windo due to my bikes areo bars.
To my knowledge there is not a bike rack for that need. Also I would never travel with the disc on the bike unless the bike was in the car. It takes 2 minutes to replace the training wheel with the race wheel. I am partial to fork mounted roof racks, specifically the Thule Echelon. Easy on and off and sturdy.
I have seen two people transport their disc wheel equipped bikes with a hitch mounted bike rack. Can’t remember whether the racks held the frame, wheels, or both. Again I wouldn’t advise it but it is possible. Lastly don’t worry too much about bike racks with frame clamps. Carbon is strong.
Lastly don’t worry too much about bike racks with frame clamps. Carbon is strong.
LOL - never ever, NEVER clamp a carbon tube in a bike rack. Not unless you want an insurance claim. Carbon tubes are not designed to be clamped and if you crush it there is no LBS or MFG that will feel bad for you. Now, if you have a 1991 Giant Cadex I may agree with you - current carbon frames will deflect just pinching with your hands, let alone a rack clamp. Fork mount the bike with the rear wheel on and take off the front. Some companies (Thule for instance) even say to not fork mount carbon bikes on the roof…
Yakima Raptor Aero - Yakima Roof Mount Bike Racks
The Yakima Raptor Aero shows you really can afford a totally sweet upright bike mount without totally depleting your budget. With universal mounting hardware included, you’ll have plenty of cash left over for inner tubes, brewskis and ramen noodles. Holds bike firmly with adjustable locking jaws and triangulated arm Padded jaws protect bikes finish Fits 1 - 3 inch diameter down tubes, most shapes and frame materials Not recommended for carbon fiber bike frames Includes universal mighty mounts to fit most factory crossbars, Yakima round, and Thule square bars right out of the box Secures wheels with ratcheting wheel straps No problem handling disc brakes or thru axles Lockable with SKS cores, sold separately Wheel tray is 52 inches long
I was more refering to the hitch mounted racks that hold the bike via the TT in two spots. Those types of racks hold the frame with rubber straps that would make it hard to generate enough pressure to compromise the carbon.
Still voids the warranty…I once met a Kestral who had an owner with the same idea you had…he was upset that it was not warranty.
How about taking Calvin Jones word for it? From Park Tool…no matter what clamping carbon is a bad idea.
Releasing Bike 1. Pull handle to quickly open clamp jaws and release tube (Figure 4). Notes: • Some bike manufacturers recommend not clampingthin-walled or carbon fiber frames. Consult manufacturer for suggested clamping location or
use a Park Tool ISC-4 Internal Seat Tube Clamp.
Would this rack be alright for a carbon TT bike? It clamps the wheel. Anybody use this rack and how confident are you in its security while driving on the highway?
I have one fork mount rack. I am looking for a second rack because I will be going to a race where I am doing an oly the Saturday and an Xterra on the Sunday. Need to take both bikes and will already be carrying the disk and front race wheel for the TT bike in the car. Thought it would be nice to leave the mtb wheel on the bike. Also, thought it might be nice when carrying a mtb in case you come back from the trail a little dirty/muddy. For a quick trip to a group ride it might be nice to be able to just leave the front wheel on and through the road bike up there also, not that’s hard to take the front wheel off. Don’t want to waste my money on it though if it isn’t going to be a good rack. I am willing to spend money for quality and security. My fork mount is the Thule Echelon. Looking to stay with Thule since my whole system is Thule and I have extra Thule locks that are all keyed the same.
I guess that’s a good sign. Not necessarily a ringing endorsement however. I am sure it will work fine. I am more really checking for any horror stories that weren’t self inflicted (driving into the garage). The locking system isn’t the best. Somebody could easily just release the quick release and take the frame and leave your front wheel sitting on your car. They would probably even be able to get that once the frame is separated. I would definitely use an additional cable lock as an extra deterrent while briefly away from the vehicle and take the bike off when gone for long periods.
Not necessarily a ringing endorsement however. I am sure it will work fine. I am more really checking for any horror stories that weren’t self inflicted (driving into the garage). The locking system isn’t the best. Somebody could easily just release the quick release and take the frame and leave your front wheel sitting on your car. They would probably even be able to get that once the frame is separated. I would definitely use an additional cable lock as an extra deterrent while briefly away from the vehicle and take the bike off when gone for long periods.